Certain ancient cultures who shall remain nameless are even alleged to have used animal or human sacrifices as the fuel for this form of divination. In such cases where some formerly living creature was used for firewood, the smoke was interpreted thusly:
- If the smoke rose lightly from the altar where the sacrifice was being burned and moved straight skyward, then it meant conditions were favorable for or to whatever was being asked.
- If the smoke hung close to the altar and circled it around, or else hung close to the ground, then it was a sign that the plans should be changed.
It was believed that to inhale the smoke generated by a sacrificial burning increased the good fortune of the inhaler, but I’ve never been in a position to either verify or discount this.
In early New England they practiced a form of capnomancy by reading the smoke coming from chimneys:
- If the smoke from the chimney rises straight up to the sky, then regardless of the time of day or climatic conditions, it means the weather will be fair and good for farmers and sailors.
- If the chimney smoke clings to the roof, filters around the house, pushes back down the chimney, or moves to the ground, then either a storm is approaching and/or it is a bad omen for those who live in the house.