"Throwing bones" refers to an ancient divination practice where bones, shells, or other objects are tossed and their arrangement or position is interpreted to gain insight or predict the future.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Materials:
While bones are a common element, other objects like shells, crystals, stones, or even trinkets can be used.
Divination:
The practitioner analyzes the position and arrangement of the tossed objects to glean meaning, guidance, or predictions.
Examples:
- Southern Africa: In Southern Africa, traditional healers (sangomas/inyangas) use bones and other objects to throw the bones, and interpret the patterns created by their fall to diagnose issues or provide guidance.
- Mongolian Knucklebone Fortune Telling: Mongolians use animal bones, usually sheep or goat wrist bones, to tell fortunes.
- Ancient China: Oracle bone divination, a practice popular within the dynastic culture of ancient China, particularly the Shang Dynasty, used cattle scapulae and turtle shells.
Modern Usage:
"Throwing bones" is now practiced in various spiritual and metaphysical communities as a form of divination and self-exploration.
Other Names:
Also known as bone casting, osteomancy, or bone reading
What it is:
"Throwing bones" is a form of divination, also known as osteomancy, where a practitioner scatters a set of bones or other objects and interprets the patterns formed by their landing.
Cultural Significance:
This practice has roots in various cultures and traditions throughout history, with different interpretations and methods depending on the region.
Bone reading is done using both ancient and modern methods. Learn to predict future events through Scottish speal bones, American pyromantic furculomancy, Yoruban obi, Shona hakata, Mongolian shagai, British fortune-telling dice, the Gypsy domino oracle, the Persian standing bone oracle, Alabama 'Possum bones, Virginia Chicken bones, Zulu-style sangoma bone reading, and more.
