From Abracadabra to Zombies
reader comments: scapulimancy
09 Sep 1996
In reading through your section on scapulomancy, I noted that you have omitted reference
to evidence that this practice has ancient origins. If memory serves me correctly, I
believe that it was practiced in China's earliest pre-historical and earliest historical
periods (Shang dynasty-approx 2200 B.C.). Words were written on the bones and the cracks
through the writings were then interpreted. It was imperative to guard the new writing
skills from being disseminated in order to maintain a monopoly on this method of divining
the gods' wills. This is my recollection from my studies of ancient Chinese history and
religion. Though somewhat rusty from lack of use and vague, I hope you find this
information interesting.
B. Dorsey
scapulimancy
