Fortuna, The sacred & profane faces of luck - Nigel Pennick

Fortuna: The Sacred & Profane Faces of Luck - Nigel Pennick

The book is in English.

Nigel Pennick explores the cultural history of luck and destiny in this fascinating work, from sacred divination to modern gambling. Fortuna sheds light on how people have sought to understand their future, protect themselves, and capitalize on their days of good fortune for centuries.

The book covers, among other things:

• The origin of dice as sacred tools of divination and the oracle techniques and meanings of dice.
• Medieval grimoires of divination and other traditions, such as the use of shells, bones, coins, cards, sticks, and stones to create meaningful patterns.
• How dice evolved from divination to gambling tools and gave rise to special lucky charms.
• A history of gambling and cheating, such as manipulated dice and "Dream Books" that helped gamblers interpret dreams and numbers.

The book offers insight into how ancient cultures believed that gods guided life and how sacrifices and prophecies could change fate. It particularly highlights the Roman goddess Fortuna, whose sacred sites served as centers of prophecy.

Pennick shows how fortune telling and gambling are two sides of the same coin. Whether it's a gambler who trusts in the favor of fortune telling or a fortune teller who seeks answers from the gods, everyone is striving to improve their lives and find a richer future.

Fortuna is an excellent choice for researchers of history, mysticism, and the meaning of luck, as well as anyone interested in how people have tried to understand and control their destiny throughout the ages.