Divination practices include tarot, palmistry, astrology, numerology, and more.
1. Reading Tea Leaves
Reading tea leaves isn't as mysterious as you might think. Divination requires two basic elements: 1) A Question 2) An Answer. The querent drinks the cup of tea, leaving a drip or two of liquid in the bottom of the cup. The cup is handed over to the reader who interprets the meanings of symbols formed by the wet tea leaves.
2. Tarot
While there are lots of books out there that give you the meaning of tarot cards, one of the best and most personal ways to develop meanings for the cards is to actually study the cards themselves. The cards were developed with symbols and pictures that represent the concept being expressed.
3. Rune Casting
Spiritual wisdom is committed into stone with the ancient practice of runecarving. The ritual of runecasting awakens us to our natural inclinations helping us make decisions.
4. Bibliomancy
Bibliomancy is a form of divination wherein a phrase or words will speak to the querent when a random book from a library, bookstore, or book shelf is opened and glanced at. Alternately, you can choose a sacred text rather than a random book such as the Bible, I Ching, Homer's Iliad, etc. Answers to a a concern or query come through written words or phrases that predominantly appear on the random page.
5. Astrology
Although astrology is often a tool the lovelorn turn to in seeking help in relationships, the signs in your birth chart can also give insights into your physical, emotional, and mental health. I have a limited number of resources on this topic.
- Astrology and Herbalism
- Saturn's Transit and Its Effect on Your Life
- Book Review: Baby Star Signs
- Book Review: Healing Signs
- Book Review: Centaury for Virgo, Rock Rose for Pisces
6. Dowsing
Dowsing is the process of using a tool such as a pendulum or rod to discover things that cannot be discovered using our everyday senses. It is a term, which in the past has been associated primarily with the finding of water sources. Modern dowsers dowse for oil & gas, minerals, water, lost objects, lost people with perhaps one of the most common uses today being the use of a pendulum to determine one's state of health and whether particular medicines, supplements, etc. should be taken.
7. Palmistry
Palmistry is the study of mounts, lines and shapes of hands and fingers as indicators of personality traits. Missing, fragmented, or chained lines give clues as to what characteristics you have and the types of challenges are likely to cross your path in life.
8. Spirit Boards
Jeffrey Coolidge / Getty Images
The best known "spirit board" is the Ouija, a parlor game manufactured by Parker Brothers for children. Spirit boards are used to channel the spirits of deceased individuals. If you think your dearly departed Uncle Henry could offer you some sage advice from beyond then a spirit board could come in handy.
