Divination with a Human Heart Attached The practice of divination, the art of predicting the future or gaining insight into unknown events or circumstances, has taken many forms throughout history. From reading tea leaves to interpreting dreams, humans have sought guidance and understanding from supernatural sources for centuries. However, one particularly macabre method of divination involves the use of a real human heart. Known as "divination with a human heart attached," this ancient ritual is believed to have its origins in various cultures and civilizations, including ancient Rome and medieval Europe. The heart, considered by many as the center of emotions, desires, and intuition, was believed to hold immense spiritual power. It was thought that by incorporating a human heart into the divination process, individuals could gain a deeper connection to the spiritual realm and receive more accurate insights and predictions.
In “Hivemind Elegy (There are Things Coming)”, Stoddard enlists the imagery of that fatal mythical apple to speak of a surging ecological grief that is attending our descent from fossil fuel civilization. She writes, “Migration patterns may soon / become escape routes,”. We all know something is coming. We don’t know how bad it will be. Satan stands before us offering two temptations: embrace technological optimism or give up hope completely. I hear Stoddard facing her anxiety, tapping into her grief, but not making any sweeping claims about where this journey will take her.
The bishop intones a chant in the dark, lights the bonfire, and then lights a single candle whose light spread outward through the congregation s huddled candles. In Inheritance Rosarium , we trace the contours of a multigenerational shawl knit from the bodies and hearts of a grandmother, a mother and the author.
It was thought that by incorporating a human heart into the divination process, individuals could gain a deeper connection to the spiritual realm and receive more accurate insights and predictions. The practice of divination with a human heart attached often involved obtaining a heart from a deceased individual, preferably someone with a particular connection to the person seeking divination. The heart would then be ritually prepared, often through various ceremonies and rituals designed to cleanse and purify it.
REVIEW: DIVINATION WITH A HUMAN HEART ATTACHED – EMILY STODDARD (GAME OVER BOOKS)
With flair rooted in a provision of cultural context and historical footing, Emily Stoddard shines in her debut collection of poetry. Going through the introductory portions of this book, one will easily see why Divination with a Human Heart Attached ( Game Over Books ) has attracted a commendable number of literary prizes. With such feats trailing this manuscript, in the nearest future, the author of this book will certainly come to be associated with the best.
Writing on themes of myth, surrealism, magic, and memory, the author proves they are at home with their chosen subject matter, easily helping us make sense of things that are difficult to understand and explain, such as love, loss, and the passage of time.
This body of work is stunning in the way it reimagines historical events, by adapting storylines from antiquity, and bending it to suit a grander purpose. It does this effortlessly by employing humor and incisive wit, dismissive of the temptation to play safe, thereby uncovering the Achilles heel of the divine, and left with the sole decision to tickle, or to stab it. The portrayal of “god”, who is a non-human entity, given human attributes is interesting and powerful, allowing access to an existence behind the blur.
“in those days, god
spoke in fish and flower
ran to us with heavy baskets
so we could not miss him
so we could not confuse him
with lesser forms
The poet’s ability to reimagine traditional myths, in a fresh and original way, is remarkable. The skillful use of elements such as language, imagery, and form, contribute to the overall impact of the collection. Emily writes with a grace that charms the curious mind to the otherworldly. With lyricism and emotion, they make the unfamiliar familiar, sharing their lens with readers through which they can study closely, the human condition.
Armed with surrealism, Stoddard breaks free from the constraints of reality in order to tap into the realm of the irrational and dreamlike. Another notable highlight is memory playing a big role in this book, as it helps us better understand ourselves and our past, for it provides a sense of continuity and connection, and can shape our personal and cultural narratives in unimaginable ways.
In the opening poem, “More & More”, we meet a persona who is in touch with their environment, and are not shy to mention its denizens, namely; the peacock, the sandhill crane, the hummingbird, the wolf and the bear at whose existence they “do not turn away”, given to “violent /reverence.” Emily Stoddard employs line breaks, giving a significant impact on the rhythm, sound, and meaning of the poem, as well as the others that follow. Dividing the poems into discrete units, line breaks often indicate a pause, or hesitation in the poet’s thought or speech, and can be used to create a sense of rhythm, or musicality in poetry.
In, “I was running to him”, we find imageries implying the relationship between “god” and “my father”, by a childlike dependence on their care and support. Both figures in the persona’s life also share a heartbreaking form of denial, after the persona helplessly “collapsed at his feet” in the act of seeking.
In “Inheritance Rosarium”, we find “a girl” with a will behind her own survival:
“As a girl, my mother overheard her grandmother praying
Every night after the little girl composed
counterweight prayers of live, live, live. “
For obvious reasons, I am tempted to consider this poem the centerpiece for its evocative tone, vivid recollections, distinct structure, stark imagery with resonance, among several other features that leave a lasting impression on the mind. Other poems, like “Swoon Hypothesis”, “Where did I leave my god”, “Here, amen is not amen”, and “Gallows Humor— or, The Trouble with Kingdoms” will call for my head if I fail to mention them as favourites.
This book, which charts the depths of feeling and humanity in a way that is both lovely and profound, is a well-deserved triumph. A portal into a world where everything sings to any ear that will listen, this book offers an uncompromising look at the human experience. It is therefore safe to join Emily in expressing gratitude in her very own words, “Thank you to the ancestors who helped me listen”. Undoubtedly, it is in this body of work she joins the choir of “Women in Praise of the Sacred”.
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Along the way there is an exquisite handling of imagery and motifs from nature which bring the reader fully into a vibrant landscape. And there is a collision between Babel and Pentecost and a probing of our longing for fulfillment in self-expression and language (Descendants).
Once prepared, the heart would be preserved and used as a focal point during divination rituals. During a divination session, the individual seeking insight would typically meditate or enter a trance-like state while holding or gazing at the preserved heart. They would seek answers to specific questions or inquire into future events, all while focusing their energy and intentions on the heart. The heart was believed to act as a conduit, allowing the diviner to tap into the cosmic energies and receive messages or visions from beyond. The interpretation of the heart's messages varied depending on the specific culture and traditions involved. Some diviners claimed to directly communicate with the deceased individual whose heart was used, while others believed the heart itself possessed inherent knowledge and wisdom. Divination with a human heart attached was often regarded as an intimate and profound experience, requiring a deep connection between the diviner and the spiritual world. It is important to note that the practice of divination with a human heart attached is considered highly controversial and ethically questionable in modern society. The use of human remains raises ethical concerns and respect for the deceased. Additionally, the reliance on such rituals and tools may be seen as superstitious or lacking scientific validity in contemporary times. In conclusion, divination with a human heart attached is a unique and unsettling aspect of the ancient practice of divination. It represents a belief in the spiritual power and wisdom contained within the human heart. While the modern world may view such practices with skepticism, they offer a glimpse into the fascinating and diverse ways in which humans have sought answers and guidance throughout history..
Reviews for "The Power of Passion: Divination with a Human Heart"
1. Lisa - 2 stars
I have to say, I was really disappointed with "Divination with a human heart attached." The premise of the book sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat for me. The characters felt one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The pacing was also a bit off, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, I found the story to be lackluster and forgettable.
2. Tom - 1 star
I couldn't finish "Divination with a human heart attached." From the very first page, I was put off by the writing style. It felt pretentious and overly convoluted, making it difficult to follow the story. The author's attempt at creating a mysterious and atmospheric setting fell flat, as everything felt forced and contrived. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in this book and ended up putting it down after a few chapters.
3. Amy - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Divination with a human heart attached," but sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations. The plot had potential, but it was executed in a confusing and disjointed manner. The narrative jumped between different timelines and perspectives without clear transitions, making it difficult to keep track of what was going on. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and I struggled to feel invested in their journey. Overall, I found this book to be confusing and unsatisfying.
4. John - 1 star
"Divination with a human heart attached" was a complete letdown for me. The writing was overly flowery and pretentious, making it a chore to read. The characters were bland and lacked any real development. The story itself was convoluted and unnecessarily complicated. I had to force myself to finish it, and even then, I was left feeling unsatisfied. I would not recommend this book to anyone.