On the eve of Australia's national election, a crocodile named Speckles was used in a unique divination ritual to predict the winner between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton. Associate Professor David Pritchard linked this event to the rich history of ancient Athenian democracy, which involved rituals for interpreting omens. Despite Speckles' past success in predictions, experts caution against overly relying on such methods, emphasizing the importance of individual agency in interpreting political events.
"Once again Speckles predicted the fall of a government only this time, he was decisive. He did it really really quickly, straight up for Peter Dutton."
"Pritchard cautioned against fatalistically accepting his verdict... it was up to people to interpret signs from the divine. Keeping the gods happy was very important to the Athenians."
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