Bibliomancy

Bibliomancy is a form of divination that involves using a book to find answers to questions by opening it to a random page and interpreting the passage. 

Practices similar to bibliomancy existed in ancient Greece and Rome, where they used works by authors like Homer and Virgil. Today some people use it as a tool for creative inspiration, such as for writing.

HOW TO DO IT?

1. Ask a question: f

ocus on a specific question or problem you need guidance on

2. Select a book

3. Choose a passage: o

pen the book to a random page. One common method is to close your eyes and point to a random spot on the page, though there are other variations

4. 

Interpret the passage: t

he verse or passage that your finger lands on is believed to contain the answer or guidance you are looking for. The meaning is often interpreted symbolically rather than literally 

 

How writers can use bibliomancy

• 1. brainstorming: u

  se the passage as a starting point for a new idea, scene, or story
• 2. inspiration: l

  et the random words, phrases, or ideas from the text spark your creativity and add new elements to your work.
• 3. gaining perspective: a 

  random passage can offer a new way to look at a character's motivation, a plot point, or a theme
• 4. overcoming writer's block: w

  hen feeling stuck, bibliomancy can provide a fresh direction and a way to get words on the page.