"There is an ancient belief, handed down to us even from mythical times and firmly established by the general agreement of the Roman people and of all nations, that divination of some kind exists among men; this the Greeks call μαντική (mantike) — that is, the foresight and knowledge of future events. A really splendid and helpful thing it is — if only such a faculty exists — since by its means mortals may approach very near to the power of gods."

Cicero, De Divinatione 1.1

When one thinks of divination in the ancient Mediterranean, legendary figures come to mind: the mighty Pythia of Delphi, the traveling manteis of battlefield and marketplace, the ritual specialists who read sacrificial entrails. Yet this  fascinating multitude of divinatory methods was built upon a cosmic reality which was accessible to all people, every day, and is often lost in historical study: a foundation of all-connecting animism, the belief that all creatures, materials, and elements under the sun are imbued with divinity. These often survive in the record for us as daimones or nymphai. 

In this self-paced course, open your eyes and ears to the ancient practice of Divining with the Daimones and Nymphs!

five modules to explore...

  • Animistic Dimensions of Ancient Hellenic Traditions and Ancient Hellenic Approaches to Divination
  • Pyromanteia and Kapnomanteia: Divining with the Spirits of Fire and Smoke
  • Hydromanteia: Divining with the Spirits of Water and Springs
  • Daphnomanteia, Ornithomanteia and More: Divining with the Spirits of Botanicals and Winged Ones
  • Kleromanteia: Divining with the Spirits of Bone and Stone

This course draws upon foundational secondary scholarship, art and material culture from the Late Helladic Period through Late Antiquity, and written sources from the historical period such as myth, drama, epigraphy, and travel accounts.

In addition to learning about divination and animism in the ancient world, you will be guided to create or deepen your own divinatory practice for the modern day.

Course is entirely online and self-paced, with all lectures and materials available immediately after purchase. No additional materials are required, though tools & alternatives will be suggested.

----------------

Cost: €99
Course inquiries: courses@mtnysa.com

register here