Macharomancy

Macharomancy (also spelled as machæromancy or machairomancy) is a form of divination by interpreting knives, daggers or swords.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek makhaira ('dirk') and manteia ('prophecy')

History

A divination method involving Macharomancy was popular in Scotland and traditionally performed on August Eve (July 31st) to predict marriages and deaths of the following year. It consisted of throwing sickles (a semi-circular blade attached to a short handle, used for cutting grain or tall grass) into the air and then drawing omens from the positions in which they fall.

Methods

There are different methods of macharomancy. Throughout the ages readers gazed into polished knives, daggers or sword blades, interpreted daggers flying and spinning, etc.
One of the most popular methods of macharomancy consists of placing a dagger in the center of the circle with letters and numbers. Spirits are then asked a question, and a dagger is spun. Each time it stops, a reader writes downs a letter or a number the blade points to. Spinning is repeated until the answer is spelled out, usually scambled or in an ancient language such as Latin or Greek.
Dagger divinations were very popular among gypsies. Readers place a dagger onto a wooden board about 30 cm, normally used for cutting bread, and spin the dagger. The board is divided into 15 sectors, with each sector having its own meaning. The reader spins a dagger three times and interpret the answer depending on which sector the blade of the dagger points to. One of these three answers (not necessarily the first) would be the answer to the question asked to spirits, while others may be interpreted in some connection to it or sometimes ignored.

The most common answers are below:
1. Yes
2. No
3. Be patient
4. Beware of false friends
5. You will hear the good news soon
6. Wait for a letter
7. This venture will be successful
8. Unexpected guest
9. Love
10. Tears will turn to joy
11. News from afar
12. New admirer
13. Unexpected encounter
14. Travel
15. Important letter

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