About
The character 筮, composed of the semantic components 竹 (bamboo) and 巫 (shaman), originates from the practice of divination using bamboo or milfoil stalks, with its structure reflecting both the ritual objects and the practitioner. Etymologically, it specifically denoted the method of casting stalks to derive prognostications, a meaning evident in early classical texts. Over time, its usage broadened to refer to divination in a more general sense, frequently occurring in tandem with 卜 (shell or bone divination) to represent complementary forms of ancient prophecy.
Etymology Hide
