Episode #47: Professor David Zeitlyn on Mambila Spider Divination and the Bodleian Library's New Exhibition

Coffee & Divination

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In this episode, I sit down with the Professor David Zeitlyn of Oxford University, a leading expert in the anthropology of divination and co-curator of the Bodleian Library's stunning new exhibition, Oracles, Omens, and Answers. Professor Zeitlyn has spent decades studying divination practices across cultures, including his research on, and practice of, Mambila spider divination in Cameroon and Nigeria.

We discuss the highlights of the Bodleian Library's exhibition (which is open until April 27, 2025,) and explore the cultural framework of divinatory practices like spider divination, and the intersections of ancient methods and modern tools. I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Notes for this Episode:

• Explore the Bodleian Library's Oracles, Omens, and Answers Exhibition
• Purchase the exhibition book Divinations, Oracles & Omens, edited by Michelle Aroney and David Zeitlyn
• United States link for book purchases: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/D/bo249121065.html
• Professor David Zeitlyn’s book: Mambila Divination: Framing Questions, Constructing Answers

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• Coffee and Divination Website: http://www.coffeeanddivination.com
• North Wyldewood Coven and Tradition Website: https://www.northwyldewoodtradition.org
• Sacred Space Conference - March 2025: Sacred Space Conference – Metaphysics, Mysticism, Magick (sacredspacefoundation.org)
• Learn from the North Wyldewood Coven: Enter the Wyldewood - The Birch Path (thinkific.com)
• Theme music: "Come with Me" by JoAnna Farrer. Also featuring Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas and Yann Falquet.
• Ending music: "Pollen Path" by Elana Low