Abacomancy (Divination using Dust, Sand or Ashes)

Abacomancy:

Also known as Amathomancy from the Greek word amathos (sand) is an early form of divination by based on the interpretation of the patterns in dust, dirt, silt, sand, or the ashes of the recently deceased. Reading the patterns is believed to give some insight into the future. Apparently neither colour, nor texture is important, as long as it is simple dust, sand or dirt. It has to be kept dry and can be stored for later reuse. Some diviners use a simple metal tray or platter to work within, which would make clean up easier and collecting the material for reuse much simpler. Readers drop the dirt, sand, or ashes on a flat surface and start looking for a pattern that may represent symbols or pictures. They interpret these symbols and pictures to what is going to happen in the future. Some look for certain symbols that are seen over and over.

Another method is to use a wand, stick or athame (even a table knife or pencil would do the job though) and place the tip over the centre of the spread material. By relaxing and concentrating upon a mental question, the diviner allows themselves to reach a different state of consciousness. Proper breathing technique is necessary as is total and complete relaxation and comfort. In the same way as other forms of divination and augury, the diviner has to tap into their subconscious to find the answers they seek. Upon finding their inner subconsciousness, the diviner will automatically move their chosen tool according to the answers within themselves, and after the need to draw has passed, they will try to "read" the designs and patterns they have drawn.

The origins of Abacomancy remain elusive but it has a history that has been traced as far back as the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

Typical Patterns and Their Meanings

Big Circle: Protection, the mysteries and four elements at work. A need for balance and centering is required. The completion of one phase and the renewal of another. Endings and new beginnings. Going full circle on the path of life.

Miniature circle: Uncertainty of where one is headed. The future is closed to the reader because they cannot see beyond the small circle of their own reality. Being confined by ideas that are too small and trapped by small thinking. Petty disagreements and difficulty overcoming small issues.

Triangle: A source of power. All sides need to be equal and energies need to be specifically focused on the diviner's goal in order for the goal to be obtained. Reaching for the sky while remaining grounded.

Square: A creative task lies ahead of the diviner, requiring inspiration, will, emotional passion and drive as well as persistence. If one element is lacking the task will come to naught. Balance in all things is essential at this time. The square forewarns the diviner not to be close-minded.

Long Lines: A long journey is in store for the diviner. This does not necessarily mean a physical journey and can be journey of intellect. In terms of intellect, moving in a linear fashion suggests that the diviner will be utterly changed when they reach their intellectual destination.

Short Lines: One short line indicates a short trip, either physically or intellectually. Several short lines indicate many stops along the path. Such stops are not necessarily negative. Although short lines can be indicative of obstacles, the may also be indicative of pauses for reflection or regrouping.

Spiral: Ascension into higher planes of consciousness and/or higher intellectual and spiritual understandings. Drawing power from within to deal with deal with issues or drawing on divine power for spiritual improvement.

The Heart: A heartfelt experience. Love entering into one's life. Emotional ties to some thing, some place, or someone. A warning that emotions may rule the head. If the heart is broken, sadness and grief are predicted and it also suggests broken ties and/or change and transformation.

An X: A need for banishing of negative is called for. The need to "x" out negative influences.