Bibliomancy

The use of sacred books (especially specific words and verses) for "magical medicine", for removing negative entities, or for divination is widespread in many religions of the world.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary,[1] the word bibliomancy (etymologically from βιβλίον biblion- 'book' and μαντεία -manteía 'divination by means of') "divination by books, or by verses of the Bible" was first recorded in 1753 (Chambers' Cyclopædia).

[2] There is a prevalent practice among certain, particularly messianic, members of Chabad-Lubavitch Chasidic movement to use the Igrot Kodesh, a thirty-volume collection of letters written by their leader Menachem Mendel Schneerson for guidance.

[9][7] In the 16th century, Falnama manuscripts were introduced that used a different system; individuals performed purification rituals, opened a random page in the book and interpreted their fortune in light of the painting and its accompanying text.

[10] Only a few illustrated Falnamas now survive; these were commissioned by rich patrons and are unusually large books for the time, with bold, finely executed paintings.

[14] To answer a question, readers would perform ablutions, recite prayers from the Quran and then open the book at a random page.