Hippomancy

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Hippomancy

A method of divination practiced by the ancient Celts, who kept certain white horses in consecrated groves. The horses were made to walk immediately behind sacred carts and auguries were drawn from their movements. The ancient Germans kept similar steeds in their temples. If the horses crossed the threshold with the left forefoot first on leaving the temples at the outbreak of hostilities, it was regarded as an evil omen and the war was abandoned.

Sources:

Waite, Arthur Edward. The Occult Sciences. 1891. Reprint, Secaucus, N.J.: University Books, 1974.