Cephalonomancy (also known as cephaleonomancy or kephalonomancy) is an ancient form of divination which used two different methods; one was concerned with the shape of the skull, somewhat like extispicy or phrenology. The other involved heating the skull of a donkey[1] or goat[2] while reciting various phrases, often the names of criminal suspects.[3] If the skull crackled or the jaw moved while a name was spoken, this was taken to identify the guilty party.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Bennett, Catherine (February 16, 1995). "Well, you can never tell". The Guardian. pp. T2.
  2. ↑ Kelly, Stuart (July 29, 2007). "Words of wisdom". Scotland on Sunday. p. 4.
  3. 1 2 "Kephalonomancy". The Element Encyclopedia of the Psychic World. Vol. 10. Harper Collins. p. 357.


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