This well-known method of telling fortunes is exceedingly ancient, and
was a favorite with Napoleon;—hence its name. The usual method was
to mark down four rows of dots at random on a sheet of paper and then
count them. If the first row had an uneven number of dots, one star was
put in the first place, if an even number, two stars were put down,
and so for each of the four rows. The resulting figure gave the key by
which the chart was to be consulted. It often happened, however, that
the questioner consciously or unconsciously regulated the number of
dots to suit his purpose.
A more modern and strictly impartial way is the following: Take any
book. Hold it tightly shut and stick a card at random between two of its
pages. Open the book at those pages, note the first four words on the
upper line of the left-hand page. Count the letters in these four
words. If the first word has an even number place two dots in the first
space, if odd, place only one dot. Then take the second word and place
one or two dots in the same way, and so for the other two words. You
will thus get a symbol that may look as follows: [Symbol] or [Symbol]
or [Symbol]. These are called the Astral “Keys.” There are 16 possible
constructions or keys. Now ask your question. Turn to the Cabalistic
Chart on page 35. Decide on which of the 16 questions you want to
ask. Note the number opposite that question. Run your finger along
the top of the table till you find the Astral Key which you have just
formed. At the junction of this column with the number line, you will
find a mystic letter which tells you which of the oraculum tables to
consult. For example: You want to ask the question, “Shall I recover my
property?” This you find is No. 6 on the chart; the symbol is [Symbol].
Find this symbol, run your finger down the column till it meets with
the line of No. 6, and it gives you the mystic letter A. Turn to the
oraculum table marked A and opposite the same symbol you will find the
reply, “You will not recover your property.”
Instead of the book and card plan, four dice may be used in the same
manner. The points indicating the even or uneven numbers of dots in the
symbol.
Do not ask a question more than once in any one day. Always begin the
search by reciting the formula:
“_Oraculum, Oraculum,
Tell true fortune, or be dumb._”
The following are unlucky days, on which none of the questions should
be asked, or any adventure undertaken:
January 1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 12, 20; February 1, 17, 18; March 14, 16; April
10, 17, 18; May 7, 8; June 17; July 17, 21; August 20, 21; September
10, 18; October 6; November 6, 10; December 6, 11, 15.
[Illustration: ORACULUM TABLE]
1. Shall I obtain my wish?
2. Success in my undertakings?
3. Shall I gain or lose my cause?
4. Shall I live in foreign parts?
5. Will the stranger return?
6. Shall I recover my property?
7. Will my friend be true?
8. Shall I have to travel?
9. Does the person love me?
10. Will the marriage be happy?
11. What sort of a wife or husband?
12. Will I have a son or daughter?
13. Will the patient recover?
14. Shall I speculate?
15. Will I be lucky?
16. What does my dream signify?