Throw a
laurel branch into a
fire.
Ask a
question.
If the branch
crackles, the
answer is "
yes." Or "
probably."
There is a
direct correlation between the volume of the crackling and the
certainy of
probability.
If it
burns without crackling, the answer is "
no."
Apparently the
depth of the
silence will tell you how bad the outlook is.
Patricia Telesco, in A Victorian Grimoire notes:
Throw a handful in your fireplace all at once and watch the flame. If the flames rise up together, this is also a positive sign. Three flame points means that things are coming together to a harmonious conclusion, one point is single-mindedness and two flame points mean you may need the aid of a friend to accomplish your goal. Bay leaves may also be used for this technique, and are easier to obtain.