Divination
When you think of divination, the gypsy woman or old hag hunched over at a table might come to mind. That, or it might bring to mind seeing visions of the future. Truth is, anyone can attempt this though some may be better than others. Still, all it takes is a little bit of practice. And knowledge... but we will get to that. Now, divination is more than just seeing into the future. It can happen, but more often than not it is asking for guidance on any questions that one might have. It could be an easy to understand an answer, or it can be something that you have never really thought of before. Still, to better understand what I am talking about, it is easier to experience it for yourself. There are many options and I have listed the more well known methods below.
Tarot
Tarot is probably one of the most well known methods of divination. And there are just so many beautiful decks out there as well. My own deck is "The Llewellyn Tarot" by Anna-Marie Ferguson. It follows the Rider-Waite tradition of cards, but uses Celtic mythology for the imagery. I would highly recommend it to anyone, but there are hundreds of other decks out there so if you are looking to start studying tarot then you will have a rather enjoyable time looking at all of the different decks.
But that aside, I have provided a brief introduction into the art. I have listed the cards from the traditional Universal-Waite Tarot Deck and given their basic meanings. The source of my information was paranormality.com, though I have added on some more information as well.
To go to the information on tarot, click here.
But that aside, I have provided a brief introduction into the art. I have listed the cards from the traditional Universal-Waite Tarot Deck and given their basic meanings. The source of my information was paranormality.com, though I have added on some more information as well.
To go to the information on tarot, click here.
Runes
There are many different sets of runes out there. The most well known are the Futhark runes that are associated with the Norse. They are probably what you think of when you see the word 'rune'. Listed in the link provided below to the rune page, I have provided a few examples of the other different runes that are out there along with how you can use them for divination. Of course, I could probably write whole books on the different runes sets with a little research. Here, I have provided some basic information. Feel free, of course, to do research of your own if it is something that really strikes you.
Now then, many runes originated at first as part of a written language, though they could be used for other uses. This includes the Futhark and Ogham runes that I have included below. In more - relatively - recent years, they have been used more exclusively in the art of divination. And, with runes, it is very easy to be able to create your own sets. One can use wood tiles, clay, or write on stone. If you are exceptionally crafty, you could even try making them out of metal.
Once you have your runes, I would recommend dedicating or consecrating them. You do not have to do it, of course, but I find that it helps tune the runes to your energy and they will work better for you. If you plan to use them in rituals, you should probably use the same ritual you use to consecrate your ritual tools. If you do not know one, I have provided a version of one under Lessons in Magic. You can find the direct link here: Consecrating Ritual Tools.
To go to the extended information on runes, click here.
Now then, many runes originated at first as part of a written language, though they could be used for other uses. This includes the Futhark and Ogham runes that I have included below. In more - relatively - recent years, they have been used more exclusively in the art of divination. And, with runes, it is very easy to be able to create your own sets. One can use wood tiles, clay, or write on stone. If you are exceptionally crafty, you could even try making them out of metal.
Once you have your runes, I would recommend dedicating or consecrating them. You do not have to do it, of course, but I find that it helps tune the runes to your energy and they will work better for you. If you plan to use them in rituals, you should probably use the same ritual you use to consecrate your ritual tools. If you do not know one, I have provided a version of one under Lessons in Magic. You can find the direct link here: Consecrating Ritual Tools.
To go to the extended information on runes, click here.
Scrying
This is another interesting method of divination, but requires more work and patience. Sometimes, it might not even work for you. Take your time and you may be able to find it works for you! Now, for this method you can use many things: glass balls, blackened mirrors, fire (bonfire or candle), bowls of water, or even natural bodies of water. Now, you will probably find places that will advertise different tools, but you don't have to use them to make things work better! Items you find at home will work just as well! Just be careful if you are using fire for this. Don't burn yourself and never leave a candle unattended!
Now, for this method (which I don't know much about, but will be researching) you will have to gaze into the object you are using. Relax yourself and find a quiet place to work. You might even want to burn incense! It will be like meditating, so this might take awhile depending on how easily you are able to clear your mind. Once that has been achieved, you can focus on the rippling of the water, the reflections on the mirror, or flickering of the flames. Don't strain yourself in trying to see something as it may not work right away. But when it does work, you will see images. They might be faint or more intense... figure out what it means to you!
Now, for this method (which I don't know much about, but will be researching) you will have to gaze into the object you are using. Relax yourself and find a quiet place to work. You might even want to burn incense! It will be like meditating, so this might take awhile depending on how easily you are able to clear your mind. Once that has been achieved, you can focus on the rippling of the water, the reflections on the mirror, or flickering of the flames. Don't strain yourself in trying to see something as it may not work right away. But when it does work, you will see images. They might be faint or more intense... figure out what it means to you!