Study of the ancient Greek mantle (the art of divination) on the works of ancient authors and texts of oracles. The method of semantic and linguistic analysis reconstructs and explains the ceremonial picture of prophetic priesthood, analyzes the mythological and religious representations of the ancient Greeks. Such traditional topics as the madness of Pythia, the poisonous fumes of the Delphic crevice and the very concept of "circle" receive a new assessment.