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

Shang oracle bone divination was a method of divination used by ancient Chinese priests of the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE). The divination process involved heating an ox scapula or turtle shell and then interpreting the cracks that formed as a result of the heat.

To explain the process, let's look at an example. A priest in the Shang Dynasty has a question they need to ask the gods: 'Should they build a new city?' The priest takes an ox scapula or turtle shell and heats it over a fire until it cracks. The priest then examines the pattern of the cracks and interprets their meaning. For example, if the cracks form an image of a city, this could be interpreted as a sign from the gods suggesting that the priest should build the new city. However, if the cracks form an image of a mountain, this could be interpreted as a sign from the gods suggesting that the priest should instead focus their energy on improving existing cities rather than building a new one.