Oracles: Foresight and Mystery from Past to Present

1. Pythia (Oracle of Delphi) : She is the oracle who worked in the temple in Delphi in ancient Greece. Pythia was chosen from among Apollo's priestesses and served as the temple's counseling center. In the ancient Greek world, political leaders and ordinary people consulted the Pythia's insights.
2. Nostradamus : He was a French astrologer, soothsayer and physician who lived in the 16th century. He is known for his work "Centuries". In this book, it is claimed that he made predictions about the future in short four-line quatrains. However, the interpretation and accuracy of what Nostradamus wrote is still a matter of debate.
3. Edgar Cayce : He was an American medium and seer who lived in the early 20th century. He was also known as the "Sleeping Oracle" because he would make predictions while in a trance (sleep). Cayce was known for his medical and metahistorical knowledge, but the accuracy of some of his claims has been questioned.
4. Baba Vanga : She was a famous seer of the 20th century. He lived in Bulgaria and many people believed his predictions. It is claimed that he predicted events such as the September 11 attacks and the independence of India. However, whether some of his predictions came true is still a matter of debate.

These names represent various aspects of the prophetic tradition and have been influential in different societies at different times. However, there is often no clear evidence of the accuracy and reality of the predictions of soothsayers, and therefore divination remains outside of a scientific approach.


Yes, people have believed in oracles throughout history, and there are still those who believe. Belief in oracles may vary depending on cultural, religious, and historical contexts. Some societies take belief in oracles seriously, while others may view it with skepticism.
Belief in oracles is often associated with the idea that people can predict the future, have supernatural abilities, or offer insights into important events. These beliefs can help people cope with their uncertainty and fear and guide them in making decisions in their lives.
However, belief in oracles is often controversial because it has no scientific basis and cannot be proven accurate. Despite this, some people may believe in oracles due to personal experiences or cultural influences. Additionally, the priestly tradition still plays an important role in some societies and can sometimes influence political or social decisions.
In religions, divination has an important place in some traditions. However, the concept and practice of priesthood varies greatly among different religions. Here is an overview of priesthood in some religions: