Axinomancy
Axinomancy is an old form of divination that uses an axe, hatchet, or occasionally a saw. Most methods involve either throwing the axe into the ground or swinging it into a tree, then interpreting things like the direction of the handle or the blade’s trembling.
A related practice is axiomancy, where the quivering blade is interpreted after the axe has been driven into a wooden table.
Another approach is to heat the axe head in a fire until it glows, then interpret the colors and shapes that appear.
A Greek variant, once held in high regard by some, is to balance a round piece of agate on the edge of a sharp axe (edge up). The way the agate rolls is read as a message or guidance.
Some sources claim Psalm 74 refers to axinomancy as a way to predict Jerusalem’s fall, but the text’s reference to upright axes isn’t clearly a divination claim.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 11:27 (CET).