Oracle Bones Divination: The Greek I Ching

(Paperback)

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*Explains how to cast and interpret this oracle using either coins or traditional animal bones *Reveals how the use of oracle bones predates the I Ching *Includes the complete matrix of oracle interpretations reconstructed by the author from stanzas in ancient Greek temples In ancient Greece methods of foretelling the future were widespread, whether they were official oracles of the gods or simple dice games to divine one's luck. One of the most popular and accessible ways of determining one's fate and fortune was through the ritual casting of animal bones, similar to the casting of coins or yarrow stalks with the Chinese I Ching. Kostas Dervenis explains how to interpret the casting of the oracle bones-either traditional sheep anklebones or coins-to answer your questions on love, health, wealth and the future. Using the original stanzas discovered in ancient Greek temples in Greece and Turkey, the author reconstructs the complete matrix of interpretation for each possible casting of the bones. He explores how this practice traces back to the Golden Age of the Neolithic period in Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria- predating the I Ching-and how it is still practised today as the popular folk game of "knucklebones." Providing the first complete guide to this ancient practice, Dervenis allows anyone to cast the bones for guidance, inspiration and insight into their fate.

Reviews

"Anyone interested in divination will be fascinated by the revival of this lost ancient treasure. Painstakingly reconstructed by Kostas Dervenis, Oracle Bones Divination is a remarkable and significant achievement, both accessible and accurate. I was hooked from the start." Josephine Ellershaw, author of the Easy Tarot series "Oracle Bones Divination is an informative exploration of an ancient oracular system, easily adapted through the use of coins for modern diviners. Dervenis provides a solid and interesting background of the astragali, and the interpretations retain their classical flavor while being relevant for the current time." Anastasia S. Haysler, president of Tarot Media Company

Author Bio

Kostas Dervenis is a materials engineer and a martial arts instructor in jujutsu and pammachon. He is the coauthor of The Martial Arts of Ancient Greece and the author, under the pen name Kosta Danaos, of Nei Kung and The Magus of Java. He lives in Athens.