Divination

Overview

Divination, derived from the Latin "divinare," meaning "to foresee, to foretell, to predict, to prophesy," is the art of seeking knowledge of the unknown or the future through supernatural means. It is a practice that spans across cultures and ages, often used to guide decision-making by interpreting signs, symbols, or patterns.

Types of Divination

Astrology: The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world.

Tarot Cards: A deck of cards used in divination to gain insight into various aspects of life, typically involving a querent and a reader who interprets the cards drawn.

Scrying: The practice of looking into a medium, such as a mirror, crystal ball, or water, to receive psychic visions or information about the future.

Runes: Symbols from ancient Germanic alphabets, often engraved on stones or wood, used for divination and magical purposes.

Bones: The casting of bones or shells and interpreting their patterns to predict the future or uncover hidden truths.

Oracles: Sacred sites or individuals through whom deities are believed to speak, providing guidance and prophecies.

Extispicy: The examination of entrails from sacrificed animals to interpret omens or divine the future.

Cleromancy: The casting of lots, often with stones, bones, or dice, to generate answers from the spiritual realm based on their positioning.

Dream Interpretation: Analyzing dreams to uncover messages or warnings about the future.

Spider Divination: Observing the behavior and webs of spiders to predict future events or interpret omens.

Bibliomancy: The practice of using books (often sacred texts) for divination. A book is chosen randomly and opened to any page, with the text found there providing insight into the question at hand. For a deeper understanding, see "A Sorcerer in the Library: An Introduction to Integer Bibliomancy" (December 12, 2022 AD, by J. R. Mascaro).