Branch
Two - Divination
One area of the craft that arouses much interest
among ‘muggles’ is the telling of fortunes. Now divination
is much more than simply attempting to predict the future.
It is equally used to seek answers to current questions
or even to understand the past. Just as there are many uses
to which we might put divination there are equally many
methods. We have Tarot, Runes, Pendulums, Mirrors, Numerology,
crystal ball and even reading Ogham sticks.
Ogham
Sticks
Ogham (oh-am) script most ofte takes the form
of a series of notches or lines, known as flesc (flayshk),
which are spaced along a central stemline and carved into
a standing stone. These stones are found throughtout Ireland
and the British Isles, and contain the best examples of
this method of writing. The letters themselves are called feda (fay-dah) and the consonants are referred to
as taebomnai (tay-bow-nih). There is another grop
of letters known as the forfeda (fore-fay-dah), or
supplementary characters, which are identified in ancient
Irish manuscripts on Oghan, but which rarely appear on the
standing stones. These characters seem to have been added
to the aplhabet at a later date, perhaps to make it more
consistent with the Greek and Latin alphabets.
For Example
Make your own set of ogham sticks.
First obtain 20, or 25, if you want to use the additional
aicme. I found that popcicle sticks seem to be the best
size to work with for a first attempt.
You then scribe a centre line down the length of the stick
and from that line scribe the required number of tallies
on the line.
I also put the Irish name of the letter and the tree association
on the bottom of the stick. This makes interpretation easer.
There is no right or wrong way to use Ogham
sticks as a divinatory tool. The only guideling is to that
any system you devise must be based on a random selection
of the sticks. This could be done by throwing them into
the air and seeing how they fall. You could then decide
on their importance according to which one is on top, which
one is next, and so on. This would also give you a random
placement of trees relative to each other. Another way to
choose sticks would be to place them inside a bag and pull
them out, one by one, in a random fashoin. This would also
give you an order of importance and the relative position
of the trees.
If you are using the sticks to answer questions
posed by a third party, you might ask that person to give
you a lift of numbers between one and twenty, and peck each
tree according to its order in the Tree Ogham alphabet.
You could also ask the third party to recite as many tree
names as they can and, from this list , pick the ones that
are part of the Tree Ogham, in the order named.
- Birch: New beginnings; change to a higher level; self-sacrifice
for the common good; devotion to the Great Work.
- Rowan: Magickal work; concentrated Inner efort needed.
- Alder: Going forth to conquer adversaries or difficulties;
finding the strength to face up to things you have been
avoiding.
- Willow: New journey's; Otherworld contacts; confidence
in what you are doing, even though it seems wrong or doubtful.
- Ash: Inertia; boredom or lethargy needing to be broken;
change of outlook needed; difficult time; extra needed.
- Hawthorn: Unpleasant period about to happen; ultimatel
signifies success; a comletion of something.
- Oak: Higher powers at work; time to rest from action;
your own spiritual aspect.
- Holly: Substitution; things are not what they seem; a
middle period between two opposites; a new guide about to
appear.
- Hazel: Death; change; wisdom.
- Apple: Awakening of Otherworld senses; work in hand is
protected; spiritual work coming to fruition.
- Vine: Hidden knowledge; overcoming adversaries by otherworl
strength; inspiriation.
- Ivy: Warnings; think twice about what you are doing;
restrictions.
- Broom: Incompletion; further work needed to complete
the project; time to clear away what is no longer needed
or is outdated; lean from past mistakes.
- Blackthorn: Be prepared for a transition; prepare for
something about to end; sudden change; death.
- Elder: Face up to the truth; time for self-examination
and honesty.
- Fir: Look at how you fit into relationships; a broad
range of experience; new realizations about to make themselves
known.
- Furze: Time to kill; resistance is going to be felt;
try to see what is being born from the immediate difficulty.
- Heather: Responsibility; time to examine what you are
doing--are you sure you are ready for the consequences?;
new life; a baby.
- Aspen: Spiritual achievement; great success; be wary
of becoming too big-headed; protection.
- Yew: Love(this Ogham stick can also indicate
you should reconsider the other sticks on a higher level
or, if it feels right, draw them all again).
Pendulums
In order to increase the number of interpretive values that
pendulums produce, create a reading circle with drawings, objects,
or colors that represent a variety of answers. I recommend
two sets of six symbols that are placed in mirroring locations
on the left and right of the circle, the left being negative
the right being positive.
Once the circle is assembled, your elbow goes outside it
so that your arm is angled inward. The point of the pendulum
goes directly in the center. Still the movement with your
free hand, close your eyes and think of your question. At
some point you'll feel the pendulum moving.
If you can't set up a pendulum circle, you can get the information
desire by asking a series of simple questions, stopping
the pendulum between each query. Here is a list of movements
and interpretive values to help you:
- Clockwise: this indicates a yes,
or positive response.
- Counterclockwise: this is a no,
or negative response.
- Hesitation: there is uncertainty;
proceed with caution.
- Bobbing: two equally appealing
options that have similar outcomes are present.
- Up-down: there is some type of
divide or ego present.
- Left-right: physical matters are
at hand.
- Ellipse (E-W): emotions play a
key role here.
- Ellipse (N-S): ethical considerations
need pondering.
Herb/plant pendulum: to make
this pendulum, all you need is a length of natural fiber
string (slightly longer than the measurement from your pointer
finger to elbow) and a leaf, petal or other easily secured
plant part.
Choose the herb, flower, or plant according to its metaphysical
symbolism so that the overall energies harmonize with your
question. Next, fasten the herb to the string securely.
Try to make sure the plant is evenly distributed in the
knot. As you tie the knot, consider adding an incantation
that also reflects you question.
Key Pendulum: any key with a hole at the top will
work for this type of pendulum. Due to the powerful symbolism
invoked by this object, key pendulums are especially suited
to questions where you need to unlock a mystery of some
sort, find the "key note: to a situation or discern
the best opening available to you. You may consider cleansing
the key in a bath of salt or lemon water before using it
so it's free of residual energies. Also consider dabbing
the key with a sympathetic oil,
or choosing the color of your string to match the questions
theme. For example, if trying to figure out what's really
bothering your partner, you might dab it with orange oil
and use a pink or red string, or ginger oil (success) green
thread ("go-ahead").
Ring Pendulum: Rings have a lot of symbolic value
in witchery. They represent love, the sun and authority
(gold rings), the moon (silver rings), and magick (when worn on the index finger). Rings are also among the
favored forms for charms and amulets. You can choose a ring
for pendulum work based on its symbolic value to you. A
wedding ring obviously represents relationship questions,
where a silver band with a crescent moon might symbolize
questions surrounding the beginning of a project or personal
cycle.
Suspend the ring with the heavy side down (if there's a
gemstone, it becomes the pointer). Consider adding several magickal dimensions like colors,
or objects. Recite a knot spell while securing the ring,
whisper an invocation, chant, burn incense, say a prayer or whatever. Divination tools respond to the moment
with meaningful symbols, movements and thoughts. The more
you do this, more accurate your divination efforts become.
Tarot
Cards
Through the centuries Tarot cards have been used and abused
by readers all over the world. There are those who desire
to be "fortunetellers" and many lead their customers
astray. The Tarot reader who wishes to impart information
and knowledge of a positive nature to a client must hold
a positive attitude without judgment.
During the study of Tarot and its
symbolism one opens the inner door to intuition. The personal
growth attained through this study is apparent to the student.
Meditation on the cards awakens the symbolism held in the
subconscious mind and allows us to realize truth. Our ideas
concerning life and the environment have been clothed in
materiality. The archetypes held in sub consciousness are
ideas of a more spiritual nature. Working with the Tarot
opens a passageway between these two areas.
The individual who consults a reader
of Tarot feels that the information they receive is absolute
truth. In this regard, the reader must always be aware of
the responsibility involved. The Tarot is an accurate method
of divination. All questions posed to the cards will be
answered along with many more insights the client is concerned
about.
Choosing A Tarot Deck
There are many Tarot decks on the market today and new ones
being printed every year. Most Tarot readers do not settle
for one deck, but enjoy using different decks depending
on the type of reading they intend to give. The different
symbols in each deck will clue the mind of the reader into
the information they are seeking.
Whichever decks you choose you should
study several while you are an apprentice. In the beginning
one or two decks may feel more comfortable and the symbols
more responsive to your needs. Rest assured that when you
have mastered one deck, the rest can be easily understood.
The secret of Tarot is in its application.
A student of Tarot will soon loose interest in the study
if they do not see results.
If the Tarot deck you have purchased
does not respond to you - buy another. It does help to feel
an affinity for the cards you are using.
When you begin to read Tarot cards
for your family, friends, and self, a certain pattern will
develop within you. The confidence gained through this study
will allow the intuition to flow smoothly. The key words
of the Major Arcana click into
place and the reading progresses without difficulty. The
information presented to the client has the potential to
change that person's life completely.
At the beginning, the reader should engage the client in
conversation regarding the question or purpose of the reading.
There should be a friendly exchange between the reader and
client to put them at ease. If the reading is for fun, not
profit, there will be less tension and more camaraderie.
If the reading is for profit, the reader (if not experienced)
may become overanxious and shut off any psychic exchange
between the two. The more relaxed the reader and clients are, the clearer and more comprehensive
the reading.
Tarot readings can be exhausting,
using up time and energy. When a reader becomes confident
of their skill, charging a fee is quit proper. Human beings
have a tendency to respect what they pay for. In that vein,
readings will have a value and be taken more seriously.
This does place a heavy responsibility on the reader. The
ethical reader will not lead a client on a false trail nor
embellish the truth. This type of negativity leads to Karmic
experiences for the reader such as "as you sow, so
shall you reap."
To get the best reading use a spread
you are comfortable with, a Tarot deck you understand, and
read for a client who really needs help and is willing to listen to the oracle of Tarot.
Mirror
Scrying
Scrying
is a form of divination which involves prolonged gazing
into a crystal, a pool of water, a black mirror, or similar
surface, in order to obtain visions. The famous prognistor
Nostradamus was said to have favored this method, using
ink as a medium.
Getting
started
Purchase a large, inexpensive picture frame with a glass
insert (of course, you can choose any frame that catches
your fancy), and a can of flat black spray paint. Believe
it or not, both items can be had from a large discount store
for about five dollars all together. Next, remove the glass
from the frame and clean it with window cleaner- make sure
to wipe off any lint or dust particles. Spray a light coat
of paint over the glass and let it dry completely. Repeat
with several more coats of paint, until no light shows through
when the glass is held up to the light. When it is completely
dry, simply replace the glass in the frame, with the painted
surface on the inside. Another method is to ask a glass
cutter to make you a circle of glass (be sure to have the
edges sanded). Paint it as described above, and then glue
a piece of felt over the paint (be sure to use white glue
or another non-solvent glue to prevent marring the painted
surface.)
Learning
to scry
Scrying is not a hobby for the impatient. It takes a lot
of practice, so don't get discouraged if you don't get immediate
results. The first task is to create your space. You'll
want a block of time without interruption, a room that can
be darkened, and a place you can sit comfortably for long
periods. You'll need a comfortable chair, preferably with
a back on it, or a wall to sit against. You'll want to position
your mirror (or whatever object you've chosen) at a comfortable
angle; place it so that it does not reflect objects in the
room. You need to have very little light- a small candle,
a nite-light, etc. A flickering candle creates a strobing
effect which you might find useful or distracting, so experiment
a little to discover your preferences. (If you are using
candles or incense, I strongly recommend that you use a
timer or alarm clock, in case you fall asleep)
Next,
create a consecrated space, using whatever method you prefer-
smudging, a banishing ritual, casting a circle, etc. This
helps to create a sense of protection, and to focus awareness
on the task at hand.
I would
discourage the use of music, incense, et al., until you
are comfortable with this technique. Both can be useful,
but for now, they are more likely to create a distraction.
Relaxation
is essential- the more relaxed you are, the more likely
you are to have success. Take a warm bath or a hot tub before
beginning, or use a progressive relaxation technique, breathing,
or whatever method you're most comfortable with, to achieve
a state of relaxed awareness. This takes practice as well,
so you might want to work on this for a few days before
you go any further.
With that
accomplished, sit comfortably. Breathe deeply and slowly,
and let your eyes go slightly out of focus while gazing
at the mirror. Concentrate on your breathing- not on the
mirror. Keep your gaze relaxed..it's okay to blink. Concentrate
only on your breathing. If thoughts or fantasies intrude,
don't worry- just dismiss them and go back to your breathing.
Eventually,
you may begin to see what appear to be sparks of light,
or a 'foggy' effect. Don't concentrate on these phenomena-
just remain relaxed, and allow them to develop. At some
point, the images will become stronger- you may
