Methods of divination

Methods of divination can be found around the world, and many cultures practice the same methods under different names. During the Middle Ages, scholars coined terms for many of these methods—some of which had hitherto been unnamed—in Medieval Latin, very often utilizing the suffix when the art seemed more mystical (ultimately from Ancient Greek Template:Wikt-lang, Template:Grc-transl, 'prophecy' or 'the power to prophesy') and the suffix when the art seemed more scientific (ultimately from Greek Template:Wikt-lang, Template:Grc-transl, 'to observe'). Names like drimimantia, nigromantia, and horoscopia arose, along with phrenology and physiognomy.

Some forms of divination are much older than the Middle Ages, like haruspication, while others such as coffee-based tasseomancy originated in the 20th and 21st centuries.

The chapter "How Panurge consulteth with Herr Trippa" of Gargantua and Pantagruel, a parody on occult treatises of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, contains a list of over two dozen "mancies", described as "common knowledge".

A

File:Squaring the circle.jpg

An arithmancer from Atalanta Fugiens (1618), by Michael Maier

• abacomancy /ˈæbəkoʊmænsi/ (also amathomancy): by dust (Hebrew Template:Translit, 'dust' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• acultomancy /əˈkʌltoʊmænsi/ (also acutomancy): by needles (from acutomancy below, influenced by Latin , 'needle', or Template:Wikt-lang, 'prickle, thorn')
• acutomancy /əˈkjuːtoʊmænsi/ → see acultomancy (Latin [], 'needle' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• adromancy /ˈædroʊmænsi/ → see alomancy (from idromancy below, influenced by alomancy)
• adryomancy→ see hydromancy (metathesis of hydromancy)
• aeromancy /ˈɛəroʊmænsi/: by atmospheric conditions (Greek Template:Translit, 'air' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• agalmatomancy /əˈɡɔːlmətoʊmænsi/: by statues (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Grc-transl]]], 'statue' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• aichmomancy /ˈɛkmoʊmænsi/: by sharp objects (Greek Template:Translit, 'spearhead' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• ailuromancy/aeluromancy → see theriomancy
• aiomancy: By artificial intelligence
• alectormancy/alectromancy /əˈlɛktroʊmænsi/: by rooster sacrifice (Greek Template:Translit, 'rooster' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• alectryomancy/alectoromancy: by rooster divination → see theriomancy
• aleuromancy¹ /əˈljʊəroʊmænsi/: by flour; see also chartomancy (Greek Template:Translit, 'meal' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• alomancy/Halomancy /ˈæloʊmænsi/ (also adromancy): by salt (Greek Template:Translit, 'salt' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• alphitomancy/ˈælfɪtoʊmænsi/: by barley (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'barley' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• alveromancy /ælˈvɪəroʊmænsi/: by sounds
• amathomancy /ˈæməθoʊmænsi/ → see abacomancy by sand (Greek Template:Translit, 'sandy soil' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• ambulomancy /ˈæmbjʊloʊmænsi/: by walking (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'to walk' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• amniomancy /ˈæmnioʊmænsi/: by placenta (Greek Template:Translit, 'amnion' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• anemoscopy/anemomancy /ˌænɪˈmɒskoʊpi/: by wind (Greek Template:Translit, 'wind' + Template:Translit, 'observation')
• anthomancy /ˈænθoʊmænsi/: by flowers (Greek Template:Translit, 'flower' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• anthracomancy /ˈænθrəkoʊmænsi/: by burning coals (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'charcoal' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• anthropomancy /ænˈθrɒpoʊmænsi/: by human sacrifice (Greek Template:Translit, 'human being' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• anthroposcopy /ænθroʊˈpɒskoʊpi/: by physical appearance (Greek Template:Translit, 'human being' + Template:Translit, 'observation')
• apantomancy /əˈpæntoʊmænsi/: by chance encounters with animals (Greek Template:Translit, 'to encounter' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• arachnomancy /əˈræknoʊmænsi/: by spiders (Greek [[Arachne|Template:Translit]], 'spider' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• archeomancy/archaeomancy /ˈɑːrkioʊmænsi/: by sacred relics (Greek Template:Translit, 'ancient' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• ariolation /ˌærioʊˈleɪʃən/: by altars (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, Template:Wikt-lang, 'prophet')
• arithmancy: assigning numerical value to a word or phrase
• armomancy /ˈɑːrmoʊmænsi/: by one's own shoulders (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'shoulder' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• årsgång, archaic form of Swedish divination
• aruspicina: study of entrails
• aspidomancy /ˈæspɪdoʊmænsi/: by sitting in a drawn circle or on a shield (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]], 'shield' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• astragalomancy/astragalamancy → see cleromancy
• astragyromancy → see cleromancy (from astragalomancy above, perhaps influenced by Greek Template:Translit, 'spiral, circle', and therefore vertebra)
• astrapomancy /ˈæstrəpoʊmænsi/: by lightning (Greek Template:Translit, 'lightning flash' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• astrology/astromancy/ /əˈstrɒloʊdʒi/: by celestial bodies (Greek Template:Translit, 'star' + Template:Translit, 'study'). This method was widespread in medieval period, particularly in Mesopotamia.
• augury /ˈɔːɡjʊəri/ → see theriomancy
• auramancy /ˈɔːrəmænsi/: by auras (Greek Template:Translit, 'breath' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• auspicy/auspication → see theriomancy (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'bird' + Template:Wikt-lang, 'to look at')
• austromancy → see theriomancy /ˈɔːstroʊmænsi/: by wind (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'south wind' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• avimancy → see orniscopy (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'bird' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• axiomancy/axinomancy /ˈæksioʊmænsi/: by axes (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'axis' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

B

• batraquomancy/batrachomancy /bəˈtrækoʊmænsi/: by frogs (Greek Template:Translit, 'frog' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• belomancy/bolomancy /ˈbɛloʊmænsi/: by arrows (from bolomancy below, influenced by Greek Template:Translit, 'javelin', or Template:Translit, 'needle')
• bibliomancy → see chartomancy
• biorhythmic divination: by biorhythms
• bletonism/bletonomancy /ˈblɛtənɪzəm/: by water current (named for Monsieur Bleton, a French bletonist)
• bolomancy /ˈbɒloʊmænsi/ → see belomancy (Greek Template:Translit, 'arrow' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• bone-throwing: the tossing of pieces of bone or wood, practiced by various cultures
• botanomancy /boʊˈtænoʊmænsi/: by burning pieces of plants, documented with burning vervain and briar. (Greek Template:Translit, 'flora' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• brizomancy → see oneiromancy (Greek Template:Translit, 'to be sleepy' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• brontomancy/brontoscopy /ˈbrɒntoʊmænsi/: by thunder (Greek Template:Translit, 'thunder' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• bumpology /bʌmˈpɒloʊdʒi/: by bumps on the skin (English bump + Greek Template:Translit, 'study')

C

• cabala → see kabbalah
• canomancy /ˈkænoʊmænsi/ or /ˈkeɪnoʊmænsi/: by dogs (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'dog' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• capnomancy /ˈkæpnoʊmænsi/: by smoke (Greek Template:Translit, 'smoke' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • libanomancy /laɪˈbænoʊmænsi/: by smoke or ash from incense (Greek Template:Translit, 'frankincense' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• carromancy /ˈkæroʊmænsi/: by melting wax (Greek Template:Translit, 'of wax' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cartopedy → see somatomancy (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'papyrus paper' + [], 'foot')
• cartomancy → see chartomancy
• catoptromancy/captromancy → see scrying
• causimancy/causimomancy /ˈkɔːzɪmænsi/: by burning (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'to burn' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cephalomancy → see somatomancy
• cephaleonomancy/cephalonomancy/ˌsɛfəliˈɒnoʊmænsi/: by boiling a donkey's head (Greek Template:Translit, 'head' [with meaning influenced by Greek Template:Translit, 'donkey'] + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• ceraunoscopy /ˌsɛrəˈnɒskoʊpi/: by thunder and lightning (Greek Template:Translit, 'thunderbolt' + Template:Translit, 'observation')
• ceromancy/ceroscopy /ˈsɛroʊmænsi/: by dripping wax in water (Greek Template:Translit, 'wax' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• chalcomancy: by striking gongs or copper bowls (Greek Template:Translit, 'copper' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• chaomancy /ˈkeɪoʊmænsi/: by aerial visions (Greek Template:Translit, 'primordial space' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• chartomancy /ˈkɑːrtoʊmænsi/: by things on paper (Greek Template:Translit, 'papyrus paper' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • cartomancy /ˈkɑːrtoʊmænsi/: by cards (Latin , 'papyrus paper' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
    • taromancy/tarotmancy /ˈtæroʊmænsi/: by tarot (English tarot + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
    • Parrot astrology: by parrots picking cards
  • stichomancy /ˈstɪkoʊmænsi/: by books or lines (Greek Template:Translit, 'line of verse' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
    • aleuromancy² /əˈljʊəroʊmænsi/: by fortune cookies (of the same origin as aleuromancy¹)
    • bibliomancy /ˈbɪblioʊmænsi/: by the Bible (Greek Template:Translit, 'book' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
    • stoicheomancy/stoichomancy: by the Iliad and the Odyssey or the Aeneid (Greek Template:Translit, 'element' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy'; to the Greeks, Homer's writings were held in similar esteem to the Christian Bible or the Muslim Quran, as were Virgil's writings to the Romans, making them the basic — or elementary — reading material in each culture)
• cheiromancy/chiromancy→ see somatomancy
• cheirognomy/chirognomy → see somatomancy
• Template:Translit → see Template:Translit
• choriomancy /ˈkɒrioʊmænsi/: by pig bladders (Greek Template:Translit, 'placenta' + mantiea, 'prophecy')
• chresmomancy /ˈkrɛsmoʊmænsi/: by the ravings of lunatics (Greek Template:Translit, 'oracular utterance', chresm + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• chronomancy /ˈkrɒnoʊmænsi/: by apt occasion (Greek Template:Translit, 'time' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cineromancy/ceneromancy → see spodomancy /ˈsɪnəroʊmænsi/ (Latin Template:Wikt-lang [], 'ashes' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• clamancy (see also Fāl-gūsh): by random shouts and cries heard in crowds, at night, etc. (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'to cry out' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cledonism/cledonomancy /ˈklɛdoʊnɪzəm/: by chance events or overheard words (Greek Template:Translit, 'rumor')
• cleidomancy/clidomancy /ˈklaɪdoʊmænsi/: by keys (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'key' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cleromancy /ˈklɛroʊmænsi/: by casting (Greek Template:Translit, 'lot' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • astragalomancy/astragalamancy /əˈstræɡəloʊmænsi/ (also cubomancy): by dice (Greek Template:Translit, 'vertebra' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • domino divination: by dominoes
  • favomancy /ˈfævoʊmænsi/: by beans (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'bean' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • Ogham casting: by Ogham letters
  • runecasting/runic divination
• cometomancy /koʊˈmɛtoʊmænsi/: by comet tails (Greek Template:Translit, 'comet' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• colormancy/coloromancy: by colors (English color + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• conchomancy /ˈkɒŋkoʊmænsi/: by shells (Greek Template:Translit, 'mussel' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cosquinomancy/coscinomancy /koʊˈsɪnoʊmænsi/: by hanging sieves (Greek Template:Translit, 'sieve' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cottabomancy/cottobomancy /ˈkɒtəboʊmænsi/: by wine in a brass bowl (Greek Template:Translit, 'cottabus' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• craniognomy /ˌkreɪniˈɒɡnoʊmi/ or /ˌkreɪniˈɒnəmi/ → see somatomancy (Greek Template:Translit, 'skull' + Template:Translit, 'interpretation')
• the crawling baby: by a baby's crawling
• crithomancy/critomancy /ˈkrɪθoʊmænsi/: by barley cakes (Greek Template:Translit, 'barley' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cromnyomancy/cromniomancy /ˈkrɒmnioʊmænsi/: by onion sprouts (alteration of Greek Template:Translit, 'onion' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cryptomancy /ˈkrɪptoʊmænsi/: by omens (Greek Template:Translit, 'hidden' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cryomancy /ˈkraɪoʊmænsi/: by ice (Greek Template:Translit, 'ice' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• crystal ball gazing → see scrying
• crystal gazing → see scrying
• crystallomancy /ˈkrɪstəloʊmænsi/ → see scrying (Greek Template:Translit, 'crystal' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cubomancy /ˈkjuːboʊmænsi/ → see cleromancy (Greek Template:Translit, 'cube' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cyathomancy /ˈsaɪəθoʊmænsi/: by cups (Greek Template:Translit, 'cup' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cybermancy /ˈsaɪbərmænsi/: by computer oracles (English cyber(netics) + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cyclicomancy /ˈsɪklɪkoʊmænsi/: by swirling water in a cup (Greek Template:Translit, 'cyclical, circular' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• cyclomancy /ˈsɪkloʊmænsi/ or /ˈsaɪkloʊmænsi/: by wheels (Greek Template:Translit, 'circle' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

D

• dactyliomancy /dækˈtɪlioʊmænsi/: by finger rings (Greek Template:Translit, 'finger ring' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• dactylomancy /ˈdæktɪloʊmænsi/: by means of finger movements (Greek Template:Translit, 'finger' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• daphnomancy /ˈdæfnoʊmænsi/: by burning laurel wreaths (Greek Template:Translit, 'laurel' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• demonomancy /dɪˈmɒnoʊmænsi/: by demons (Greek Template:Translit, 'divine power' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• dendromancy /ˈdɛndroʊmænsi/: by trees, especially oaks, yews, or mistletoe (Greek Template:Translit, 'tree' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• deuteroscopy /ˌdjuːtəˈrɒskoʊpi/: by second glance or double take (Greek Template:Translit, 'secondary' + Template:Translit, 'observation')
• dictiomancy /ˈdɪkʃoʊmænsi/: by randomly opening a dictionary (English dictio(nary) + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• divining → see dowsing
• djubed→ see scrying
• Template:Translit: by animal horoscope (Japanese Template:Translit, 'animal' + Template:Translit, 'prognostication')
• domino divination → see cleromancy
• dowsing (also divining, water witching): by a divining rod (of unknown origin)
• dracomancy /ˈdrækoʊmænsi/: by dragons (Greek Template:Translit, 'dragon' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• dream interpretation
• dream questions: by dreaming
• dririmancy/driromancy /ˈdrɪərɪmænsi/: by dripping blood (alteration of drimimancy, influenced by Middle English , 'blood'). Compare hemotomancy.
• drimimancy/drymimancy /ˈdrɪmɪmænsi/: by bodily fluids (Greek Template:Translit, 'pungent' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

E

• electromancy: by lightning and electricity (Greek Template:Translit 'electric' + Template:Translit 'prophecy')
• eleomancy/elaeomancy: by oil (Greek Template:Translit, olive 'oil' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• emonomancy → see demonomancy
• empirimancy: by experiment/experience
• empyromancy /ɛmˈpaɪəroʊmænsi/: by burning (Greek Template:Translit, 'fiery' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• encromancy: by oil ink stains (Greek Template:Translit 'oil ink' + Template:Translit 'prophecy')
• enochian chess: by playing a four·handed variant of the game
• enoptromancy /ɛˈnɒptroʊmænsi/ → see scrying (Greek Template:Translit, 'looking glass' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• enthusiasm: speeches by those supposed to be possessed by a divine spirit
• entomomancy/entomancy: by insects (Greek Template:Translit, 'insect' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• eromancy /ˈɛroʊmænsi/: by water vessels exposed to air (Greek Template:Translit, 'air' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy') — cf. aeromancy
• extispicy/extispication /ɛkˈstɪspɪsi/: by the remains of sacrificed animals (Latin , 'entrails' + , 'to look at')

F

• favomancy → see cleromancy
• felidomancy → see theriomancy (Latin Template:Wikt-lang [], 'cat' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• floriography/floromancy /ˌflɔːriˈɒɡrəfi/: by flowers' feelings (Latin [flōr-], 'flower' + Greek Template:Translit, 'representation')
• fractomancy /ˈfræktoʊmænsi/: by fractals (English fract(al) + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• fructomancy/fructimancy: by fruit (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'fruit' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• Futomani is the Shinto tradition of divining from the shoulder blade bone of a sacred deer.

G

• galvanoscopy /ˌɡælvəˈnɒskoʊpi/: by galvanism (English galvan(ism) + Greek Template:Translit, 'observation')
• gastromancy¹ → see scrying
• gastromancy² /ˈɡæstroʊmænsi/: by guttural sounds (Greek Template:Translit, 'belly' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• geomancy /ˈdʒiːoʊmænsi/: by earth (Greek Template:Wikt-lang|Template:Wikt-lang, 'earth' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• geloscopy /dʒɪˈlɒskoʊpi/: by laughter (Greek Template:Translit, 'laughter' + Template:Translit, 'observation')
• gematria: by the Hebrew alphabet (Greek Template:Translit, 'earth' + Template:Translit, 'measurement')
• genethlialogy: by birth dates (Greek Template:Translit, 'birthday' + Template:Translit, 'study')
• grammomancy /ˈɡræmoʊmænsi/: by writing individual letters (Greek Template:Translit, 'letter' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• graphology /ɡræˈfɒloʊdʒi/ (also graptomancy): by studying handwriting (Greek Template:Translit, 'writing' + Template:Translit, 'study')
• graptomancy /ˈɡræptoʊmænsi/ → see graphology (Greek Template:Translit, 'written' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• gyromancy /ˈdʒaɪəroʊmænsi/: by dizziness (Greek Template:Translit, 'spiral' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

H

• hagiomancy: by saints (Greek Template:Translit, 'holy' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• halomancy /ˈhæloʊmænsi/ → see alomancy
• Template:Translit: by bones or dice
• haruspicy/haruspication /həˈrʌspɪsi/ → see hepatoscopy (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'entrails' + Template:Wikt-lang, 'to look at')
• hematomancy/haematomancy /ˈhɛmətoʊmænsi, ˈhiː-/: by blood (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'blood' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• hepatoscopy/hepatomancy /ˈhɛpətoʊmænsi/ (also haruspicy, haruspication): by liver (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'liver' + Template:Translit, 'observation')
• hieromancy/hieroscopy /ˈhaɪəroʊmænsi/: by studying sacrifices' entrails (Greek Template:Translit, 'holy' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• hippomancy → see theriomancy
• horoscopy /hoʊˈrɒskoʊpi/: aspect of the Stars at nativity (Greek Template:Translit, 'season' + Template:Translit, 'observation')
• hydatomancy: by rainwater (Greek Template:Translit, 'raindrop' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• hydromancy/hydroscopy → see scrying
• hyomancy: by wild hogs (Greek Template:Translit, 'swine' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• hypnomancy /ˈhɪpnoʊmænsi/: by sleep (Greek Template:Translit, 'sleep' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

I

• I Ching divination: by yarrow stalks or coins
• ichnomancy /ˈɪknoʊmænsi/: by footprints (Greek Template:Translit, 'track' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• ichthyomancy → see theriomancy
• iconomancy /aɪˈkɒnoʊmænsi/: by icons (Greek Template:Translit, 'image' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• idolomancy /aɪˈdɒloʊmænsi/: by idols (Greek Template:Translit, 'phantom' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• idromancy → see alomancy (Greek Template:Translit, 'sweat' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• : geomancy patterns generated with palm nuts, opele, cowrie shells, etc. that refer to divination texts; a collection of verses
• iridology: by eye color (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'iris' + Template:Translit, 'study')
• isopsephy: by numbers and letters (Greek Template:Translit, 'equal' + Template:Translit, 'pebble')

J

• Template:Translit: Vedic system of astrology

K

• kabbalah/qabalah/cabala: by the Kabbalah (Hebrew Template:Translit, 'tradition')
• Template:Translit: by bamboo
• Template:Translit: by rice gruel
• kephalonomancy /kəˈfælənoʊmænsi/ → see cephaleonomancy
• keraunomancy /kɪˈrɒnoʊmænsi/ → see ceraunoscopy
• knissomancy /ˈnɪsoʊmænsi/: by incense (Greek Template:Translit [kniss-], 'vapor' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• kypomancy → see phyllomancy (akin to Greek Template:Translit, 'goblet' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

L

• labiomancy /ˈleɪbioʊmænsi/: by lips (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'lip' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• lampadomancy /ˈlæmpədoʊmænsi/: by flame (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'light' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• lecanomancy/lecanoscopy /lɪˈkænoʊmænsi/: by a basin of water (Greek Template:Translit, 'basin' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• letnomancy: by secrets (English let no (man see) + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• libanomancy /laɪˈbænoʊmænsi/ → see capnomancy and spodomancy (Greek Template:Translit, 'frankincense' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• literomancy /ˈlɪtəroʊmænsi/: by a letter in a written language (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'letter' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• lithomancy /ˈlɪθoʊmænsi/: by gems or stones (Greek Template:Translit, 'stone' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• logarithmancy /ˌlɒɡəˈrɪθmənsi/: by logarithms (English logarithm + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• logomancy /ˈlɒɡoʊmænsi/: by words (Greek Template:Translit, 'word' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• lots: divination through chance, or the drawing or tossing of lots
• lunamancy → see selenomancy (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'moon' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• lychnomancy /ˈlɪknoʊmænsi/: by candles (Greek Template:Translit, 'lamp' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

M

• macharomancy: by swords or knives (Greek Template:Translit, 'dirk' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• macromancy /ˈmækroʊmænsi/: by large objects (Greek Template:Translit, 'large' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• maculomancy /ˈmækjʊloʊmænsi/: by spots on the skin (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'spot' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• mahjong divination: by Mahjong tiles
• margaritomancy /ˌmɑːrɡəˈrɪtoʊmænsi/: by bouncing pearls (Greek Template:Translit, 'pearl' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• mathemancy /ˈmæθɪmænsi/: by mathematics (English mathe(matics) + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• mazomancy /ˈmæzoʊmænsi/: by nursing (Greek Template:Translit, 'breast' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• meconomancy /mɪˈkoʊnoʊmænsi/: by sleeping (Greek Template:Translit, 'poppy' [i.e., an opiate] + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• megapolisomancy: by large cities (English megalopolis + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• meilomancy: by moles
• metagnomy /mɪˈtæɡnoʊmi/ or /mɪˈtænoʊmi/: by magic (Greek Template:Translit, 'beside' + Template:Translit, 'interpretation')
• meteormancy /ˈmiːtioʊrmænsi/: by meteors (English meteor + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• meteoromancy /ˌmiːtiˈɒroʊmænsi/: by thunder and lightning (Greek Template:Translit, 'heavenly phenomenon' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• metoposcopy/metopomancy /ˌmɛtoʊˈpɒskoʊpi/: by the lines of the forehead (Greek Template:Translit, 'forehead' + Template:Translit, 'observation')
• micromancy /ˈmaɪkroʊmænsi/: by small objects (Greek Template:Translit, 'small' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• moleosophy /moʊˈlɒsoʊfi/ or /ˌmoʊliˈɒsoʊfi/: by blemishes (English mole + Greek Template:Translit, 'knowledge')
• molybdomancy /moʊˈlɪbdoʊmænsi/: by molten metal (Greek Template:Translit, 'lead' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• moromancy /ˈmɒroʊmænsi/: by foolishness (Greek Template:Translit, 'dull' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• myomancy → see theriomancy
• myrmomancy → see theriomancy

N

• narcomancy /ˈnɑːrkoʊmænsi/: by sleep (Greek Template:Translit, 'numbness' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• natimancy → see somatomancy (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'buttock' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• necromancy¹ /ˈnɛkroʊmænsi/: by speaking to the dead, by corpses (Greek Template:Translit, 'corpse' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• necyomancy /ˈniːsioʊmænsi/: by summoning damned souls (Greek Template:Translit, 'invocation' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• nephomancy /ˈnɛfoʊmænsi/: by clouds (Greek Template:Translit, 'cloud' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• nigromancy /ˈnaɪɡroʊmænsi/: by black magic (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'black' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• nomancy /ˈnɒmənsi/ or /ˈnoʊmənsi/ → see onomancy (variant of onomancy, influenced by Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'name')
• notarikon/netrikon: by initials (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, in shorthand)
• nggàm → see theriomancy
• numerology /ˌnjuːməˈrɒloʊdʒi/: by numbers (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'number' + Greek Template:Translit, 'branch of study')
• numismatomancy: by coins (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'coin' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

O

• oculomancy /ˈɒkjʊloʊmænsi/: by eyes (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'eye' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• odontomancy /oʊˈdɒntoʊmænsi/: by teeth (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'tooth' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• oenomancy/oinomancy /ˈiːnoʊmænsi/: by wine (Greek Template:Translit, 'wine' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• ololygmancy /oʊˈlɒlɪɡmænsi/: by the howling of dogs (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'howl' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• omoplatoscopy → see scapulimancy (Greek Template:Translit, 'shoulder blade' + Template:Translit, 'observation')
• omphalomancy /ˈɒmfəloʊmænsi/: by navels (Greek Template:Translit, 'navel' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• oneiromancy/oneiroscopy /oʊˈnɪəroʊmænsi/: by dreams (Greek Template:Translit, 'dream' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• onimancy /ˈɒnɪmænsi/ → see onychomancy
• onomancy/onomomancy/nomancy /ˈɒnoʊmænsi/: by letters in a name (Greek Template:Translit, 'name' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• onomomancy /oʊˈnoʊmoʊmænsi/ → see onomancy
• onychomancy/onymancy/onimancy /oʊˈnɪkoʊmænsi/: by finger· and toenails (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'nail' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• onymancy /ˈɒnɪmænsi/ → see onychomancy
• oomancy/ooscopy /ˈoʊoʊmænsi/ (also ovomancy): by eggs (Greek Template:Translit, 'egg' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• ophidiomancy/ophiomancy → see theriomancy
• ophthalmomancy → see oculomancy (Greek Template:Translit, 'eye' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• organoscopy → see phrenology (Greek Template:Translit, 'organ' + Template:Translit, 'observation')
• orniscopy/ornithomancy → see theriomancy
• oromancy: by mountains (Greek Template:Translit, 'mountain' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• oryctomancy: by minerals (Greek Template:Translit, 'dug' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• ossomancy → see osteomancy (Latin Template:Wikt-lang [], 'bone' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• osteomancy: by bones (Greek Template:Translit, 'bone' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• Ouija/Ouije: by ouija board (French Template:Wikt-lang, 'yes' + German Template:Wikt-lang, 'yes')
• ouranomancy → see uranomancy
• ovomancy → see oomancy (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'egg' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

P

File:Enrique Simonet - La buenaventura.jpg

The Fortune Teller, by Enrique Simonet (1899; canvas; Museo de Málaga), depicting a palm reading

• Pagtatawas by reading melted alum
• pallomancy: by pendulums (Greek Template:Translit, 'to sway' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• palmistry/palm reading → see somatomancy (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'palm')
• papyromancy: by folding paper, especially paper money (Greek Template:Translit, 'papyrus paper' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• pedomancy → see somatomancy (from podomancy, influenced by Latin Template:Wikt-lang [], 'foot')
• pegomancy: by fountains (Greek Template:Translit, 'spring' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• pessomancy: by pebbles (Greek Template:Translit, 'oval pebble' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• pecthimancy/petchimancy: by brushed cloth (possibly akin to Greek Template:Translit, to card wool, or Template:Translit, 'netting' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• phallomancy: by swing of the phallus (Greek Template:Translit, 'phallus' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• phobomancy: by feelings of fear (Greek Template:Translit, 'fear' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• photomancy: by fields of light (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'light' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• phrenology (also organoscopy): by the configuration of one's brain (Greek Template:Translit, 'mind' + Template:Translit, 'study')
• phyllomancy: by leaves (Greek Template:Translit, 'leaf' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • sycomancy: by fig leaves (Greek Template:Translit, 'fig' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • tasseography/tasseomancy (also kypomancy): by tea leaves or coffee grounds (French , 'cup' + Greek Template:Translit, 'representation')
• phyllorhodomancy: by rose petals (Greek Template:Translit, 'leaf' + Template:Translit, 'rose' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• physiognomy/physiognomancy: by faces (Greek Template:Translit, 'nature' + Template:Translit, 'interpretation')
• phytognomy: by the appearance of plants (Greek Template:Translit, 'plant' + Template:Translit, 'interpretation')
• Planchette
• plastromancy: by cracks formed by heat on a turtle's plastron (English plastron + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• pilimancy: by observing the patterns produced by a collection of human hair
• plumbomancy: by observing shapes molten lead makes when poured in water (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'lead' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• pneumancy: by blowing (Greek Template:Translit, 'breath' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• podomancy/pedomancy → see somatomancy
• poe divination: by throwing stones on the floor, practised at Taoist temples
• (also ): study of natural phenomena
• psephomancy: by lots or ballots (Greek Template:Translit, 'pebble' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• pseudomancy: by false means (Greek Template:Translit, 'false' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• psychognomy: by phrenological 'notations' (Greek Template:Translit, 'soul' + Template:Translit, 'observation')
• psychomancy → see necromancy¹ (Greek Template:Translit, 'soul' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• ptarmoscopy/ptarmoscopie: the interpretation of sneezes (from Ancient Greek)
• pyromancy/pyroscopy: by fire (Greek Template:Translit, 'fire' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

Q

• Template:Translit → see kabbalah

R

• radiesthesia: by rods, pendulums, or other cylindrical tools (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'spoke' + Greek Template:Translit, 'sensing')
• retromancy: by looking over one's shoulder (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'behind' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• rhabdomancy/rabdomancy: by rods, sticks, or wands (Greek Template:Translit, 'rod' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• rhapsodomancy: by poetry (Greek Template:Translit, 'verse' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• roadomancy: by constellations (apparently from Old English , 'firmament' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• runecasting → see cleromancy

S

• scapulimancy/scapulomancy (also spatulamancy, omoplatoscopy): by bovine or caprid shoulder blades (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'shoulder blade' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• scarpomancy: by old shoes (Italian , 'shoe' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• scatomancy: by excrement (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'excrement' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• schematomancy → see somatomancy
• sciomancy¹ (also shadowmancy): by shadows (Greek Template:Translit, 'shadow' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• sciomancy²: by spirits (of the same origin as sciomancy¹)
• scrying: by gazing (shortened from descrying)
  • crystal gazing: by reflective objects
    • catoptromancy/captromancy (also enoptromancy, djubed): by mirrors (Greek Template:Translit, 'mirror' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
    • gastromancy¹ (also crystallomancy, spheromancy, crystal ball gazing): by crystal ball (Greek Template:Translit, 'belly' [i.e., round object] + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
    • hydromancy (also ydromancy): by water (Greek Template:Translit, 'water' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• selenomancy: by the moon (Greek Template:Translit, 'moon' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• shadowmancy → see sciomancy¹ (English shadow + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• shufflemancy: by the use of an electronic media player such as an electronic playlist, iPod, or other medium wherein one skips a certain number of songs and the lyrics and/or tune of the song is the answer to the divinatory question
• sideromancy: by burning straw with an iron (Greek Template:Translit, 'iron' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• sikidy: by drawing sixteen lines in sand (perhaps a Malagasy transliteration of English sixteen)
• skatharomancy: by beetle tracks (Greek Template:Translit, 'spot' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• /: by animal shoulder blades (Scottish Gaelic , 'shoulder blade')
• solaromancy: by the sun (Latin Template:Wikt-lang [[[:Template:Wikt-lang]]], 'sun' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• somatomancy: by the human form (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'body' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • cephalomancy (also craniognomy): by skulls (Greek Template:Translit, 'head' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • cheiromancy/chiromancy /kaɪˈrɒmænsi/ (also palmistry, palm reading): by palms (Greek Template:Translit, 'hand' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • cheirognomy/chirognomy /kaɪˈrɒ(ɡ)noʊmi/: by hands (Greek Template:Translit, 'hand' + Template:Translit, 'interpretation')
  • podomancy/pedomancy (also cartopedy): by the soles of one's feet (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'foot' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • schematomancy: by the face (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'figure' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• sortilege: by the casting of lots, or sortes
  • sortes virgilianae: by Vergil's Aeneid
• spasmatomancy: by convulsions (alteration of spasmodomancy, from Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'spasm' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• spatilomancy: by animal excrement (Greek Template:Translit, 'excrement' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• spatulamancy → see scapulimancy (from scapulimancy, influenced by Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'splint')
• spheromancy → see scrying (Greek Template:Translit, 'sphere' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• sphondulomancy: by spindles (Greek Template:Translit, 'spindle' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• splanchnomancy → see anthropomancy (Greek Template:Translit, 'innards' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• spodomancy: by soot (Greek Template:Translit, 'wood ashes' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • cineromancy/ceneromancy: by the ashes of a specifically sacrificial or ritual fire
  • libanomancy /laɪˈbænoʊmænsi/: by smoke or ash from incense (Greek Template:Translit, 'frankincense' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • tephramancy/tephromancy: by tree bark ashes, by sacrificial or ritual fire ashes, or human sacrificial victim ashes (Greek Template:Translit, 'ash' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• stareomancy: by the four elements (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'dough' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• stercomancy: by seeds in bird excrement (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'excrement' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• sternomancy: by ridges on the breastbone (Greek Template:Translit, 'breastbone' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• stichomancy → see chartomancy
• stigonomancy: by burning writing onto bark (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'to brand' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• stoicheomancy/stoichomancy → see chartomancy
• stolisomancy: by fashion (Greek Template:Translit, 'garment' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• styramancy: by observing patterns produced by chewing gum, gum wax, or products produced by the L. styraciflua tree
• sycomancy → see phyllomancy
• symbolomancy: by things found on the road (Greek Template:Translit, 'sign' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

T

• taromancy → see chartomancy
• tasseography/tasseomancy → see phyllomancy
• technomancy: by technology (English techno(logy) + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• temurah: → see kabbalah
• tephramancy/tephromancy: → see spodomancy (Greek Template:Translit, 'ash' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• theomancy: foretelling events, prophecy (Greek Template:Translit, 'god' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• theriomancy /ˈθɪərioʊmænsi/: (also zoomancy): by animal behavior (Greek Template:Translit, 'wild animal' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

  File:ChickenDivination.jpg

  Russian peasant girls using chicken for divination. A 19th·century lubok.

  • ailuromancy/aeluromancy /aɪˈlʊəroʊmænsi/ (also felidomancy): by cats (Greek Template:Translit, 'cat' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • alectryomancy/alectoromancy /əˈlɛktərioʊmænsi/: by rooster behavior (Greek Template:Translit, 'cockerel' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • augury: by bird formations (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'diviner')
  • hippomancy /ˈhɪpoʊmænsi/: by horse behavior (Greek Template:Translit, 'horse' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • ichthyomancy /ˈɪkθioʊmænsi/: by fish behavior (Greek Template:Translit, 'fish' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • myomancy /ˈmaɪoʊmænsi/: by rodent behavior (Greek Template:Translit, 'mouse' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • myrmomancy /ˈmɜːrmoʊmænsi/: by ant behavior (Greek Template:Translit, 'ant' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • nggàm: by spider or crab behavior (Mambila , 'divination')
  • ophidiomancy/ophiomancy: by snake behavior (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'snake' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
  • orniscopy/ornithomancy (also auspicy/auspication, avimancy): by bird migration (Greek Template:Translit [[[:Template:Translit]]], 'bird' + Template:Translit, 'observation')
• thumomancy /ˈθjuːmoʊmænsi/: by one's own soul, presage (Greek Template:Translit, 'soul' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• topomancy /ˈtɒpoʊmænsi/: by geography and geological formations (Greek Template:Translit, 'place' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• transataumancy: by things accidentally seen or heard
• trochomancy /ˈtrɒkoʊmænsi/: by wheel ruts (Greek Template:Translit, 'wheel' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• turifumy: by shapes in smoke (Latin Template:Wikt-lang [], 'incense' + Template:Wikt-lang, 'vapor')
• tyromancy/tiromancy /ˈtaɪəroʊmænsi/: by cheese (Greek Template:Translit, 'cheese' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

U

• umbilicomancy: by umbilical cords (English umbilic(al cord) + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• umbromancy: by shade (Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'shadow' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• uranomancy/ouranomancy: by the sky (Greek Template:Translit, 'firmament' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• uromancy/urimancy: by urine (Greek Template:Translit, 'urine' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• urticariaomancy: by itches (Neo-Latin Template:Wikt-lang, 'hives' + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

V

• videomancy: by films (English video + Greek Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

W

• water witching → see dowsing
• wishbone → see furcula

X

• xenomancy: by strangers (Greek Template:Translit, 'stranger' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• xylomancy: by the shape or texture of wood, or the appearance of burning wood (Greek Template:Translit, 'wood' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')

Y

• ydromancy¹ → see scrying
• ydromancy² → see alomancy (from idromancy above, influenced by alomancy)

Z

• zoomancy → see theriomancy (Greek Template:Translit, 'being' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• zygomancy: by weights (Greek Template:Translit, 'yoke, balance' + Template:Translit, 'prophecy')
• zeteomancy: by seeking out knowledge

See also

• Divination
• List of astrological traditions
• Wiktionary category:English words suffixed with -mancy