Psychometry (Object Reading) is a magical ability that lets its user “read” the history of an object by touching it. Michel invokes it. It is a matter of skill, sharpened by acuity and craft.
On the day of the false Master, Michel touches the pentacular wood. He discovers the history of an impaled vampire, a symbol of Baphomet, and grain lines that trace a pentagram.
Limitation
What exactly is revealed is ambiguous. The chronicler leaves open whether it is a vision or a sensation.