What is "spodomancy"

Spodomancy \Spod"o*man`cy\ (sp[o^]d"[-o]*m[a^]n`s[y^]), n. [Gr. spodo`s ashes + -mancy.] Divination by means of ashes.

"divination by ashes," 1836, from Greek spodos "wood ashes, embers," of uncertain origin, + -mancy. Related: Spodomantic.

n. divination by means of ashes.

Spodomancy (also known as tephramancy and tephromancy) is a form of divination by examining cinders, soot, or ashes , particularly although not exclusively from a ritual sacrifice. Spodomancy has been practiced by numerous cultures, ancient and modern, across the globe. While many practitioners (particularly in Europe) have performed the ritual as part of a formal system of paranormal, religious, or ceremonial magic, many have done so as part of mere folkloric practice or superstition.