Magic and divination

The force that is handled in the practice of magic is supernatural but not sacred. It requires a technique and a ritual. Geniuses of nature, the spirits of ancestors, supernatural powers and different divinities are continually manifested to men, but it is necessary that they know how to interpret these manifestations. Spirits can know the mysteries of the supernatural world and as there are many things that escape the knowledge of the common mortals and it is not possible to dialogue with the spirits or ask them the right questions and even less to establish a contact with them, the diviners will be commissioned to perform these tasks in their name, for they are prepared and know the techniques that allow them to establish a contact with beings and forces of the hereafter. The techniques employed are numerous and very different. From oracles of all kinds and ordeals to divination by means of small bones of animals, small sticks or seeds which according to the disposition they acquire on the ground or board when thrown by fortune teller will render the relevant interpretation. Yoruba boards become true works of art. Known are the oracles baulé of mice and divination by means of the footprints left on the sand by the pale fox of the dogon. The fortune teller has drawn on the sand a complicated board with a series of cabalistic signs arranged according to an established order. Attracted by bait, the raven will trample the sand at night leaving traces that will be interpreted by the soothsayer. Reading the entrails of animals or the signs produced by tail nuts or cauris arranged on the different divinatory trays or the movements of a candle flame are some of the many forms of geomance that are commonly used among traditional African societies. The fortune teller knows the technique that allows him to ask the right questions so that he can read and interpret the answers properly. The fortune teller is an important character in traditional, feared and respected societies who earn a living from his work. It is usually independent despite being very close to the court of some kings. They will come to him for all kinds of consultations concerning life and death, the health of animals as well as of people, the fertility of fields as of mothers, about travel, wars, wealth and poverty, all issues that may affect man or nature are within their competence. He is a deep psychologist, a connoisseur of the nature and medicinal virtues of plants, of astrology and especially of mythology. It enjoys great prestige.