cleidomancy

alternative clidomancy · alternative chilomancy · alternative kleidomancy

1. uncountableDivination by using a hanging key as a pendulum. A form of radiesthesia.

   Cleidomancy was performed with a key suspended from a thread from the nail of a young virgin's third finger, this verse from the Psalms being repeated meanwhile: "Exurge, Domine, adjuva nos, et redime nos propter nomen sanctum tuum." The key would revolve if the thing asked could be affirmed.

   1931, J. Courtenay Locke, translator, Émile-Jules Grillot de Givry, author, Picture Museum of Sorcery, Magic & Alchemy