"These whimsical pictures, inasmuch as they originate from us, may well have an analogy with our whole life and fate." - Goethe.

In 1830 Raphael, the "astrologer of the Nineteenth Century," published a "Royal Book of Dreams," which he claimed to have unearthed in the form of an ancient manuscript and in which he gives a full explanation of Geomancy, the art of dream interpretation. Another early authority was M. Nicolas Oudot in 1669, who published explaining the translation of dreams by means of the ancient art of Geomancy.

The art of Geomancy, or divining by the earth, received its name from ancient diviners who drew their magic figures upon earth before inks and pens had come into general use. Two Greek words - Ge, the earth, and Manteai, prophecy, go to make up the term. The art is respectfully referred to by Chaucer, Dryden and others, while in later times Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton is supposed to have made frequent experiments with it. At present it is chiefly practiced by the Chinese, in the Soudan, Egypt, and in India, in which countries its votaries may frequently be seen drawing geomantic figures upon the sand or in the dust of the streets. A small stick and earth, dust or well cleaned sand were employed by the Chaldeans, Egyptians, Persians and Hebrews, when papyrus and parchment were only for the elect.

The theory of Geomancy in dream interpretation is the application of the subconsciousness to the mechanical production of certain groups of ciphers, lines, dots or asterisks. Each group when divided according to directions forms a figure which bears a specific meaning. The accuracy of this method of tapping the subconscious can not, in our present state of knowledge, be vouched for as either infallible or as wholly unreliable. While many scoff at the system, it nevertheless has its followers who contend that curious and satisfactory results have attended this process of dream interpretation. Directions for the use of Geomancy are simple. With a pencil mark down ten lines of stars. Do not count the number of stars placed in the lines, as this should be left to chance, or the subconscious. While marking down the lines of stars the querent should think intently of the dream that he wishes to interpret, silently demanding to know its true meaning.

Illustration Of Process

These stars, however roughly drawn, should be made at random, the inquirer merely keeping count of the number of columns, which are invariably ten in number as above.

The two signs are placed side by side and a third figure called the index figure made from combining them thus.

First Figure

Second Figure

Third, Or Index Figure

Referring to the Index of Hieroglyphical Emblems given below we find that the figure formed by combining figures one and two is found under the sign Aries. Turning from the index table to the page devoted to translating figures that come under the hieroglyphic Aries we find the interpretation to be as follows. "This dream connotes a great change in the fortunes of the dreamer: Wealth and friends await thee."

Raphael, the great authority upon dreams, speaks of this method of interpretation: "The occult principle of the soul shall so guide and counsel the dreamer (or diviner) and control his hand so that he shall mark down those signatures which will convey a true answer."

Index of Hieroglyphical Emblems

First Roll Of Oracles