Divination – Oracles and Omens

David Zeitlyn is Professor of Social Anthropology in the University of Oxford, while Michelle Aroney is a research fellow at Magdalen College, Oxford and a historian of early modern science and religion. David is also an initiated Mambila spider diviner, giving him direct experience as a participant observer. This fascinating book, also the subject of an exhibition, features 24 divinatory techniques from around the world, including astrology, palmistry, Tarot, egg, basket and Tibetan rope divinations, and the Chinese I Ching. The need for divination arises from the limits of human knowledge, especially with respect to decisions made in the light of uncertainty in relation to prediction and the future, and ‘offering insights into underlying truth that lie outside our normal grasp.’ Historically, one of the first systematic treatments was by Cicero in dialogue form, setting out pros and cons, and the respective scope of diagnosis and prognosis. The wonderful illustrations add context and texture to the commentary, and the authors’ own approach is to regard divination as a technology that assists decision-making. Highly recommended. (Sadly this exhibition only ran until April but you can consult https://www.anthro.ox.ac.uk/article/oracles-omens-and-answers-new-exhibition-dedicated-to-divination-explores-our-universal-need)