If a party or an individual is starting on a journey, and the kingfisher (salaksak) flies from in front toward the place just left, it is a command to return at once; else illness in the village or family will compel a later return. [126] Should the koling cry awit, awit ("to carry, to carry"), an immediate return is necessary, or a member of the party will die, and will be carried home.  When a snake crawls across the trail, and goes into a hole, it is a certain warning that, unless the trip is given up, some of the party will die, and be buried in the ground.

The falling of a tree across the trail, when the groom is on his way to the home of his bride, threatens death for the couple, while the breaking or falling of an object during the marriage ceremony presages misfortune.

Not all the signs are evil; for, if a man is starting to hunt, or trade, and he sees a hawk fly in front of him and catch a bird or chicken, he may on that day secure all the game he can carry, or can trade on his own terms.

All the foregoing are important, but the most constantly employed method of foretelling the future is to examine the gall and liver of slain pigs.  These animals are killed in all great ceremonies, at the conclusion of a medium’s probation period, at birth, death, and funeral observances, and for other important events.  If a head-hunt is to be attempted, the gall sack is removed, and is carefully examined, for if it is large and full, and the liquor in it is bitter, the enemy will be powerless; but if the sack is small, and only partially filled with a weak liquor, it will fare ill with the warriors who go into battle.  For all other events, the liver itself gives the signs.  When it is full and smooth, the omens are favorable; but if it is pitted, has black specks on it, is wrinkled, or has cross lines on it, the spirits are ill-disposed, and the project should be delayed.  If, however, the matter is very urgent, another pig or a fowl may be offered in the hope that the attitude of the spirits may be changed.  If the liver of the new sacrifice is good, the ceremony or raid may continue.  The blood of these animals is always mixed with rice, and is scattered about for the superior beings, but the flesh is cooked, and is consumed by the mortals. [127]

To recover stolen and misplaced articles or animals, one of three methods is employed.  The first is to attach a cord to a jar-cover or the shells used by a medium.  This is suspended so that it hangs freely, and questions are put to it.  If the answer is “yes,” it will swing to and fro.  The second method is to place a bamboo stick horizontally on the ground and then to stand an egg on it.  As the question is asked, the egg is released.  If it falls, the answer is in the negative; if it stands, it replies “yes.”  The third and more common way is to place a head-axe on the ground, then to blow on the end of a spear and put it point down on the blade of the axe.  If it balances, the answer is “yes.”