Chapter VII: Omens 225

§ 1. _The Prevalence of Omens_ everywhere, in all ages.
Examples 225-6

§ 2. _Omens and Natural Signs._—Natural signs
all-important to hunters; and Omens are imaginary
signs 226-7

§ 3. _Some Signs Conceived of as Magical._—By coincidence
some events become signs of others by a mysterious
and infallible tie. Moods of elation or depression
favour belief in Omens; their validity may depend
upon acceptance. Antiquity of subjective Omens.
Whatever causes elation or depression is ominous.
Coincidence and analogy 227-32

§ 4. _Differentiation of Omens from General Magic._—Omens
are classed with charms, rites and spells, but
distinguished by being signs only, not causes. Other
differences 232-4

§ 5. _Omens Interpreted by Animism._—Omens resemble
warnings—at first given by friendly animals, then by
spirits, hence connected with Oracles and Dreams 234-8

§ 6. _Natural and Artificial Omens_—Natural Omens
not being always at hand, means are discovered
for obtaining them at any time; _e. g._ Dice,
Hepatomancy, Astrology 238-40

§ 7. _Divination and Oracles._—Diviners and the art of
Divination. Power of Diviners and Oracles. Ways of
obtaining oracles and of being inspired derived from
low savagery 240-45

§ 8. _Apparent Failure of Omens_—ascribed to faulty
observation or interpretation; frustration by
spirits, or by superior Magic; or by having been
symbolically fulfilled 245-7

§ 9. _Apology for Omens._—The Diviner or oracular person
tries to be well-informed. The Stoics and Divination.
Omens involved in Fate. Conditional and unconditional
Omens 247-61