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"Geomancy" is derived from the Latin "geomantia," which in turn is derived from the Greek roots geo, referring to the earth, and mantikos, meaning "of a soothsayer" or prophetic." The Arabic name for geomancy, "'ilm al-raml," means "the science of the sand.". The term "Geomancy" is also applied to the Chinese practice of feng-shui (wind and water), and was employed by 19th century writers to translate feng-shui.
It is defined as a system of divination that employs the scattering of pebbles, grains of sand, or seeds on the earth and then the interpretation of their shape and position. From the dots or points and lines, the geomancer draws a series of figures which are arranged into the geomantic tableau. There are sixteen possible figures consisting of single or pairs of points. Each figure has a name, associations with the elements, planets, etc., and good or bad qualities.
Interpretation depends on the meanings of the figures in particular locations in the tableau, and owes a great deal to the practice of medieval astrology. Unlike astrology, however, geomancy requires no instruments or complex calculations. Modern geomancers only need to generate 16 even and odd numbers, be that with marks on a paper with a pencil, flip a coin, cast a die or dice, or drawing cards from a deck.
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