Oinomancy (or oenomancy or œnomancy) is a form of divination conducted by examining patterns in wine. An ancient technique, oinomancy was performed by a priestess known as a Bacchante, and protected by Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. Oinomancy is still practiced today, but is rare in the United States.

Oinomancy could be performed in a number of ways:

  • Wine is spilled on cloth or paper, and the resulting stains are studied.
  • Cloth or paper is soaked or boiled in wine, and the resulting appearance of the material is studied.
  • The appearance of wine being poured as an offering during a libation is studied.
  • The sediment in the bottom of a glass or bottle of wine is studied.
  • The physical features (color, taste, etc.) of wine are studied.

References

  • Cunningham, Scott. Divination for Beginners. Llewellyn Worldwide, 2003. ISBN 0-7387-0384-2
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