Oracle (n) *
In its modern usage, the word "oracle" is used to describe either a prophet inspired by spiritual forces, or to describe a particular prophesy. In ancient Greece, the oracle was a place where these divinely-inspired prophesies of the future were passed down to mortals. Usually these prophesies were given in response to questions, but sometimes they flowed out randomly from the priest or priestess acting as an intermediary. The most famous oracle was that of Apollo at Delphi.
In its modern usage, the word "oracle" is used to describe either a prophet inspired by spiritual forces, or to describe a particular prophesy. In ancient Greece, the oracle was a place where these divinely-inspired prophesies of the future were passed down to mortals. Usually these prophesies were given in response to questions, but sometimes they flowed out randomly from the priest or priestess acting as an intermediary. The most famous oracle was that of Apollo at Delphi.
I haven't met "The Oracle at Delhi" but I plan to consult her every time there is an election in India.They should replace all those nonsense-spouting stuffed shirts with Rama the next time they're holding one of those election prediction thingies on TV.
* "Oracle." Encyclopedia Mythica from Encyclopedia Mythica Online. <http://www.pantheon.org/articles/o/oracle.html> [Accessed May 12, 2007].
