Xerxes I (c. 519–465 BCE) was King of Persia and led the Achaemenid Empire during its wars with Greece. According to ancient historians, Xerxes was dissuaded from invading Greece by his uncle Artabanus, but dream visions compelled him to proceed. The supernatural element, including warnings from apparitions, is noted in Herodotus’ Histories, emphasizing divine intervention … Read more
Verre d’eau (water glass) divination refers to scrying or crystal gazing techniques practiced in Europe and the Middle East, involving the use of a glass of water or other liquids to predict the future. This method became especially popular in France during the Regency era. Related practices include ink scrying in Egypt, and hydromancy recorded … Read more
Velleda was a Germanic priestess and prophetess who lived during the time of Roman Emperor Vespasian. According to Tacitus, Velleda exercised great influence during the Batavian revolt, acting as an advisor and seer from a tower. Her authority was recognized by warriors and leaders who offered her a share of the spoils. Velleda’s reputation combined … Read more
Weather divination was practiced in ancient Greece by priests called Galazophyiaces, who observed hail and storms to predict and avert them. To placate the gods, they sacrificed lambs or chickens; failing auspicious omens, they lanced their fingers. Ethiopian healers also reportedly mutilated themselves to secure rain, reflecting blood-sacrifice rituals for climate control. Related Posts:Weather DivinationMythological … Read more
Mole divination involved examining the entrails of the mole for omens, considered more reliable than other animals by Pliny the Elder. Folk beliefs held that a hand that had strangled a mole (manu taupata) could cure toothache and colic; placing a mole’s foot in a bird’s nest was believed to render eggs infertile. Related Posts:Mole … Read more
Tartarus is the deep abyss in ancient Greek cosmogony, described in Homer as the lowest region of the underworld, equidistant from Earth and Heaven. Virgil’s Aeneid portrays it as a fortified prison with three walls, surrounded by the river Phlegethon, guarded by the Fury Tisiphone and presided over by Rhadamanthus delivering the guilty to torment. … Read more
Weather divination was practiced in ancient Greece by priests called Galazophyiaces, who observed hail and storms to predict and avert them. To placate the gods, they sacrificed lambs or chickens; failing auspicious omens, they lanced their fingers. Ethiopian healers also reportedly mutilated themselves to secure rain, reflecting blood-sacrifice rituals for climate control. Related Posts:Weather DivinationMythological … Read more
Mole divination involved examining the entrails of the mole for omens, considered more reliable than other animals by Pliny the Elder. Folk beliefs held that a hand that had strangled a mole (manu taupata) could cure toothache and colic; placing a mole’s foot in a bird’s nest was believed to render eggs infertile. Related Posts:Mole … Read more
Tartarus is the deep abyss in ancient Greek cosmogony, described in Homer as the lowest region of the underworld, equidistant from Earth and Heaven. Virgil’s Aeneid portrays it as a fortified prison with three walls, surrounded by the river Phlegethon, guarded by the Fury Tisiphone and presided over by Rhadamanthus delivering the guilty to torment. … Read more
Polyphides (Polyphidée) is mentioned as a seer from Hypérésie in the region of Argos during ancient Greek times. Ancient sources consider him a diviner who interpreted signs and omens. He is occasionally referenced in discussions of Argive prophetic traditions. He is noted in later compilations of Greek oracular figures. Related Posts:Mythological Anatomy: The Hidden Vocabulary … Read more