lampadomancy
{{Short description|Form of divination using a single oil lamp or a torch flame}}
Lampadomancy is a form of divination using a single oil lamp or a torch flame.
As with Lychnoscopy, the diviner reads presages from the movements of the flame. An alternate method is also practiced, consisting of reading the spots of carbon deposited on paper sheets held over the flame. In yet another method, the diviner uses the lamp as a means of "attracting spirits to the flames", in the hope of consulting them regarding future events. In this method, usually a specially designed lamp is employed, on the belief that grotesque forms will attract the spirits.{{cn|date=February 2022}}
Lychnomancy is a related form of divination with flames of three identical candles arranged in a triangle.
Lampadomancy was a popular method of divination in ancient Egypt,{{cite book
| title=Magic in ancient Egypt | first=Geraldine | last=Pinch | publisher=University of Texas Press | year=1995 | isbn=0-292-76559-2 | page=80 }} where diviners would perform it at midday in a darkened room illuminated by a single lamp filled with oasis oil.{{Citation needed|date=May 2011}}
References
{{Reflist}}
- {{cite book | page=[https://archive.org/details/fortunetellingbo00buck/page/290 290] | title=The fortune-telling book: the encyclopedia of divination and soothsaying | url=https://archive.org/details/fortunetellingbo00buck | url-access=registration | first=Raymond | last=Buckland | publisher=Visible Ink Press | year=2003 | isbn=1-57859-147-3 }}
- {{cite book | page=330 | title=Observations on the popular antiquities of Great Britain: chiefly illustrating the origin of our vulgar and provincial customs, ceremonies, and superstitions | volume=3 | first1=John | last1=Brand | first2=Sir Henry | last2=Ellis | first3=James Orchard | last3=Halliwell-Phillipps | publisher=Bohn | year=1849 }}
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