As living beings, we are subject to a bewildering number of forces and energies. These range from physical forces like gravitational, magnetic and electric fields to more subtle ones such as human behaviour and belief systems. Throughout history, man has turned to divination as a means of gaining useful information to deal with this seemingly chaotic array of influences. Even today there are forces operating in the universe which are of such awesome complexity that they cannot be explained by science. Yet divination can 'tap into' these forces - and is still used by man to bring him into harmony with the environment.
Divination systems are to be found throughout the world. 'Games of the Gods' is the first comprehensive survey of the different methods of divination — Nigel Pennick deals with games from many countries and cultures, yet each one is based upon a vision of the universe in which the 'will of the gods' is knowable through ritual practice. Dice, rune games, chess, mah jongg, and other board games are all discussed in this book. This is a fascinating in-depth investigation of an unexplored field.
Author(s): Nigel Pennick
Publisher: Samuel Weiser
Year: 1989
Language: English
Pages: 256
City: York Beach, Maine
Illustrations vi
Introduction viii
Acknowledgements xii
1. Shapes of Things to Come 1
2. Number and Pattern 29
3. Microcosmic or Divinatory Geomancy 50
4. Figure and Sequence 73
5. The Orientation of Patterns 101
6. The Royal Centre, Fairs and Sacred Boards 129
7. Symbolic Board Games 161
8. Chess and Draughts 186
9. Other Symbolic Board Games and Game-pieces 208
10. Games, Magic and Orthodoxy 228
Appendix 1 240
Appendix 2 243
Appendix 3 244
