Augury

by Craig Shrives

What Is Augury?

Augury is divination (i.e., prediction) through observation of natural occurrences, but originally of birds' behaviour, such as pecking, flight and song.

An augur (a Roman holding an official constitutional position) was charged not with predicting the future but with assessing their gods' approval of political and military courses of action. Certain creatures were sacred to the gods, such as the eagle (Zeus) and the owl (Minerva) and their sudden appearance would affect an augur's divination.

An augur's reading was known as 'taking the auspices', which is almost homophonous to a common, modern phrase meaning 'not being serious', and, may well even be its origin.

Commonly we use the phrases 'augurs well' and 'bodes well' when we get a feeling that something is going to work out favourably.

Augury: Interpreting Signs and Omens

Augury is a divinatory practice that involves interpreting signs and omens from natural phenomena, such as the flight of birds, the appearance of animal behaviour, or the patterns and shapes found in various elements of nature. It is an ancient form of divination that has been practised by different cultures throughout history.

The term "augury" is derived from the Latin word "augurium," which refers to the practice of observing and interpreting omens. Augurs, the practitioners of augury, believed that certain events or messages from the divine could be revealed through the patterns and behaviours observed in nature.

The process of augury typically involves carefully observing and interpreting specific signs or occurrences. Here are some examples of augury practices:
  • Avian Augury: Bird flight patterns and behaviour were commonly used in augury. Augurs would pay attention to the types of birds present, their flight direction, the sounds they made, or any unusual behaviours. Each species of bird was associated with different meanings and messages.
  • Animal Augury: The behaviour of animals, such as the movement of mammals, reptiles, or insects, could be observed for signs and omens. Unusual behaviour, encounters with specific animals, or unexpected interactions were considered significant and could be interpreted accordingly.
  • Natural Elements: Augurs also observed natural elements, such as clouds, wind patterns, celestial events, or patterns found in the entrails of sacrificial animals. These elements were believed to provide insights or indications of future events or guidance.
Interpretations in augury relied on the symbolism associated with the observed signs and the intuitive perception of the augur. The interpretations were often shaped by cultural beliefs, traditional knowledge, and personal experiences within the specific cultural or religious context.

It is important to note that augury is considered a form of divination that can be subjective and open to interpretation. The effectiveness and reliability of augury as a predictive tool vary depending on personal beliefs and the cultural context in which it is practised.

In modern times, augury is not as widely practiced as it once was, especially in scientific and mainstream contexts. However, the fascination with interpreting signs and seeking guidance from nature still persists in certain spiritual or esoteric communities. Augury serves as a reminder of humanity's connection to the natural world and the desire to find meaning and guidance in the patterns and occurrences of the environment. Whether through the observation of birds, animals, or natural elements, augury offers a unique and intriguing way to tap into the symbolism and potential messages carried by the signs and omens of nature.

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