I've been increasingly interested in the Greco-Roman connection of 'contact with the earth' and divination. Consider the following example:
mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/..._07_052.html
Chalchas (also spelled Calchas) is engaged in examining a liver, a while bearing the wings of an divine messenger (elevated to lesser god?), he also rests a foot upon a mound of presumably earth, or most likely an omphalos.

This connection with the earth is interesting. I am curious if any are more familiar with this than I, if the connection with the earth is wide sweeping to include all facets of divination, or if specifically the arts of extispicy is considered chthonic to the point that contact with the earth is necessary.

Calchas (homepage.mac.com/cparada/G...chas.html) was known as an expert in augury, specifically birds (not a cthonic practice per se). If he is traditionally associated with that art, later shown in an Etruscan example as engaging in, if not presiding over (angel wings and all) over extispicy (a much more cthonic art), is his governance/patronage/guidance sought in all forms of divination?

The omphalos (www.sikyon.com/Delphi/Mon...eg00a.html) is a potent 'tool' for communication with the Gods, and I really must investiate it more. The netting of ribbons is interesting. Does anyone know more about these?

By extension, the girl in the Christian New Testament who was possessed by a spirit of Python is perking my interest.

Babble, babble, babble,
Jesse