A Collection of Strange Beliefs, Amusing Deceptions, and Dangerous Delusions

From Abracadabra to Zombies


reader comments: scapulimancy

09 Sep 1996
In reading through your section on scapulomancy, I noted that you have omitted reference to evidence that this practice has ancient origins. If memory serves me correctly, I believe that it was practiced in China's earliest pre-historical and earliest historical periods (Shang dynasty-approx 2200 B.C.). Words were written on the bones and the cracks through the writings were then interpreted. It was imperative to guard the new writing skills from being disseminated in order to maintain a monopoly on this method of divining the gods' wills. This is my recollection from my studies of ancient Chinese history and religion. Though somewhat rusty from lack of use and vague, I hope you find this information interesting.

B. Dorsey

larrow.gif (1051 bytes) scapulimancy

 

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