Chapter 16: Divination

There are several forms of divination available to today’s modern witch. You have a hundred different tarot decks to choose from, runes to cast, astrology, scrying mirrors, scrying goblets, crystal balls, reading sticks, reading tea leaves even reading clouds. Here are a few of the more commonly known ways of divination.

Tarot Cards.
We have all seen them some of us have even had our cards read. Tarot cards are easily available in most bookstores. The most common deck is the Raider Waite deck. It has been around for years and is the one you hear about most often. There are 72 cards in a deck. The deck is broken up into two categories the Major and Minor Arcana. They further divided into four sections, Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles. You can do several layouts but the most common is the Celtic Cross. Tarot is a good tool to know but it does take time to learn it.

The difference between all the decks is the interpretation of the creator. Each card holds a specific meaning. The pictures on the cards have several things that you need to know about in order to read that card correctly. Many decks use the basic Rider Waite definition for the cards and others have created their own explanation. Each deck will come with a book, be sure to read it completely in order to understand what you are reading. It was once thought that the only way to get a deck of Tarot cards was to be given it as a gift. If this were true, I would still be waiting for my first deck. Go to the store look at all the cards they have, research them and make the choice based on what you like.

Runes
Runes are an ancient form of divination and also an ancient alphabet. They date back to the first century and the alphabet was widely circulated until sometime in the Middle Ages. Each rune has a literal meaning and each one translates into a word or a phrase signifying concepts important to people whom used them. Runes were craved into tools, weapons, rocks, altars or other personal items. There were used by clergy as an alternative to the Latin alphabet. You read the runes by casting them on the ground and reading them in the order the lay.

Runes are very easy item to make and it only takes some creativity and time. You can make runes out of almost anything you like, stones, gems, crystals, pieces of wood, or clay. Carve, draw or paint the symbols of the runes on each piece and go at it. You can have several sets if you like and use them when you want. Just have fun, and be creative.

Scrying
Scrying is a form of divination where you look deeply into a reflective surface and look for a vision. You can use your cauldron or chalice filled with water, a Scrying mirror, crystal ball or the flames of a fire. Once you have your scrying source you simply meditate on the area and wait to see what is revealed to you.