Prophecy, in a broad sense, is the prediction of future events. The etymology of the word is Greek, from pro- "before" plus the root of phanai "speak", i.e. "speaking before" or "foretelling" (proclamation). Prophecy is a general term for assertions presented as the revelation of divine will. Sometimes the Greek word mantikê (divination) is translated as prophecy.For example, R.W.Sharples translates mantikê as prophecy in Alexander of Aphrodisias on Fate (London: Duckworth, 2003).

Throughout history, people have sought knowledge of future events from special individuals or groups who were thought to have the gift of prophecy, such as Oracles at Delphi in ancient Greece. Cultures in which prophecy played an important role include the North American Indians, Mayans, Celts, Druids, Chinese, Chaldeans, Assyrians, Egyptians, Hindus, Hebrews, Tibetans, Greeks, and many in the Christian tradition, among others.

History of prophecy

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The earliest manifestations of prophecy were most often found in the form of magical spells and folk charms. In modern times, astrology and other pseudoscientific techniques have gained wide acceptance.

Prophecies are often based on divination, or determining the will of gods or other supernatural entities. Many methods are used to achieve this, including reading tea leaves, cloud formations, animal behavior, or even the entrails of sacrificed animals. The accepted ways of providing prophecies in the Bible and Qur'an is by visions and dreams (with criticisms of the 'other' methods in those Sources as unacceptable). The development of spirituality in all (ancient) societies was in relation to their members discovered use of dreams and prophecies, as they were found to provide knowledge they didn't have, direction, creative suggestions and healthful solutions to their ailments, sometimes in the form of herbs and other things available to them.

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