Divination Methods – Different Strokes for Different Folks.

Is one divination method better or more accurate than the others?

No one method is better. It just may be better for you. It all depends on your own makeup, your natural gifts and what you are comfortable with. Tarot, the I Ching, runes, dowsing, palmistry, scrying and astrology all rely on symbolism, intuition and interpretation.

Which method is right for you?

Have you ever wondered about all the different divination methods, and whether one is better, stronger or more accurate? You wouldn't be alone. Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown, and there are many ways to do it. It can be found in every civilization, ancient and modern. Today you most often see it in horoscopes and astrology, crystal gazing, tarot cards, the I Ching, runes, palmistry, scrying and dowsing.

Some people fear tools like these because of the way they were raised, and some religions discourage them. So do what you are comfortable with and what fits your own beliefs. Which method draws you usually depends on what you've been exposed to and what you feel attracted to.

While these practices use different tools, they all rely on symbolism, intuition and interpretation. How well they work depends on the skill of the reader, the situation, and the beliefs of the person seeking guidance.

How do the best-known methods compare?

All of these have been used for centuries to gain insight into the future, understand yourself and make decisions. They share that goal, but they differ in their methods, origins and cultural backgrounds.

Tarot

Tarot is a deck of 78 cards with symbolic images and archetypes. It is used to gain insight into a person's past, present and future, and it activates the imagination and intuition. Tarot cards date back to 15th-century Italy, and their use for divination is documented from the 1700s.

The deck is divided into the Major Arcana, archetypal cards about the big issues in life, and the Minor Arcana, four suits (pentacles or coins, wands or rods, cups and swords) about everyday matters. A reading involves drawing cards and interpreting them by their position and the question. It is a wonderful tool for personal growth. You can read how I use it in my own Tarot readings.

I Ching

The I Ching, or Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination text and one of the world's oldest oracles, with roots going back about 3,000 years. It has 64 hexagrams (chapters), each made of six stacked lines, and each representing a different situation. Each line describes the energy of the question.

Using coins, yarrow stalks or other methods, you build a hexagram, which is then interpreted for guidance on your question. The process can seem complex, but it is meditative and empowering, and it can bring many insights.

Runes

Runes are ancient Germanic symbols, usually carved on stones or wood. They are thought to come from the Nordic regions, and rune stones have been found in Norse burial sites. Each rune has its own name and meaning. In rune casting, you draw or throw the runes and read their positions and combinations to answer a question or gain insight. There are several methods, but the oldest known runic alphabet is the Elder Futhark, with 24 runes, each with its own meaning.

Dowsing

Dowsing is thought to date back to the 1500s. Traditionally, a dowser held a forked tree branch to find water, minerals or other objects. Later, dowsers began using two L-shaped metal rods or a pendulum to answer "yes" or "no" questions. The dowser holds the tool and waits for a reaction, such as the rod or pendulum moving, which is believed to show the presence of what is being sought.

Dowsing rods and pendulums are still used to find water, minerals and energy lines, but they can give guidance on anything. Dowsing helps you trust your intuition and be more decisive.

Palmistry

Palmistry, also called chiromancy, is the art of reading the lines, shapes and other features of the hand for insight into a person's character, personality and potential future. Palmists look at the lines, mounts and markings of the hand to see whether a person is living up to their potential. The size, lines, shape and color of the hand are all said to say something about personality, character and fate, and a skilled palmist can offer valuable wisdom about your life path.

Scrying

Scrying means gazing into a reflective surface, such as a crystal ball, mirror or water, to receive visions or insights. In a relaxed, trance-like state, the scryer interprets the symbols, images or impressions that come. Scrying invites the higher self to see what is closed off to the physical eyes. Some methods have set meanings to interpret, but scrying relies entirely on what the reader sees and understands during the session.

Astrology

Astrology is probably the best-known method today. It is the study of the positions and movements of the planets and stars and their influence on human affairs and personality. An astrologer draws up a birth chart from your date, time and place of birth and interprets the positions of the planets to give insight into many areas of your life.

If you'd like guidance on your own path, you can book a psychic reading with me.