Lecanomancy
Lecanomancy, divination with oil, seems to have developed very early in the Middle East, and continued to be used by many of the cultures that were otherwise busy conquering each other. Indeed; similar rites are still in practice today.
In this practice, the baru sat with a bowl of water resting on his crossed legs. A small quanity of oil was poured into the water. The various movements and shapes of the oil as it floated on the water's surface indicated ill or good. This was performed to discover a possible birth, future battles or periods of peace, the prospects of recovery for the sick, possible business success or failure, even an appropriate mate.
Divination For Beginners
Reading The Past, Present & Future
Scott Cunningham
ISBN0-7387-0384-2