manzia
Bibliomancy
Bibliomancy is the divinatory practice that opens a book at random and reads the first passage that falls under the gaze as a message. It was widespread in the cultures of the book: Christian (with the Bible), Islamic (with the Quran), pagan (with Virgil: "sortes vergilianae").
Tradition
The sortes vergilianae were practiced in Roman antiquity: the Aeneid was opened and the verse indicated by the finger was read. The sortes biblicae Christianized the practice with the Bible. In the Hebrew sphere it is practiced with the psalms; in the Islamic sphere with the Quran (istikhara). Even today it is a popular practice with books of poems or texts dear to the reader.
Technique
Ask a question with concentration, choose a book that is meaningful to you (sacred book, beloved work, even an essay), open at a random page, place your finger without looking. Read the entire passage and meditate on any connection with your question. The value is more contemplative than predictive.
FAQ
Does it work with any book?
Tradition recommends "high" books (poetry, sacred texts, classics). Popular books also work: the value lies in the message that strikes the reader.
Is it religious?
It was born and spread in religious contexts (Christianity, Islam) but can also be done in a secular way with any book.
Can I use it for closed questions?
Better for open and meaning-oriented questions. For yes/no there are more direct tools.