What is Bibliomancy?

In the 1500s, soothsaying, fortune telling, and the belief in horoscopes were integral parts of life for many people across Europe. This was an era marked by uncertainty, political turmoil, and religious upheaval, and as a result, people sought to understand the future and gain some control over their lives through divination. Astrologers, seers, and fortune tellers were consulted by royalty and common folk alike, often regarded as possessing the ability to peer into the future through mystical means.

Astrology, in particular, enjoyed a prominent place in society, with the alignment of the stars thought to influence personal destiny, health, and political events. Royal courts employed astrologers to advise on everything from the best dates for coronations to the outcomes of wars. It was also common for individuals to seek the guidance of these soothsayers to uncover hidden truths or foretell personal fortunes.

In addition to astrology, various forms of divination flourished. Palmistry, the reading of tea leaves, and the use of tarot cards were popular methods used to gain insight into one's future. This belief in the power of 'seeing' the future reflected a deep human desire for guidance and certainty in an unpredictable world. Even the Church, though officially condemning such practices, often turned a blind eye to their widespread popularity.

But, there was one more that has since flown under the radar: bibliomancy.

Plot

Bibliomancy is a form of divination that involves seeking guidance, insight, or prophecy through books, particularly sacred texts or literary works. The practice typically involves randomly selecting a passage from a book and interpreting its meaning in relation to a specific question or circumstance. While it can be applied to any book, religious or philosophical texts are most commonly used, given their perceived spiritual or profound nature. The idea is that these texts contain hidden wisdom that can be uncovered through chance, with the belief that the text will reveal the answer or guidance needed at that moment.

Historically, bibliomancy has roots in ancient traditions and has been practiced across different cultures. In the Western world, the Bible has been the primary text for bibliomancy, with practitioners turning to it for divine answers. This form of divination is sometimes called "The Bible Game" or "Casting the Bible." The practitioner would hold the Bible and concentrate on a question or issue, then open the book at random and read the first passage that caught their eye. The passage was interpreted as a message or sign related to their question. This practice became especially popular during times of personal or societal crisis when people sought solace or answers in the divine word.

Bibliomancy also had a strong connection to classical literature and philosophy. In Renaissance Europe, for example, people often used the works of poets like Virgil or authors such as Cicero for similar divinatory purposes. The process involved randomly selecting a line from these works and drawing meaning from it. This form of bibliomancy was a reflection of the period's intellectual curiosity and the widespread belief in the inherent power of texts to reveal truth.

Throughout history, a number of notable figures have been associated with bibliomancy. One such person was the renowned philosopher and mystic, Giordano Bruno (1548-1600). Bruno, an Italian philosopher known for his radical ideas and opposition to the Catholic Church, reportedly used bibliomancy as part of his spiritual and philosophical practices. He saw books as possessing hidden, sacred knowledge, and through bibliomancy, he believed he could access deeper truths.

Another famous figure linked to bibliomancy was the English poet and philosopher John Dee (1527-1609), who was an advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. Dee, a scholar and occultist, was known for his deep interest in divination, alchemy, and the occult. He used bibliomancy as part of his broader exploration of esoteric knowledge. Dee’s work was influential in both intellectual and mystical circles, and he is often remembered for his efforts to combine science with the occult, seeking knowledge from both traditional sources and the mystical realms.

In addition to these figures, bibliomancy was practiced by countless others, including scholars, spiritualists, and ordinary people, particularly during periods of uncertainty. The belief in the power of the written word to reveal hidden knowledge and offer guidance remains a powerful and evocative aspect of human history.

Into the Theories

John Dee and the Enochian Language (1580s-1600s)

John Dee, a renowned English mathematician, astrologer, and occultist, is perhaps one of the most famous figures associated with bibliomancy in the 16th century. Dee was deeply involved in alchemy, astrology, and other mystical pursuits, often using bibliomancy as a means of communicating with the divine. His most significant bibliomantic endeavour occurred when he sought to establish contact with angels, using divination as a tool for spiritual enlightenment.

In the 1580s, Dee, along with his scryer (or crystal-gazer), Edward Kelley, engaged in a series of scrying sessions. These sessions often involved bibliomancy, as Dee would consult sacred texts and invoke angelic voices to interpret passages or phrases. The most famous outcome of these sessions was the creation of the Enochian language, which Dee and Kelley believed to be a divine language used by angels. Through their bibliomantic practices, they translated and recorded complex angelic communications, which Dee later claimed would reveal the secrets of the universe and the future. The use of books in these sessions was fundamental: Dee would use the Bible and other sacred works as the basis for his angelic communications, incorporating texts as both a literal and symbolic tool for divination.

Dee's bibliomancy, however, was not limited to fortune-telling; it was deeply philosophical and theological. He viewed his attempts to communicate with angels as a pursuit of divine knowledge and sought answers to profound existential questions, including the future of England and his own role in it. His belief in the power of books to unlock hidden knowledge exemplifies the way in which bibliomancy was used as a tool for intellectual and spiritual enlightenment in this period.

The "Bible Game" and Queen Elizabeth I (1590s)

In the late 16th century, bibliomancy was also employed by common people, as well as the elite. Queen Elizabeth I of England was known to have used bibliomancy during times of political turmoil, especially during the late 1590s, a period fraught with religious conflict and concerns over her succession. Elizabeth reportedly turned to the Bible as a means of seeking divine guidance, a practice that was particularly notable in the context of her anxiety over the succession crisis and the looming threat from Catholic Spain.

One such instance of Elizabeth using bibliomancy is recounted in the Chronicles of England. When faced with an uncertain political climate, she allegedly consulted the Bible in a manner akin to the "Bible Game," which involved selecting a passage at random to interpret its meaning. One famous account describes her turning to a passage in the Book of Daniel after hearing news of an impending Spanish invasion.

The passage, which spoke of divine deliverance from enemies, was interpreted by her advisors as a positive omen, bolstering her resolve in the face of the Spanish Armada. The act of using the Bible as a form of divination reflected not only the religious fervour of the time but also the political importance placed on the divine right of monarchs. By consulting sacred texts, Elizabeth reinforced her belief that her reign was divinely ordained, with her future intertwined with divine will.

The Execution of King Charles I and the Bible Prophecy (1649)

The final case of bibliomancy in the 1600s is one of the most dramatic and politically charged: the use of bibliomancy in the run-up to the execution of King Charles I of England in 1649. Charles I’s downfall was marked by an increasingly fractious relationship with Parliament and the rise of Puritan sentiment, culminating in his trial and execution for high treason. During this turbulent time, bibliomancy played a role in the spiritual and political rhetoric surrounding Charles’s fate.

One of the most famous instances of bibliomancy associated with Charles I occurred when he was imprisoned prior to his execution. It is reported that Charles, in seeking divine insight, consulted the Bible while in the Tower of London. He turned to the passages in 2 Samuel that spoke of a king’s divine right and his eventual downfall.

The specific passage that Charles is said to have focused on: “The sword shall never depart from your house” - was interpreted by some of his supporters as a prophecy of his eventual martyrdom, foretelling the political and religious consequences of his death. The act of using the Bible in this manner was part of Charles's attempt to make sense of his fate, but it also served as a rallying cry for Royalist supporters, who saw his death as a tragic fulfilment of divine prophecy.

Why It's Shifty

Bibliomancy has long been a shifty practice due to its deep ties to both religious and occult beliefs. Its use as a form of divination, particularly with sacred texts like the Bible, often places it in direct opposition to orthodox religious teachings. In many religious traditions, particularly Christianity, the act of using the Bible for personal gain or to foretell the future is seen as a form of superstition or sacrilege. The Bible, regarded as the divine word of God, is meant to be studied for spiritual growth and guidance, not for random selection to determine personal fortunes or outcomes. This misuse of sacred scripture for divination has led to strong disapproval from religious authorities, who view it as a violation of the sacredness of the text.

Also, bibliomancy raises ethical concerns about human reliance on chance and randomness for answers to important life questions. Critics argue that it can encourage a lack of personal responsibility, as people may turn to texts for reassurance rather than actively engaging with their circumstances. In addition, the belief that one can receive divine messages through random passages undermines the traditional view of revelation as a considered, spiritual process.

Conclusion

Bibliomancy is the practice of seeking insight or guidance through random selection of passages from books, particularly sacred texts. Whether or not it is "real" remains a matter of personal belief. For some, it is a legitimate form of divination, offering a connection to divine or hidden knowledge. For others, it is merely a product of superstition and chance. While there is no concrete evidence to prove or disprove its efficacy, bibliomancy continues to intrigue those who seek meaning in randomness. Ultimately, its validity lies not in empirical proof, but in the personal interpretations and experiences of those who practise it.

Next Week: Thomas Edison...Murderer?