geomancy

American  

[jee-uh-man-see] / ˈdʒi əˌmæn si /

noun

1. divination by geographic features or by figures or lines.

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geomancy British  

/ ˈdʒiːəʊˌmænsɪ /

noun

1. prophecy from the pattern made when a handful of earth is cast down or dots are drawn at random and connected with lines

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Other Word Forms

• geomancer noun
• geomantic adjective

Etymology

Origin of geomancy

1325–75; Middle English < Old French geomancie ≪ Late Greek geōmanteía. See geo-, -mancy

Example Sentences

Feng shui is a traditional Chinese geomancy practice that is used to determine which location would be most auspicious.

From Reuters • Sep. 27, 2023

Moreover, before she died, my father said to her, 'Take thy tablets of geomancy and throw a figure, and tell us the issue of my affair and what will befal-me.'

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 04 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

At this Barsum was confounded and the Emirs and bystanders said, "Verily, this King understandeth geomancy: blessed be He who hath gifted him!"

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 04 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

Hence the treasures hidden in the earth could not be neglected, when they had given up the follies of geomancy and saw foreigners prospecting and applying for concessions to work mines.

From The Awakening of China by Martin, W. A. P. (William Alexander Parsons)

This Marzavan, among other studies, had from his youth been much addicted to judicial astrology, geomancy, and other secret arts, wherein he became exceedingly skilful.

From The Arabian Nights Entertainments - Volume 01 by Anonymous