Rhapsodomancy

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Rhapsodomancy is an ancient form of divination performed by choosing through some method a specific passage or poem from which to ascertain information.

There were various methods for practicing rhapsodomancy. Sometimes, individuals wrote several verses or sentences from a poet on multiple pieces of wood, paper, etc, shook them together in an urn, and drew one out. Sometimes, they cast dice on a table that was covered with verses; the one on which the die landed was said to contain the prediction.

A third manner involved opening a book, and choosing some verse, at first sight. This method was particularly called the sortes Praenestinae; and afterwards, according to the poet who was used, sortes Homericae, sortes Virgilianae, etc.