manzia
Geomancy
Geomancy is a divinatory practice of medieval Arab origin, later widespread in Europe in the 13th-16th centuries. It is based on the random generation of 16 "figures" made of dots arranged in rows (one or two dots per row) and on their combination into an articulated divinatory chart (the tableau or shield).
The 16 figures
Via, Populus, Conjunctio, Carcer, Fortuna Major, Fortuna Minor, Acquisitio, Amissio, Laetitia, Tristitia, Puer, Puella, Rubeus, Albus, Caput Draconis, Cauda Draconis. Each figure is associated with a meaning, a planet and a zodiacal sign. The consultation produces four initial "mothers" from which daughters, nieces and the judge derive.
Origin and diffusion
It was born in the medieval Arab world (ilm al-raml, "science of sand") and transmitted to Europe through Islamic Spain. In medieval academic settings (Universities of Salerno and Bologna) it was studied as a branch of scientific occultism. In the Renaissance it was popular with Cornelius Agrippa, John Dee and Christopher Cattan.
FAQ
Is it related to environmental geomancy?
No. Environmental geomancy (reading the landscape to site buildings) is something else: it has Chinese roots in feng shui. Divinatory geomancy is a separate system.
Is it difficult?
More complex than a tarot spread: it requires generating 16 figures and building the tableau. Worth learning for those who love articulated divinatory systems.
Is it still practised?
Yes, in Western and African esoteric circles (in West Africa it is documented as Ifá, a related Yoruba ritual system).