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Divination is defined as the practice of seeking insight into a situation through occult rituals or the interpretation of signs and omens.
Answer: True
Explanation: The practice of divination is fundamentally understood as the attempt to gain insight into a situation or question through occult rituals or the interpretation of signs and omens.
Fortune-telling is considered a more formal and ritualistic practice than divination, often occurring within a religious context.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source material clarifies that divination is typically the more formal and ritualistic practice, often occurring within religious or social contexts, while fortune-telling is generally viewed as a more everyday, personal practice.
Divination primarily serves to manipulate events directly, rather than investigating causes or identifying dangers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that divination often serves a preliminary, investigative role, diagnosing ailments or identifying dangers, thereby informing subsequent magical practices aimed at manipulation or alleviation.
Theriomancy is a divination method involving the use of books.
Answer: False
Explanation: Theriomancy is a divination method based on the interpretation of animal behavior or entrails, whereas bibliomancy involves the use of books.
Divination is often seen as separate from religious and magical practices, with little historical overlap.
Answer: False
Explanation: Divination is frequently viewed as an integral part of broader religious and magical practices, demonstrating significant historical overlap and interdependence across cultures.
Divination is solely concerned with interpreting omens and has no connection to seeking insight into questions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Divination is broadly concerned with interpreting omens and signs to gain insight into specific questions or situations, connecting these interpretations to potential future outcomes or underlying causes.
What is the fundamental definition of divination according to the source?
Answer: The attempt to gain insight into a question via occult rituals or interpretation of signs.
Explanation: The fundamental definition of divination is the attempt to gain insight into a question or situation through occult rituals or the interpretation of signs and omens.
Which of the following is mentioned as a method used in divination?
Answer: Rune casting
Explanation: Various methods have been employed in divination throughout history, including practices such as Tarot-card reading, rune casting, tea-leaf reading, automatic writing, water scrying, and the use of psychedelics.
How does the source differentiate divination from fortune-telling?
Answer: Divination is formal/ritualistic; fortune-telling is everyday/personal.
Explanation: The source differentiates divination as typically more formal and ritualistic, often within religious or social contexts, while fortune-telling is generally considered a more everyday, personal practice.
What is the described functional relationship between divination and magic?
Answer: Divination acts as an investigative precursor to magic.
Explanation: Divination often serves a preliminary and investigative role in relation to magic, diagnosing causes or identifying dangers, thereby providing knowledge that magic rituals can then act upon.
Which of the following is listed as a divination method involving the use of books?
Answer: Bibliomancy
Explanation: Bibliomancy is a divination method that involves the use of books, typically by opening one to a random page and interpreting the text for guidance.
Which of the following divination methods involves interpreting signs from animals?
Answer: Theriomancy
Explanation: Theriomancy is the divination method that involves interpreting signs derived from animals, such as their behavior or entrails.
The Oracle of Amun at the Siwa Oasis became famous partly due to a visit from Alexander the Great.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Oracle of Amun at the Siwa Oasis gained significant fame, partly attributed to the notable visit by Alexander the Great following his conquest of Egypt.
Biblical passages like Deuteronomy 18:10-12 are interpreted as encouraging divination practices.
Answer: False
Explanation: Passages such as Deuteronomy 18:10-12 are generally interpreted as prohibitions against divination, rather than encouragement of such practices.
Extispicy involved interpreting the entrails of sacrificial animals to understand divine messages.
Answer: True
Explanation: Extispicy was a divination method wherein the entrails of sacrificial animals were meticulously interpreted to discern divine messages and intentions.
In ancient Greece, oracles were considered interpreters of signs, while seers delivered prophecies verbatim.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source distinguishes between oracles, who were considered direct conduits for the gods delivering prophecies verbatim, and seers, who interpreted divine signs through various methods.
Greek generals relied solely on the observed movements of sacrificed animals on the battlefield, ignoring any verbal prophecies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Greek generals consulted seers and considered omens derived from sacrifices and observed signs, which influenced their decisions, rather than solely relying on animal movements and ignoring verbal prophecies.
Despite potential doubts about individual practitioners, the craft of divination was generally distrusted by the ancient Greeks.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, the source indicates that the craft of divination was generally well-regarded and trusted by the ancient Greeks, with even Stoic philosophers incorporating its validity into their systems.
The eternal fire at Nymphaion in Illyria functioned as an oracle known to ancient authors.
Answer: True
Explanation: The eternal fire at Nymphaion in Illyria served as an oracle, recognized and documented by ancient Greek and Roman authors.
Extispicy was primarily practiced in ancient Greece, not the Near East.
Answer: False
Explanation: Extispicy was a common divination method in the ancient Near East, including Mesopotamia and Israel, as well as being practiced in ancient Greece.
How are certain biblical passages, like Deuteronomy 18:10-12, interpreted regarding divination?
Answer: As prohibitions against divination.
Explanation: Biblical passages such as Deuteronomy 18:10-12 are interpreted as prohibitions against divination, condemning practices associated with it.
What practice involved interpreting the organs of sacrificial animals in the ancient Near East?
Answer: Extispicy
Explanation: Extispicy was a divination method prevalent in the ancient Near East that involved interpreting the entrails of sacrificial animals to discern divine messages.
In ancient Greece, what distinguished an oracle from a seer?
Answer: Oracles were direct conduits for gods; seers interpreted signs.
Explanation: In ancient Greece, oracles were considered direct conduits for the gods, delivering prophecies verbatim, while seers functioned as interpreters of divine signs through various methods.
How did Greek generals use seers before battles?
Answer: They examined sacrifices and observed omens provided by seers.
Explanation: Greek generals consulted seers before battles, examining sacrifices and observing omens derived from them to inform decisions on military strategy.
Despite skepticism towards individuals, how was the craft of divination generally perceived by the Greeks?
Answer: As generally well-regarded and trusted.
Explanation: The craft of divination was generally well-regarded and trusted by the ancient Greeks, even when individual practitioners faced skepticism, with Stoic philosophers integrating its validity into their systems.
Which ancient site functioned as an oracle known to Greek and Roman authors, featuring an eternal fire?
Answer: Nymphaion in Illyria
Explanation: Nymphaion in Illyria functioned as an oracle known to ancient Greek and Roman authors, distinguished by its eternal fire.
How did Greek generals use the examination of sacrifices (hiera) and the observation of blood flow (sphagia)?
Answer: To influence decisions on whether to advance or remain defensive.
Explanation: Greek generals employed the examination of sacrifices (hiera) and the observation of blood flow (sphagia) to inform critical decisions regarding military strategy, specifically whether to advance or maintain a defensive posture.
Which ancient Near Eastern divination method involved praying to gods before vivisecting a sacrificial animal?
Answer: Extispicy
Explanation: Extispicy, a prevalent divination method in the ancient Near East, involved praying to the gods before vivisecting a sacrificial animal to interpret divine messages from its organs.
In Islamic tradition, astrology ('ilm ahkam al-nujum) was the least widespread divinatory science.
Answer: False
Explanation: Astrology, known as 'ilm ahkam al-nujum in Islamic tradition, was actually the most widespread divinatory science, studied for its insights into celestial influences on human lives.
Islamic scholars strictly separated astronomy as a science from astrology, with no overlap in practice.
Answer: False
Explanation: While distinct fields, Islamic scholars often found the lines between astronomy and astrology blurred in practice, with astrologers frequently possessing scientific and astronomical training.
Geomancy ('ilm al-raml) involves interpreting figures traced on sand or other surfaces.
Answer: True
Explanation: Geomancy, or 'ilm al-raml, is a popular Islamic divination method that relies on the interpretation of figures traced on surfaces such as sand.
Dream interpretation ('ilm ta'bir al-ru'ya) was considered insignificant in Islam due to its association with superstition.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dream interpretation ('ilm ta'bir al-ru'ya) held significance in Islam, particularly 'sound dreams,' which were considered a component of prophecy and were analyzed by skilled practitioners.
The 'science of letters' ('ilm al-huruf) in Islam suggested that divine truth could be found in objects by studying Quranic letters and using alphanumeric computations.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'science of letters' ('ilm al-huruf) in Islam was based on the principle that divine truth could be uncovered in objects by studying Quranic letters and employing alphanumeric computations.
Abu-Hamid al Ghazali justified esoteric sciences like divination by comparing practitioners to physicians using natural principles.
Answer: False
Explanation: Scholars like Abu-Hamid al-Ghazali objected to divination due to its similarity to pagan practices, while other scholars justified esoteric sciences by comparing practitioners to physicians using natural principles.
The 'Falnama' are illustrated books used for divination, reflecting apocalyptic fears around the Islamic millennium.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Falnama,' or 'Book of Omens,' emerged in the early 16th century and encapsulated apocalyptic fears associated with the approaching Islamic millennium.
Astrology in Islamic tradition studied how celestial entities influenced daily human lives.
Answer: True
Explanation: Astrology within Islamic tradition focused on examining the influence of celestial bodies and entities on the daily lives and destinies of humans.
'Ilm al-huruf, the 'science of letters' in Islam, focused on interpreting dreams for divine messages.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Islamic 'science of letters' ('ilm al-huruf) focused on uncovering divine truth through the study of Quranic letters and alphanumeric computations, distinct from dream interpretation ('ilm ta'bir al-ru'ya).
Which divinatory science was the most widespread in Islamic tradition?
Answer: Astrology ('ilm ahkam al-nujum)
Explanation: Astrology, known as 'ilm ahkam al-nujum in Islamic tradition, was the most widespread divinatory science, studied for its insights into celestial influences on human lives.
How did Islamic scholars distinguish between astrology and astronomy?
Answer: Astronomy was a science; astrology, though often tolerated, was technically outlawed.
Explanation: Islamic scholars distinguished astronomy as a science from astrology, which, although often tolerated and practiced, was technically considered outlawed, despite the blurring of lines in practical application.
What is the core principle behind Islamic geomancy ('ilm al-raml)?
Answer: Deriving meaning from figures traced on surfaces.
Explanation: The core principle of Islamic geomancy ('ilm al-raml) involves deriving meaning from unique positions and patterns formed by figures traced on surfaces, such as sand.
In Islam, which type of dream was considered significant and potentially part of prophecy?
Answer: Sound dreams
Explanation: In Islamic tradition, 'sound dreams' were considered significant and potentially part of prophecy, distinct from incoherent dreams or nightmares.
The Islamic 'science of letters' ('ilm al-huruf) involved uncovering divine truth through:
Answer: Studying Quranic letters and using alphanumeric computations.
Explanation: The Islamic 'science of letters' ('ilm al-huruf) involved uncovering divine truth by studying Quranic letters and employing alphanumeric computations, based on the belief that language holds divine essence.
Which statement best reflects the debate surrounding divination within Islam?
Answer: Scholars like al-Ghazali objected due to pagan similarities, while others justified it.
Explanation: The debate within Islam regarding divination involved scholars like al-Ghazali objecting due to similarities with pagan practices, while others justified esoteric sciences by drawing parallels with naturalistic principles.
The 'Falnama' are significant because they are:
Answer: Islamic illustrated 'Books of Omens' used for divination.
Explanation: The 'Falnama' are significant as they are illustrated Islamic 'Books of Omens' used for divination, which emerged in the early 16th century and reflected apocalyptic fears of the time.
The 'science of letters' ('ilm al-huruf) in Islamic tradition was based on the belief that:
Answer: God created the world through speech, with Arabic language holding essence.
Explanation: The 'science of letters' ('ilm al-huruf) in Islamic tradition was based on the foundational belief that God created the world through speech, and that the Arabic language inherently carries the essence of this creation.
The 'Book of Omens' (Falnama) embodied fears related to:
Answer: The approach of the Islamic millennium.
Explanation: The 'Falnama,' or 'Book of Omens,' emerged in the early 16th century and encapsulated apocalyptic fears associated with the approaching Islamic millennium.
Årsgång was a divination practice involving fasting and isolation to interpret symbols for foreseeing the coming year, practiced in Sweden.
Answer: True
Explanation: Årsgång was indeed a divination practice observed in Sweden, characterized by fasting and isolation undertaken to interpret symbols and foresee events in the coming year.
In West African countries like Senegal and Gambia, divination practices were separate from Islamic religious leadership.
Answer: False
Explanation: In West African countries such as Senegal and Gambia, divination practices were often integrated with Islamic religious leadership, with diviners and religious leaders frequently being interchangeable.
Divination was a minor aspect of religious life in ancient Mesoamerica, primarily practiced by commoners.
Answer: False
Explanation: Divination was a central component of religious life in ancient Mesoamerica, not a minor aspect, and was practiced across various societal strata.
Pre-Columbian Mexican divination methods included scrying, casting lots, and using visions derived from hallucinogens.
Answer: True
Explanation: Pre-Columbian Mexican divination indeed encompassed methods such as scrying, casting lots, and utilizing visions induced by hallucinogenic substances.
Theyyam, practiced in India, involves a devotee inviting a Hindu deity to possess their body to answer questions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Theyyam, a practice found in India, involves a devotee inviting a Hindu deity to possess their body, thereby enabling the deity to answer questions posed by supplicants.
The Nechung Oracle is consulted by the Dalai Lama and is considered the official state oracle of Tibet.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Nechung Oracle holds the status of the official state oracle of Tibet and is regularly consulted by the Dalai Lama.
Contemporary divination (uranai) in Japan primarily relies on ancient, indigenous methods like onmyōdō.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contemporary divination (uranai) in Japan draws significantly from external influences, including Western and Chinese astrology, geomancy, and tarot cards, alongside indigenous traditions.
Japanese personality typing for divination includes factors like blood type, planetary influences, and facial features.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, Japanese personality typing for divination utilizes a range of factors, including blood type, planetary influences, cardinal directions, elements, yin-yang principles, name analysis, numerology, and physical characteristics like facial features.
Japanese tarot cards often feature manga characters or cultural symbols and function similarly to Western tarot.
Answer: True
Explanation: Japanese tarot cards have been adapted to incorporate elements of visual culture, such as manga characters and distinct cultural symbols, while maintaining functionality similar to Western tarot for forecasting and self-understanding.
In Taiwan, the 'Poe' divination method requires one block to fall flat and one rounded side up for a 'Yes' answer, needing three consecutive successes.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Poe' divination method in Taiwan utilizes crescent-shaped blocks, where a 'Yes' answer is indicated by one block falling flat and the other rounded side up, requiring three consecutive affirmative results.
The Kiō-á divination method in Taiwan involves interpreting sounds made by a wooden chair.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Kiō-á method in Taiwan involves interpreting characters traced from the crash of a wooden chair onto wood chips, rather than the sounds made by the chair itself.
In the Serer religion of Senegal, divination is exclusively performed by initiated Saltigues, who hold priestly roles.
Answer: True
Explanation: Within the Serer religion of Senegal, divination is exclusively conducted by initiated Saltigues, who function as high priests and priestesses holding significant religious and medicinal roles.
Nggäm in Cameroon and Poe in Taiwan are examples of divination practices associated with specific cultures.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nggäm in Cameroon and Poe in Taiwan are indeed cited as examples of divination practices deeply rooted in their respective cultural contexts.
Tezcatlipoca, an Aztec god, was the patron of sorcerers and linked to scrying mirrors.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tezcatlipoca, a prominent deity in Aztec mythology, was associated with sorcery and the use of scrying mirrors as tools for divination.
Theyyam is a divination practice found in Tibet where deities possess devotees.
Answer: False
Explanation: Theyyam is a divination practice indigenous to India, not Tibet, and involves a devotee inviting a Hindu deity to possess their body to answer questions.
The Kiō-á divination method in Taiwan involves interpreting characters traced from a wooden chair's crash onto wood chips.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Kiō-á divination method in Taiwan involves interpreting characters traced from the impact of a wooden chair onto wood chips, which is believed to convey messages from a deity.
The Swedish practice of Årsgång involved:
Answer: Fasting and isolation to interpret symbols for the year ahead.
Explanation: Årsgång, a Swedish divination practice, involved periods of fasting and isolation undertaken to interpret symbols and foresee events pertaining to the coming year.
How did divination become integrated into West African Islam, for example in Senegal and Gambia?
Answer: It was adopted by aristocratic courts and linked to religious leaders.
Explanation: In West African Islam, divination practices were adopted by aristocratic courts and closely linked to religious leaders, becoming integrated into the spread and practice of Islam in regions like Senegal and Gambia.
In ancient Mesoamerica, which deity was associated with sorcery and linked to scrying mirrors?
Answer: Tezcatlipoca
Explanation: Tezcatlipoca, a significant deity in Aztec mythology, was associated with sorcery and the use of scrying mirrors as instruments for divination.
Common divination methods in pre-Columbian Mexico included:
Answer: Scrying, casting lots, and using hallucinogens.
Explanation: Common divination methods employed in pre-Columbian Mexico encompassed scrying using reflective surfaces, casting lots, and deriving visions from hallucinogenic substances.
The Indian practice of Theyyam involves:
Answer: A devotee inviting a deity to possess their body to answer questions.
Explanation: The Indian practice of Theyyam involves a devotee inviting a Hindu deity to possess their body, thereby enabling the deity to answer questions posed by supplicants.
Who consults the Nechung Oracle, considered the official state oracle of Tibet?
Answer: The Dalai Lama
Explanation: The Nechung Oracle, recognized as the official state oracle of Tibet, is regularly consulted by the Dalai Lama.
Contemporary divination (uranai) in Japan incorporates influences from:
Answer: Western and Chinese astrology, geomancy, and tarot cards.
Explanation: Contemporary divination (uranai) in Japan integrates influences from Western and Chinese astrology, geomancy, and tarot cards, alongside traditional indigenous methods.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor used in Japanese personality typing for divination?
Answer: Birth order
Explanation: Japanese personality typing for divination includes factors such as blood type, planetary influences, and facial features, but birth order is not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
The Taiwanese divination practice 'Poe' uses crescent-shaped blocks, where a 'Yes' is indicated by:
Answer: One block flat and one rounded side up.
Explanation: In the Taiwanese 'Poe' divination method, a 'Yes' answer is indicated when one of the crescent-shaped blocks falls flat side up and the other falls rounded side up.
In the Taiwanese Kiō-á method, what is interpreted to convey messages from a deity?
Answer: Characters traced from the chair's crash onto wood chips.
Explanation: The Kiō-á divination method in Taiwan involves interpreting characters traced from the crash of a wooden chair onto prepared wood chips, which are believed to be messages from a deity.
Who exclusively performs divination within the Serer religion of Senegal?
Answer: Initiated Saltigues
Explanation: Within the Serer religion of Senegal, divination is exclusively performed by initiated Saltigues, who also serve in religious and medicinal capacities.
Which practice is described as a divination method where a small wooden chair with movable pieces is used before an altar?
Answer: Kiō-á
Explanation: The Kiō-á divination practice from Taiwan is described as involving a small wooden chair with movable pieces, which is placed before an altar to facilitate communication with a deity.
How did the spread of Islam tie into divination practices in West African countries like Senegal and Gambia?
Answer: Divination practices were adopted by local courts and linked to religious leaders.
Explanation: The spread of Islam in West Africa became closely intertwined with divination practices, which were adopted by local aristocratic courts and often linked directly to religious leadership, thereby reinforcing the perceived power of the Islamic faith.
In ancient Mesoamerica, Mayan creation deities performed which divinatory practice?
Answer: Divinatory hand casting
Explanation: Mayan creation deities in ancient Mesoamerica are noted for performing divinatory hand casting as a practice.
How were Japanese tarot cards adapted from Western traditions?
Answer: They incorporated manga characters and cultural symbols.
Explanation: Japanese tarot cards were adapted by incorporating elements of visual culture, such as manga characters and distinct cultural symbols, while maintaining functionality similar to Western tarot for forecasting and self-understanding.
What is the primary role of the Saltigues in the Serer religion of Senegal?
Answer: To exclusively perform divination and serve religious/medicinal roles.
Explanation: The primary role of the Saltigues in the Serer religion is the exclusive performance of divination, alongside their service in religious and medicinal capacities.
The scientific community generally supports the claims that divination techniques reliably predict the future beyond chance.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the modern era, divination has been dismissed by the scientific community as superstitious, as scientific experiments have not supported the claim that divination techniques can reliably predict the future beyond chance.
Ancient critics of divination included philosophers like Cicero and Sextus Empiricus, as well as the satirist Lucian.
Answer: True
Explanation: In antiquity, divination faced criticism from philosophers such as Cicero and Sextus Empiricus, along with the satirist Lucian, who questioned its validity and efficacy.
Christian authorities consistently supported divination throughout the Middle Ages and Early Modern period.
Answer: False
Explanation: Christian authorities generally viewed divination as a pagan practice, with councils and laws enacted to eliminate or forbid it during the Middle Ages and Early Modern period.
What is the primary criticism leveled against divination by Augustine of Hippo?
Answer: It relied on demons rather than divine sources.
Explanation: Augustine of Hippo's primary criticism was that divination derived its power not from divine sources, but from demons, who utilized their superior senses and experience to interpret natural signs.
From a scientific perspective, divination techniques are praised for their strong empirical evidence and reliability.
Answer: False
Explanation: From a scientific standpoint, divination techniques are criticized for lacking empirical evidence and reliable predictive power, leading to their classification as pseudoscience or superstition.
Augustine of Hippo believed demons could foretell events due to their superior senses and experience, but their predictions were always accurate.
Answer: False
Explanation: Augustine of Hippo acknowledged that demons could foretell events due to their acute senses and experience, but he cautioned that their predictions were not always accurate and were subject to God's ultimate plan.
The Stoics rejected divination, viewing it as incompatible with their philosophical physics.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, Stoic philosophers integrated the validity of divination into their philosophical physics, indicating an acceptance rather than rejection of the practice.
The Quinisext Council in 692 passed canons to encourage divination practices within the church.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Quinisext Council, convened in 692, actually passed canons aimed at eliminating divination practices within the church, rather than encouraging them.
Augustine of Hippo believed demons could foretell events due to their superior senses and experience, but their predictions were always accurate.
Answer: False
Explanation: Augustine of Hippo acknowledged that demons could foretell events due to their acute senses and experience, but he cautioned that their predictions were not always accurate and were subject to God's ultimate plan.
According to the source, what is the modern scientific view on divination?
Answer: It is dismissed as superstitious, lacking empirical support.
Explanation: The modern scientific view dismisses divination as superstitious, citing a lack of empirical evidence and reliable predictive power demonstrated in scientific experiments.
Which ancient figure, known for skepticism, criticized divination?
Answer: Sextus Empiricus
Explanation: Sextus Empiricus, an ancient skeptic philosopher, is noted among those who criticized divination, alongside figures like Cicero and the satirist Lucian.
What action did Christian authorities take regarding divination during the Middle Ages and Early Modern period?
Answer: They passed laws and canons to eliminate or forbid the practice.
Explanation: Christian authorities during the Middle Ages and Early Modern period generally viewed divination as a pagan practice and enacted laws and canons to eliminate or forbid it.
Augustine of Hippo attributed the divinatory power of demons primarily to:
Answer: Their acute senses and experience interpreting natural signs.
Explanation: Augustine of Hippo attributed the divinatory power of demons to their possession of acute senses and extensive experience, which allowed them to interpret natural signs that humans might overlook.
The Stoics incorporated the validity of divination into their philosophical physics, indicating:
Answer: An acceptance of divination as part of the natural order.
Explanation: The Stoics' integration of divination's validity into their philosophical physics signified an acceptance of divination as a component of the natural order and a means of understanding cosmic causality.
What is the primary criticism leveled against divination by Augustine of Hippo?
Answer: It relied on demons rather than divine sources.
Explanation: Augustine of Hippo's primary criticism was that divination derived its power not from divine sources, but from demons, who utilized their superior senses and experience to interpret natural signs.
According to Augustine of Hippo, what enabled demons to possess divinatory power?
Answer: Their acute senses and experience interpreting natural signs.
Explanation: Augustine of Hippo attributed the divinatory power of demons to their possession of acute senses and extensive experience, which allowed them to interpret natural signs that humans might overlook.
What criticism did the scientific community level against divination in the modern era?
Answer: It lacked empirical evidence and reliable predictive power.
Explanation: The scientific community's primary criticism of divination in the modern era is its lack of empirical evidence and reliable predictive power, leading to its dismissal as superstitious.
'Drawing down the Moon' in Wicca is a ritual focused solely on predicting lunar cycles.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Wiccan ritual 'Drawing down the Moon' is primarily aimed at invoking the Goddess to channel her energy and wisdom, serving as a form of divination and spiritual connection, rather than solely predicting lunar cycles.
The athame and chalice are common magical tools used in Wicca, often employed in divination rituals.
Answer: True
Explanation: The athame and chalice are indeed common magical tools within Wicca, frequently utilized in various rituals, including those involving divination.
The 'Great Rite' in Wicca symbolically represents the union of the divine masculine and feminine and can be used for divination.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Great Rite' in Wicca symbolizes the union of the divine masculine and feminine and is employed in magical workings and divination practices.
The 'Witch-cult hypothesis' suggests a widespread pre-Christian pagan religion centered on witchcraft, influencing interpretations of associated practices like divination.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Witch-cult hypothesis' posits the existence of a widespread pre-Christian pagan religion centered on witchcraft, which has influenced historical interpretations of witchcraft and its associated practices, including divination.
The 'Wheel of the Year' in Neopagan witchcraft represents eight seasonal festivals, often including divination rituals.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Wheel of the Year in Neopagan witchcraft symbolizes the cycle of eight seasonal festivals, which are frequently accompanied by rituals that may incorporate divination.
A 'magic circle' in witchcraft is created to invite chaotic energy into the ritual space.
Answer: False
Explanation: A magic circle in witchcraft is created to define a sacred space, acting as a boundary between the mundane world and the magical realm, and is used to contain and direct energy, not invite chaos.
The 'Rule of Three' in Wiccan morality states that actions should only be taken if they benefit the practitioner threefold.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Rule of Three,' or the Law of Return, is a Wiccan ethical principle stating that whatever energy a person sends out into the world will return to them threefold, influencing magical practices and intent.
The Wiccan Rede includes the principle 'An it harm none, do what thou wilt,' guiding ethical conduct.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Wiccan Rede is a foundational ethical guideline for Wiccans, prominently featuring the principle 'An it harm none, do what thou wilt,' which guides their actions and magical practices.
The 'Malleus Maleficarum' was a treatise that supported witchcraft and divination practices.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Malleus Maleficarum' (Hammer of Witches) was a treatise that heavily influenced the persecution of alleged witches, detailing beliefs about their practices, including divination, rather than supporting them.
A 'Book of Shadows' in Wicca is a public record of common magical spells available to all practitioners.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 'Book of Shadows' in Wicca serves as a personal grimoire or spellbook, containing rituals, spells, correspondences, and divination techniques specific to the individual practitioner, rather than being a public record.
'Maleficium' refers to beneficial magical acts performed by witches, such as healing.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Maleficium' refers to the harmful magical acts attributed to witches, such as causing illness, crop failure, or misfortune, rather than beneficial acts like healing.
Familiar spirits were believed to assist witches in their magical practices, including divination.
Answer: True
Explanation: The belief system surrounding witchcraft posited that familiar spirits assisted practitioners in various magical activities, including divination, by providing guidance or power.
In Wicca, the ritual 'Drawing down the Moon' is primarily used for:
Answer: Channeling divine energy and wisdom.
Explanation: The Wiccan ritual 'Drawing down the Moon' is primarily used for channeling divine energy and wisdom from the Goddess, serving as a form of spiritual connection and divination.
The 'Rule of Three' or 'Law of Return' in Wicca emphasizes:
Answer: The threefold return of energy sent out into the world.
Explanation: The 'Rule of Three,' also known as the 'Law of Return,' emphasizes that energy sent out into the world returns to the sender threefold, influencing ethical considerations in magical practices.
What is the historical significance of the 'Malleus Maleficarum'?
Answer: It heavily influenced the persecution of alleged witches.
Explanation: The 'Malleus Maleficarum' significantly influenced the persecution of alleged witches by detailing beliefs about witchcraft and its associated practices, including divination.
What does 'maleficium' refer to in the context of witchcraft accusations?
Answer: Harmful magical acts, such as causing illness or misfortune.
Explanation: 'Maleficium' refers to the harmful magical acts attributed to witches, such as causing illness, crop failure, or misfortune, which were central to witchcraft accusations.
How did the concept of 'familiar spirits' relate to witchcraft?
Answer: They were thought to assist witches in magical practices, including divination.
Explanation: Familiar spirits were believed to be supernatural entities that assisted witches in their magical practices, including divination, by providing guidance or power.
The 'Wheel of the Year' in Neopagan witchcraft relates to:
Answer: The eight seasonal festivals observed in traditions like Wicca.
Explanation: The Wheel of the Year in Neopagan witchcraft symbolizes the cycle of eight seasonal festivals observed in traditions such as Wicca, which often include divination rituals.
What is the function of a 'magic circle' in witchcraft rituals?
Answer: To define a sacred space and contain energy.
Explanation: A magic circle serves to establish a sacred space, delineating a boundary between the mundane and the magical, and is employed to contain and direct energy during various ritualistic activities, including divination.
The Wiccan 'Wiccan Rede' is best known for which ethical guideline?
Answer: An it harm none, do what thou wilt.
Explanation: The Wiccan Rede is best known for the ethical guideline 'An it harm none, do what thou wilt,' which guides practitioners in their magical actions and personal conduct.
A 'Book of Shadows' in Wicca serves as a:
Answer: Personal grimoire or spellbook.
Explanation: A 'Book of Shadows' in Wicca serves as a personal grimoire or spellbook, containing rituals, spells, correspondences, and divination techniques specific to the individual practitioner.
The Wiccan ethical principle stating that actions return threefold is known as the:
Answer: Rule of Three
Explanation: This principle, stating that actions return threefold, is known within Wicca as the 'Rule of Three' or the 'Law of Return'.