Abacomancy (Amathomancy)
Abacomancy is one of hundreds of divination techniques. The origins of the art of Abacomancy remain elusive but it has a history that has been traced as far back as the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Abacomancy is the art of predicting the future through the use of dust. In ancient times, people used funerary ashes (belonging to the recently cremated). In contrast, contemporary diviners conduct Abacomancy with the use of earthen dust. The process of Abacomancy requires that the diviner attempts to predict future events by seeking out patterns in the dust.
Abacomancy is also referred
to as Amathomancy. The word "amathos" is Greek and translated means "sand"
("Abacomancy"). Abacomancy can be practiced with either dirt or sand of any
color. The sand or earth should be dry and it can be placed on a small tray or
other flat surface. The tray makes for easy clean up and later storage for
reuse. The tray with sand is placed on a firm surface before the diviner and the
diviner then uses a tool, like a wand or an athame, and points the tip of the
tool in the center of the sand.
The diviner then closes
their eyes and concentrates on a question that they want answered. A state of
relaxation is required for the practice of Abacomancy and the diviner is
required to concentrate on the correct breathing technique to reach a higher
state of consciousness. Much like the Tarot, this state of consciousness allows
the diviner to tap into their subconscious to receive the answers they seek.
When the higher state of consciousness is reached, the diviner will feel the
need to move their magickal tool (the term "magickal" being different from the
word "magical" and consequently is not misspelled) and will permit the tool to
move on its own through the bed of sand. When the diviner feels the tool stop
moving, they can then closely analyze the sand for shapes, words, or
patterns.
Typical Abacomancy (Amathomancy) Meanings:
Big Circle: Protection, the mysteries and four elements at work. A need for balance and centering is required. The completion of one phase and the renewal of another. Endings and new beginnings. Going full circle or the journey of epic hero. The epic hero travels from one point and returns to that point, internally changed and sometimes tragically.
Miniature circle: Uncertainty of where one is headed. The future is closed to the reader because they cannot see beyond the small circle of their own reality. Being confined by ideas that are too small and trapped by small thinking. Petty disagreements and difficulty overcoming small issues.
Triangle: A
source of power. All sides need to be equal and energies need to be specifically
focused on the diviner's goal in order for the goal to be obtained. Reaching for
the sky while remaining grounded.
Square: A
creative task lies ahead of the diviner, requiring inspiration, will, emotional
passion and drive as well as persistence. If one element is lacking the task
will come to naught. Balance in all things is essential at this time. The square
forewarns the diviner not to be close-minded.
Long Lines:
A long journey is in store for the diviner. This does not necessarily mean a
physical journey and can be journey of intellect. In terms of intellect, moving
in a linear fashion suggests that the diviner will be utterly changed when they
reach their intellectual destination.
Short
Lines: One short line indicates a short trip, either physically or
intellectually. Several short lines indicate many stops along the path. Such
stops are not necessarily negative. Although short lines can be indicative of
obstacles, the may also be indicative of pauses for reflection or regrouping.
Spiral:
Ascension into higher planes of consciousness and/or higher intellectual and
spiritual understandings. Drawing power from within to deal with deal with
issues or drawing on divine power for spiritual improvement.
The Heart:
A heartfelt experience. Love entering into one's life. Emotional ties to some
thing, some place, or someone. A warning that emotions may rule the head. If the
heart is broken, sadness and grief are predicted and it also suggests broken
ties and/or change and transformation.
An X: A
need for banishing of negative is called for. The need to "x" out negative
influences.