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Alomancy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sea salt crystals which may be used in 'Alomancy'

Alomancy, also called adromancy, ydromancie, idromancie, and halomancy, is an ancient form of divination. Similar to many other forms of divination, the diviner casts salt crystals into the air and interprets the patterns as it falls to the ground or travels through the air.[1][2] The diviner can also interpret patterns that are formed from the residue of a salt solution as it evaporates in the bowl. The exact interpretations are unknown, but it probably follows a similar method to aleuromancy.[citation needed]

Salt itself is often intertwined with luck, and some of this ancient tradition can be seen in the superstitions, such as the perceived misfortune when the salt cellar is overturned, and the custom of throwing salt over the left shoulder for good luck.[3]

One form of alomancy consists of the casting of salt into a fire, which is considered a type of pyromancy.

References

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  1. ^ Sara Sklaroff (July 30, 2006). "Stolen babies, a lost ship and a new kind of alchemy. By Sara Sklaroff". The Washington Post.
  2. ^ Ron Wolfe (August 13, 2003). "Entry-level instructions for wizards". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
  3. ^ "Alomancy". The Element Encyclopedia of the Psychic World. Harper Element. 2006. p. 17.