Bibliomancy is the practice of divination by opening a book randomly and interpreting the first passage that catches the eye. The word comes from the Greek words "biblio" meaning book and "mancy" meaning divination. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word can be pronounced as /ˌbɪbliˈɒmənsi/. The stress is on the second syllable, and it contains a mix of consonants and vowels that make it challenging to pronounce for some people. Nevertheless, bibliomancy remains a popular practice in many spiritual communities worldwide.
Bibliomancy refers to the practice of divination or seeking guidance by randomly selecting and interpreting passages of text from a book, most commonly a religious or sacred text. The word "bibliomancy" is derived from the Greek words "biblio," meaning book, and "manteia," meaning divination.
In the process of bibliomancy, an individual employs various methods to select a book or a specific section of a book. This can involve flipping through the pages and stopping at a random point, or closing their eyes and pointing to a passage blindly. The chosen text is then interpreted as a message or answer to a question or situation that the seeker seeks insight or guidance on.
Bibliomancy has historical roots dating back to ancient civilizations, with examples found in numerous cultures around the world. In ancient Greece, for instance, specific oracles were credited with the ability to interpret books for guidance. Similarly, during the Middle Ages, monks and clergy often utilized the Bible for bibliomancy.
While some may approach bibliomancy as a form of spiritual or religious practice, others view it more as a method of psychological reflection or self-exploration. It is seen as a means to gain insight and perspective on personal matters, often relying on the idea that the selected text carries meaning and relevance to the individual's circumstances.
Overall, bibliomancy is a method that seeks to find guidance or answers in literature through the selection and interpretation of random passages, providing individuals with an opportunity for reflection and insight.
Divination by the Bible.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word bibliomancy can be traced back to its Greek origins. It is a combination of two Greek words: biblio meaning book and manteia meaning divination or prophecy. Therefore, the literal meaning of the word bibliomancy is divination by books.