Tag Archives: surreal

Use Cledonism to Tap into the Whispers of Fate

Arkane Curiosities

In the realm of mystical practices, divination takes many forms. Among them is Cledonism or Cledonomancy, a lesser-known method drawing meaning from chance utterances and unexpected noises. Rooted in ancient times, Cledonism offers a unique way to seek guidance and tap into the whispers of fate.

Historical Glimpse

Cledonism traces its roots back to ancient Greece, where chance events and spontaneous words were considered messages from the gods or the universe. The term “cledon” in Greek means “omen” or “divine utterance.” In those times, people believed that these utterances held significant messages or warnings, and interpreting them correctly could guide their actions and decisions.

Examples from Antiquity

The Roman Cicero observed that even the utterances of men could bring ill luck. Simply mentioning the word incendium (meaning description) at a meal brought bad luck on all. Even the word prison was replaced with domicilim (simply “dwelling”). In other words, he invented the euphemism. 

Pausanias commented on the use of cledonism. After a person whispered their question in a god’s ear in the agora. , they plugged their own ears and listened for the god’s response from chance words and phrases overheard throughout the day. 

How to Practice Cledonism

Begin by cultivating a state of heightened awareness. Whether you’re facing a decision or seeking guidance, maintain an open mind and receptivity to the unexpected. Frame a clear and specific question or intention in your mind. This will help focus the divination process and invite meaningful responses.

Now, go about your day, paying attention to the environment around you. Whether you’re out for a walk, working, or simply going about daily tasks, remain attuned to any sounds, words, or snippets of conversation that catch your attention.

When you encounter unexpected words, phrases, or sounds, pause and take note. These could be snippets from conversations, radio, TV, or even a passing statement on the street. The key is their spontaneity and relevance to your question or intention. Consider how they may connect to your question or intention. Trust your intuition and the subtle whispers of fate to guide your interpretation.

Closing Thoughts

Whether you choose to delve into this ancient practice or simply remain open to the unexpected, may the whispers of fate guide you on your journey. Stay curious and attuned to the symphony of life’s chance utterances, for they may hold the keys to your destiny.

Tim Kane

Strange News Signup

Arkane curiosities: five minute reads on mythology, legend, and supernatural history delivered monthly to your inbox.

churning

Thank you for sign up!

Twirl Till You Puke – the Art of Gyromancy

Arkane Curiosities

Imagine spinning around rapidly until you’re dizzy enough to take a tumble. That’s the essence of gyromancy. This age-old art has twirled its way through history, captivating curious minds and spinning seekers into new realms of insight. Take a spin down the memory lane of gyromancy’s history, followed by a twirl into the peculiar world of falling gyromancy. And remember, it’s not the future until you twirl till you puke.

Gyromancy Through the Ages

To truly appreciate the peculiar charm of falling gyromancy, we must first explore the roots of gyromancy itself. This ancient practice has been a part of human fascination for centuries.

Gyromancy derived from the Greek words “gyros” (meaning “circle” or “turn”) and “manteia” (meaning “divination”). The Greeks believed that spinning could unlock mystical insights into the future, making gyromancy one of their cherished divination methods.

Getting Dizzy for Divination

Before you start, draw a circle of letters on the ground or floor, preferable when the moon was in an appropriate astrological position. Then start spinning. You walk in circles or even stumble around. When you eventually fall, and you will fall, the letter you land on is indicated. These seemingly random characters are then pieced together to form words, phrases, or sentences, serving as the divination message.

Interpreting the results of falling gyromancy is where the true magic lies. With no standardized rules to abide by, interpretations are as diverse as the seekers themselves. It’s a mix of intuition, context, and symbolism, making each reading unique and personal.

Spinning Coins

Another method saves the puking and lets a coin do all the spinning. The set up is the same as before, only you need a much smaller circle of letters, something that could fit on a table or possibly even a ouija board. 

Make a nick on one edge of the coin. This will serve as a pointer. Then spin the coin as you concentrate on your query. Words are eventually spelled out by using the letters the coin “points” to.

The Final Spin

So, the next time you find yourself twirling in thought, perhaps consider giving gyromancy a spin – who knows what whimsical messages may await when you take a tumble in pursuit of ancient wisdom!

Tim Kane

Strange News Signup

Arkane curiosities: five minute reads on mythology, legend, and supernatural history delivered monthly to your inbox.

churning

Thank you for sign up!

Egyptian Field of Reeds, Death is Not the End

Arkane Curiosities

The Egyptians believed that the soul continued on after death. The concept of the “Field of Reeds”, was depicted as a paradise for the soul. Any who lived virtuous lives and adhered to Ma’at, the principle of balance and harmony could journey there.

The Concept of Aaru

The Field of Reeds, also known as Aaru, was depicted as a lush meadow where the soul could exist in a peaceful afterlife. There, the deceased could enjoy their lives in the company of their loved ones, surrounded by the bounties of nature. This celestial paradise was considered the ultimate reward for leading a just and moral life.

Journey to Aaru

A person’s journey to the afterlife was marked by trials and challenges. The heart of the deceased was weighed against the feather of Ma’at in the Hall of Two Truths during the judgment by Osiris, the god of the afterlife. If the heart was found to be lighter than the feather, it symbolized that the individual had led a righteous life and could continue their journey to Aaru. 

No one is quite sure where the “Field of Reeds” lies. It might be in the sky or it might dwell under the earth, in the domain of Osiris. Spell 149 of the Book of the Dead states “I know the gate in the middle of the Field of Reeds from which Re goes out into the middle of the sky”.

Tiny Servants

Many Egyptians were buried with shabtis, small figurines intricately crafted to serve the deceased in the afterlife. The word “shabti” originates from the ancient Egyptian work for “stick”. In the New Kingdom, it took on the meaning of “substitute.”

Shabtis were created with the purpose of acting as substitutes for the deceased. One of the tasks in the Field of Reeds was to plough the fields. If one had a shabti, it would magically come to life and plough the field for you. 

Each shabti only worked for one day of the year. Thus if you wanted a relaxing afterlife, you needed to be buried with a whole year’s worth of shabti figures. 

Tim Kane

Strange News Signup

Arkane curiosities: five minute reads on mythology, legend, and supernatural history delivered monthly to your inbox.

churning

Thank you for sign up!