Divination and magic played a significant role in Sumerian religion, serving as methods for determining the will of the gods and influencing the outcome of events.
The Sumerians used various forms of divination, including omens and the casting of lots, to understand the divine message and make decisions accordingly.
Omens
Omens were an important form of divination in Sumerian religion. The Sumerians believed that the gods communicated through various signs, such as the appearance of birds, the behavior of animals, or even unusual events.
The interpretation of omens was the responsibility of the diviner, who was trained in the art of divination and the interpretation of signs.
Casting of Lots
Another form of divination in Sumerian religion was the casting of lots. This involved throwing objects, such as sticks or stones, and interpreting the patterns they formed to determine the will of the gods.
The casting of lots was used for a variety of purposes, including the determination of guilt in legal cases and the selection of leaders.
Magic
Magic was an important part of Sumerian religion. The Sumerians believed that magic could be used to influence the gods and control the outcome of events.
Magic spells were cast for a variety of purposes, such as healing, protection, and the attainment of wealth and power.
The spells were written on clay tablets and were recited by the priests or practitioners of magic.
