Hepatoscopy

Hepatoscopy (also Hepatomancy) is a form of Extispicy that involved divination by the liver of an animal, particularly sheep or bird sacrificed for the purpose.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek hepar ('liver') and skopia ('observation')

Origin

This type of divination was commonly practiced among the ancient Romans, Babylonians, Estruscans, and Hitites.

Methods

The diviner observed the liver's pyramid-shaped projection known as the processus pyramidalis. The large projection indicates a good omen, a cleft one means trouble, while the missing projection is considered as the most bad omen among the three.

SEE ALSO:

• Augury
• Divinations

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