This page describes the practice. There is deliberately no automated reading for it — see the notes below.
Background
Sikidy is a form of algebraic geomancy practised by Malagasy peoples. A missionary report from 1616 already describes it; it is performed by a diviner (mpisikidy or ombiasy) after a long apprenticeship.
How it works
Seeds of the fàno or tamarind tree are divided into piles and reduced to one or two seeds, giving four random columns. Twelve more are derived with an exclusive-or rule, checked, and interpreted as "princes" and "slaves".
Notes and limits
Culture: Sikidy is performed by initiated diviners with incantations, consecrated seeds and prescribed offerings. The arithmetic can be described, but the reading belongs to the tradition; it is not simulated here. Learn from Malagasy practitioners and scholarship.
Safety: Traditional remedies prescribed in sikidy can include sacrifices; nothing here asks for or imitates them.
At a glance
- Also called
- Sikidy, Mpisikidy, Ombiasy, Toetry
- Traditions
- Malagasy
- Regions
- Africa
- You need
- A question
- Price
- Free