Geomancy
/ˈdʒiː.ə.mæn.si/noun
A form of divination that interprets patterns made in earth, soil, sand, or other physical marks.
Did you know?Medieval geomancers often generated sixteen symbolic figures by making seemingly random marks in sand, then interpreted them through a system influenced by astrology and Arabic occult science.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“To think, perceive, or use the mind; the probable ancient root behind Greek divination terms involving inspired knowledge.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
gê
“Earth or land.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
manteía
“Prophecy, divination, or the practice of obtaining hidden knowledge.”
Late Greek
Greek
γεωμαντεία (geōmanteía)
“Divination by means of the earth or earthly marks.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
geomantia
“Geomantic divination; a method of forecasting through figures formed in earth or sand.”
14th Century
Old French
géomancie
“The art of divination by interpreting marks or figures made on the ground.”
Modern English
English
geomancy
“A system of divination based on earth, soil, or patterned marks.”