Lampadomancy, also known as Lynchonmancy, is a form of divination using a single oil lamp or a torch flame.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek lampas ('light') and manteia ('prophecy') History
Lampadomancy was a popular method of divination in ancient Egypt, where diviners held a “Feast of Lamps,” at which many rites were performed, including divination which usually took place at midday in a darkened room illuminated by a single lamp filled with oasis oil. Alaeddin and the Enchanted Lamp in The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night probably comes from this belief· Modern use
In India a popular festival is held in honor of the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi, on the new moon of the month of Kartik, which begins about the middle of our October. During the Diwali, as this festival is termed, lighted lamps are set on floats that are sent downriver or out to sea; and the longer they remain alight, the better the omen. Methods
As with Lychnoscopy, the diviner reads presages from the movements of the flame. An alternate method is also practiced, consisting of reading the spots of carbon deposited on paper sheets held over the flame. In yet another method, the diviner uses the lamp as a means of “attracting spirits to the flames”, in the hope of consulting them regarding future events. In this method, usually a specially designed lamp is employed, on the belief that grotesque forms will attract the spirits. It was good fortune if the flame had a single point. However two points is a sign of bad luck. A flame that bent may indicate illness and sparks indicated news. Sudden extinction of a flame was considered a very bad omen. The butter lamp used for divination should be faultless and made of gold, silver or another precious metal. It should be thoroughly cleaned. A wick should be made from a dry and odourless piece of wood, which is neither too thick nor too thin, with a height reaching the brim, and placed in the centre of the lamp. Barley should be heaped on it, and melted, purified butter poured over it. Then recite: Om ah hum vajra guru dhe vadakki nihum' od' od li sarva ah lo ke praha dhe naye svan bah a hundred times and think of the question you wish to ask. Then light the butter lamp and observe the shape of the flame. A globular point means safety, a conch shape represents fame, a bright yellow flame indicated no obstacles, a lotus and jewel like flame denotes wealth. A flame with a hook shaped tip means that one will become powerful and one with two points signifies that the person will leave for another place. If the light of the lamp is dim and the flame gutters, it means someone will become one's enemy or that he or she is about to receive a guest from a distant place. The flame separating Into two parts indicates separation within one's family. A dark red flame means the eldest son will die, the middle of the flame turning red and smoke coming from the wick indicates loss of property and the lamp going out without apparent reason means death. Spilling of the melted butter stands for the length of an undertaking. Ritual Lamp Scrying Techniques
Place your lamp on a table. Sit on the west side facing east across the lamp. Using the name of the God of that day, chant a suitable invocation toward the flame – in a soft voice – repeating several times. Your mantra may be as simple as calling the God's name. Focus on the flame. You may see or sense shadows off to one side (peripheral vision). Telepathically ask a question. You may hear voices or see images. Flames create illusion. This exercise is not for those with emotional problems.
Sunday : Sol (Ra)
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