D IS FOR DIVINATION

It is common practice in pagan circles to learn one or more methods of divination.  The most common methods involve Tarot, Runes, and Astrology.  Divination is used to see beyond our normal scope of vision and perception, and to gain some insight into not only future events, but to also establish some guidance in daily life.  It’s also a means of watching for and interpreting certain omens.

The word first appeared in the 14^th century and meant “the power of foreseeing, prediction, to be inspired by a god”.  However, long before the word appeared into usage, the practice of divination was used all over the world.  Some forms appear pretty gruesome, such as studying the entrails of freshly slaughtered animals.  The ancient Greeks practiced divination through Oracles, who were said to have a direct connection to the Gods, and whatever they spoke was heard as direct words of the Gods.  They also had Seers, who were set the task of interpreting the signs – a much less direct contact with the Gods, but Seers were used with far more frequency than Oracles due to their being more available to the people.

There are a few religions around the world that prohibit divination, citing that it’s a doorway for evil spirits to enter.  Christianity is one of these.  However, this seems to be contrary to what the Bible actually has written in it.  We have people like Jacob, Joseph, Daniel and John who are famous for dreaming prophetic dreams and being able to interpret dreams of others.  There are prophets who foretold future events.  Inspiration is a form of divination that uses no tool other than an open mind and heart.  Everyone had their “Aha!” moments where a certain chain of events or thinking would result in clarity beyond normal insight. 

Most other cultures and spiritual paths accept divination as a part of their life.  The Chinese have a very complex and well developed divination procedures.  They have developed astrology right alongside of astronomy.  In addition to the more familiar zodiac used today, people follow the Oriental zodiac, all of which are based on animals.  Dates, seasons, elements all play a great role in everything from choosing names for the newborn to all manner of wedding plans.  Feng Shui, Kau Cim, and Bazi are a few other forms of divination that is used in the East.

I could have (and maybe will) make this article as “D IS FOR DEMONS”, and explore that aspect of the spiritual world, but for now what I’ll say about Divination and Demons – any act of divination is to be preceded by a cleansing and creating a Sacred Circle.  I always do this, ask for protection and guidance, and dedicate the procedure to a higher good and purpose.  I also light a candle and incense.  To me divination is a sacred ritual, as much as any Sabbat or Esbat may be, as much as a wedding or memorial service would be.  Once the Circle is cast, I don’t give any more thought (not that I did before I cast it)  things that are evil, harmful, or go bump in the night.

In divination, one attempts to look beyond what we see at the moment.  Our lives are lived so that we know what went on in the past and what is going on at the present.  The future is always shrouded, because to us it hasn’t happened yet.  Divination is a process by which we try to see beyond this wall.  In most cases, we’re really not trying to see the future, but get some guidelines in how to proceed, especially in tricky or difficult situations.  It usually confirms what the one questioning already knows, or at least suspects. 

For me, the main tool I use is Tarot cards.  At times, I get an image in a dream that resembles a Tarot card – at that stage, I pull out that card from all the decks and study them.  Even though it’s the same card, different decks have a way of telling the story with subtle differences, especially in the Major Arcana.  In these instances, as well as in readings, I suddenly begin to see stories as the card are laid out.  Oh, I admit that I still have to refer to the book, but then I figure that’s what it’s there for, and it’s the end result that counts. 

And divination, for all that it’s a sacred act, can and should be one of fun – I can think of at least one night when the Red Tent got together and did the Living Tarot Oracle that had us rolling with laughter, while we all indulged in some fine food and drink.