Daphnomancy

Daphnomancy is a form of pyromancy whereby the future is predicted by burning bay laurel leaves. A loud crackling from the fire is a positive omen, whereas silence is a negative one.[1][2]

History and etymology

Daphno is thought to be a tribute to Daphne, an ancient Greek nymph turned into the first laurel tree by Apollo.[3] Originally, the leaves were selected from the sacred grove of Apollo,[1] but as time moved on the practice of daphnomancy spread to pre-Christian era Rome and Greece and was thought to be commonly practiced by augurs of both empires.

The original grove from which the Romans took their laurel branches withered in 68 AD, which contemporary augurs associated with Nero's death.[2][4]

References

1. Amber K; Azrael Arynn K (1 December 2001). Candlemas: Feast of Flames. Llewellyn Worldwide. pp. 94–. ISBN 978-0-7387-0079-3. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
2. Cheung, Theresa (2006). The Element Encyclopedia of the Psychic World. Harper Element. p. 144. ISBN 978-0-00-721148-7.
3. Varla Ventura (1 October 2008). The Book of the Bizarre: Freaky Facts and Strange Stories. Weiser Books. pp. 60–. ISBN 978-1-57863-437-8. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
4. Gerina Dunwich (1 January 2002). Herbal Magick: A Witch's Guide to Herbal Folklore and Enchantments. Career Press. pp. 50–. ISBN 978-1-56414-575-8. Retrieved 22 July 2011.