Divination and the elements that form it
Aeromancy
This form of divination uses the weather as its forecaster. It is when omens or aparitions are seen in weather conditions, ie; rain, thunder, lightening or the clouds. Much like the grim that Harry saw in the clouds, whilst playing Quidditch, in the film version of the Prisoner of Azkaban.
The direction and strength of the wind and the position of the son and the moons also affect this form of divination. It is one of the oldest forms of its kind.
Alectromancy
A rooster is the key to this form of divination. (Alektor means rooster in Greek). The letters of the alphabet are drawn in a circle and grains of wheat are placed on each letter. The order in which the rooster would eat the grains would spell out a message. If the words made little or no sense the diviner would try to interpret them. Grains would be replaced as soon as they were eaten so that the letter could feature again in the message rquired it.
Alomancy
In this practice, the witch or wizard would throw a handful of salt in the air and then try to interpret the patterns in which it landed. This may be related to the superstition that tipping salt is unlucky. Or that tossing it over ones left shoulder brings good luck.
Apantomancy
This is the practic of bumping or having an experience with an animal. Meeting a goat or a hare is meant to be good luck. Seeing a bat, a raven or a donkey meant illness was on the way. Just like in the US crossing a black cat is considered bad luck whereas in the UK it is considered good luck.
Astragalomancy
This involves the practice of throwing three dice. Tossing three sixes would mean your wishes would come true. Tossing two sixes and a two indicated success which would be achieved through hardships. A six and two fours meant that whatever you wished would not come true and that it was a bad idea and would do well to be forgotten.
Last edited by Lowlow : 04-04-2008 at 04:47 PM.
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