Monday, November 27, First Period

It would seem that someone has been doing a lot of baking lately. A huge spread of homemade breads, various scones, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and cookies is available for munching on during class. In addition there is, of course, the usual tea, accompanied by coffee, hot chocolate, and hot cider. Aziraphale appears to be a bit on the fidgety side, and is actually walking about the room as he talks, rather than sitting in his chair.

"Before we begin class today, I have an announcement to make. I have been called away on assignment, and will be leaving town a week from Tuesday. During my absence, class will be led by Dr James Wilson, with the assistance of Miss Halliwell and Miss Belacqua. I'm certain that you'll all give Dr Wilson your utmost respect and attention, just as you do for me.

"Now, we have a full day ahead of us. First there's a short test for you to take, and then we'll move on to the lecture."


TEST
True or False:
1. Chrystallomancy is divination through the use of a scrying crystal or mirrored surfaced.
2. Bibliomancy requires the use of the Christian Bible to produce prophecies.
3. It is illegal in some places to perform divination in public.
4. Tasseomancy is sometimes performed through the use of coffee grounds.

Short Essay (Choose One):

1. The concept of divination through the use of computer programs -- commonly called cybermancy -- is a controversial one. Explain whether you believe an accurate prophecy can be obtained by using computer programs written for this purpose, and support your opinion using the experiences you've had both in this class and in your own life.

2. Some cultures revere those who possess the ability to see the future as saints or mystics. Other cultures have a history of persecuting those with this gift. Give an example of one historical personage -- someone we've discussed in this class or someone from your own studies -- who fits one of these two models. Explain in what manner they were either revered or persecuted, and give your opinion on why they were treated in this way.


LECTURE: "We've talked a great deal about the famous seers of history, and about ways in which divination is used to produce prophecies that reach into the future, prophecies about wars or death or grand events. We've even discussed the way that prophecies can affect us personally when we're affected by the predictions. But today, our topic is a bit more mundane. Prophecies are used in many societies as part of everyday life. Whether it's consulting an almanac to check the predicted weather or a special date or to find the best time to plant a crop, or the belief that the appearance of certain animals or numbers predicts a specific outcome, nearly everyone uses the concept of divination to help make important decisions. Many of the ideas that are labeled as superstitions are in fact simple forms of divination.

"Have you ever heard the call of an owl and believed that someone must have died, or dropped a fork and planned for visitors, or had an itchy nose and thought it meant you'd be meeting a stranger? Have you ever flipped a coin to help you pick one option over another, or believed that seeing a woman in a blue hat meant good luck for your upcoming test? Have you ever peeled an apple to find out the initial of your future sweetheart or saw a shooting star and took it be a good omen for that day? These are all subtle ways that people incorporate divination into their daily lives.

A few more examples of everyday forms of prophecy:
--If a girl puts a sprig of rosemary herb and a silver sixpence under her pillow on Halloween night, she will see her future husband in a dream.
--The old Celtic custom was to light great bonfires on Halloween, and after these had burned out to make a circle of the ashes of each fire. Within this circle, and near the circumference, each member of the various families that had helped to make a fire would place a pebble. If, on the next day, any stone was out of its place, or had been damaged, it was held to be an indication that the one to whom the stone belonged would die within twelve months.
--If bats come out early and fly around playfully, then it is a sign of good weather to come.
--Peel an apple from top to bottom. The person with the longest unbroken peel would be assured the longest life. If you threw the apple peel over your shoulder, the initial it forms upon landing is the initial of your future mate.
--If a bee enters your home, it's a sign that you will soon have a visitor. If you kill the bee, you will have bad luck, or the visitor will be unpleasant.
--If someone is sweeping the floor and sweeps over your feet, you'll never get married.
--To drop a comb while you are combing your hair is a sign of a coming disappointment.

HOMEWORK: Over the next week, try to be extra aware of the superstitions and simple prophecies you encounter in your own life. Keep a list of any that you experience, either yourself or by witnessing them being used by someone else.

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[ooc: Please wait for OCD is up, enjoy!]