Paganistan: Notes from the Secret Commonwealth
In Which One Midwest Man-in-Black Confers, Converses & Otherwise Hob-Nobs with his Fellow Hob-Men (& -Women) Concerning the Sundry Ways of the Famed but Ill-Starred Tribe of Witches.
Taking Omens
The word inauguration originally referred not to the ceremonial transfer of power but to the act of divination that preceded it.
It makes sense that the state, before embarking on a major endeavor such as a war or a change of government, should consult the will of the gods on the matter. The augurs (diviners) take the auguries (omens) to see what the future will bring.
I haven't heard yet what omens the US College of Augurs got today. (Their headquarters is down on the Mall someplace, I think; I'm pretty sure I walked past it a few years ago.) No doubt tomorrow it will be all over the web.
(State augur. Now there's a job I wouldn't mind having. I hear the benefits are great.)
In the meantime, it seems like a good time for us all to be checking the omens.
I always say: All other things being equal, consult divination.
Above: Lituus (diviner's tool), Roman, 2nd century BCE (bronze)
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