THE ANCIENT ORACLES
Reading edition
The telling of fortunes and the predicting of the future in ancient times was the work of the Oracles. In the ancient religions the Oracle was believed to be a revelation made by some god or divinity in reply to the questions of men. The word “oracle” was applied both to the answer and to the sacred place where the answer was given. The responses were made either by priests and priestesses or by signs and portents.
At the Oracle of Dodona the responses were given either by the movements of leaves, the noise of brazen vessels, or the murmurings of the waters of a fountain. Usually springs or grottos of which the waters were known to have delirious effects were selected for the sites of the oracles. At Dydima the vapor of the water affected both the priestess and person who consulted her. At Delphi the priestess, who was called the “Pythia,” delivered her utterances from a tripod placed over a chasm, from which intoxicating vapors arose. In some of the oracles, incense and artificial fumigations were used.
The answers of the oracles were famous for their obscurity and lack of meaning. They were often susceptible of two or more meanings. When King Crœsus asked of the oracle whether he should make war against Alexander, the reply was: “If you make war you destroy a great kingdom.” Crœsus began the war thinking that he would destroy Alexander, but it was his own kingdom that he destroyed.
The responses of the Pythia were not considered authoritative till they had been submitted and approved by the presiding priest. Delphi was the most famous oracle and became the center of all the Greek oracles. Even the Romans believed in its power.
With the coming of Christianity, the oracles lost much of their influence. Eusebius affirms that Christ put an end to the reign of Satan on earth and thereafter the oracles became silent.
In Greece there were altogether twenty-two oracles to Apollo, which were consulted for various purposes. One was used exclusively for the interpretation of dreams, another for the foretelling of battles, still another was consulted by those who went into the Olympian games to find out whether they would be victorious. At Patræ sick persons came to inquire whether they would get well. At Nysa the priests would take patients and induce a cataleptic sleep, during which the sick man prescribed his own remedy.
It is easy to see why many of the utterances of the oracles came true. They appealed to the superstition of the primitive people, who took the replies as coming from their gods, and tried to live up to them. The will to see the prophecy fulfilled was often sufficient to make it come true.
Napoleon’s Oraculum
This well-known method of telling fortunes is exceedingly ancient, and was a favorite with Napoleon;—hence its name. The usual method was to mark down four rows of dots at random on a sheet of paper and then count them. If the first row had an uneven number of dots, one star was put in the first place, if an even number, two stars were put down, and so for each of the four rows. The resulting figure gave the key by which the chart was to be consulted. It often happened, however, that the questioner consciously or unconsciously regulated the number of dots to suit his purpose.
A more modern and strictly impartial way is the following: Take any book. Hold it tightly shut and stick a card at random between two of its pages. Open the book at those pages, note the first four words on the upper line of the left-hand page. Count the letters in these four words. If the first word has an even number place two dots in the first space, if odd, place only one dot. Then take the second word and place one or two dots in the same way, and so for the other two words. You will thus get a symbol that may look as follows:
or or .
These are called the Astral “Keys.” There are 16 possible constructions or keys. Now ask your question. Turn to the Cabalistic Chart on page 35. Decide on which of the 16 questions you want to ask. Note the number opposite that question. Run your finger along the top of the table till you find the Astral Key which you have just formed. At the junction of this column with the number line, you will find a mystic letter which tells you which of the oraculum tables to consult. For example: You want to ask the question, “Shall I recover my property?” This you find is No. 6 on the chart; the symbol is . Find this symbol, run your finger down the column till it meets with the line of No. 6, and it gives you the mystic letter A. Turn to the oraculum table marked A and opposite the same symbol you will find the reply, “You will not recover your property.”
Instead of the book and card plan, four dice may be used in the same manner. The points indicating the even or uneven numbers of dots in the symbol.
Do not ask a question more than once in any one day. Always begin the search by reciting the formula:
“Oraculum, Oraculum, Tell true fortune, or be dumb.”
The following are unlucky days, on which none of the questions should be asked, or any adventure undertaken:
January 1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 12, 20; February 1, 17, 18; March 14, 16; April 10, 17, 18; May 7, 8; June 17; July 17, 21; August 20, 21; September 10, 18; October 6; November 6, 10; December 6, 11, 15.
ORACULUM TABLE
1. Shall I obtain my wish?
2. Success in my undertakings?
3. Shall I gain or lose my cause?
4. Shall I live in foreign parts?
5. Will the stranger return?
6. Shall I recover my property?
7. Will my friend be true?
8. Shall I have to travel?
9. Does the person love me?
10. Will the marriage be happy?
11. What sort of a wife or husband?
12. Will I have a son or daughter?
13. Will the patient recover?
14. Shall I speculate?
15. Will I be lucky?
16. What does my dream signify?
The Answers
A.
What you desire you will shortly obtain.
Trouble and sorrow will come to you.
Be cautious in what you do today, or you will lose.
Do not speculate.
Your life will be spared.
You will have a daughter, but a thankless one.
Your mate will be virtuous and good-hearted.
You will make enemies if you marry this person.
Decline this Love, for it will not be constant.
Don’t travel; it will not be to your advantage.
A true and sincere friendship will continue.
You will not recover your property.
Yes, the stranger will soon return.
Do not remove from where you are at present.
The Lord will help you if your cause is good.
You will be lucky.
B.
Luck will come to you and will be coveted by others.
Do not follow your desire for the present.
A favor or kindness will come from some person.
Beware of enemies who would defraud you.
Only by the advice of an expert.
The patient should be prepared for the worst.
A son who will be a blessing.
You will secure a rich partner.
You will have prosperity thru this marriage.
This love comes from an upright and sincere heart.
God will protect you on your way.
Beware of false and deceitful acquaintances.
You will certainly recover your property.
Unforeseen trouble prevents his return at present.
Be prepared for a change.
Be wise and careful or you will lose.
C.
With the blessing of God you will be lucky.
Unless you take expert advice you will be unlucky.
If they are not extravagant your desires will be granted.
Peace and plenty will come to you and friends.
You may meet with trouble unless you are prepared.
You will lose if you speculate.
Health and prosperity will result.
A daughter that will bring a fortune.
The person is in middling circumstances but happy.
Decline this marriage or you may regret it.
Refuse further intercourse.
Better stay at home and help your folks.
A true and sincere friendship is at your command.
That which you have lost is lost forever.
Sickness prevents him from seeing you.
Stay where you now are and you will be content.
D.
You will obtain a fortune in another country.
You will certainly gain if you have courage.
God will change your misfortune into success and happiness.
You may meet poverty and distress unless you change your ways.
You will have many impediments in the accomplishment of your pursuits.
Abandon all evil inclinations.
Speculate—but cautiously.
The patient’s illness will be lingering, but he will recover.
A dutiful and handsome son will bless your union.
Modest in circumstances but honest.
Marriage will add to your prosperity.
The person you love does not speak well of you.
Your journey will be pleasant if guided by prudence.
His heart is false. Beware!
You may gain your property if you are cautious.
Do not expect to see the stranger again. It is better so.
E.
The stranger will not return to you.
Pray to God and strive modestly. He will help you.
You will gain what you seek by industry.
Remain here among your family and you will do well.
You will obtain your wishes soon.
You have enemies who will endeavor to ruin you.
An enemy is endeavoring to bring misfortune to you.
Never speculate.
The patient will soon recover. There is danger of a relapse.
A daughter who will be honored and marry rich.
Your partner will be fond of pleasure.
Marriage may bring you to poverty, therefore be cautious.
Their love is false to you and will harm you.
Don’t travel for the present. It is dangerous.
This person deserves to be respected.
You will never recover the property you have lost. Be reconciled.
F.
Employ a detective and you will recover your property.
The stranger will never return.
You will be successful in foreign countries.
A great fortune will be yours. Wait patiently.
Your indecision is a great hindrance to your success.
Wait till next month. Your wishes are in vain at present.
There is great danger and sorrow before you. Be courageous.
Today is unlucky. Take no risks.
Leave speculation to others.
The patient’s recovery is assured.
A fine boy will bring luck and joy.
A worthy person and a fine fortune is to be yours.
Do not let your intentions destroy your peace of mind.
His love is true and constant. Guard it well.
You will not have cause to repent it. Travel.
You can trust this friend and never have cause for sorrow.
G.
This friend will be faithful and true.
Bear your loss with courage.
He will return unexpectedly.
If you stay at home.
You will meet failure in your pursuits unless you economize.
Heaven will bless you thru your friends.
Not at the present time.
You will get ahead of all enemies.
It will be difficult for you to escape bad luck.
If you speculate you will lose.
The patient will recover after a week.
A daughter and a son, both lucky.
You will get an honest associate and prosper.
This marriage may bring sorrow. Decline it.
Do not yield to this love.
You may be recalled by an unexpected event.
H.
Go on your travels and see the world.
Your so-called friend hates you. Beware of him.
Your hopes to recover your property will soon be realized.
An unforeseen affair prevents the stranger’s return.
Your fortune will come in another land.
You will do well to refuse.
You will not succeed. Try something else.
You will soon realize your wishes.
Your fortune will change for the better soon.
Your luck will soon improve. Have courage.
A good time to speculate.
The patient will soon be better.
A healthy son will bless you.
You will be married in a short time to a worthy man.
Do not marry this person if you value your happiness.
This love will continue until death.
I.
Love is true, but will cause great misery.
It will be foolish for you to travel at present.
Your friend will be sincere and true.
You will recover the stolen property soon.
The traveler will return within a week.
You will be more prosperous in foreign lands.
Place your trust in God. He will give you happiness.
Your future will shortly be changed for the better.
You will succeed if you work hard.
The misfortune which threatens will be prevented.
Beware of false friends who seek to harm you.
Speculate in moderation.
The patient will gain health and strength again.
She will have a daughter who will be a credit to her.
You will marry a person for whom you will have little love.
The marriage will come off according to your expectations.
K.
You will be comfortable and happy after many trials.
You will have a sincere love from an upright heart.
You will prosper in your journey and return safely.
You can rely on the friendship of this person.
Your property is lost forever.
The traveler will be absent for some time.
You will have luck and happiness abroad.
Yes, success for the present is in sight.
You may succeed in your undertaking if you work hard.
You will do well to change your intentions.
There are mean persons who would harm you.
Your circumstances will shortly mend. Be patient.
Speculation is serious.
The patient cannot live long.
She will have a tall, handsome son.
It will not be difficult for you to get a good partner.
L.
You will get a successful partner.
Good luck will attend this marriage.
His love is changeable.
You will be lucky in your travels.
Love is true and sacred. You may rely on it.
You will lose your property.
The stranger will return with a fortune.
You will have success at home.
Your gain will not be worth while.
Be cautious or you will meet with trouble.
You will succeed according to your aspirations.
You will get money soon.
You will do well in spite of business.
Speculation spells loss.
The patient will recover in a month.
She will have a tall, handsome daughter.
M.
She will have a son who will gain wealth and honor.
A partner with much money.
The marriage will be lucky and prosperous.
Party wishes to be yours only.
A long journey will prove to your advantage.
Do not place trust in the person.
You will find your property at home.
The traveler’s return is doubtful.
You will succeed in France but not in Germany.
You will get no gain.
You may get more luck than you expect.
Whatever your desires, you will speedily be gratified.
Will be asked to a wedding soon.
You will have no occasion to complain of ill-luck.
Buy stocks, but not on margin.
The patient’s recovery is slow.
N.
The patient will recover, but will not live long.
She will have a fair daughter.
You will marry into a very rich family.
By marriage you will gain much wealth.
Await the time and you will not be disappointed.
Stay at home.
This person is a sincere well-wisher.
You will not recover the lost goods.
When abroad keep from gambling.
You will soon have what you little expect.
In this venture you will have great success.
Be sensible and rejoice ever at that which is given you.
Sorrow will depart and joy will return.
Your luck will soon be at hand.
Be cautious.
The stranger will return in a year.
O.
Don’t speculate.
The patient’s recovery is assured.
She will have a son who will become famous.
You will get a sensible partner.
Delay not your marriage; you will have happiness.
Nobody loves you better.
You may go ahead with confidence.
A secret enemy is trying to deceive you.
You will recover the stolen goods.
The stranger will not return again.
A woman will greatly increase your fortune.
You will be cheated out of your earnings.
You will be happy in the end.
Fortune shuns you at present, but will come in time.
You will soon hear agreeable news.
There are troubles lurking about you.
P.
Every day will bring you increased happiness.
Beware of gambling.
The patient will recover soon and live long.
She will have a son and a daughter.
Your partner will be rich and lucky.
Your marriage will bring you much happiness.
He or she loves you devotedly.
Stay at home; you will not prosper otherwise.
This friend will bring you good fortune.
You will not get back your goods.
He is ill and cannot come to you.
Remain at home and depend upon your own industry.
Prosperity is ordained to you. Be patient.
Work, and don’t depend too much on luck.
Your wish will be granted to you soon.
Be very careful lest any accident befall you.
Q.
Joy and happiness between friends is your lot.
This day is lucky. Use it.
He will yet earn a fortune, although he is now poor.
Recovery is doubtful.
She will have a son who will be a genius.
A rich partner with a bad temper will be yours.
You insure your happiness by wedding.
He has great love for you, but wishes to conceal it.
Go on your journey without fear. It will be lucky.
He is inconsistent and deceitful.
You will recover your property in a week.
The stranger may return unexpectedly.
You will dwell abroad in comfort.
You will surely prosper if you are modest.
You will soon enjoy plenty.
Be contented with your present fortune.