Cowrie shell divination refers to several distinct form of divination using cowrie shells that are part of the rituals and religious beliefs of several religions. Though most well-documented in West Africa as well as in West African derived Afro-American religions, such as The Regla de Ocha Santeria, the Regla de Ifa, Candomblé and Umbanda, forms of cowrie-shell divination have been documented in other regions, including East Africa and India.
Famous quotes containing the word divination:
“The whole world is an omen and a sign. Why look so wistfully in a corner? Man is the Image of God. Why run after a ghost or a dream? The voice of divination resounds everywhere and runs to waste unheard, unregarded, as the mountains echo with the bleatings of cattle.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)