 Divination 
"If you're not allied right now, then it's your decision. You may meet anyone in the next two years. Or be mauled by a giraffe."
-DragonRain
There are several different forms of divination. All are unique in their own way, and take time to master. If your lucky, you may have a knack for fortune telling and such. But all of us here at Twilight Planet agree, do NOT use an Ouija Board alone, or without casting protection spells first and banishing spells afterwards.
For information on Numerology, Tea Leaves, Palmistry and I-Ching, check out the Links page.
TAROT CARDS
This divinatory tool is probably one of the most well known of the tools of divination. It's not specifically a tool only Witches use, although some Christian religions view it as sin. Here, I'll be placing short summaries about the meaning of each tarot card.
Tarot cards are by FAR the easiest (to me), and most popular forms of divination. A short meditation period before and/or after can help you understand what the cards say, if you're a beginner. If you're not a beginner...don't yell at me for information I found in a book.
Some general tips on reading tarot cards: keep some cards inverted from the others. An upside down World card has a different meaning than an upside World card. This goes less so for the minor arcana, where an upside down Seven of Staves means the same thing, just there might be a time delay or an overemphasis.
A final note: People who read this often come to me and say something like this: "I have a book on tarot cards, and they, well, like, have them ordered differently. You should fix it." I will say this for the last time. I DON'T CARE. If you become horribly confused about what card is which in the Major Arcana because I have them ordered differently, chances are you shouldn't be using tarot cards, or any other form of divination in case the unthinkable happens and you turn a chart around. I would even think twice before casting a spell. Thank you.
MAJOR ARCANA
0. The Fool
Mythological Reference: Dionesys
Divinatory meaning: A new phase in life begins, a risk must be taken, a need to abandon the old and start something new
Reversed: Dispersion of energy.
i. The Magician
Mythological Reference: Hermes
Divinatory meaning: New skills and potentials available, opportunities and adventures unfolding.
Reversed: Compulsive communication; overly intellectual.
ii. The Empress
Mythological Reference: Demeter
Divinatory meaning: Fertility, creativity, abundance, marriage or relationship, children.
Reversed: Too easy-going. Not sticking up for your own rights.
iii. The Emperor
Mythological Reference: Zeus
Divinatory meaning: A need to make something solid, to concretize an idea, to build something with a firm structure.
Reversed: Unable to receive from others. Bossy.
iv. The High Priestess
Mythological Reference: Persephone
Divinatory meaning: Thirst for knowledge of an esoteric nature, secrets to be revealed, potential abundant but as yet unfulfilled.
Reversed: Superstitious, deluded.
v. The Hierophant
Mythological Reference: Chiron
Divinatory meaning: Nee for spiritual purpose, the search for personal philosophy, or spiritual values.
Reversed: Stuck in tradition. Unable to keep up with the times.
vi. The Lovers
Mythological Reference: The Judgment of Paris
Divinatory meaning: A love affair with a trial or choice attached.
Reversed: Obsessive relationships. Refusal to learn from relationships.
vii. The Chariot
Mythological Reference: Ares
Divinatory meaning: Conflict within, struggles and battles, but potential for victory, resolution of quarrels.
Reversed: Not finishing anything off. Incomplete cycles.
viii. Justice
Mythological Reference: Athena
Divinatory meaning: Need for clarity of mind, impartial judgment, and a balanced intellect.
Reversed: Imbalance.
ix. Temperance
Mythological Reference: Iris
Divinatory meaning: Harmony within relationships, cooperation resulting in happy marriage or partnership.
Reversed: Stuck in the pat. Too introspective.
x. Strength
Mythological Reference: Hercules
Divinatory meaning: need for strength, courage and self-discipline. Potential for moral victory and mastery of life.
Reversed: Too emotional. Not thinking things through.
xi. The Hermit
Mythological Reference: Cronos
Divinatory meaning: A time for withdrawal, silent meditation and solitude. Patience is needed to confront one's inner world.
Reversed: Isolation, alienation.
xii. The Wheel of Fortune
Mythological Reference: The Moirai
Divinatory meaning: Change in fortune, new beginnings, a new chapter of life starting. The Wheel makes a new turn.
Reversed: Exaggerated expectations.
xiii. The Hanged Man
Mythological Reference: Prometheus
Divinatory meaning: A sacrifice must be made to gain something of greater value, time in suspension.
Reversed: Seeing the world as if it were upside down.
xiv. Death
Mythological Reference: Hades
Divinatory meaning: The end of something which has been lived out, transformation, new beginnings to follow.
Reversed: Not being able to let go.
xv. The Devil
Mythological Reference: Pan
Divinatory meaning: A confrontation with the inner world. Facing fears and inhibitions can foster growth.
Reversed: Lack of vision. Blocked sexual activity.
xvi. The Tower
Mythological Reference: The Slaying of the Minotaur
Divinatory meaning: Breaking down existing forms, changing false structures and finding true values.
Reversed: Unsafe foundations for any project. Things are precariously built up.
xvii. The Star
Mythological Reference: Pandora's Box
Divinatory meaning: Hope, inspiration, faith and belief in a new and better life.
Reversed: A false sense of security.
xviii. The Moon
Mythological Reference: Hecate
Divinatory meaning: Fluctuation, uncertainty, confusion. Time of passivity rather than action.
Reversed: Holding back reality by living in a dream world.
xix. The Sun
Mythological Reference: Apollo
Divinatory meaning: Optimism, time of positive action, energy in abundance, a time of clear vision.
Reversed: The danger of "burnout," getting your fingers burnt.
xx. Judgment
Mythological Reference: Hermes, the Psychopomp
Divinatory meaning: Time for reaping rewards for past actions, time for reaching conclusions and summing up situations.
Reversed: Phoneticisms, phobias, obsessions.
xxi. The World
Mythological Reference: Hermaphrodites
Divinatory meaning: Success, achievement, attainment, the realization of a goal or the completion of a cycle.
Reversed: Fears, carrying the world on your shoulders.
MINOR ARCANA
SUIT OF PENTACLES
or Coins
Ace of Pentacles- a new doorway opening up, work wise
Two of Pentacles- Same line of work in a different place.
Three of Pentacles- Learning new skills, developing new abilities.
Four of Pentacles- Wanting to get money together.
Five of Pentacles- Unforeseen expenses.
Six of Pentacles- Wanting to be generous, but the need to be more discriminating.
Seven of Pentacles- Hard work, but approaching your harvest time.
Eight of Pentacles- The craftsman at work. Abilities being demonstrated.
Nine of Pentacles- Gaining recognition in the eyes of others.
Ten of Pentacles- Joint finance, important investment decisions.
Page of Pentacles- Wanting to change your line of work or take on more responsibility.
Knight of Pentacles- A man who wants to develop the work side of his life.
Queen of Pentacles- A woman who wants to develop the work side of her life.
King of Pentacles- A man at the top of his trade or profession.
SUIT OF SWORDS
Ace of Swords- Breakthrough
Two of Swords- Indecision
Three of Swords- Heartbreak, unless you can communicate.
Four of Swords- The lifting of tensions.
Five of Swords- Crossed swords, and a parting of ways.
Six of Swords- Moving on from a negative situation.
Seven of Swords- Making an important but worthwhile sacrifice.
Eight of Swords- Frustration. The need for patience. Can't the way out of a problem.
Nine of Swords- Isolation. The need to open up new channels of communication and contact with others.
Ten of Swords- Unable to have an effect or change influences going around you. The need to just go with the flow.
Page of Swords- Don't rush into battle.
Knight of Swords- The balance of power is in your favor.
Queen of Swords- A determined woman, but with a barrier between her and others.
King of Swords- You've won the war, now you must win the peace.
SUIT OF STAVES
or Wands
Ace of Staves- A new initiative.
Two of Staves- Good advice being given and received.
Three of Staves- Leading others by example.
Four of Staves- Working with others towards a common purpose.
Five of Staves- Challenge for others- Hold fast to your resolve.
Six of Staves- Victory, successful attainment of your objectives.
Seven of Staves- Cut down your problems one by one. Don't let them build up, and thereby overwhelm you.
Eight of Staves- Things around you speeding up.
Nine of Staves- Take down your barriers- let other people support you.
Ten of Staves- Don't carry everyone else's burdens.
Page of Staves- Learning and traveling.
Knight of Staves- Dynamic male energy.
Queen of Staves- A woman of leadership.
King of Staves- A man of leadership.
SUIT OF CUPS
Ace of Cups- Emotional fulfillment.
Two of Cups- A new relationship starting, or a new phase in an existing relationship.
Three of Cups- Reunion with friends.
Four of Cups- Reaching out for new friendships.
Five of Cups- Disillusionment, if you rely on the commitments of others.
Six of Cups- Learning about living in harmony with those around you.
Seven of Cups- Confusion, the need to get your priorities in order.
Eight of Cups- Looking for something on a much deeper level.
Nine of Cups- Experiencing life as a celebration.
Ten of Cups- Emotional commitments.
Page of Cups- New social contacts.
Knight of Cups- An emotionally sensitive man.
Queen of Cups- An emotionally sensitive woman.
King of Cups- An emotionally mature man, capable of giving and receiving love.
FOUR CARD SPREAD
This spread is very quick and easy, and can be used to read for yourself and other people. Can't get much easier than that!
1- Past Position: Heart of the Matter
2- Present Position: Seeker's situation in his/her life at the time of reading
3- Future Position: What could happen in the next 1 to 6 months
4- Overall: Or the card that sums up everything
RUNES
Runes use to be the writing of the ancient Nordic people. In mythology, Odin hung from the tree Yggdrasil for nine days to learn the runes. Being not too familiar with runes myself, I'll provide a link to a site where I got my information (and this is surprising?)
FEHU
Letter: F
Meaning: Cattle
Divinatory meaning: Good fortune, wealth, luck, creative energy.
URUZ
Letter: U
Meaning: Aurochs
Divinatory meaning: Strength, higher self, determination, health.
THIRISAZ
Letter: TH
Meaning: Thorn or Giant
Divinatory meaning: True will, matter of form, chaos, conflict.
ANSUZ
Letter: A
Meaning: God or Mouth
Divinatory meaning: Wisdom, occult, power, revenge, healing.
RAIDO
Letter: R
Meaning: Riding or Cartwheel
Divinatory meaning: Defense, take control, journey, decisions.
KENAZ
Letter: K-C
Meaning: Torch
Divinatory meaning: Knowledge, learning, quest, hereditary knowledge.
GEBO
Letter: G
Meaning: Gifts
Divinatory meaning: Agreements, settlements and union, boundaries.
WUNJO
Letter: W
Meaning: Perfection or Happiness
Divinatory meaning: Blessings, controlling will, success, fertility.
HAGALZ
Letter: H
Meaning: Hail
Divinatory meaning: Drastic change, disruptive forces.
NAUTHIZ
Letter: N
Meaning: Need
Divinatory meaning: Future, victory, opportunity, defense.
ISA
Letter: I
Meaning: Ice
Divinatory meaning: Standstill, defense to delay, crysallis.
JERA
Letter: J
Meaning: Year or Harvest
Divinatory meaning: Gentle gestation and change, cycle, time.
EIWAZ
Letter: Y
Meaning: Yew
Divinatory meaning: Outgoing, dynamic, GO!, hunting, evolution.
PERTH
Letter: P
Meaning: Dice Cup (for gambling and divination)
Divinatory meaning: Secret, discovery of hidden, history.
ALGIZ
Letter: Z
Meaning: Elk
Divinatory meaning: Protection, shield, help, rainbow conductor.
SOWULO
Letter: S
Meaning: Sun
Divinatory meaning: Healing, strength, centering, luck.
TYR
Letter: T
Meaning: Tyr, warrior God
Divinatory meaning: Justice, legal matters, dedication, bravery.
BERKANA
Letter: B
Meaning: Birch
Divinatory meaning: Woman's mysteries, birth process, emotional stability.
EHWAZ
Letter: E
Meaning: Horse
Divinatory meaning: Shapeshifer, telepathic links, adjustments.
MANNAZ
Letter: M
Meaning: Man
Divinatory meaning: Communication, cooperation, legal affairs.
LAGUZ
Letter: L
Meaning: Water
Divinatory meaning: Occult, sex, influence, movement.
INGUZ
Letter: ng
Meaning: Ing, Fertility God
Divinatory meaning: Astral, vessel, grounded, progression, fertility.
OTHALA
Letter: O
Meaning: A Possession
Divinatory meaning: Centering, grounding, invoking, values, family, kundalini.
DAGAZ
Letter: D
Meaning: Day(light)
Divinatory meaning: Rendered invisible, catalyst, between the worlds.
(taken from Silver RavenWolf's To Ride a Silver Broomstick)
THREE STONE SPREAD
1- Past
2- Present
3- Future
THOR'S HAMMER
1- What mask do I show the world?
2- What fears are within me?
3- What am I seeking?
4- How should I best approach this?
5- What do I hope to become?
6- What is stopping me?
7- What is my destiny?
8- What do I need to learn to find my true self?
9- What is my true self?
I do not take credit for any of the above. Credit goes to the person who owns the webpage below:
SCRYING
DOWSING
Dowsing (scrying using a pendulum) is fairly simple, but isn't recommended for beginners, because it can be manipulated too easily. The pendulum can be made out of anything, a pointed crystal on a chain to a washer tied with some string. Hold the end of the string furthest from the item tied to the string, and ask it "yes" or "no". It should start moving in a certain direction. Ask the reverse (like, if you asked yes, ask it no this time) and it should start moving in another direction.
Dowsing is extremely versitile, because you can make your own charts about anything you want to ask, in any way, shape or form, but it's only good for "yes" or "no" questions, and the direction the crystal or washer swings depends on the person.
For more information:
FIRE SCRYING
Start by lighting a candle and setting it in front of you. The room or area doesn't have to be dark when you do this. Gaze into the blue part of the flame as the yellow part will hurt your eyes. Clear your mind and just see what you can see. What you see won't be uniform to each person that does this, it depends on the person. As you get better, you can move onto using larger fires (not really recommending this because of the hazard it involves) or scrying for other people. Just remember when scrying for other people, some of the symbols will be tied to them.
-Courtesy of Shadow
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