Geomancy, the ancient art of "earth divination," has captivated people across cultures and centuries. This method of divination allows us to interpret the patterns formed by geographic features, soil, rocks, or sand. From Africa to Europe, and even in Asia, geomancy holds a significant place in the history of divination.
Unveiling the History
The term "geomancy" finds its roots in the Greek word geōmanteía, which translates literally to "earth divination." This term was borrowed from the Arabic term ‛ilm al-raml, meaning the "science of the sand." Geomancy was widely practiced in the Arab world, where practitioners sketched sixteen random lines of dots in the sand. This ancient process survived the test of time and made its way to Europe, where it remains a cherished art.
Forms of Geomancy
Arabic Geomancy
In the Arabic tradition, practitioners sketch random lines of dots on the sand. This process has remained virtually unchanged throughout centuries and is still practiced in various Arabic countries. African divination techniques also follow similar unchanged traditions, often involving throwing dirt in the air and observing its fall. Ifá, an ancient form of geomancy originating in West Africa, uses the same sixteen geomantic figures as Arabic and Western geomancy but with different meanings and names.
Chinese Geomancy
In China, diviners may enter a trance and make markings on the ground, which are then interpreted by an associate. Similar practices involve scrying, where patterns seen in rocks or soil are used for divination. The Chinese divination practice of the I Ching shares striking similarities with geomancy. It utilizes binary trigrams that are generated at random, resulting in a single hexagram. This practice yields a smaller set of resulting charts compared to geomancy.
Vastu Shastra: The Indian Science of Architecture
Vastu shastra, known as the "science of architecture," is a traditional Indian system of design principles that integrate architecture with nature and ancient beliefs. It uses geometric patterns, symmetry, and directional alignments to harmonize various parts of a structure and the overall environment. Vastu shastra principles encompass not only the design of Hindu temples but also houses, gardens, towns, and other public areas.
Central Asian Kumalak
Kumalak is a type of geomancy practiced in Central Asian regions such as Kazakhstan and Tuva. Shamans use a three by three grid and ritually place up to 41 beads to connect with their ancestors and spiritual guides. Kumalak is considered an ancient system of knowledge, deeply rooted in their civilization.
Korean Geomancy
Geomancy in Korea takes the form of interpreting the topography of the land to predict future events or gauge the strength of a dynasty or family. The topography plays a crucial role, as it can influence the need for relocation due to shifts in land forms.
Feng Shui: Harmonizing Energies
Feng shui, often referred to as "geomancy," is a Chinese tradition that manipulates energy flow based on aesthetics, location, and object positioning. It aims to harmonize the energies surrounding buildings and spaces. Similarly, vastu shastra, an Indian system of aesthetics and positioning, has also come under the umbrella of "geomancy." Over time, the definition of "geomancy" has expanded to encompass various spiritual and metaphysical practices related to the Earth.
Into the World of Fantasy
In the realm of fantasy literature, geomancy often takes on a magical form, specifically associated with the element of Earth. Crystals, metals, and the power to control the earth itself make geomancy a fascinating concept.
Conclusion
Geomancy, with its rich history and diverse forms, continues to captivate and inspire. From the sands of Africa to the temples of India, and the ancient traditions of China, geomancy has stood the test of time. Whether you seek divination or are intrigued by the mystical, exploring the world of geomancy promises to be an enchanting journey.
References:
- Elizabeth Bennet's web site - Medieval Geomancy
- John Michael Greer's web site - Collegium Geomanticum
- Ron Eglash's web site (Ethnomathematician)
- Wim van Binsbergen's web site (African studies professor)
- Renaissance Astrology - Astrological Geomancy
- Astrogem Astrological Geomancy
- A Potted History of Geomancy by Richard Creightmore