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In Greece, the oracle brought the answer to this dilemma. Oracles offered divination in two forms: (1) the normal and interpretive, and (2) the frenzied and obscure. The normal was based on natural signs, such as observable behaviors in birds, fish, oralways a favoritesnakes. The frenzied was so-called because the prophecies were frequently revealed under the influence of sacred (often hallucinogenic) substances. These verbal messages mark some of the earliest predictions to come directly through a person using language (compared to the nonverbal signs of nature). |
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The best known and loved oracle was the oracle at Delphi. She is the one you all heard about in your history class on Greek mythology (which you always wondered why you needed to study). Actually, the title of ''Delphic Oracle" did not pertain to a specific individual, but was passed from one high priestess to the next. (By the way, the oracle's symbol was the python, which probably harks back to the serpent in the story of the Garden of Eden.) |
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These high priestesses, picked as virgins in the early days but later chosen from women over 50, chewed leaves from the sacred laurel plant before offering their prophecies. They also drank from an underground stream called Cassotis, which was believed to contain prophetic water but which also produced gaseous fumes. Both of these sources contained possible poisons, which may have triggered trances and eventual unconscious states in those who drank from them. |
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Messages spoken by the priestess during her inspired state were interpreted by individuals who were considered divinersand also happened to be members of the elite families of Delphi. Of course, some historians suspect that these upper-class representatives translated the messages in ways that enhanced their power and wealth. We'll never know for sure, but one thing is definite: In the minds of the people, the words of the oracle of Delphi reigned supremeand led them to great accomplishments as a conquering and colonizing empire. |
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Of course, Greece's conquests lasted only until Rome won out. And yet Rome had it's own form of the fortune-telling female: the goddess Fortuna. Although she had many names, depending on which province you were in, Fortuna was originally portrayed as controlling two ship rudders: one guiding to prosperity and one to misfortune. Later, she was pictured holding a scepter and sitting on a globe, with a bandage over her |
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