Chapter 3 No.3

Omens 225

§ 1. The Prevalence of Omens everywhere, in all ages. Examples 225-6

§ 2. Omens and Natural Signs.-Natural signs all-important to hunters; and Omens are imaginary signs 226-7

§ 3. Some Signs Conceived of as Magical.-By coincidence some events become signs of others by a mysterious and infallible tie. Moods of elation or depression favour belief in Omens; their validity may depend upon acceptance. Antiquity of subjective Omens. Whatever causes elation or depression is ominous. Coincidence and analogy 227-32

§ 4. Differentiation of Omens from General Magic.-Omens are classed with charms, rites and spells, but distinguished by being signs only, not causes. Other differences 232-4

§ 5. Omens Interpreted by Animism.-Omens resemble warnings-at first given by friendly animals, then by spirits, hence connected with Oracles and Dreams 234-8

§ 6. Natural and Artificial Omens-Natural Omens not being always at hand, means are discovered for obtaining them at any time; e. g. Dice, Hepatomancy, Astrology 238-40

§ 7. Divination and Oracles.-Diviners and the art of Divination. Power of Diviners and Oracles. Ways of obtaining oracles and of being inspired derived from low savagery 240-45

§ 8. Apparent Failure of Omens-ascribed to faulty observation or interpretation; frustration by spirits, or by superior Magic; or by having been symbolically fulfilled 245-7

§ 9. Apology for Omens.-The Diviner or oracular person tries to be well-informed. The Stoics and Divination. Omens involved in Fate. Conditional and unconditional Omens 247-61