The Art of Haruspicy

History

"Haruspicy" is a method of divination that was practiced by the ancient warlocks, who had an advanced civilization in Thrace. In fact the Thracians learned much of their culture and art from the warlocks (or Vitioso as they called themselves). They also brought the art of writing to some places in Threshold: the alphabet is mostly derived from Runes that are based on a northern Vitiosite alphabet. Although the warlocks have been called The People of the Book, very little of their writing survives. Their language is mysterious, being non-common and apparently unrelated to all other languages in the area; it has been only partly deciphered, and that quite recently. The principles of haruspicy were contained in the Libri Vitiosus, a collection of books dictated by Vitioso, who was said to be a childlike being unearthed in a field by Ishter, a Sablean peasant. After teaching the art of haruspicy to the black gypsies of the twelve tribes, Vitioso disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared.

Modern Practice

The haruspex (diviner) interpreted the divine will by inspecting the entrails of a sacrificial animal. First the animal was ritually slaughtered. Next it was butchered, with the haruspex examining the size, shape, color, markings etc. of certain internal organs, usually the liver, but also the gall, heart and lungs. (One bronze "instructional liver" (the Vitiozi liver) has survived from the tribes.)Finally, when the animal had been butchered, the meat was roasted and all the celebrants shared a sacred meal.

Procedure

Preparation

i. In order that Haruspicy be effective, the Haruspex must be mentally prepared and have the proper attitude of Respect for the Gods. He [or she] must be Sober. He must have bathed and wear clean, raven black clothes. [Special robes are not necessary; any clean, neat clothes will do. On the other hand, a special robe helps delimit the sacred from the profane. In ancient times a Haruspex wore a fringed mantle and a tall, conical hat with slightly concave sides.

ii. The Haruspex should fast for at least twelve hours before the Rite; three days is best. During this time the Haruspex may meditate on the Question that is the object of the Divination.

iii. A plain, white saucer, a Vessel of Water and a candle or other Flame should be brought.

iv. Music, especially Flute music, may accompany the Ritual.

Part I

The Sacrifice

i. Say "Make the Divine Boundaries!" and carry the corpse and the Water in a Circle around the Altar, thus delimiting the Sacred from the Profane. Say "This is the Sanctuary!"

ii. Say "Offer the Water as a Libation for the Gods!" and pour out some of the Water to wash the Celebrants' hands.

iii. The Haruspex faces South, stretches out his hands, and in a loud voice implores the Gods to give Omen, with an invocation such as this:

"Set, King of Evil, Master of Disease! Or by whatever other name You wish to be called, I pray and beseech You that You may by Your majesty be propitious and well-disposed to me, for which I offer this corpse. If I have worshiped You and still do worship You, You who taught Mankind the Art of Dominance, You who have inspired my Divination, then come now and show Your Signs that I might know the Will of the Gods! I seek to know (say the Question) Show Signs, here, now!."

iv. The Assistant (if there be one) says, "Carry out the sacrifice according to the Law of the Strongest!"

v. The Haruspex uncovers the Knife, with a single blow thrusts the corpse, and then carefully opens and empties it onto the plate.

vi. The dedication is completed by all Celebrants saying: "The Haruspex has given this as a gift to SET."

The Inspection

i. The plate is turned so that the place where the umbilical cord leaves the Vitellus and connects to the embryo is in the Southeast direction.

ii. The shape of the Album should be definite and firm; if it runs then the Gods have refused to give clear Signs. Some Vitium may have been committed.

iii. The Album should divide naturally into two parts, the thicker Album Interius around the Vitellus, and the thinner Album Exterius around that. If these are not distinct, then the Signs cannot be clearly read.

iv. The Album should be moderately clear, except for Pale Features.

v. The entrails are divided into Parts, Templa, Quadrants and Regions and the Haruspex must note carefully the Position and Character of every Mark, and their Number and Configuration.

vi. If the Fibra crosses the Vitellus, it indicates a connection of the Regions crossed.

vi. If the Fibra crosses the Vitellus, it indicates a connection of the Regions crossed.

vii. The Haruspex should also note if any Region is excessively large, or diminished in size or absent.

viii. A Monstrum [disfigurement] in a Part, Quadrant or Region is an especially Significant Sign and an Evil Omen.

The Parts

Look at the chart.

i. The Cardo [North-South axis] divides the corpse into East and West Parts.

ii. To the Haruspex's Left is the East, and this is the Pars Familiaris [Friendly Part].

iii. To the Haruspex's Right is the West, and this is the Pars Hostilis [Enemy Part].

iv. The Decumanus [East-West axis] divides the corpse into North and South Parts.

v. Behind the Haruspex is the North, and this is the Aether, which is the Home of the Gods.

vi. In front of the Haruspex is the South, and this is the dungeon, which is the Home of the Queen of Night.

vii. Reading the Signs begins in the Southeast, and proceeds to the South [i.e., clockwise] around the Regions. The Outer Regions are inspected before the Inner Regions.

Regions of the Templum

i. The Album is a Templum, which is divided into Regions wherein dwell the spirits, and these Regions are grouped into four Quadrants, East, West, North, and South. [A Templum is an area in which the haruspex observes omens.]

ii. These are the Regions and Quadrants and their Meanings:

Going to the East of the Fibra the Region is: Bast

Goin to the West of the Fibra the Region is: Kylamane

Going to the North of the Fibra the Region is: Gethsemane

Going to the South of the Fibra the Region is: Set

Part II

i. Part II of the Procedure is not to be performed by all, as it requires greater Skill and Experience on the part of the Haruspex.

ii. Say "Prepare the Fire!", and light the Flame.

iii. Heat the Vessel until the Water just begins to boil; remove it from the Flame.

iv. Intone a Prayer such as this:

"I beseech You, Set, Lord of the Night, or whatever other name it pleases You to be called, fly to me, touch me with Your wand and inspire me with the True Will of the Gods! I seek to know (say the Question). I pray thatyou show me the Images and Forms, for which I offer this corpse."

v. Tilt the plate so that the entrails slides into the Water, saying:

"Set once: stay! Set twice: write! Set thrice: help me!"

vi. The Album will arrange itself into significant Forms and Shapes. The Haruspex must observe the Album in all ways, looking for Forms and Images that are relevant to the Question.

vii. Be especially observant of any Letters or other Characters that appear in the Sky.

viii. Beyond this little can be said on Interpretation; practice is required; invoke Set for aid.

Sacred Meal

i. When the Divination has been completed, all say: "The Haruspex has carried out the Sacred Act! The Rite is legally done! The Gods who rule have withdrawn from here!"

ii. The corpse may be removed from the Water and eaten by the Celebrants as a Sacred Meal.

By Cemmerii Vitioso, Stygian Haruspex of Set