Divination

Divination refers to a range of practices used to access information not available through ordinary means. These practices involve interpreting signs found in nature, ritual actions, objects, dreams, or spoken responses that are understood to reflect divine will or cosmic order. In ancient societies, divination was widely accepted as a legitimate way to resolve uncertainty, make communal or political decisions, and interpret unexpected events. It functioned as an interpretive system rather than simple fortune-telling, emphasizing discernment of meaning and proper response. Divination includes many different techniques and reflects how cultures understood communication between the human and divine realms.