The Symbolism and Significance of Thrown Bones in Divination

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Throwing bones divination is an ancient method of fortune-telling that has been practiced in various cultures around the world. This form of divination involves the throwing of bones onto a surface and interpreting the patterns and positions in which they land. The bones used in this practice can come from different animals, such as chicken, cow, or sheep. Each bone has its own symbolism and meaning, which is important for the diviner to understand in order to interpret the readings accurately. The bones may also be marked or colored to further enhance the divination process. The diviner begins by connecting with the spiritual realm and asking for guidance and insight.


Each item is personal to the sangoma and is specifically collected, often because the healer feels led to the object. In the case of bones sangomas carefully select them on prior understanding and knowledge of the lifestyles of the animals from which they are extracted.'' (Mokgale Makgopa and Magaelane Koma, 2009)

The four principal bones giving the substance of the divination and the other bones backing them up, giving extra nuances of meaning and relating them to society. In fall 2022, the students in ARCP291 East Asian Archaeology taught by Professor Kate Brunson, with the attempted to recreate the oracle bone-burning process.

Throwinh bones divination

The diviner begins by connecting with the spiritual realm and asking for guidance and insight. They then proceed to toss the bones onto a special cloth or designated area. The diviner carefully examines the positions and orientations of the bones, taking note of any patterns or groupings that emerge.

Throwing the Bones: Divination in Southern Africa

Throwinh bones divination

Interpreting the bones involves considering various factors such as the shape, size, color, and position of each bone. Additionally, the diviner must also take into account the intuitive impressions and feelings they receive during the reading. These impressions are crucial in forming a holistic interpretation and capturing the full meaning of the reading. Throwing bones divination can provide insight into various aspects of life, including love, career, health, and personal growth. It can offer guidance, warnings, and potential outcomes, helping individuals make informed decisions and navigate their path in life. While the practice of throwing bones divination may differ across cultures, its underlying purpose remains the same - to seek guidance and understanding from the spiritual realm. This form of divination allows individuals to tap into the wisdom and knowledge that existed long before written records and technological advancements. Overall, throwing bones divination is a powerful tool for self-reflection, introspection, and spiritual growth. It offers individuals the opportunity to connect with the divine forces that surround them and gain a deeper understanding of their journey through life..

Reviews for "The Ethical Considerations of Throwing Bones Divination"

1. John - 2/5 stars - I recently tried out throwing bones divination and I have to be honest, it was a complete waste of time for me. The whole process seemed absurd and I couldn't find any logic or meaning behind it. It felt like a bunch of random bones being thrown on the ground with no real connection to my life or future. I had high hopes for this divination method, but unfortunately, it fell way short of my expectations.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I have always been interested in alternative forms of divination, so I decided to give throwing bones a try. To say that I was disappointed would be an understatement. The whole process was complicated and confusing, and the interpretations seemed far-fetched and vague. I couldn't make any sense of the patterns formed by the bones, and it felt like a guessing game rather than a legitimate form of divination. I wouldn't recommend throwing bones to anyone looking for accurate and practical insights into their life.
3. Mark - 2/5 stars - I tried throwing bones divination after hearing some positive reviews, but it just didn't work for me. The process itself was quite messy and time-consuming, and I found it difficult to decipher any meaningful messages from the bones. It seemed like I was just throwing bones randomly without any real guidance or purpose. I prefer divination methods that are more intuitive and straightforward, and throwing bones definitely didn't meet those criteria for me.
4. Lisa - 1/5 stars - I was intrigued by the idea of throwing bones divination, but unfortunately, it completely missed the mark for me. The interpretations were convoluted and confusing, and I couldn't connect the patterns formed by the bones to any aspect of my life. It felt more like a gimmick than a genuine method of divination. I would suggest exploring other divination practices that offer more clarity and accuracy. Throwing bones just didn't live up to the hype for me.

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