What is Divination and How can I do it?
In a world where uncertainty looms, people have turned to various mystical practices seeking guidance and answers. One such ancient practice that continues to captivate hearts and minds is divination. The art of divination encompasses a diverse range of techniques and traditions aimed at unveiling the unknown and shedding light on the future.
Delving into Divination
What is Divination?
Divination, at its core, is the practice of seeking knowledge of the unknown or the future through supernatural means. It has been an integral part of human history, with civilizations turning to divination for insight and guidance throughout the ages. From ancient civilizations to modern-day spiritual seekers, the allure of divination remains ever-present.
Popular forms of divination.
There are numerous forms of divination each using their own points of reference and methods. Some forms of divination existed in ancient times, many were popularised in the Middle Ages,
One of the oldest forms of divination was perhaps Haruspication.
In Ancient Rome a haruspex was a person trained to practise a form of divination called haruspicy. The inspection of the entrails of sacrificed animals. Of specific interest were the livers of sacrificed poultry or sheep. Other ancient cultures of the Near East, such as the Babylonians, also read omens specifically from the liver, a practice also known by the Greek term hepatoscopy or hepatomancy.
In contrast, Tasseography, divination based on the patterns of tea leaves, coffee grounds or wine sediment, seems to date from the 1500s in the Ottoman Empire.
In this short survey, it's impossible to outline all forms of divination, so I have chosen to mention those I have enjoyed using and explore more than some of the others.
Tarot Reading
One of the most popular forms of divination, tarot reading involves a deck of cards with symbolic imagery that is used to gain insight into the past, present, and future. Each card holds its own significance, and a skilled tarot reader can interpret the cards to provide guidance and clarity.
Contrary to some popular beliefs The Tarot deck is not as ancient as it is suggested to be. Created for a game known as Tarocchi (a game similar to Bridge) in the 16th and 17th centuries it gained an "occult' significance after some writer equated the 22 Trump cards with the 22 paths in the Jewish system of mysticism, the Kabbala. Divination using playing cards (Cartomancy) has a much older history.
Astrology
Astrology is another ancient divination practice that looks to the stars and planets for answers. By interpreting the positions of celestial bodies at the time of one's birth, astrologers can create a personalized chart that offers insights into personality traits, relationships, and life events.
In some religious traditions, the position of the "stars" and the appearance of certain 'cosmic' phenomena were seen to herald important events. Think of the Three Wise Men who "followed a star" in the Christian story for example.
Oneiromancy or Oneiroscopy
Dreams have long held a fascination for people. A dream "must mean something, right!"
Well, modern science will say not.
But I imagine that we have all awoken from a dream and felt it to be significant in some way.
Oneiromancy is the technical word for divination from dreams. Again there is a long history of dream interpretation.
Within the Christian tradition, Joseph interpreted the Pharaoh's dreams, much to his and his family's benefit. There are, however, many other examples of 'prophetic dreams'. A famous example is Abraham Lincoln's prophetic dream, which eerily foreshadowed his assassination two weeks before the tragic event.
Similarly, the Aberfan landslide, a disaster that tragically buried a school in South Wales, was preceded by residents' dreams predicting the calamity.
Carl Jung, a pioneer in psychology, documented several precognitive dreams, including those that seemed to warn of personal losses and the onset of World War I.
Clearly, something is going on here, and perhaps that could be the topic of a future post.
Cleromancy
Cleromancy is a word you don't see very often, but it's the word used to describe the act of "casting".
Almost anything can be used for casting. Stones, twigs, coins.
The way the objects fall and the "faces" they present form the basis of the divination method.
Included in this type of divination would be Runes, Ogham, I Ching and so forth.
This technique is closely related to Sortilege, which is the casting of 'lots'. It's a divination method mentioned in the Christian Bible. In John 19:23 we discover the Roman Soldiers "casting lots" for Jesus' clothes at the Crucifixion.
Somatomancy
Somatomancy is divination from looking at specific aspects of the human form.
The most common form of somatomancy is Palmistry also known as Cheiromancy.
Most people will know something of this divination method even if it's only where the "heart (love) line" and "life line" is.
Other examples include divination by skull shape (cephalomancy); the soles of the feet (podomancy); the face (schematomancy) and the buttocks (rumpology).
Bibliomancy
Bibliomancy, also known as Stichomancy is divination achieved by randomly selecting words or phrases from a book and then applying them to the question you are seeking an answer for.
The method is really simple.
A book is picked that is believed to hold some kind of truth.
It is held on a table on its spine and is allowed to fall open.
A passage is picked, with the eyes closed.
Often the book chosen would be one that had a special significance. The Bible and the Quran are examples.
Scrying
If you were asked to create a mental image of a "fortune teller" then odds are there would be a crystal ball somewhere there.
Scrying is a word that describes what you do when you look into a crystal ball or any other reflective surface.
In actuality, anything that can hold the attention and become a focal point can be used. Candles, the embers of a fire, pools or bowls of water, even Tarot cards or the lines of your hand.
Focusing your attention on a particular point for any length of time does encourage a change of emotional, mental and physical "state". Just as meditation does.
The Art and Science of Divination
While some may dismiss divination as mere superstition, others view it as a sacred art form that taps into the mysteries of the universe. Whether you believe in the mystical or approach divination with a sceptic's eye, there's no denying the allure of seeking answers from the unknown.
At its core, divination is about exploring our place within what scheme of things we may think there is. Possibly touching the unknown and finding meaning in the mysteries of life. It offers a way to connect with something greater than ourselves and gain perspective on our journey through this world. Whether you explore tarot cards, astrology, runes, or another divination method, the key is to approach the practice with an open heart and a curious mind.
Final Thoughts
The art of divination is a rich tapestry woven with threads of ancient wisdom, mystical insight, and spiritual guidance. By exploring the realms of the unknown, we open ourselves to new possibilities and perspectives, inviting the universe's magic to unfold before us.
So, the next time you find yourself at a crossroads or in need of guidance, why not turn to the art of divination? Who knows what mysteries you might uncover and what revelations await you on your journey of self-discovery?
Remember, the answers you seek may be closer than you think, hidden within the cards, stars, or symbols that guide you through the labyrinth of life.
Divination is not just about predicting the future; it's about empowering yourself to shape your destiny and embrace the magic that surrounds you every day.
It's about finding the time to explore your unconscious mind and being open to the patterns and insights that may be lurking there.
Divination is not the most rational of practices, and some who believe it's all about "fortune telling" are missing the point. Many of the so-called "readers" within the New Age marketplace are guilty of promoting the status of the "seer" and ego of the "pseudo-guru".
Looking for signs, omens and portents has less to do with "fate" and more to do with seeking personal meaning, relevance and ownership of our lives. Engaging our creative minds through some of the techniques of divination; the reflection that comes from contemplation can be self-illumination and self-affirming.
Alan /|\
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