Arithmancy

[heathernmoore]

No: HPFGUIDX 32005

Arithmancy is rather more commonly referred to as "arithmomancy." In its basic format 
it is a specialized, ancient form of numerology:

(from http://www.paralumun.com/arithmancy.htm)

 ARITHMANCY 

Arithmancy is a Chaldean and Greek method of divination by numbers. The Chaldeans divided
 their alphabet into three sections of seven letters and linked these to the seven planets.  
The Greeks would analyze the names of opponents and predict the outcome of a contest. 
Arithmancy is a precursor to numerology.


(from http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/a/arithmancy.html)

Arithmancy

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Divination by numbers (sometimes wrongly called Arithmomancy). The ancient Greeks 
examined the number and the values of letters in each name of two combatants. They 
predicted the combatant having the name of the greater value would be victorious. 
It was by using this science that some diviners foretold that Achilles would defeat Hector.

The Chaldeans also practiced arithmancy. They divided their alphabet into three parts, 
each part composed of seven letters which they attributed to the seven planets. Through 
this arithmetic method they made predictions based on the planets.

The Platonists and Pythagoreans were also strongly attracted to this form of divination 
which is similar to certain aspects of the Jewish Kabbalah. A.G.H.



(from various other places)

 "esoterically it is concerned with the science of correspondences between gods, men 
and numbers, as taught by Pythagoras."



 For some reason, I have a strong suspicion that Arithmancy in the Potterverse
also covers the topic of magic squares, which were developed and utilized as a 
supernatural device in India, China, Jewish Kabbalah, Islam, and eventually brought
to Europe where they were expounded upon most notably by Agrippa. 

I'm also thinking that advanced arithmancy may explore the creation of new spells,
as both forms of arithmancy tend to get glossed on by esoteric writers as being 
akin to mathematical and programming algorithms.  

Arithmancy is probably what equates to computer science in the Wizarding World.

  -- heather (uma)