Divination

Divination, any of various methods of foretelling the future by means of oracles, omens, or signs. These methods include dream interpretation, astrology, investigation of parts of the body (e.g., palmistry, phrenology), study of the animal entrails, and interpretation of the cries of birds and animals (augury). Divination is one of the most ancient of practices, and has been found in almost all societies.