During 1692, specifically in Salem Village, many witches would do voodoo such as seeing who you would marry with egg whites or etc. Did they do anything special to foretell the future to see certain events? Did they have to cast certain spells? I know now we have fortune tellers who have psychic cards, but during 1692, how did fortune tellers go about with seeing the future?
During the Salem witch trials in 1692, fortune telling and divination practices varied among different individuals practicing witchcraft. It's important to note that the beliefs and practices of that time were deeply rooted in superstition and folklore rather than present-day understanding.
To foretell the future or see certain events, witches or fortune tellers in that era might have used a combination of various methods, which could include:
1. Scrying: The art of scrying involves gazing into a reflective surface, such as a crystal ball, mirror, or glass of water, to receive visions or insights about the future. The practitioner would interpret the images or patterns they saw.
2. Palmistry: Palmistry, also known as chiromancy, involves reading the lines, shapes, and markings on a person's palm to provide insights into their character traits and potential future events. Various lines and markings are believed to correspond to different aspects of life, such as love, career, and longevity.
3. Astrology: Astrology is the study of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs. Practitioners would examine the positions and movements of celestial objects, such as stars and planets, to create birth charts and make predictions about a person's future based on the alignment of these heavenly bodies.
4. Tarot Cards: While tarot cards have been used for divination purposes for centuries, it's unclear to what extent they were used during the Salem witch trials. However, it is possible that some individuals might have utilized tarot cards to gain insights into the future. The cards are shuffled and laid out in a specific pattern, and their interpretations are based on the symbolism and meanings associated with each card.
5. Rituals and Spells: Witchcraft practices often involved rituals and spells believed to channel supernatural forces or invoke spirits that could provide knowledge of future events. These rituals could be elaborate or simple, depending on the individual practitioner and their traditions.
It's important to note that during the Salem witch trials, accusations of witchcraft were often based on rampant paranoia and hysteria, leading to the persecution of innocent people. The methods mentioned above for fortune telling or divination were seen as signs of witchcraft and were used as evidence against those accused.
In modern times, fortune tellers have evolved their methods and techniques, often incorporating a mix of traditional practices and newer approaches such as psychic cards, crystal readings, aura interpretations, and psychic intuition.