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Urim and Thummim is a hebrew concept related to divination, or an attempt to gain insight through a ritual.

Many references to Urim and Thummim are found in the hebrew Torah ( holy book ) as well as scriptures and other holy documents.

In the book of Exodus the stones were described as part of a golden breastplate worn by high priests or kings. Often the stone would be an intrinsic part of the plate; being just as important as the plate itself.

In "The Alchemist", Santiago casually meets the king of Salem and recieves a pair of Urim and Thummim; to which the King produces by removing both stones off of his golden chestplate.

The chestplate itself consists of 12 stones total, which hebrews believe can be used to divinate the will of god.

It should be mentioned that the 12 stones represent the 12 tribes. Additionally, the stones themselves are simple minerals such as onyx, and therefore have no significant intrinsic value. What makes them special is the belief that each stone was created by god to better allow his followers to intrepret his will.

In the book, the European scholar/alchemist reiterates this fact by producing his pair and stating they are next to worthless; ending any ideas of Santiago selling them off.

In the most direct possible translation Thummim has its roots in the word "innocent"; While Urim most directly has roots in the word "lights". Both possibly refering to its use as devices of "innocence", and "truth". With truth meaning "brought to light", or in these cases, the confirmation of guilt.

Traditionally Urim is the white stone of "light" and "guilt", and Thummim is the black stone of "innocence". However they can also be used for simple yes/no divinations using Urim ( white stone ) as no, and Thummim ( black stone ) as yes.

In the book, "The Alchemist", Santiago has a set of Urim and Thummim which he uses to divinate a single question by pulling a stone out of a sack. The traveling european alchemist which he meets also owns a set which he uses to persue his personal legend.

Urim and Thummim are an exceptionally popular concepts originating and spread throughout the middle east all the way down to Africa and Egypt.

The concept of Urim and Thummim can also be found within islamic traditions. In which two objects symbolizing commands are drawn at random, sometimes a third object would be added for "no response".

"Urim and Thummim." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urim_and_Thummim>.

Hirsch, Emil G., Wilhelm Bacher, Ludwig Blau, and W. Muss-Arnolt. "URIM AND THUMMIM." JewishEncyclopedia.com. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=52&letter=U>.

Urim and Thummim

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