Augury
Augury interprets signs as indications of things to come. In Roman contexts, the augur held a religious office.
How to approach it
Understanding this practice involves identifying the period, place and source describing it. A preserved object, a literary account and a later reconstruction offer different kinds of information.
An important distinction
The everyday expression «a good augury» is broader than the formal rules of Roman auspices.
An example to explore
A bird seen before a journey can become a personal symbol; its appearance does not determine the journey.
Taking the idea further
To explore further, compare the related concepts and note differences in material, procedure and interpretation. If you open a related tool, read its own rules; sharing a symbol does not mean carrying out the same practice.