Omphalomancy is a method of
divination
Divination (from Latin ''divinare'', 'to foresee, to foretell, to predict, to prophesy') is the attempt to gain insight into a question or situation by way of an occultic, standardized process or ritual. Used in various forms throughout histor ...
meant to determine the number of children a mother may have, based on the belief that the shape of the
navel
The navel (clinically known as the umbilicus, commonly known as the belly button or tummy button) is a protruding, flat, or hollowed area on the abdomen at the attachment site of the umbilical cord. All placental mammals have a navel, although ...
can reveal this information. This is most commonly done with newborn infants, by noting the markings on the newborn's navel.
Divination
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