Gastromancy

1 min read

Gastromancy

Gastromancy means either:
Divination by looking into large-bellied, bulbous glasses, which is similar to crystal ball gazing.
Divination through mysterious voices that are actually produced by ventriloquism.

Etymology

From Greek gastēr, belly.

Methods

Presumably, the voices came from trees, rivers, deep in the ground, and even the dead. Modern spirit mediums have improved on this by going into pretended trances or working in complete darkness to convey the impression that the voices come from another world. The name of Engastrimythes, given by the Greeks to the Pythiæ (priestesses of Apollo), indicates that they made use of this artifice.

Another method of practicing the ancient gastromancy connects it with crystal-seeing, as vessels of glass, round, and full of clear water, were used, which were placed before several lighted candles. Replies were then obtained from the magical appearances seen in the illuminated glass vessels.

SEE ALSO:

BOOKS FOR YOU TO READ IN OUR LIBRARY:

Previous Story

Myrmomancy

Next Story

Abacomancy

Latest from Blog

Eugène Deloncle

Eugène Deloncle was a French businessman and far-right political activist who lived from 1890 to 1944.…

Thixo

Thixo is a creator god in Xhosa mythology. In Xhosa culture, Thixo is considered the highest…

Aziza

In Tuareg mythology, Aziza are protective spirits or genies that are believed to inhabit natural features…

Irikuden

Irikuden is a legendary hero in Tuareg mythology, who is revered as a symbol of strength,…

Tin Hinan

Tin Hinan is a legendary figure in Tuareg mythology, who is considered the mother of the…