Page 589
The Chingulaes, in case of Sickness, to know what God or Devil is the Author, hang an instru∣ment (like a pair of Sizers) used to cut Betel-nuts upon a Bow-string; and holding the Bow at both ends, repeat over the names of the Gods and De∣vils; and when the name of him that afflicted them is mentioned, the Iron on the String swings. Capt. Knox.
In Guinea and the East-Indies, when the King sacrificeth, the Fetissero comes to a Tree, and in a heap of Ashes there provided, sticks the branch of a Tree, and drinking out of a Bason, spouts it upon the Branch, and then dawbs his Face with the Ashes: after which, the Devil out of the Tree gives answer to the King's Questions. View of the Engl. Acquis. in Guinea, and the East-Indies.
They have in Guinea certain Trees in great Ve∣neration, and consult with them, as with Oracles. Rosse.
In Angola and Congo they are much addicted to Divination by Birds. Rosse.
In Jucatan they caused Boys in hollow Images to answer the Peoples Petitions, as if God had spoke to them. Idem.
The Priests in South-America learn Physick and Magick, when young, being shut up two Years in Woods; all which time they keeep their Cells, see no Women, nor eat Flesh; they are taught by their Masters in the Night. Idem.
Some West Indians at this day, by fuming their Heads over the smoak of Tobacco, will fall into a Trance for four or five Hours, and fore-see what Ships are making to their Ports, tho' several days of, and report where the Vessels then are, when they awake. Pacquet broke open. Vol. 2.
In Gilolo and Amboina, they bring their Daemon (or Nito) to conference with a Tabor, VVax-Candles,