Divination for the Beginner Witch

Divination is the art of looking into and interpreting the future, and gaining “hidden” knowledge through intuition, the aid of a higher power, and/or the use of divining tools. Divination can be used to aid in decision making by basing your decision on the interpretation of the information received. By gaining an understanding of your situation and the possible outcome (nothing is ever set in stone), you can be better prepared to make a decision. You just have to remember that things can change. By receiving the information through divining, you may have altered your path and chosen a different way than if you had not divined at all. 

The type of divination you use will determine what kind of question(s) you ask. Some methods, such as the pendulum method, can only answer yes or no questions: “Should I get a second job?” Other methods work well with broader questions, such as “What will my life look like if I take on a second job?” Some forms of divination may not require a question at all, but will show you what you need to know in the moment.

Different Types of Divination

When purchasing tools of divination, I recommend clearing them of any negative or foreign energies and blessing them before using them. This helps them get familiar with your energy, allowing them to better answer your questions.

Tarot

Tarot uses a specially made deck of tarot cards; there are a myriad of decks to choose from on the market. Traditionally, your deck should be a gift from someone else, but there are no hard and fast rules saying your deck HAS to be a gift from another person. Tarot cards are a tool of divination, and like your altar tools, should be blessed.

To use a tarot deck, think about or say aloud your question or general topic you would like to know about while shuffling the cards. You can shuffle them any way you want. Some say to cut the deck before dealing, others do not. Then deal the number of cards needed for the spread. The easiest spread to start with is one of the three-card spreads. In the first of the three-card spreads, the first card represents the past, the second represents the present, and the third represents the future. In the second of the three-card spread, the first card represents the present of the situation, the second represents the action(s) to take, and the third represents the possible outcome if you heed what the second card said. Most tarot decks come with a booklet that explains what each card means. Use this booklet until you are familiar with the deck and can interpret the cards on your own. Remember, the cards work in conjunction with each other. It is important to try to interpret not only the individual cards, but also the relationship the cards have with each other.

Runes

Runes are a set of symbols that were the first form of Germanic writing, used before the Latin alphabet. There are 24 runes in the traditional Elder Futhark set, each with its own divinatory meanings. The runes are typically carved into wood, stone, clay, or other materials. Some of the Runes sets that I purchased did NOT come with a booklet explaining the meaning of each Rune, so you may have to research them online or find a book about Runes.

To use Runes, swirl them around, face down on a flat surface, while thinking of your question or situation. When you feel you have swirled them enough, pick as many Runes as the spread requires based upon which one seem to be calling to you with their energy. Lay them out in the order you pick them. The easiest of the Rune spreads are the same as the tarot spreads: In the first of the three-rune spreads, the first rune represents the past, the second represents the present, and the third represents the future. In the second of the three-rune spread, the first rune represents the present of the situation, the second represents the action(s) to take, and the third represents the possible outcome if you heed what the second rune said. There is also a three-rune spread that you can use with yes or no questions. Pick three runes. If all the Runes are upright, the answer is yes. If all the Runes are NOT upright, the answer is no. If the Runes are mixed, the answer is maybe.

As with the tarot, work on interpreting not only the individual Runes, but also the relationships between them. The more you research and work with them, the easier this will become.

Pendulum 

The pendulum is an object tied to the end of a long string; it can be a necklace, a crystal or stone pendulum purchased from a store, or a paperclip on a string. As long as there is an object that is heavier than the chain or string at the bottom, and the chain or string is several inches long, the pendulum should work. However, the pendulum will not work if you ask broad questions; the pendulum can only answer yes or no questions.

To use the pendulum, hold the top of the chain between your index finger and thumb. Hold it as still as possible. Ask it to show you, “Yes.” Really focus on what you want. Repeat it if you have to. Your pendulum should start moving, even if it is just a tiny bit. Some pendulums swing back and forth to say yes. Mine swings around in a clockwise circle to say “Yes.” Now, ask it to show you, “No.” See how it responds. Ask it to show you, “Maybe,” or “I do not know.” The better you get to know your pendulum, the easier it will be to divine with it.

There are a myriad of other forms of divination, from scrying and palmistry, to tealeaf reading and pyromancy (fire reading); the list goes on and on. This article is just to get you started with some of the more common types of divination. I hope to write articles that are more extensive on these topics and more in the near future. Until then, I hope you enjoy working with and practicing the divination methods described above.

Love and Light and Blessed Be! 

~Emma

Author Bio:

I am a Pagan Witch who was born in 1996. For most of my life, I never truly felt connected to any of the common religious or spiritual paths. I had my own set of beliefs, but I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I believed in a God, but also a Goddess, Mother Nature. I researched many Native American religions to try to find one that fit my beliefs. It was not until my God and Goddess brought a very special person into my life that I discovered Paganism and the Craft. She introduced me to this amazing path by confiding in me that she was a Witch and answered every question I had. I dedicated myself at the age of 15 and it was the most amazing thing I ever did for myself.

You can connect with me on facebook, on my page Witchy Writings.