What are Urim and Thummim?

The
Urim and Thummim appear quite early in the
book. They are a pair of stones that are given to
Santiago by the king
Melchizedek. The stones themselves are not large, and Santiago often takes

them in and out of a pouch or a pocket. One stone is white, and the other stone is
black. The
colors represent "yes" and "no." Before giving Santiago the
stones, the king
tells Santiago that in order to find the treasure, Santiago
must follow the omens.

"In order to
find the treasure, you will have to follow the
omens. God has prepared a path
for everyone to follow. You just have to read the omens that he
left for
you."

Santiago remembers something
about
omens that his grandfather told him, and the king practically reads
Santiago's thoughts. The
king realizes that Santiago might need some help
interpreting the omens in order to know where
to go or when to go.
Melchizedek then gives Santiago the Urim and Thummim stones and tells

Santiago that they will help with the omens. The king then specifies that Santiago is to
ask the
stones objective questions and to try to use his own decisions
whenever possible.

"They are called
Urim and Thummim. The black signifies 'yes,'
and the white 'no.' When you are
unable to read the omens, they will help you to do so. Always
ask an
objective question."