Divination also sought to reveal hidden secrets, to foretell future events or discover the probable succes or failure of undertakings. It was largely the province of priests, shamans and magicians but also affected everyday life in the occurence of personal omens. Innumerable methods were employed but the use of sacrificial animals was one of the most usual. This was called 'exispicy' and was the means of augury from the entrails of the sacrifice.
Magpies are well-known for number symbolism.
A crowing hen is 'neither good for God nor men'. Patterns of migration were also of great significance. The way a cat faces when washing itself shows which way the wind may be expected to blow. The howling of a dog at night portends death and was associated with Hecate. An Irishman who refused to give Arthur his cauldron for Culhwch.