THE ORPHIC FRAGMENTS

OF OTTO KERN


9. ΑΜΜΟΣΚΟΠΙΑ

(DIVINATION BY SAND)

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For links to many more fragments: The Orphic Fragments of Otto Kern.


See the Souda (Σοῦδα) which can be found in Orphic Critical Testimony 223 d (ἀμοκοπίαι or ἀμοκοπίαν codd.); Sandschau Herman Diels Die Fragmente der Vorsokratiker II3 p. 164: “Vielliecht war die Sandschau ähnlich der ἀλιφιτομαντεία” (“Perhaps the sand show was similar to the ἀλιφιτομαντεία”), having proposed ἀλφιτομαντεία (ἀλφιτομάντεις Poll. VII 188; August Emanual Bekker Anecdota Graeca I p. 52 [at the bottom of the page], Christian Lobeck Aglaophamus II p. 815 note c); Ἀνεμοσκοπία Fabricius; Ἀμνοκοπία Eschenbach Epigenes 178 citing Hesychius s. ἀμνοκόπος· ποιμήν (“shepherd”), whereby Christian Lobeck (I 361) connects it to Ἑλλάδος Περιήγησις Παυσανίου 6.2, 5 (Ἦλις)· «μαντικὴν <δι’> ἐρίφων καὶ ἀρνῶν τε καὶ μόσχων» (“Oracular through kids and lambs and calves”); ἀστροσκοπία (cf. ἀστεροσκοπία [ἀστροσκοπία M] Hermiae Alexandrini in Platonis Phaedrum Scholia Section 244 A p. 95, 10 Paul Couvreur, Christian Lobeck Aglaophamus I p. 362).

Translator’s note: I believe that this is about what exactly the word ἀμοκοπίαι means and whether this is even the correct name of the text, if such a text actually existed. Although there is a book of this name mentioned in the Souda, there appear to be no known surviving fragments.


The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Theogony.

We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology.

Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology.

Introduction to the Thæí (the Gods): The Nature of the Gods.

How do we know there are Gods? Experiencing Gods.

This logo is the principal symbol of this website. It is called the CESS logo, i.e. the Children of the Earth and the Starry Sky. The Pætilía (Petelia, Πετηλία) and other golden tablets having this phrase are the inspiration for the symbol. The image represents this idea: Earth (divisible substance) and the Sky (continuous substance) are the two kozmogonic substances. The twelve stars represent the Natural Laws, the dominions of the Olympian Gods. In front of these symbols is the seven-stringed kithára (cithara, κιθάρα), the the lyre of Apóllôn (Apollo, Ἀπόλλων). It (here) represents the bond between Gods and mortals and is representative that we are the children of Orphéfs (Orpheus, Ὀρφεύς).

PLEASE NOTE: Throughout the pages of this website, you will find fascinating stories about our Gods. These narratives are known as mythology, the traditional stories of the Gods and Heroes. While these tales are great mystical vehicles containing transcendent truth, they are symbolic and should not be taken literally. A literal reading will frequently yield an erroneous result. The meaning of the myths is concealed in code. To understand them requires a key. For instance, when a God kills someone, this usually means a transformation of the soul to a higher level. Similarly, sexual union with a God is a transformation.

We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology.

Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology.

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Pronunciation of Ancient Greek

Transliteration of Ancient Greek

Pronouncing the Names of the Gods in Hellenismos

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