In the Celtic divination system of Hippomancy horses where trained to walk in certain areas of consecrated groves. Psychics and priests would then make predictions from the observations of their movements; the prints left in the ground and even the amount of dust created. The custom of hanging horseshoes on the wall dates back to the times of Hippomancy. In England in the 1500’s they where hung in farmhouses as a charm against evil.

In Scandinavia psychics of the time would meditate as they watched fish swim within a stream or lake. Ichthyomancy was treated with great reverence and interpreting their movements could indicate anything from a successful battle to the sex of a child.

The divinational system of Ophimancy (observing the behaviour of snakes) is practised in many civilisations. Snakes were considered God-like creatures and messengers of information and omens. For example a coiled snake might mean be patient whilst one that was ready to strike meant act now with regards to the questioners predicament. Ornthomancy is divination by observing the flight of birds. It was practised in ancient Greece and Rome where the psychic would foretell the future by travelling to a holy place, and blindfolded, interpret the meaning of birds passing overhead with the aid of an apprentice who would describe them to him/her.

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