What is "capnomancy"

Capnomancy \Cap"no*man`cy\, n. [Gr. kapno`s smoke + mancy: cf. F. capnomancie.] Divination by means of the ascent or motion of smoke.

"divination by smoke," c.1600, from Latinized form of Greek kapnos "smoke" + -mancy.

n. divination by interpreting smoke rising from a fire. A form of pyromancy.

Capnomancy (otherwise known as libanomancy) signifies a method of divination using smoke. This is done by looking at the movements of the smoke after a fire has been made. A thin, straight plume of smoke is thought to indicate a good omen whereas the opposite is thought of large plumes of smoke. If the smoke touches the ground, this is thought to be a sign that immediate action must be taken to avoid catastrophe.