spådom
Spådom is a term used in Swedish to describe the practice of foretelling future events or gaining insights through interpretation of signs, symbols, or other perceived omens. The word combines elements meaning to foresee and to decree or judge, reflecting a view of knowledge that goes beyond ordinary perception.
Practices labeled spådom include astrology, tarot readings, palmistry (chiromancy), runes, tea-leaf reading, crystal ball gazing, numerology,
Historically, spådom has appeared in many cultures, from ancient and medieval Europe to East Asian and Indigenous
Critical perspectives emphasize the lack of empirical support for predictive claims, the tendency for readings to
See also: divination, fortune-telling, astrology, palmistry, tarot.