Consult the Oracle: A Victorian Guide to Folklore and Fortune Telling - Hardcover

Nostradamus, Gabriel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1908402733 ISBN 13: 9781908402738

Publisher: Old House Books, 2013

Synopsis

"If you sing before breakfast you will cry before supper...' In their own words, what it meant for Victorians to dream of actors, April Fools, herrings or a railway ticket - why it was advised to throw a black snail by its horns over the left shoulder for good luck - and why it is essential to inform bees of a death in the family. "If one drops a knife, a woman is coming; a fork, a man is coming; a spoon, a fool." Tappings on tables, questionable curatives, old wives' tales and whispers from beyond the grave - Victorians were fascinated by the supernatural. Consult the Oracle was where they might have turned when they needed to identify a witch, interpret an omen or dream, required a natural cure or wanted to divine their future with a pack of cards - or simply wished to understand what the supernatural meant to them and their ancestors. First published in 1899, it offered a layman's guide to 'matters magical and mysterious', and today is a quirky glimpse of a supernatural age now lost, by turns haunting and hilarious.

About this title

About the Author

Gabriel Nostradamus is the author of Consult the Oracle: A Victorian Guide to Folklore and Fortune Telling, first published in 1899.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

• It is a sign of "bad luck" to meet a white horse, unless the person spits at it; which action averts the ill consequences.
• To have a hare cross the road in front of any one who is going on an errand is not lucky. Under such a circumstance it is wisest to turn back and not pursue one's business till the next meal has been eaten, for beyond that the evil influence does not extend.
• Bees must be told of a Death in the Family. When there is a death in the family where bees are kept, the bees should be informed of the event, otherwise they will leave their hives and never return.
• Black eyes are usually a sign of good powers of physical endurance; but they are choleric, and may be, though they are not always, treacherous.
• Grey eyes indicate a quick temper, coolness in the presence of danger, and a love of novelty.
• Those with grey eyes are generally keen, energetic, and at first cold; but you may rely upon their sympathy with real sorrow.
• Hazel eyes are found with shrewd people, and such as take pleasure in intercourse with friends.
• A calm blue eye well enclosed by the eyebrows shows a good judge of character.
• Clear blue eyes are associated with love of change and progress.

Edition details

• Publisher: Old House Books
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1908402733
• ISBN 13: 9781908402738
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 168