Learn about itLearn onlyLiving tradition
This page describes the practice. There is deliberately no automated reading for it — see the notes below.
Background
Molybdomancy uses molten metal, typically lead or tin, dropped into water; it is found in Austria, Germany, Finland, Turkey and elsewhere. In Germany (Bleigießen) and Finland it is a New Year’s Eve tradition, and EU rules from 2018 limit lead-containing kits.
How it works
A small piece of metal is melted in a ladle and poured into cold water, and the resulting shape is interpreted.
Notes and limits
Safety: Never use lead: it is toxic, and some kits have also posed antimony risks. Use wax instead (see ceromancy) and take care with hot metal.
At a glance
- Also called
- Bleigießen, Uudenvuodentina, Kurşun dökme, Lead pouring
- Traditions
- German, Finnish, Turkish, Yiddish folk
- Regions
- Europe, Middle East & Persia
- You need
- Looking at yourself
- Price
- Free