Shang Oracle Bone Divination: A Step-by-Step Guide with Example

Shang oracle bone divination was a form of divination practiced in ancient China. The process involved inscribing a question on a bone or tortoise shell and then heating the bone until it cracked. The shape and pattern of the crack was then interpreted by a diviner to provide an answer to the question.

For example, if a person wanted to know if a particular venture would be successful, they would inscribe a question such as 'Will this venture be successful?' onto a bone or shell. The bone or shell would then be heated until it cracked. The diviner would then interpret the shape and pattern of the crack to determine the answer. If the crack was curved and had a single point at the end, the diviner may have interpreted this as a sign of success, indicating that the venture would be successful.