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In
The Book of Divination the histories and descriptions of 15 systems of divination are overviewed from a pop cultural perspective by researcher Ann Fiery. In terms dismissive of her subject area (the first illustration is a reproduction of a painting of fortunetellers picking the pocket of a rich man), Fiery touches upon astrology, metoposcopy (the science of forehead lines), oracles, numerology, oneiromancy (dream reading), phrenology (the study of head shapes), alchemy, tasseomancy (tea leaf reading), runes, haruspicy (reading the entrails of animals), talismans, chiromancy (palmistry), geomancy, rhabdomancy (dowsing), and tarot in her wide sweep. The shining gold cover, fine bindery, handsome illustrations, and interior graphic design also make this an attractive work of bookmaking art.
--P. Randall Cohan
Product Description
What does the future hold in store for you? What secrets lie hidden in your stars (or in your cup of tea)? Since ancient times, humankind has sought to divine the future, devising myriad ways to decipherand even controlthe mysterious workings of fate. The details of these fortunetelling practices have been kept closely guarded through the ages. Now they are revealed in one comprehensive illustrated volume.
The Book of Divination leads readers on a fascinating exploration of the great divinatory practices of the Western worldfrom astrology and tarot to haruspicy (not advised for the squeamish: this is divination by the reading of animal entrails). With wry humor and explanations clearer than a crystal ball, author Ann Fiery recounts the remarkable histories of these various occult systems and explains how each method is used. Brimming with fabulous illustrations from ancient texts and little-known art collections,
The Book of Divination illuminates the essential secrets of these esoteric practices for the modern-day seeker.
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