It may seem a crazy notion that observing
animals (Alectryomancy, Zoomancy, and Theriomancy) can be used to
foretell ones future. But then on the other hand, selecting random tarot
cards out of a pack of seventy-eight or deciphering a hand full of
pebbles or seashells thrown to the ground also challenges the logic in
us all. There are hundreds if not thousands of divinational systems
(methods to forecast the future) that operate by intuitive rather than
scientific or rational means. The premise of all these techniques is in
the belief that there is a spiritual world that parallels our own. This
incredible world is inhabited by highly intelligent beings often known
as spirit guides or guiding angels who lovingly aid the human race in
it's development.
The actual process of how pebbles land in
a particular pattern and why a particular tarot card was chosen and not
another is as much a mystery to the experienced psychics as it is to the
public. However, the key to building a rapport with any of the mantic
arts (articles used to focus the intuitive process) is to first adopt a
frame of mind in which there is a sense of suspension of ones everyday
beliefs.
More than 2,400 years ago the people of
ancient Italy (Etruscians) practised Alectryomancy. By utilising a hen
or rooster the psychics of those days would draw a circle on the ground,
around it where drawn twenty of the Etruscian alphabet. In front of each
letter was placed a kernel of grain. The hen or cock was placed in the
circle. As the bird ate the grain, the psychic would note down the
letters next to the piece of grain and use this to predict the future or
to answer a question asked by some one requesting guidance. This form of
divination is related to the Ouija board, by the random selection of
letters. In contrast, the Babylonians would splash water three times on
the head of a sleeping ox. A psychic would interpret the future through
observing seventeen possible reactions the ox would make. If for example
both eyes opened the answer was 'yes'. If only one eye opened the answer
would be a maybe, and if they remained closed the answer was 'no'.
Alectryomancy is still practised in many
parts of the world. The African tribe of Zande uses a method where by
two leaves are placed in an ant hill, if the ants eat the one on the
left first the answer is 'yes', if the one on right, the answer is 'no'.
In the United States and Canada Groundhog Day is a traditional festival
celebrated on February 2. If a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this
day and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter
will soon end. If the groundhog sees its shadow because the weather is
bright and clear, it will be frightened and run back into its hole, and
the winter will continue for six more weeks.
Cats have always held a fascination for
people and in some cultures held in high esteem. Felidomancy is
divination through observing the behaviour of both domestic and wild
cats. If a cat sneezes, licks its face or sleeps with it's back to the
fireplace, it is said to rain, if a black cat crosses your path in the
British Isles it's a sign of good luck (bad luck in the USA). A cat at a
wedding is to assure a long happy marriage. All these predictions and
omens stem from the age-old art of Felidomancy. Cats have often played
an important part in religious and occult ceremonies in India and held
in reverence by the Egyptians, Incas and Chinese.
In the Celtic divination system of
Hippomancy horses where trained to walk in certain areas of consecrated
groves. Psychics and priests would then make predictions from the
observations of their movements; the prints left in the ground and even
the amount of dust created. The custom of hanging horseshoes on the wall
dates back to the times of Hippomancy. In England in the 1500's they
where hung in farmhouses as a charm against evil.
In Scandinavia psychics of the time would
meditate as they watched fish swim within a stream or lake. Ichthyomancy
was treated with great reverence and interpreting their movements could
indicate anything from a successful battle to the sex of a child.
The divinational system of Ophimancy
(observing the behaviour of snakes) is practised in many civilisations.
Snakes were considered God-like creatures and messengers of information
and omens. For example a coiled snake might mean be patient whilst one
that was ready to strike meant act now with regards to the questioners
predicament. Ornthomancy is divination by observing the flight of birds.
It was practised in ancient Greece and Rome where the psychic would
foretell the future by travelling to a holy place, and blindfolded,
interpret the meaning of birds passing overhead with the aid of an
apprentice who would describe them to him/her.
About the Author
Paula is a gifted psychic and the owner
of http://www.email-a-psychic.co.uk
and http://www.psychic-trudy.co.uk
where your personal questions will be answered professionally and
compassionately by Email.
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