You shall not eat with blood. You shall not divine nor observe dreams.
לֹ֥א תֹאכְל֖וּ עַל־הַדָּ֑ם לֹ֥א תְנַחֲשׁ֖וּ וְלֹ֥א תְעוֹנֵֽנוּ׃
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Demons ought not to claim the ability to foresee future events; rather, this understanding belongs exclusively to God. Consequently, practices such as divination through birds become mere illusions, and placing faith in them reveals the clear inadequacy of human reasoning. The Scriptures declare, ‘Thou shalt not work divination’ (Leviticus 19:26), highlighting that such acts are detestable and most displeasing to God, who reigns over all creation.
Consider the wickedness of engaging in sorcery! Such practices alienate individuals from divine protection. Many believers mistakenly perceive it as innocuous to lend an ear to omens, to heed those who interpret them. If someone sneezes, they exclaim, "It matters!" If someone calls their name, if they slip while departing, if their attire becomes caught—these are trivial distractions. Yet, even those of great renown, who anticipate divine judgment, succumb to this pernicious habit without hesitation. Take heed: those who surrender themselves to such behavior face rejection. Historically, under the Law of Moses, practices of enchantments, sorcery, and witchcraft have been condemned as demonic inventions. It is written: "There shall not be found among you anyone who...
uses divination, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens" (cf. Deuteronomy 18:12-14). If one seeks the guidance of God's righteousness, it is inappropriate to rely on foolish entities as advisors or instructors.
The bird, oblivious to the dangers it faces right before it, becomes a soothsayer of the future in the eyes of the superstitious. When it ventures from its nest to seek food, it often returns empty-handed. Nevertheless, its aimless flight is perceived as a prophetic sign. If demonic forces lead the birds to ensnare you, avoid fixating on their sorcery and do not yield to satanic influence. Once the devil ensnares a soul, he easily leads it to destruction and will wield it for sinister purposes. Even the croaking crow and the soaring eagle instill dread in fearful hearts, lacking true understanding. The adversary ridicules mankind to the point that the mere appearance of a cat, or a dog looking on, or even an encounter with a man—despite being benign—can provoke undue fear, should that person bear any blemish. This existence of constant suspicion and viewing each circumstance as an obstruction is indeed a poor life, especially when every moment should inspire one’s spirit to soar towards God.
When observing birds in flight, do not dwell on their movements—whether they glide above us, approach us, sweep behind, or cross our path. Instead, ponder the wisdom and artistry of the Creator displayed in them: how they navigate the air despite their weight, how the ethereal nature of the atmosphere serves as their chariot; how they soar gracefully with extended wings, using their tails to guide their course; how flightless birds rely on wings in place of legs; and how nocturnal and predatory birds possess bodies designed for their lifestyles, with some bearing sharp talons for catching prey and others having webbed feet for easier navigation on water. The wisdom of God fills all creation, for He has shaped everything with purpose (cf. Ps. 103:24). Yet, the small-minded, preoccupied with trivialities, desperately try to discern meaningful allegories in the actions of voiceless creatures. Forsaking God, they submit to the power of malevolent spirits, who, ruling from the air, manipulate the flights of birds and lead the misguided into harmful enchantments.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS