Oracles In Ancient Paganism

Abstract

The use of oracles was a very common religious practice in ancient paganism, spreading through out different regions and communities. Oracles were consulted before any large decision to be made, for example going to battle or war, as well as smaller issues such as the interpretation of dreams. Through the use of primary and secondary sources this paper will explore the different uses of oracles, from how they were used as a tool to try and control different gods, while also being used to tell prophecies of the future, and interpret dreams. This will be done by looking at the different areas such as: Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and Persia and the pagan cults that originate in these areas. Not only will the uses of oracles be explored, but the proper procedure before consulting them will be as well. The paper also will focus on comparing pagan oracles to the Old Testament prophets and dream interpretations. Through these questions of, why and how were oracles used, where they were used and the possible differences that arise in these different cults, and the comparison between pagan oracles and Old Testament prophets, a better understanding of how ancient pagans viewed and attempted to interact with their gods will be established.