Example  Divination
                  By Ooscopic Haruspicy

                      John Opsopaus

Note:

The art of haruspicy, an ancient Etruscan method of divination, is 
described in the file Har.txt, as well as in Harvest, Vol. 11 
(1991), Nos. 4-6.

                      Introduction

I have prepared this example divination to help those that are 
learning the process of ooscopic haruspicy.  It illustrates the kinds of 
signs that should be observed and presents an interpretation of the 
signs in the context of a specific question, in this case, whether a 
certain person should accept a possible promotion.

The first sacrifice resulted in a vitium (broken yolk), but a more 
careful attention to procedure and a more sincere invocation led to 
the success of the second sacrifice, which produced very clear signs.

                      Observations

(These are normally announced by the Haruspex and recorded by the 
Assistant, if there is one, during the ritual.)

                         Part I

Album Exterius

SELVANS is extended and TLUSCVA is restricted in size.
There is a moderate bubble in VETIS.
All the other regions are about balanced in size.

Album Interius

The Reg. Dirae are somewhat extended.
Many pale features in  both regions of TLUSCVA and in the region of 
  LVSA & VELCHANS.
The P. Postica is somewhat restricted, especially in the regions of
  TINS NETH. and THUFL.
A medium-large bubble in TVATH in contact with a large bubble in TUL.
The Sum. Fel. quadrant is somewhat extended.

Vitellus

The bubbles in the A. Int. also overlap the Vit.  In particular the 
  medium-large bubble connects TVATH to MEAN, and the large 
  bubble connects TUL to ANE.

Embruon

The Emb. is quite small, especially in the regions of TVATH, MARIS & 
  LARAN and LETHAM.

                           Part II

Overall, there is very little in the "sky" compared to what is onÒearth.Ó
A question mark in the sky, which dissolves.
A tiny "o" or capital omega in the sky.
Large initials (of the questioner) in the sky.
A small boot on the earth.
An arm with a hand on the end, reaching from the sky down to the earth.
A large, open smile on the earth.

                        Interpretation

(Interpretation normally takes place after the ritual is completed.)

The initials in the sky indicate the person may "soar to the stars"
provided he keeps his feet on the ground (the boot), and always 
"reaches back to the earth" from his exalted position.

A large bubble connects the region of TUL, who governs 
boundaries, with that of ANE, who governs initiative, beginnings and 
endings.  This is contiguous with the smaller bubble that connects 
TVATH with MEAN (success).  The entire complex seems to mean 
that success will result from terminating old activities and through 
initiative in new ones.  Also all this occurs in the quadrants of good 
fortune (Felicitas) and in the "friendly part."

There are many indications that the promotion would be bad for 
family life:  SELVANS is bad for children, and his region is enlarged.  
Also, there is a diminished region for the two TLUSCVA (the 
nurturing and inseminating), which doesn't bode well for either 
present or future children.  This is also supported by the diminished 
regions for LETHAM, MARIS and LARAN, all protectors of the 
household.

It is difficult to understand how this promotion could impact 
TVATH's domain (affection for the dead), but her correspondence 
with Demeter suggests a negative impact on the marriage and 
fruitfulness, which would be consistent with the other signs.

In the A. Int. the extension of the R. D. (fearful regions) is 
balanced by the extension of S. F. (greatest good fortune), perhaps 
reflecting the ambivalence of the opportunity.

An ominous indication is the moderate bubble in the region of 
VETIS.  Although generally considered a god of death and 
destruction, he was not well understood even in ancient times; some 
saw him as Evil-Jove, others as Young-Jove.  He may also have 
governed atonement and the making of amends, and may have been 
a protector of those who had committed some wrong.  Perhaps the 
interpretation is that this person should ask VETIS's help in making 
amends to his family.  In any case, it would be worthwhile to 
investigate the will of VETIS through further divination.

                           Conclusions

Overall the conclusion seems to be that the promotion could lead to 
great success, provided he doesn't let it "go to his head" and makes 
an effort to stay grounded in "earthly" things.  Nevertheless, he can 
expect the promotion to have an adverse impact on his family and 
home.  Further divination of the will of VETIS is indicated.