Basic Divination (3): Differences and Similarities

Differences and Similarities

The differences between these forms lie mostly in what purpose they are used for and in the materials used. Roman augury and some forms of pyromancy were not to predict the future but to uncover the will of the Gods. Meanwhile some forms of dowsing were used to make personal decisions. Since augury and pyromancy used natural occurrences, they could be expanded into a deeper form of divination. (Pyromancy is as dependent on fire as augury is on birds.) Also, neither is based on human interventions making them less influenced by human desires.

Meanwhile, dowsing seems more limited than either augury or pyromancy. It is also more subject to the human subconscious since a person holds the pendulum while dowsing. The woman who dowsed for books may have already knew what she wanted. Dowsing seems more personal than augury or pyromancy. It is also easier to execute since the only material needed is a pendulum.

At first glance all these forms seem to differ greatly. However, they are alike in offering limited answers to questions. Also they are, in essence, artificial constructs. Each one is set in a matrix with particular meanings attached to certain events. Each possesses a “Schelling Point” which is an answer that seems to be the obvious choice. Based on the information set, you have the instrument choose for you. However, you and others have provided input (data) for each probable outcome.

In addition, the person’s unconscious desires come into play. Each method has “wiggle room” for interpretation. (For example, a black cat in the U.S. means bad luck, while in the U.K., a white one is bad luck.) Each outcome is not as fixed as it seems. The bird could be leaving North going South. (Then what is the omen now? At that point the Augur would need to make a “judgment call.”) What may seem to be black and white become shades of grey. These methods are all dependent on the interpreter.

Works Used:
Adkins, Lesley and Roy A. Adkins, "Dictionary of Roman Religion”, New York: Oxford University Press, 1996.
Carroll, Robert, “Divination”, The Skeptic’s Dictionary, http://www.skepdic.com/divinati.html, 9 June 2009, 7 Dec. 2009
Crystal, Ellie, “Divination Index”, Crystalinks, 2009, 10 Dec.. 2009, http://www.crystalinks.com/divinationindex.html
Maurice, “About Dowsing Pendulums”, The Pendulum of Pendulums, 2009, 7 Dec. 2009, http://www.pendulums.com/index.html
Nozedar, Adele, “The Secret Language of Birds”, Harper Collins, London, 2006.
Stevens, Scott, “Games People Play: Game Theory in Life, Business, and Beyond”, (DVD course) The Teaching Company, Virginia, 2008.
Zell-Revenheart, Oberon, “Companion for the Apprentice Wizard”, New Page Books, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, 2006.