The basics of divination...all in one place

Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge or guidance through paranormal, metaphysical or mystical means, often as a form of prophecy or foretelling the future. 

It involves techniques such as interpreting omens, casting lots, or reading Tarot cards, with the goal of gaining insight into a question or situation. 

The belief in divination is present in many cultures and has been used throughout history for both personal and collective purposes.

There are so many different types of divination…here are some of our favorites!

Pendulums

A pendulum is a weight  suspended from a pivot (like a crystal or stone handing from a string, cord or small chain), used as a tool for divination. 

Pendulum divination is considered a form of dowsing, which is the practice of using a tool, such as a pendulum or dowsing rods, to locate hidden objects or answer questions. 

A person holds the pendulum over a stationary object, such as a piece of paper with yes/no questions written on it, and asks a question. 

The pendulum swings back-and-forth, which is interpreted as an answer to the question being asked. 

The direction of the swing, such as left-right or clockwise-counterclockwise, is believed to correspond to a specific answer.

Some people believe that the pendulum is guided by the subconscious mind, while others believe that it is guided by a spiritual or supernatural force. Regardless of the explanation, pendulum divination is a form of divination that is used by many people to gain insight into questions or decisions they are facing.

Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards that are used for divination purposes. 

Each card has a unique image and symbolic meaning, and the cards are divided into two main categories: 

  • the Major Arcana, which consists of 22 cards and represents major life events or themes 
  • the Minor Arcana, which consists of 56 cards and represents more mundane or everyday events and influences.

To use Tarot cards, a person shuffles the deck and selects a certain number of cards, which are then laid out in a specific pattern or spread. 

The spread provides the framework for interpreting the cards, and the person then uses their intuition and knowledge of the Tarot card meanings to interpret the message or answer to their question. 

Tarot readings can be used for a variety of purposes including gaining insight into a particular situation, making decisions, exploring relationships, or understanding one's own thoughts and emotions.

It’s important to note that Tarot readings should not be used to predict the future, as the future is not set in stone and can change based on our choices and actions. 

Instead, Tarot readings can be seen as a tool for self-discovery, personal growth and for providing a new perspective and greater understanding of a situation.

Palmistry

Palmistry is the practice of analyzing the lines, shapes, and other characteristics of a person's hand to gain insight into their character, future, and life events. 

It’s also known as chirology or palm reading.

In palmistry, each part of the hand, including the fingers, palm, and thumb, is believed to correspond to different aspects of a person's life, such as their personality, relationships, career, and health. 

The lines on the palm, such as the life line, heart line, and head line, are also analyzed to uncover information about a person's past, present, and future.

To practice palmistry, a palm reader carefully examines a person's hand, looking for signs and symbols that indicate different traits and events. They also consider the shape and texture of the hand, as well as the length and shape of the fingers. 

Based on their observations, the palm reader can make predictions or offer insight into a person's life.

It is important to note that palmistry is not considered a science and its accuracy has not been scientifically proven. 

Palmistry is a tool for self-reflection and self-discovery, rather than a way to predict the future with certainty.

scrying

Scrying is a form of divination where a practitioner gazes into an object, such as a crystal ball, mirror, or still body of water, in order to receive visions or messages from the metaphysical or mystical realms.

The goal of scrying is to tap into the unconscious mind, access higher levels of awareness, or receive messages from spirits, deities, or other divine or metaphysical entities.

To practice scrying, the scryer  chooses their preferred object and prepares a quiet, dark room or location with low lighting. 

They concentrate on the object and focus their gaze upon it, allowing their mind to relax and become receptive to any visions or messages that may appear. 

The scryer may also use techniques like meditation, visualization, or affirmations to enhance their experience.

The visions that appear during scrying can take many forms, such as images, symbols, colors, or even sounds. The scryer then interprets these visions and uses them to gain insight into a particular question or situation.

Like other forms of divination, scrying should not be used as a means of making important decisions or predicting the future with certainty. Instead, it can be seen as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery, offering new perspectives and insights into our lives.

Crystals

Crystals can be used as a form of divination by harnessing their unique energy and properties to gain insight and guidance.

Here’s how you can use crystals for divination:

Choose the right crystal: Select a crystal that resonates with you and aligns with your intention for the divination. Each crystal has its own unique energy and properties, so choose one that aligns with your needs.

Cleanse and program the crystal: Cleanse the crystal by holding it under running water, burying it in the earth, or using smudging to remove any negative energy. Then, set your intention by holding the crystal in your hands and visualizing it being charged with positive energy.

Choose a method of divination: There are several ways to use crystals for divination, including crystal gazing, using a crystal grid, or using a dowsing pendulum. Choose the method that feels right for you.

Ask your question: Focus on your intention and ask your question or seek guidance for a specific issue.

Read the response: Observe the response from the crystal. Depending on the method you chose, you may see visions, symbols, colors, or other forms of energy. Interpret the response and use it to gain insight and guidance.

Divination with crystals is a personal and intuitive experience. Trust your instincts and let the energy of the crystal guide you to the insights and guidance you seek.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils can be used as a form of divination as well. Their unique scents and properties can help to tap into the unconscious mind and provide insights and guidance. Here’s how you can use essential oils for divination:

Choose the right oil: Select an essential oil that resonates with you and aligns with your intention for the divination. Each oil has its own unique scent and properties, so choose one that aligns with your needs.

Create an environment: Set up a quiet and peaceful space where you can focus on your intention and connect with the energy of the essential oil. Light a candle, play soft music, or do whatever helps you create a calming and meditative atmosphere.

Inhale the scent: Hold the bottle of essential oil under your nose and inhale deeply. Allow the scent to fill your senses and relax your mind.

Ask your question: Focus on your intention and ask your question or seek guidance for a specific issue.

Interpret the response: Observe how the scent of the essential oil makes you feel. Does it bring you peace, energize you, or evoke a certain emotion or memory? Use these feelings and sensations to gain insights and guidance.

Divination with essential oils is a personal and intuitive experience. Trust your instincts and let the scent of the oil guide you to the insights and guidance you seek.

So, what are the benefits of practicing divination?

Whatever method you choose, it can offer several benefits, including:

  • Personal growth and self-discovery: Divination can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. It can provide insights into personal challenges, strengths, and weaknesses.
  • Improved decision-making: By accessing the unconscious mind and tapping into hidden truths and insights, divination can help individuals make informed and confident decisions.
  • Increased spiritual awareness: Divination can help individuals connect with their spirituality and intuition, allowing them to develop a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life.
  • Relief of stress and anxiety: The meditative and introspective nature of divination can help to relieve stress and anxiety, allowing individuals to feel more calm and centered.
  • Improved creativity and imagination: Divination can help individuals tap into their imagination and creativity, leading to new ideas and inspiration.
  • Enhanced intuition: By practicing divination regularly, individuals can develop and strengthen their intuition, allowing them to better understand their instincts and make decisions based on their inner wisdom.

It's important to remember that divination should not be used as a means of predicting the future with certainty or making decisions that are harmful or unethical.

Instead, it should be seen as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery, offering new perspectives and insights into our lives.

~ Karen

2/12/2023