Rhapsodomancy is an ancient form of divination performed by choosing through some method a specific passage or poem from which to ascertain information.
Sometimes, individuals would write several verses or sentences from a poet on multiple pieces of wood, paper, or similar material, shake them together in an urn, and pick one at random.
It is thought that this flexibility of interpretation, as well as the suggestion that there is a moral obligation to deliberate on the findings of the scryer, that led to rhapsodomancy falling out of favour with the I Ching.
[7] Bibliomancy, another text-based form of divination, was first officially recorded in 1693 AD, and was mainly concerned with the Bible, rather than any variety of poetic texts.
[8] In the biography of evangelist George Whitefield, a note is made of the fact that a message was sent to him by contemporary John Wesley, regarding his voyages across the Atlantic.
When communicating with Whitefield, Wesley presented him with a passage pulled, after prayer, out of lots, which read; 'Let Him Return to London'.