Geomancy

Geomancy (Greek: γεωμαντεία, "earth divination") is a term which refers to two methods of divination. The first of these being the interpretation of sixteen quadrigrams which are made by markings on the ground or the patterns formed by tossed handfuls of soil, rocks, or sand which go through a process of recursion and analysis, often augmented with astrological interpretations, before an answer is determined. The second of these, Topographical Geomancy, refers to the interpretation of different topographical features of a landscape as either auspicious or inauspicious for the placement and positioning of buildings.

Geomancy was practiced by people from all social classes. It was one of the most popular forms of divination throughout Africa and Europe, particularly during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

In Renaissance magic, geomancy was classified as one of the seven "forbidden arts", along with necromancy, hydromancy, aeromancy, pyromancy, chiromancy (palmistry), and spatulamancy (scapulimancy).

Topographical Geomancy

Topographical Geomancy includes such practices as:

• Feng Shui
• P'ungsu
• Vaastu Shastra
• The use of Songlines
• The belief in Ley Lines