Bibliomancy

/ˈbɪbliəˌmænsi/ noun

Definition

A form of divination where a person predicts the future or gains insight by randomly opening a book and reading a passage, often the Bible.

Etymology

From biblio- (Greek biblion 'book') + -mancy (Greek manteia 'divination'). Emerged in the Middle Ages when this superstitious practice was documented, similar to casting lots or other divination methods.

Kelly Says

Bibliomancy has real historical importance—lots of medieval and Renaissance people actually made major life decisions by opening a Bible randomly, and it's still practiced today by superstitious readers.

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