Prediction from omens is an ancient practice that dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. Augury, or divination, was a form of predicting the future by interpreting signs and omens. An AUGUR was a priest or soothsayer who was believed to be able to interpret the will of the gods by studying the flight of birds, the entrails of sacrificed animals, and other natural phenomena. Augurs were consulted before major decisions were made, such as going to war or electing a new leader. Today, the practice of predicting from omens is still alive in some cultures, although it is not as widely practiced as it once was.