Atlas · 6 traditions
Africa
Ah, you came! In Africa we ask what falls: shells, bones, sand. The answer is in how they land. Come, I'll show you.
Cowries, bones, sand and the decans of the Nile.
West Africa
Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Senegal, Mali
- In Ocluna
Ifá and the opele
The Yoruba people; today also in Cuba, Brazil and the United States.
The babalawo casts a chain of eight seeds (opele) or sixteen palm nuts; the combination points to one of 256 signs with its verses and advice.
Let the guide tell me - In Ocluna
Cowrie shells
All West Africa; the diloggún of Cuban Santería descend from here.
Sixteen shells are cast on a mat; how many land mouth-up gives the sign, and the sign brings a proverb.
Let the guide tell me
Southern and Eastern Africa
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Kenya
- In Ocluna
Throwing the bones
Sangomas of South Africa and neighbouring peoples; also in the Sahel.
Bones, shells, dice and stones kept in a pouch; thrown onto a hide and read by each object's position relative to the others.
Let the guide tell me - In Ocluna
Ethiopian coffee
Ethiopia, birthplace of coffee; the buna ceremony gathers the family.
After three rounds of home-roasted coffee, the last cup is read: its grounds speak of home and of visits to come.
Let the guide tell me
North Africa and Egypt
Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia
- In Ocluna
Egyptian decans
Ancient Egypt; the 36 decans still used in astrology come from here.
The year was split into 36 ten-day periods, each ruled by a star; your decan refines your sign.
Let the guide tell me - In Ocluna
Sand geomancy (khatt al-raml)
North Africa and the Sahel; from here it passed into medieval Europe.
Sixteen lines of dots are drawn in the sand without counting; odd and even form figures that answer the question.
Let the guide tell me
This reading is symbolic self-knowledge and entertainment content based on folk traditions. It does not predict the future, is not medical, legal or financial advice, and does not replace qualified professionals.