The Nara clan of the Yonggan people have a rich tradition of divination, carried forward by their mantic priesthood. Yonggan diviners, historically practitioners of Yonggan traditional shamanism, have long be sought as counselors in the Earth Kingdom. The Nara tradition of divination was enhanced and formalized through intensive contact with the divinatory traditions of the Central Earth Kingdom during the Ri Dynasty's rule in Ba Sing Se. Mantic priests of the state religion codified these techniques in books such as the Eight Noble Means of Divination. As the Great Ri were also patrons of the Air Nomad religion, Nara divination also incorporates concepts derived from Air Nomad thought.

Plastromancy and Scapulimancy

These arts encompass divination by interpreting the cracks in bones or shells; the shell of the turtle-duck is especially favored and during the Great Ri, the state mantic priesthood even developed a special breed of them for the purpose in Ba Sing Se. With appropriate ritual preparation, the diviner touches the object with a hot metal poker and compares the pattern of cracks formed to tables in a book. Traditional implements include an oil lamp (for heating the poker), and the poker itself. This art is developed from Yonggan traditions, though antecedents are practiced throughout the Northern Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation, where it may have ultimately originated. It is considered most useful for predicting the outcome of future undertakings.

Aeromancy and Meteorology

This art was, unsurprisingly, developed by the Air Nomads, and consists of interpreting weather-related omens and daytime celestial phenomena. Texts contain information about the meaning of cloud formations, wind direction, and so forth. It also encompasses much of what might be considered non-supernatural meteorology. It is considered most useful for predicting the weather (unsurprisingly), the longer-term climate, and agricultural decisions for the coming season. It is also thought to provide useful information about natural disasters, droughts, famines, volcanic eruptions, and the like.

Astrology and Astronomy

Astrology and Astronomy developed to a very high degree under the Great Ri, and continues to be practiced in Ba Sing Se along similar lines today. The mantic priesthood was especially interested in predicting eclipses and celestial convergences which had immediate practical importance for elemental benders. Apart from predicting the motions of heavenly bodies, eclipses, and suchlike, it is thought to be useful for predicting the destinies of nations, empires, and international relations; the individual horoscope was considered useful only for people who were likely to be important to the course of global events. (Indeed, sumptuary laws under the Great Ri governed who could have a horoscope cast for them.)

Necromancy

Geomancy and Geology

Cleromancy and Rhabdomancy

Abacomancy

== Physiognomy and Phrenology ==