Divination: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Skeptics

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Are you at a crossroads in life, but feel overwhelmed or skeptical about the idea of using divination to gain clarity and wisdom?

If so, you’re not alone. Many people are drawn to the idea of divination, but don’t know where to start or how to make sense of it.

But here’s the thing: divination is not just a mystical, esoteric practice reserved for the chosen few. It’s actually a powerful tool that anyone can learn to use.

“Divination is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and accessing the knowledge that lies beyond our ordinary senses.”

– Aleister Crowley

In this post, I will share essential information on things like the meaning of divination, most popular divination methods, and the benefits of divination.

So, let’s begin.

Table of Contents

What is the meaning of divination?

Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge or insight about the future, the present, or the past through various means such as tarot cards, astrology, runes, pendulums, or other methods.

It is an ancient practice that has been used by people all over the world throughout history, from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Native American tribes and African cultures.

Divination is the belief that there is a higher power or spiritual force that can guide us and provide us with the answers we seek.

Based on experience and research, divination is using the conscious mind to connect with the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind being the superior of the two.

While some people view divination as a form of magic or superstition, others see it as a way to tap into their intuition or connect with their higher self.

Regardless of your perspective, divination can be a powerful tool for gaining insight, wisdom, and guidance in life.

Quote about Divination

What is the history of divination?

Divination has been practiced for thousands of years across various civilizations and cultures. Ancient Egyptians used divination to communicate with their gods and seek guidance on matters of health, agriculture, and politics.

The Greeks and Romans also relied on divination to make important decisions, with oracles such as the famous Delphi oracle playing a key role in their religious and political lives. In China, divination was seen as a way to understand the natural world and one’s place within it, and practices such as I Ching.

In shamanic traditions and indigenous cultures, divination often plays a central role in healing and spiritual practices.

Shamans use divination to communicate with spirits and ancestors, seek guidance on healing methods, and understand the root causes of illness or other troubles.

Did you know that divination is used in Christianity?

According to CoreSpirit, Joseph was a hydromancy practitioner. He forecasted the future by pouring water into a cup, dropping little bits of gold or stones into the fluid, examining the results, and forecasting precisely (Genesis).

The magi concluded from the stars that the Christ child would be born at a precise time and place in Bethlehem during Jesus’ period.

Many indigenous cultures around the world continue to use divination today as a way to connect with their heritage and maintain their spiritual practices.

How many types of divination systems are there?

I began learning about divination a few years ago and have been drawn to it ever since.

But, I never knew exactly how many divination methods exist today.

According to The Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard, there are lots of divination systems.

In this book, I was able to find a list of several divination systems, or mantic arts, that are frequently used by people across the world for spiritual guidance.

What are some of the mantic arts?

  1. Arithmancy – Divination by use of numbers (numerology) that are given corresponding meanings.
  2. Bibliomancy – Divination by turning to “random” page in book in order to receive a message from the universe.
  3. Cartomancy – Divination by cards such as Tarot or Oracle decks.
  4. Chiromancy – Divination by reading the palm of your hand.
  5. Cleromancy – Divination by casting runes with symbolic characters inscribed.
  6. Geomancy – Divination by earth by tossing matter like bones, rocks, sticks, or soil onto the ground. The messages is interpreted by examining the pattern.
  7. Horoscopy – Divination by astrology.
  8. I Ching – A Chinese method of divination by tossing coins based on the symbolism of 64 principles.
  9. Oneiromancy – Divination by reflecting on dreams
  10. Pyromancy – Divination by analyzing flames, sometimes with powders thrown in. (Use caution!)
  11. Rhabdomancy – Divination with rods or sticks.
  12. Scrying – Divination by gazing into a mirror, crystal ball, or water.
  13. Taseomancy – Divination by reading tea leaves and their patterns.

The Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard: Buy Now on Amazon

Mantic arts for divination

So far, my personal choice of divination tool is tarot cards. However, there are lots to choose from in order to meet your personal needs.

I can not tell you the best tool to use, however, I can give you good ideas and resources.

Now, you may be thinking, “What are the best divination tools for me?”.

Tarot Cards

Personally, my personal favorite divination method is the tarot.

I enjoy tarot readings because they incorporate different elements like images, astrology, and numerology.

Tarot is a type of divination that uses a deck of cards to gain insight into the past, present, and future. The cards in a tarot deck are rich with symbolism and can be interpreted in a variety of ways, depending on the reader’s perspective and intuition.

Hermetic Tarot Deck: The Magician tarot card for divination
Source: Amazon

The origins of tarot are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have originated in Europe during the late medieval period. Of course, this is all speculation.

Originally used for playing games, tarot cards were eventually adapted for divination purposes in the late 18th century.

Tarot readings can be used to explore spiritual, emotional, and practical matters, and can offer guidance and clarity when making important decisions.

The tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). The Major Arcana cards represent significant life events or archetypes, while the Minor Arcana cards correspond to everyday experiences and emotions.

Tarot Decks I currently use are:

The Hermetic Tarot – Buy Now on Amazon

Cthulhu Dark Arts – Buy Now on Barnes and Nobles

If you are here, you are probably a beginner on your spiritual journey.

One book I highly recommend for those who want to use tarot for divination is The Complete Book of Tarot Spreads by Evelin Burger and Johannes Fiebig. This is an affordable and very helpful book.

Astrology

Astrology is a complex system that considers many factors beyond just the twelve zodiac signs.

The positions of the planets, the angles between them, and the astrological houses they fall in can all have an impact on a person’s life path and personality.

Astrologers use specialized tools such as ephemerides and astrological charts to study the positions of the planets at specific times and make predictions about their influence on a person’s life.

Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, astrology can be a fascinating and thought-provoking subject to explore.

Recommended Astrology Book: The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need

Click to get your FREE Moon Reading!

Numerology

Do you ever feel like there’s a deeper meaning to the numbers in your life?

Numerology might have the answers you’re looking for! This ancient practice uses numbers to gain insight into your personality, purpose, and future.

By exploring the vibrations and energies of different numbers, numerology can reveal hidden truths and offer guidance for important decisions.

The Life Path Number is a great place to start. This number is based on your birth date and reveals your unique path in life.

Are you destined to be a creative genius or a natural leader? Your Life Path Number can give you a clue!

Other numbers in numerology include the Expression Number, which reflects your talents and potential for success in different areas of life, and the Destiny Number, which reveals your ultimate purpose in life.

numerology for divination
Source: Freepik

Runes

Do you need an interactive method to connect with your higher self?

You should definitely consider using a rune set. But why?

Well, this ancient tool is believed to be one of the most powerful divination methods used be people across the world.

The Germanic meaning for runes is “secret”. With roots as far back as the 5th century AD, there’s no wonder why you should add a rune set to your divination practice now.

Like all the other methods of divination, runes are perfect for spiritual growth and personal development.

Runes for divination
Source: Freepik

I Ching

I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination system that dates back over 3,000 years.

It is a complex system of divination that uses 64 hexagrams, each consisting of six lines, to offer guidance and insight. The hexagrams are created through the random selection of yarrow stalks or coins, which are then used to interpret the symbols.

To begin a reading, a question. The question should be specific and focused, as this will help to ensure a clear and accurate reading. The yarrow stalks or coins are then used to generate the hexagram, which is made up of six lines.

Each line can be either solid or broken, and the combination of solid and broken lines creates a unique hexagram that is then interpreted.

The interpretation of the hexagram is based on the principles of yin and yang, which represent opposing forces that are present in all aspects of life. The hexagram reveals the balance between these forces and offers guidance on how to achieve harmony and balance in one’s life.

I Ching can be a powerful tool for beginners, offering a unique perspective and insight into their lives and the world around them.

I Ching ancient Chinese divination system
Source: Amazon

Palmistry

What is the meaning of palmistry?

In palmistry, each area of the hand represents a different aspect of life, such as love, career, and health. By studying the lines and shapes within these areas, a palmist can offer insights into a person’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential obstacles in life.

A popular aspect of palmistry is the analysis of the major lines of the hand, including the heart line, the head line, and the life line. These lines can reveal a lot about a person’s emotional tendencies, intellectual abilities, and overall vitality.

If you’re a beginner interested in palmistry, there are many resources available online or in books to help you learn more about this fascinating divination practice. With a bit of practice and patience, you too can start to unlock the mysteries hidden within the lines of your own palms.

Palmistry for divination
Source: Freepik

Pendulums

Have you ever heard of using a pendulum for divination? It’s a simple but powerful tool that has been used for centuries to receive messages from your higher self, your ancestors, or the universe.

Pendulums come in all shapes and sizes. They are often made with beautiful crystals or gemstones. The practitioner will suspend a pendulum from a chain or string, and then hold the opposite end with their fingers.

By asking a question and allowing the pendulum to swing freely, the user can interpret the direction of the pendulum’s swing as a yes or no answer.

There are many theories about why pendulums work, but most practitioners believe that the subconscious mind is responsible for the movement of the pendulum. By tapping into this inner wisdom, pendulum users can gain insights and guidance about diverse topics.

Pendulum for divination practice
Source: Freepik

Is divination only for telling the future?

No! Divination is not limited to predicting the future.

In fact, it can be used for many reasons like communicating with your ancestors or talking to your spirit guides.

Divination tools are there to help you gain insight into the past, present, and future.

What are the benefits of practicing divination?

When you relax and focus your mind, you can use your energy to tap into the subconscious mind. By doing so, you gain the ability to receive messages or signs to help guide you through life.

The benefits of divination are very powerful. Some include:

  1. Provides insights and clarity
  2. Helps make decisions with confidence
  3. Facilitates self-discovery and personal growth
  4. Offers guidance and direction
  5. Brings comfort and reassurance
  6. Develops intuition and psychic abilities
  7. Deepens spiritual connections
  8. Enhances mindfulness and meditation
  9. Fosters a sense of peace and calm
  10. Connects us to the mysteries of the universe

If you are having trouble finding answers or solutions, divination could be the thing for you.

The secret to having a successful divination practice is being honest with yourself. If you brush off every finding or ignore your intuition, you will have trouble with your readings.

Try to be open-minded and honest so you can interpret your divination readings easier.

When is the best time to practice?

No two people are the same.

In hindsight, divination practice should be done daily to achieve the best results. However, it may be hard if you are a beginner.

Sometimes things like work, family, and friends, or other events take up a lot of our time. But all you really need is at least 5 minutes per day.

Is it really that hard to dedicate 5 minutes to yourself each day?

One of the best times to practice divination is during your sacred spiritual baths.

RECOMMENDED POST: How and Why You Should Be Taking Spiritual Baths

Can anyone practice divination?

Did you know that everyone practices divination, even if they don’t know it?

It’s true. Divination is for everyone!

But the number of people who practice unknowingly might outweigh those who use divination as part of the regular self-care routines.

My suggestion would be to do your research and experiment with different divination tools to get your own understanding.

Some good resources for beginners are sites like YouTube or Pinterest.

Can it be used for negative or harmful purposes?

Divination, like any tool or practice, can be used for negative or harmful purposes. However, this is not the intention behind its use.

The goal of divination is to gain insight, clarity, and guidance, and to use this information to make positive and empowering decisions. It’s up to each individual to use divination responsibly and with integrity, and to approach it with a clear and open mind.

Yes, some people may have used it for negative reasons. In some cases, divination has been used to manipulate or control others, or to exploit people’s fears and vulnerabilities.

But does that mean everyone has ill intentions? No.

It just means that in the universe we live in, there has to be balance. Some will be good, others will be “evil”.

I hope you are looking to use divination for positive reasons like clarity.

How accurate are readings?

Everyone will not have the same interpretation of a divination reading.

The most accurate readings, I feel, are the ones you interpret for yourself.

Of course, it will be difficult if you are a beginner. However, with research and time, divination readings will begin to make more sense to you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, divination is a powerful tool for gaining insight and clarity in various areas of life. From astrology to palmistry to pendulums, there are many different divination practices to explore and discover.

While divination cannot predict the future with absolute certainty, it can provide valuable guidance and perspective on the current state of affairs and potential paths forward.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, the key to successful divination is to approach it with an open mind, a willingness to learn and grow, and a sense of curiosity and wonder.

With practice and patience, you can develop your intuition and enhance your ability to interpret and apply the messages and symbols revealed through divination.

So why not give divination a try?

Starwolfsden post_divination for beginners

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