Historical development of the twelve-sign zodiac in Babylonian, Greco-Roman, Egyptian, Indian, and biblical traditions The zodiac refers to a band of the celestial sphere, approximately 8° north and south of the ecliptic, divided into twelve equal sections, each associated with a constellation or astrological sign. This division forms the basis of astrological systems that assign … 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
Thunder is personified or deified in many cultures. In ancient Egypt, thunder symbolized the distant voice of the gods. In Sinhalese belief, thunder was thought to be divine punishment. In Brittany, superstitions dictated placing iron in the nests of brooding hens as protection. The personification of thunder appears throughout mythologies, such as the Norse Thor … Read more
Sistra (French Sistre) originally referred to the Sistrum, an ancient Egyptian percussion instrument used in religious ceremonies, especially in the worship of Isis. The text references a claim by Aristotle about a plant called ‘Sistre’ found in the Scamander River, resembling chickpeas and allegedly protecting people from specters, though this aspect is largely anecdotal. The … Read more
French sources mention Singes (monkeys) as venerated animals in ancient Egypt, while Romans considered meeting a monkey a bad omen when leaving home. This contrast mirrors broader cultural attitudes toward sacred and profane symbols. In Christian demonology, the devil has sometimes been termed the ‘ape of God,’ an analogy referencing trickery or mimicry. These references … Read more
Divination by dishes (French: Divination par les plats) is referenced by Quintus Curtius Rufus as an Egyptian ritual involving the image of Jupiter Ammon placed on a gold boat surrounded by silver dishes. The movement of these dishes was interpreted as the god’s response. This practice is part of the broader set of divinatory methods … Read more
The transformation of the Arcadian god into the Prince of Incubi and the symbolic “Death of Pan” in Christian demonology. Pan is a figure originating in Greek mythology as the god of the wild, shepherds, and flocks, traditionally depicted as a satyr with the hindquarters, legs, and horns of a goat. In the transition from … Read more
Oracles (Oracles) in ancient cultures were considered intermediaries between humans and the divine, providing guidance and prophecies. They differed from sorcerers or magicians, who were believed to derive their power from demonic sources. Oracles were revered and consulted on various matters, from personal dilemmas to matters of state. The most famous oracle was the Oracle … Read more
Mummies are preserved human or animal bodies, often associated with ancient Egypt. The process of mummification involved removing internal organs, drying the body, and wrapping it in linen bandages. Mummies were believed to ensure the deceased’s safe passage to the afterlife. In addition to their religious significance, mummies have also been objects of fascination and … Read more
Jupiter Ammon (Ζεὺς Ἄμμων) was a syncretic deity combining aspects of the Roman god Jupiter and the Egyptian god Amun. He was particularly venerated in ancient Libya and Egypt, where his oracle at the Siwa Oasis was renowned. Jupiter Ammon was often depicted with ram’s horns, reflecting the iconography of Amun. Amulets bearing his name … Read more
