Ancient Greek Divination

Anxiety arises from solemn occasions, abnormal occurrences, and the crisis of existence. Divination practices calm the fear of the future and provide security within the present. In the struggle for survival, divination represents a valuable weapon against the unknown.

Evidence of magical practice is visible throughout ancient Greek religion and ancient texts, but the legitimacy of these practices is questionable. The Greek Magical Papyri is a specific text that describes the procedures for spells, many of which involve divination. Ancient Greeks believed that oracles, omens, and water all had the power to foretell the future. Divine beings, heroes and the deceased were all-important figures in divinatory practices.

Because of the underlining beliefs and principles of divination, and man's natural tendency to fear that unknown, divination is the "longest lived of superstitions." (Halliday 274)