Abacomancy is one of hundreds of divination techniques.  The origins of the art of Abacomancy remain elusive but it has a history that has been traced as far back as the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.  Abacomancy is the art of predicting the future through the use of dust.  In ancient times, people used funerary ashes (belonging to the recently cremated).  In contrast, contemporary diviners conduct Abacomancy with the use of earthen dust. The process of Abacomancy requires that the diviner attempts to predict future events by seeking out patterns in the dust.

Abacomancy is also referred to as Amathomancy.  The word "amathos" is Greek and translated means "sand" ("Abacomancy").  Abacomancy can be practiced with either dirt or sand of any color.  The sand or earth should be dry and it can be placed on a small tray or other flat surface.  The tray makes for easy clean up and later storage for reuse.  The tray with sand is placed on a firm surface before the diviner and the diviner then uses a tool, like a wand or an athame, and points the tip of the tool in the center of the sand. 

The diviner then closes their eyes and concentrates on a question that they want answered.  A state of relaxation is required for the practice of Abacomancy and the diviner is required to concentrate on the correct breathing technique to reach a higher state of consciousness. Much like the Tarot, this state of consciousness allows the diviner to tap into their subconscious to receive the answers they seek.  When the higher state of consciousness is reached, the diviner will feel the need to move their magickal tool (the term "magickal" being different from the word "magical" and consequently is not misspelled) and will permit the tool to move on its own through the bed of sand.  When the diviner feels the tool stop moving, they can then closely analyze the sand for shapes, words, or patterns.

Typical Abacomancy (Amathomancy) Meanings:

Big Circle: Protection, the mysteries and four elements at work.  A need for balance and centering is required.  The completion of one phase and the renewal of another.  Endings and new beginnings.  Going full circle or the journey of epic hero.  The epic hero travels from one point and returns to that point, internally changed and sometimes tragically.

Miniature circle: Uncertainty of where one is headed.  The future is closed to the reader because they cannot see beyond the small circle of their own reality.  Being confined by ideas that are too small and trapped by small thinking.  Petty disagreements and difficulty overcoming small issues.

Triangle: A source of power.  All sides need to be equal and energies need to be specifically focused on the diviner's goal in order for the goal to be obtained.  Reaching for the sky while remaining grounded.

Square: A creative task lies ahead of the diviner, requiring inspiration, will, emotional passion and drive as well as persistence. If one element is lacking the task will come to naught.  Balance in all things is essential at this time.  The square forewarns the diviner not to be close-minded.

Long Lines: A long journey is in store for the diviner.  This does not necessarily mean a physical journey and can be journey of intellect.  In terms of intellect, moving in a linear fashion suggests that the diviner will be utterly changed when they reach their intellectual destination.

Short Lines: One short line indicates a short trip, either physically or intellectually.  Several short lines indicate many stops along the path.  Such stops are not necessarily negative.  Although short lines can be indicative of obstacles, the may also be indicative of pauses for reflection or regrouping.

Spiral: Ascension into higher planes of consciousness and/or higher intellectual and spiritual understandings.  Drawing power from within to deal with deal with issues or drawing on divine power for spiritual improvement.

The Heart:  A heartfelt experience.  Love entering into one's life.  Emotional ties to some thing, some place, or someone.  A warning that emotions may rule the head.  If the heart is broken, sadness and grief are predicted and it also suggests broken ties and/or change and transformation.

An X: A need for banishing of negative is called for.  The need to "x" out negative influences.

Final note: some paranormal investigators have used a process similar to Abacomancy in their research by leaving powder or sand in various areas to determine if unexplained movement has occurred in the vicinity; movement produced by paranormal sources.  This is not a form of divination, and although it seems like Abacomancy or Amathomancy, the technique is merely a mundane way to determine if unusual activity is present at a specific location.  Finally, some individuals, after leaving powder or sand in various locations in a site that contains paranormal activity, have reported various words and/or names and initials appearing in the sand or powder.  Again, this is not a form of divination like Abacomancy or Amathomancy, but a form of spirit communication.

Sources:

"Abacomancy." Occultpedia. 2006. 16 May 2006 <http://www.occultopedia.com/a/abacomancy.htm>.
Abacomancy (Amathomancy)
Copyright 2005-2007.  ISIS Paranormal Investigations.  All Rights Reserved.  No part of this website may be used or copied without  permission from the ISIS Cofounders.  All graphics on this website that do not belong to ISIS Paranormal Investigations remain the sole property of the creator.