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Signs, Commands, and Knowledge:
Ancient Divination between Enigma and Epiphany
(Keynote)
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Does divination, that ubiquitous phenomenon in a Near Eastern-Mediterranean Koiné, represent the coincidence or the antagonism of rationality and the supernatural?
An approach to the question is tried following the lines of three paradoxes:
- The interference of scrupulous observation of signs, resulting in experience to be stored in old traditions, with charismatic declarations, nay surprising proclamations of altered consciousness.
- The vacillations between belief and obedience, caustic critique, and attempts at control of divination. The fact that divination exists is claimed to refute atheism; hence even drawing lots is taken as a religious manifestation while the procedure is carefully construed as a randomizing device; miracle tales commend themselves while games of intelligence are never excluded.
- The ambivalent effects of divination between integration in the political establishment and potential revolt. Oracles are subservient to oriental kings, poleis communicate with Delphi, seers cooperate with the generals in classical Greece, Rome develops elaborate rules how to play public roles in 'auspices' and 'augury'. Yet time and again certain outbreaks of prophecy can hardly be stopped; they are found to motivate the Roman Bacchanalia, the great slave revolt in Sicily, and the 'orientalizing' message of Sibylline oracles.
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