Geomancy: An Early Modern Sister of Astrology

At its height in the Renaissance, geomancy was one of the most popular and well-regarded forms of divination. It was the preferred oracle of monarchs and sages. Occult philosophers swore by it as one of the most accurate and insightful oracles available. While geomancy’s earliest origins lie in Arabic traditions, it swiftly became popular across Europe in the late medieval period, and bears many similarities to West African geomantic traditions of divination, and has spread all over the globe in various forms.

Geomancy examines the roles of the planets in our daily lives, and while it utilizes the language and expression of astrology, is not dependent on astronomical measure. Our questions are answered in this familiar language of the stars, showing how these titanic forces are playing out in our lives. It is not a replacement for astrology (rather, its “Sister” oracle), although many of the terms will be famliar to an astrologer. No previous knowledge of astrology or sorcery is needed to attend or follow this lecture; on the other hand, these explorations and presentation of the art should refresh and enliven those already familiar with these crafts and even geomancy itself.

This presentation is delivered by Dr Alexander Cummins, himself both a historian of magic and professional geomancer. And so, in this lecture, we will not only examine the historical practice of this incredibly popular Renaissance system of divination, and celebrate some of its practitioners, but we will also explore ways in which this oracle can be consulted by modern diviners.

Tickets $10.00