Divination - Blog Posts
Bedridden witch: Divination edition
Ideas for practicing divination while bedridden: Varying in energy + mobility required - please don’t push yourself, hopefully there’s options for everyone! Quick note: I’ve only included forms of divination I personally do.
Tarot:
Sleep with the deck under your pillow.
Do a two-card (or more!) spread - you don’t have to lay it out if you can’t sit up, you can hold them in your hand or place on your lap.
Pick one card that represents what you want from the next day and slip it under your pillow or mattress for the night.
Play around with a tarot app (I like the products from Labyrinthos but there’s loads out there.)
Memorize the meanings of the cards.
Make or buy a mini deck for easier use.
Do the easy “find this card and whatever is above or below it =X” spreads.
Scrying:
Use a black mirror or picture frame with black cloth/paper behind it.
Get a mini scrying bowl and fill with water, cradle it in your hands.
Pendulum:
Wear it around your neck.
Shorten the string so you don’t have to sit up.
Prop your hand on a pillow if you need the strength/steadiness.
Use off of the side of your bed if it’s too long (this can be a bit awkward)
Keep it under your pillow.
Use a mini pendulum or a necklace as a pendulum.
Make a simple board or don’t use one at all, just condition your pendulum with basic movements.
*You CAN use a pendulum even with shaky hands, it just takes a bit of bonding and conditioning.*
Tasseomancy:
Get a mug with two handles.
Keep in a sealable container until you’re ready.
Put a towel over yourself in case you spill.
Use a Tupperware container. No shame.
Other ideas + Posts
Automatic writing
Oneiromancy - Interpretation of dreams in order to predict future.
Stitchomancy - Get a book. Ask question, then open book to random page and read what pops out to you.
This awesome post
Note: I didn’t include runes because I don’t use them! I’d love to see an addition with runes.
Bedridden witch: Nature edition
Bedridden witch: Worship edition
Why You Should Keep Track of the Tarot Cards You Pull
People will often notice patterns to the cards they pull - you’ll notice that certain cards come up more often. This tends to be based on a feeling though, rather than any real data about which cards you’ve pulled - and the real data may surprise you.
I’ve kept track of the cards I’ve pulled in my single card readings over the past three months, and here are some things I’ve noticed:
I pull one card more frequently than any other card. In my case, that card is The Magician. It’s really useful to know - not just suspect - that one card turns up constantly for me.
Some cards don’t actually appear as frequently as I think they do. I recently pulled the Nine of Pentacles and thought, “Again?? Why do I pull this card so much??” but when I look at the actual data… I’ve pulled other cards way more frequently. I think it’s a form of the Baader-Meinhof effect - a card can stick in your brain for some reason and you remember it as appearing more often than it actually does!
There are interesting things about the cards that I don’t pull. In three months, these Major Arcana cards have never come up at all: The Emperor and The Devil. I can look at the data of what archetypes don’t appear in my life and draw some interesting conclusions. I’ve also not drawn a single court card (page, knight, queen, or king) from the suit of swords - swords tend to deal with conflict, which I maybe have less of during this particular time in my life
I can identify which suit and which numbered cards appear the most and the least in my readings. While the totals of Swords, Wands, Cups, and Pentacles I pull are pretty close to even, Wands eke out a little bit higher total than the others. Cups and Pentacles are tied, with Swords coming in last. If I didn’t have this data, I’d probably assume I pull Swords the most - because they leave the biggest impact on me when I do pull them! Of the numbered cards: I pull Aces of any suit the most, and Twos of any suit the least. This makes for some interesting patterns: The Magician is sort of the “Ace” of the Major Arcana, as well. Aces are about a very singular willpower whereas Twos are about partnership and duality. Through this pattern I can identify the focus the cards have on my life at this particular point in time.
I pull Major Arcana cards more than is statistically likely. The Major Arcana makes up 28% of the deck, but 39% of my pulls. The Major Arcana are more associated with long-term messages, and so my life may have more long-term type changes needing to be made during this period.
This is a quick guide to how you might interpret some of the overall themes you notice: Minor Arcana: temporary, easily changed, daily life, current situation Major Arcana: long term, archetypes, themes, life lessons, current lesson Wands: spirituality, inspiration, determination, strength, intuition, creativity, ambition and expansion; energy, motivation and passion. Cups: love, feelings, relationships and connection; emotions, intuition and creativity Swords: action, change, force, power, oppression, ambition, courage and conflict; thoughts, and words Pentacles: work, business, trade, property, money and other material possessions Aces: new beginnings, news, movement in a positive direction Twos: duality, connection Threes: creation, creativity, growth, action Fours: stability, structure Fives: tension, conflict, challenge Sixes: relaxation, harmony, reevaluation Sevens: mystery, disruption, adjustment Eights: action, movement, growth, change Nines: contemplation, reflection, looking to the next step Tens: conclusion, culmination, new beginnings, complexity Pages: youth, vitality, fascination, learning, and focus Knights: adventure, energy, missions, conviction, willfulness, recklessness Queens: curiosity, openness, expressiveness, creativity, flexibility Kings: authority, leadership, expertise, mastery, inflexibility
General Relationship Tarot Spread
1. What is the energy currently surrounding this relationship?
2. How do I truly feel about this person?
3. How does this person truly feel about me?
4. Where is this relationship headed?
5. Advice on how best to proceed for the highest possible good of both involved?
Psychometry (Witchcraft Basics)
What is Psychometry?
Psychometry is the ability to divine information about a person, place, or thing by touch. It’s an incredibly useful skill to have in your arsenal, as Psychometry, in my opinion, is the starting place of many other psychic abilities, which can also be developed.
Psychometry can be used in a lot of different ways and in different situations- all of them utilizing touch in order to accomplish the goal.
How Does Psychometry Work?
As I have mentioned probably at least a dozen times before, we are a part of this flow of energy that resides in everything. Our ability to manipulate and gain information from that energy is key to basic magick, and to Psychometry.
As this energy flows in and around everything it gathers information. We have access to that information. By touching an object, you are creating a link between you and said object, connecting your energies and then allowing you to witness everything that object has witnessed (obviously with some practice).
Psychometry is, when used properly, the easiest way to gain information as a psychic, and will also help to develop your awareness in order to start experimenting with other abilities.
How To Do Psychometry?
I have posted about this before in my Divination Intro post, so I’ll go ahead and just re-copy that bit of information.
Psychometry is best practiced in one of two ways.
Collect various, preferably older items, such as necklaces, pocket watches, other small antiques, wood, shells, etc. Place all of the items under a cloth or under a bowl and then shuffle them around, making sure that you shuffle long enough for you to have no way of knowing where each item is. You then place your hand over the object, fell its energy, and try and divine what the object is. It’ll take time, but your accuracy will vastly improve, and you’ll find that other esoteric things come to you easily.
Find random objects such as old building bricks, signs, lampposts, antiques, etc. and place your hand on them. Close your eyes, and try to sense the object. See all of the memories that it houses within. Who did it belong to? What has it witnessed? Where did it come from? Eventually, you’ll begin to gain an understanding of the objects around you even without needing to touch them and close your eyes. Then, eventually, you’ll be able to divine a person’s past, present, and future using the same exact method, giving you yet another tool in your divinatory arsenal.
As always, I hope this helps. And, as always, keep in mind that this is my interpretation of this one ability. I do believe that psychometry is the best way to learn and develop your psychic abilities, as it is the most basic form of divination. You need no tools other than yourself, and that is another HUGE plus.
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Throwin’ the Bones
Of the divinatory techniques with which I am familiar, bones are my personal favorite. Yes, they have that very witchy vibe – but it’s more than that; the bones are honest. They don’t sugar coat, and while they have to be interpreted, once you know how to read them – there’s little room for interpretation. They are very direct and are much better suited to answering yes or no questions than tarot. With a little imaginative methodology, there few questions the bones can’t answer. And even fewer they won’t answer (as tarot cards can be known to do). A few examples of things I think the bones are better at answering than tarot: questions involving time, questions regarding health, sickness and maledictions; they present a broader grasp to any given situation – incorporating things outside of the question presented and how these things relate to the question or the reading, showing the interconnectedness of life – and how these things all relate back.
Our countless cultures have countless methods for collecting and reading the Bones – and I can only rightly attest to my own methodology: one in which the Bones need not necessarily consist solely of bones, but a collection of gathered trinkets and curios, all with their own meaning, their own story and their own energy. My collection consists of: bones (bare and painted), coins, stones, shells, jewelry, twigs, buttons, animal teeth and other squabbles. The only rule I implement is that the item can be easily gathered and (safely) tossed without breakage or injury (save your razor-blades and glass shards for witches’ bottles!).
Collecting the Bones and Bobbles
Most any small bones will do, though its recommended that you use bones that haven’t been cooked, as cooked bones have a tendency to get very brittle – especially in the case of chicken, which is quite common. In my collection I have a number of different animal bones: most are chicken, but I also have some raccoon and possum bones, as well as teeth and claws. I built a “base” of bones, but am continuously adding or replacing as I see fit.
A short list of “Bones” I like to include – most of which serve as my “base” bones:
Self Bone – used for the reader
Other Bone – used to represent another person or the person you are reading
Magic Bone – represents the need for or use of magic
“Evil” Bone – malicious or hateful acts, disadvantageous behavior
Love Bone – represents romantic love
Male Bone – represents male fertility, masculinity, sexuality or a man
Female Bone – represents female fertility, femininity, sexuality or a woman
Health Bone – represents physical or mental health
Wealth Bone – represents financial standing or monetary issues
Family Bone – represents familial connections or a family member
Fate Bone – represents destiny and your lifepath (I use a shell for this: open side up means an event can be altered, destiny is not set in stone; open side down, this path must be walked – prepare in lieu of fighting)
“Key” Bone – (I actually use a small key) which represents the key to any given situation, the remedy or problem at hand and its cause
This list is by no means comprehensive and I have many more bones in my collection with more menial meanings. This is simply a small list of options to be added to and adapted by whosoever casts the bones.
Reading the Bones
There is no right or wrong way to read the bones, there is simply your way and their way. Below I will dictate how it is that I do a general reading – again, this is just an example of one way, take and adapt to fit your own unique style or tradition!
Begin by collecting your bones into your hand. I keep mine in a leather pouch, but don’t like to toss them directly from the bag as it doesn’t allow for much control – i.e. the bones fall out either in a massive, unreadable pile or they fly out in such a scattered way nothing is close enough to read. Throwing them from the hand allows for a rather contained casting, and one that can be read easily. I do not include the Self or Other bone, instead, the Self Bone is placed before the caster and the Other Bones is placed either in front of the person you’re reading for or simply in the middle of the casting area. When reading for yourself, place the Self Bone in the center and discard the Other Bone.
Throw the Bones. This can be done on a square of cloth on which a circle (or any number of complex shapes) has been drawn or simply upon a flat table. If throwing in a circle, discard all bones that fall outside of it. These bones are null for the reading, though they can also be read as “far from the person’s mind/current situation.”
Interpret the Bones. This is done by noting the location and connection of the bones present. For instance, note the Love Bones proximity to the Other Bones and the Male Bone. This could be interpreted as being the male love of the querent – but if the “Evil” bones is introduced, this could symbol ulterior motives or a hostile or explosive relationship. Read based on both their proximity to the Other Bone – the closer, the higher priority the matter is – and their relation to one another. It’s very much like investigating a big puzzle, putting it together piece by piece to form a comprehensive understanding of their life or situation. Also not their relation based on the third dimension: x bone seems to be overlapping y bone – is the x issue eclipsing an underlying problem or truth represented by y? It depends. Only through practice will you find clarity.
Convey the message. I always like to spend a few moments making a variety of “hmm” noises when reading for others – it builds up their anticipation. Or you can throw in the occasional gasp or snarky smirk. Their responses are usually hilarious – even more so when yours are genuine! If you are reading on your own, it may be a good idea to sketch out a general map of the readings as opposed to taking a picture as often bones overlie others, which makes for a rather misleading photo representation. You might also find jotting down notes rewarding, especially in synthesizing a cohesive read.
Once you’ve garnered all the information you can from that particular toss, feel free to specify: take the bone/situation you wish to examine and toss the rest again over it/them, reading the others through that particular lens. I.E. Who is this person mentioned? What are their qualities? What is the nature of this love? What magic is being referenced here? Follow that rabbit hole as far as you wish, building your understanding.
Do not be afraid to adjust your style! Want to narrow down a time frame? Make a sort of timeline with the bones. Wish to determine the source of an ailment? Shape the bones into the form of a body. I find the bones allow for far more creativity and ingenuity than cards. And above all – TRUST YOUR GUT.
Photos: These are photos of my “base” bones when I first started reading; since then they have probably doubled (if not tripled) in number and do not incorporate my other animal bones, claws or teeth.
Bone Divination (Osteomancy) is an ancient practice of fortune telling used throughout many cultures. It’s important to find personal pieces that you deeply connect with.
List of objects commonly used in Bone Divination sets: - Old Coins - Crystals and Stones - Dice - Seashells - Animal Claws - Small animal Jaw bone - Animal feet - Nuts - Seed Pods - Skeleton Keys - Beads made of glass, wood, animal horn or bone - Metal Charms - Personal Jewelry such as rings or pendants - Any items that hold a personal meaning for you
Taking care of your divination set: - Regularly cleanse your pieces with White Sage - Keep them with you during the day to form a deep bond with the pieces - If unable to keep them near during the day, keep close to you at night - I find that most pieces like to rest on natural surfaces- wood, moss, etc - Charge them under the Full Moon when possible, especially crystals or stones - Meditate with the pieces and listen to what they have to say - Occasionally bury the bones lightly in an indoor flowerpot for a short time (or outside in the garden if not raining). Bones tend to like being in the ground. It allows them to rest.
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Divination Intro
Like any other school of Magick, Divination uses many different methods in order to divine esoteric knowledge, including the past, present, and possible future.
Important note: It is important to remember that, no matter the type of divinatory practices used, no single person is able to tell the future. There are always variables at play that may change your future and your destiny. Divination simple says that, should things continue as they are, this is the most likely outcome of the situation.
How does divination work?
In and around all things is a flow of energy. You can think of this flow of energy as the circle of life type of thing from Lion King. “The circle of life flows through us all”, or, like water: Water particles are everywhere, even in the air we breath, and is thus constantly in motion. Same with energy. Energy makes up the very fabric of our existence, making us connected to everything around us.
Here’s a witchy secret they don’t often bother to tell you: We are connected to this energy, and this energy is connected to all things. Energy, at its base, is information.
When we tap into this energy, we are able to see the information that the energy has to give us. Different diviners use different methods of tapping into this energy, but it’s all the same.
Kinds of Divination:
By no means is this list exhaustive. As mentioned before, there are many ways in which diviners practice divination. None is better than the other, and all accomplish basically the same thing. There are a few that I have dabbled in, and a lot that I have not.
Cartomancy
The most common and well known form of divination is divining using a deck of cards, most commonly tarot. Among the cards are different sets of titles and imagery that is meant to invoke some sort of reaction from your intuition. The best way to work with the tarot, oracle, or any other deck of cards is allow the cards to speak to you, and not you for it. In other words, allow there to be a natural progression as you read the tarot, instead of forcing meanings where there may be none.
Runes (Futhark)
Runes are another form of divination that use ancient symbols housing esoteric wisdom to divine. According to the legends which I’ve read, the runes are Norse in origin, but the exact details of how they came to be is a mystery. It is said that they were sacred to the Norse goddess Freya, and were possibly even discovered by her. She then introduced then to Odin, the Allfather, god of war, and the greater mysteries. Odin, who became fascinated by them, hung himself in a tree to die a shamanic death, and was then reborn as Odin the Runemaster. At some point, it is rumored that Odin then gifted the runes to man.
Whatever the legends, the runes do have an energy all their own, but are not quite as easy as the tarot to read. They are symbols, ancient and unknown in origin, not pretty little colored images on a deck of cards. The best way to work with runes is to learn their general meaning, and allow them to expand their knowledge to you over time.
Scrying
Scrying is another popular form of divination that uses a smooth, reflective surface in order to “See” images within the depths. Most commonly, crystal balls, black mirrors, and bowls of water are used.
This form of divination is difficult to master, and takes tremendous patience. Thus, I will not be able to go into further detail about this at present.
Osteomancy
“Throwing bones” as it were. I’ve had more time to learn a little bit more about this, and I have a very basic understanding of how this form of divination works.
Osteomancy uses bones, preferably from small animals, as well as other shells, beads, and curios collective known as the “bones” thrown out onto a cloth to divine the future. Depending on where the bones land, the diviner is then able to use their meaning to paint a picture of the quarents future, past, and present.
I’ve read a few blog posts about this form, and it seems that, most commonly, osteomancers use what is known as “animism” the idea that everything has a spirit and is alive, in order to divine. While this may or may not be true, I believe that bone throwing employs the use to psychometry in order to decipher the bones.
Which brings me to my last point…
Psychometry
Psychometry is a powerful way to exercise your “Psychic muscles”, but it also takes a lot of patience to learn. Psychometry refers to the latent or inherent or learned ability to perceive residual information off of objects and/or people, usually by touch.
Psychometry is best practiced in one of two ways.
Collect various, preferably older items, such as necklaces, pocket watches, other small antiques, wood, shells, etc. Place all of the items under a cloth or under a bowl and then shuffle them around, making sure that you shuffle long enough for you to have no way of knowing where each item is. You then place your hand over the object, fell its energy, and try and divine what the object is. It’ll take time, but your accuracy will vastly improve, and you’ll find that other esoteric things come to you easily.
Find random objects such as old building bricks, signs, lampposts, antiques, etc. and place your hand on them. Close your eyes, and try to sense the object. See all of the memories that it houses within. Who did it belong to? What has it witnessed? Where did it come from? Eventually, you’ll begin to gain an understanding of the objects around you even without needing to touch them and close your eyes. Then, eventually, you’ll be able to divine a person’s past, present, and future using the same exact method, giving you yet another tool in your divinatory arsenal.
There are, of course, many MANY other methods that I missed. The ones I mentioned above are simply the ones that I personally have, so far, dabbled in. The tarot, of course, is my strongest practice, but others are working their way up there as well.
Short list of other divination practices:
Tesseomancy- Tea leaf reading
Pyromancy- Fire scrying
Lithomancy- Stone throwing
Pendulum- Divining with a heavy, pointed object on a chain
Numerology- Divining with numbers
Astrology- Divining using the stars and their alignments
Automatic writing/Drawing- Divining by closing your eyes and allowing your subconscious mind to write/draw
Pendulums 101
As requested by @birdsofthestrangestfeather, here’s my own little pendulums 101! 🌙✨
What is a pendulum?
In short, it can really be anything, as long as something is hanging from a chain or string and is able to swing. It can be a fancy crystal pendulum from Etsy or a local witchy shop, a necklace you already own, a pocket watch, or even something as minimalist as a string and bead/needle! Get creative; it doesn’t have to be fancy, any particular material, or bought, just as long as it works as a pendulum.
What do you do before you use a pendulum?
Cleanse, cleanse and cleanse! Unless you made it yourself (which if you did, you don’t have to keep reading unless you want to!) your pendulum has probably been through a lot! I’d recommend leaving it out in the full moonlight for some hours or overnight, running your pendulum a few times through sage or incense or even visualizing a white, cleansing light around your pendulum! Other options include letting your pendulum cleanse in sunlight, dirt and water.
Do a little research if you have a crystal pendulum to see what would suit that crystal best and otherwise trust your intuition on what would be the best way to cleanse your new pendulum!
How to program your pendulum?
Just like people, pendulums have different ways of working. My pendulum swings back and forth for yes while yours may circle around! To figure out or establish how your pendulum says yes, no, maybe and unknown/I don’t know, you have to program your pendulum.
If you want your pendulum to show you, ask it basic, obvious to answer questions. I’ll ask, “Am I six foot tall?” and my pendulum swings no so hard it nearly breaks! But when I ask, “Am I five foot three?” it goes straight to yes. Repeat this sort of thing until you figure out how your pendulum works so you’ll know when asking questions how your pendulum is answering!
If you’re more comfortable telling your pendulum how it’s going to answer, then go right ahead! Tell your pendulum to swing a certain way for maybe and another way for no, etc, etc. Make sure to test out the way you programmed your pendulum afterwards with basic questions!
Also, there’s always the option of using a pendulum board, which is a visual yes/no/maybe/unknown guide for your pendulum, to help program. You can also use these boards later on, if it’s your preference. Even when using one, though, don’t forget to test your pendulum and make sure it’s answering correctly with obvious questions.
How do you use a pendulum?
It’s quite simple and easy to use a pendulum! You simply hold the top of the pendulum between your fingers (I usually hold with my pointer finger and thumb) and keep a very steady hand. You don’t want to be shaky or moving it because this will obviously interfere with the actual answer. Once your hand and the pendulum is steady, keep it suspended above any surfaces and away from anything it would knock into. Then, go ahead and ask your question and wait to see!
How to read a pendulum?
Back to the programming of a pendulum, it depends on how you did that. Just be sure to give your pendulum plenty of time to settle into the answer and make sure it’s truly swinging or circling in the direction you think it is. If you’re not sure, you can always ask again!
Extra tips & uses for your pendulum
Congrats!! If you’ve reached this point, you know a lot about pendulums! Buuut, I do have a few more points to make…
🌙 Start off with harmless questions. It’ll take some time for the pendulum to really be in sync with your energy, so gradually build up from things like, “should I eat this for breakfast?” or “would purple be a good color to wear today?” to the stuff that actually impacts your life.
🌙 Once you get in tune with your pendulum, you can expand your uses for it. You can ask for advice on things you’re indecisive about, talk to your spirit companions or guides, do readings for people and even talk to your gods. They’re very useful all the way around!
🌙 Again, always make sure to let your pendulum have enough time to answer you!
🌙 Whenever your pendulum is acting up, not answering like it usually would or the like, give it a good cleanse. Just like other witchy tools, pendulums like to be cleansed often, especially if you do readings with it!
Thank you for sticking around and reading this super long post. I hope you enjoyed and found this information useful!
I absolutely adore my pendulum and use it often, so I definitely recommend that every witch give it a go!
Also, thank you to @birdsofthestrangestfeather for asking me to put together this post! 🌙✨
Reading A Candle
Watch your candles closely and learn to read them to help you with your practice.
The Flame
A strong flame: It means that your energies are raised. There is a lot of power behind your spell and little to no resistance. Indicates that all your power and energy is focused on your manifestation. This is a good sign. If a candle shaped into a figure is used and has a strong flame it means that whoever it represents is either angry, winning, or using authority over another. When their are two figures the candle with the higher flame has authority over the other person.
A weak flame: Indicates that the magick you cast is facing a heavy opposition and is a sign that you may need to recast your spell in order to overcome the opposing force. On a figure candle this may indicate that the representative may be loosing a battle or an argument.
A jumping flame: This indicates strong emotions. There may also be some sort of resistance against you. Maybe close your circle and bring your mind back to focus before continuing. It may also mean an explosion of energy. When two figure candles are being used it often means that an energetic or a heated argument is taking place between them.
A noisy candle: Indicates a conversation. It may may that a spirit is trying to send you a message or get in contact with you. The louder the noises get the more urgent communication must be.
The flame catches something on fire: Someone one may be using malicious magick against you.
A clean even burning candle: Means your spell and manifestations are likely to come true.
Fast Burn: The results of your spell will happen quickly.
Flickering Flame: If there is no breeze then it means a spirit is near by. If it is a devotional flame it means you were able to get in contact with your deity.
Cannot blow the flame out: A spirit may not be finished its conversation with you or you did not complete a spell. The spirit needs to complete its work, something may be may in the works that you do not want to interrupt.
A flame goes out while burning: This means the spirits cannot help you and the answer you seek is already determined.
The Smoke
Black smoke/soot: Your energy and magick is being blocked. Negative energy is being sent your way, whether as a curse or hex. You may soon be faced with tough challenges and a hard road ahead of you.
Smoke wafts towards you: It means your call will likely be answered or your spell has been cast successfully. You will get results quickly.
Smoke wafts away from you: You must work harder in order for your calls to be answered.
Watch the direction the smoke wafts: East - Something powerful is assisting you, North - You are ready to begin your ritual and get results, South - The spell will be successful, West - A powerful interference from an outside force.
Smoking Candle: Negative energy is being burned away.
The Wax
When a candle leaves wax residue: Your spell may need to be repeated.
Look for symbols in the candle wax, like reading tea leaves.
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May the Moon light you path!
☾ Moonlight Academy ☽
Y’all asked for it so y’all gonna get it! I’mma start off with the barebones essentials and work my way to basic definitions. Sit down on something comfy and get yourself your warm beverage of choice and maybe grab a notebook because here goes.
What are runes?
Runic alphabets have been around since about 150 AD and used as a writing system by a lot of Germanic languages. These systems were eventually phased out, slowly but surely, with the progressive Christianisation that started around 700-1100 AD. The three most commonly known (and used?) Are the Elder Futhark, the Younger Futhark and Futhorc.
Runes aren’t, themselves, broadly meant for divination, thought there are a few passages in the Eddas that mention Odin “finding” and using them.
Alright, so which alphabet should I use?
Whichever one you want! I prefer using the Elder Futhark, because it’s the first alphabet I learned and got familiar with, but that doesn’t at all stop you from using the Younger Futhark or Futhorc. I’d heavily suggest making sure you read up on the differences in each alphabet though; Ansuz, for example, won’t look the same, mean the same or even be called the same from one alphabet to another.
Familiarize yourself with each of them if you want/can, and choose based on your own preferences and criteria. Always work with what feels best for you!
But I’m not really familiar with Germanic traditions / I’m a baby witch, should or can I use runes for divination?
This is the concept that got my goat real good the first time. You do not, in any way, shape or form, need to be experienced to cast runes. This is a notion that is outdated and perpetuated by gatekeepers and exclusionists. No one gives a flying flip how long you’ve been practicing witchcraft, or if you even practice at all!
Divination should be seen as a tool to further yourself and/or your craft. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other activities, practices or beliefs. I was 15 when I started learning about runes (dear god that was literally over ten years ago) and I had no idea what I was doing back then. I read up as much as I could about the system I was wanting to use and, once I was comfortable with it, I started doing small readings.
It shouldn’t matter how new or familiar you are to divination, rune casting or Germanic traditions. If rune casting feels right to you, you are more than free to use whatever divination method feels right to you.
What should I do before I start a reading?
As a Norse Pagan, I usually invoke my patron deities (Baldr and Loki, in this case), as well as Odin and Freyja, sometimes Gullveig/Heiðr because reasons. I have no idea whether or not this has any actual bearing on the reading itself, as mine were as accurate before I converted as they are now.
Making sure you’re in a quiet and/or comfortable space is also a good idea, even if that just means popping in some earphones and listening to something that makes you focus and feel calm.
This is also a good time to mention that cleansing your runes (stone, bone, wood or otherwise) is a very good idea. I typically do this with candles, incense, a bowl of water and a point of quartz for each element. I don’t do this nearly as often as I probably should, since most people suggest cleansing them after each reading… but, whatever, being lax with that hasn’t bitten me in the ass so far. So if you’re a spoonie, don’t worry: cleanse your runes when you feel they need to be cleansed, and that’s it.
Alright, I think I’m ready; how do I start reading?
Let me start by saying that the bullshit about never reading yourself? It’s just that. Bullshit. Do readings on yourself if you want to. Who the hell is going to stop you. Do whatever you want.
On that note, there are a few ways to cast runes, though these probably aren’t close to being the only ones:
Intuitively choosing the stones Lay the runes down on a flat surface and let your hand hover over them and pick out the ones that feel right. You can either pick them in order of the spread you’re using, or place the runes where you feel they belong on the spread.
Throwing the stones Make sure you have a large flat surface to work with (preferably the floor honestly) where you won’t drop, scatter or lose a rune. You can use a mat underneath, and read the stones that fall on the corresponding positions in the spread or circle. (You can find many of these with a quick google search, or make your own mat!) Otherwise, you can take the first stones you see facing up and lay those out according to your spread.
Picking them blindly Either you or the person you’re reading pull stones blinding out of a pouch, bag or other container, and lay them out according to the spread you’re using. Pretty straightforward.
If you can think of another method, literally nothing is stopping you from using that instead. The runes are acting as a universal translator for whatever it is you’re tapping into. They’re just a tool to receive a message. How you choose to receive that message is completely up to you!
So I’ve got my runes laid out, now what?
Now comes the fun part. I can only really give you a good run-down of the Elder Futhark, and though it’s a good starting point, I would highly advise you do your own research on whatever alphabet you want to use. Wikipedia is a great place to start, but don’t stop there: look at several different websites and lists and compare. Combine and condense the information for yourself, and get to learn the definitions and meanings for yourself!
ᚠ Fehu • catle wealth, money, hard work paying off, can represent spiritual wealth reversed: effort gone to waste, natural and/or financial loss, greed
ᚢ Uruz • ox physical strength and speed, great energy, courage, masculine reversed: physical weakness, illness, violence, misdirected aggression
ᚦ Thurisaz • thor reactive, destructive and/or defensive force, tendency towards change reversed: dangerous compulsions, betrayal and malice, lies, spite
ᚨ Ansuz • of the Æsir revelations, intuition, signs and signals, wisdom, power of words/names reversed: misunderstandings, delusions and vanity
ᚱ Raido • chariot physical/spiritual journeys, transition, seeing the bigger picture reversed: crisis, maybe due to stagnation, unwanted disruption
ᚲ Kaunan • torch creativity and inspiration, power of transformation, power of life reversed: instability, lack of creativity, false hope revealed, disillusionment
ᚷ Gebo • gift gifts in the form of sacrifice or generosity, contracts, partnerships reversed/opposed: greed, isolation and dependence, over-sacrifice
ᚹ Wunjo • joy comfort, pleasure, companionship, possibility of going over the top reversed: sorrow and alienation, growing distance, raging frenzy
ᚺ Hagalaz • hail wrath of nature, destruction for the sake of creation, natural order reversed: natural disasters, powerlessness, suffering
ᚾ Naudiz • need strength/growth from hardships, survival, determination reversed: deprivation and emotional starvation, constraints/restraints
ᛁ Isaz • ice challenges and frustration, psychological block, anticipation reversed/opposed: can oppose other runes with malice and treachery
ᛃ Jera • good year hard work is fruitful, peace, happiness and relief, breaking the cycle reversed: sudden setbacks and bad timing
ᛈ Pertho • vagina secrets, mysteries, undiscovered abilities, choosing your own path reversed: stagnation, isolation and loneliness
ᛇ E/ihwaz • yew tree strength, stability, endurance, trustworthiness, your goal is realistic reversed: confusion, dissatisfaction and weakness of the mind
ᛉ Algiz • elk shield, the instinct to protect yourself/others, connection to the gods reversed: hidden dangers, loss of link to the divine, turning away
ᛊ Suwilo • the sun success and goals achieved, you have the power you need to succeed reversed/opposed: deception, false goals, gullibility, divine wrath
ᛏ Tiwaz • tyr honour and leadership, authority, success in competitions reversed: artistic block, over-analysis and sacrifice, imbalance/conflict
ᛒ Berkana • birch tree fertility in a broad sense, personal/physical growth, new beginnings reversed: family/relationship issues, anxiety over loved ones, abandon
ᛖ Ehwaz • horse steady and gradual progress, teamwork/loyalty, relationships reversed: reckless haste and its consequences, restlessness
ᛗ Mannaz • mankind the self, the human race, your attitude toward others and vice-versa, social awareness, altruism reversed: mortality, self-deception, cunning and manipulation
ᛚ Laguz • water literal/metaphorical flow, imagination, the unknown, chance of loss reversed: confusion/uncertainty, may be making the wrong choice
ᛝ Ingwaz • probably freyr warmth and love in general, tying loose ends, relief, freedom to move reversed: moving without change, fruitless effort, helpelessness
ᛞ Dagaz • dawn breakthroughs and clarity, security, power to change and grow, the ideal reversed/opposed: endings and coming round full circle
ᛟ Othila • inheritance ancestral property, what is most important, spiritual heritage and safety reversed: slavery, homelessness, bad karma, what one is unwillingly bound to
Phew! What a list. These are just brief descriptions and meanings that I’ve been able to compile and condense over the years.
But, what does “opposed” mean?
I see where you’re coming from. As a baby diviner, I, also, was confused by this. But let me explain how I’ve come to understand it!
Sometimes, if you’re doing a set spread, you’ll have a spot for things like, “what will oppose you”, or “what you need to avoid”. Things like that. If, say, a rune like Suwilo was found in something like that, you’d want to try and keep a sharp mind to avoid deceptions or letting yourself be too gullible.
When runes don’t have a reversed form, their position in your spread will usually determine what they mean. (Though really this is true for literally any rune.)
Anything else I should know?
The best advice I can ever give anyone is to always do what you feel is right. If you find yourself wondering, “Should I do this? Is this right?” If you question yourself at all, you should probably not to the thing and go with something else.
It’s also important to mention that the names I have for the runes may not be the ones that you’ve learned to know them by; a lot of runes can go by different names depending on who you ask and where you look. Do your research, and know the runes by the names you feel are best! (And preferably historically accurate.)
As always, if you have any questions regarding runes and how to read them, please ask me! My ask box is literally always open and almost always empty.
ᚺᛖᛁᛚᛚ ∙ ᛟᚲ ∙ ᛋᛇᛚᛚ
Talking To Spirits Via Pendulum
A lot of people seem to have issues using pendulums to get specific answers, to identify a spirits species or to find out things about who they are or how they look so here are some basic questions that can be answered with yes no or maybe. Honestly this is all just like playing that game Guess Who.
What Are You
Are you a ___? : pretty basic just go down the list of all the things you can think of until you either run out or get a yes.
EX: Demon, Angel, Vampire, Werewolf, Shapeshifter, Hellhound, Harpy, etc
Are you more animal like? (Dragons, hounds, etc)
Are you more humanoid?
Are you a human spirit?
Are you a Death related spirit ?? (Dullahan, Grim, Reaper, Banshee, etc)
Are you an elemental spirit? (fire, earth, water, air, ice, snow, lightning)
^^this is usually a subcategory. For example if you get water and faerie you are looking for a species of fae connected to water
Are you connected to a specific religion or culture
If yes specify which and then go through the list? religion? Abrahamic? Culture? Irish??
This is where shit get touchy so be respectful of other cultures and their spirits okay?
Are you something I already work with?
For spirit workers with a large spirit family this could be helpful
If you get a maybe it likely means that they are but a different type. Say you get a maybe and when you go through the types of spirits you work with you get a maybe for vampire. They are likely a different type of vampire than the one you already work with
Is you’re species one well known / known at all by humans?
Yes this does happen, and yes it complicates things a bit
Do you know what humans call you’re kind?
This happens occasionally usually with demons or subcategories of bigger species labels (angels, demons. etc)
Who Are You
Are you male?
Are you female?
Are you both/ neither male and female?
Do you use She/Her | He/Him | They/Them pronouns
Do you have a sexual orientation?
Are you more masculine physically ?
Are you more feminine physically?
Do you feel neither human gender fits your physical description?
Do you have a birthday?
Go through all the months until you get a yes then do the same with the days. You will not likely get a year
Are you older than 100?
Ask in large intervals until you start to get more specific. ‘are you over 100?’ YES ‘over 200?’ NO ‘Over 150′ NO ‘Over 130′ Yes ‘over 140′ NO ‘I31 ‘NO ‘132′ NO ‘133′ YES , boom now you know their age in human years.
Are you taller than 5ft?
Basically the same as the age one but with height ‘are you over 5ft’ Yes ‘Over 6ft’ NO ‘5′5?’ YES
Do you have hair?
Do you have long/short hair?
Is you’re hair Brown/Black/Blonde/etc
Is you’re hair a color humans could have naturally? Green/Purple/Pink/White/Gold
Is you’re hair made of something other than hair? Fire/Feathers/Snakes/Tentacles
Do you have eyes?
One eye? Two? Three?
Do you have pupils?
Are you’re eyes one solid color?
Are you’re eyes more than one color?
Brown? Gold? Blue? Green? Red? Gold?
Are you’re pupils like mine? Like a cats? Like a snakes? Like a goats?
Are you’re sclerae white? Black? Pink? etc
Are you pale?
Is you’re skin dark?
Is you’re skin a color humans usually have?
Do you have scales/fur?
Are you’re teeth pointed?
Are you’re ears like mine? Long/Short and pointed? Like a satyr/fawn (reference)?
Do you have sharp nails or claws?
Are you’re feet like mine?
Are you’re feet like an animals?
Do you have wings?
Do you have a tail?
Do you have horns?
Do you have more than two arms?
Can you shapeshift / Do you have a more humanoid form
Usually a question for things like hellhounds and hellcats who in most cases can switch between an animals and human form
Other
Do you want a vessel?
Can you assist me with a specific form of magic/witchcraft
Blood magic? Dream Work? Energy work? Astral travel?
Have I ever known you in a past life?
be careful with this one, don’t be manipulated. Also even if they did know you in a past life it does not mean they know what is best for you now
Do you have have a preferred type of offering?
Food? Incense? Energy? Blood? Music?
Are there specific ways we can bond?
Movies? Reading? Witchcraft? Art? Music?
Do you feed on energy? Blood? Physical food? Etc
Do you have a preferred method of communication?
Pendulum, Tarot, Ouija, Runes, Telepathy
Will you be able to help protect me from other spirits?
never really completely on spirits to protect you, protect yourself
Do you have more than one physical form
Do you have certain gemstones you like?
Would you like you’re own space (kinda like an altar but not)
Do you understand my house rules?
Pendulums
Where can I get pendulums?
This shop HERE has some very nice pendulums for very nice prices. You can just look up pendulum on etsy or amazon and get a lot a good options
Pendulum Boards
The board I use
Simple pendulum board
Moon phase pendulum board
Basic pendulum board
**Keep in mind that you do not have to have a fancy pendulum board on a piece of wood or anything like that you can just print one out or draw one **
How To Use A Pendulum
Pendulum 101
Pendulums: A How To
Pendulum Guide
Pendulum Divination
Tea Bag Pendulum
The squad rolling up
I used to do art but have since forgotten everything
Will continue to work 💕
I would be sarcastic about being called awake at 4:30 in the morning to spell work and swing a rock around but I think I’ve finally (and truly) connected with a deity to work with after several months of looking. ✨
Any suggestions or questions please pm me I’m always looking for new ideas and people to talk to! 🌎
Blessed be ~
Celestial Fortune Telling Teacups from TeaWithKarin
x / x / x
Free Tarot amd Rune Readings
Hello! I've been wanting more experience in reading tarot and runes so I decided to open up tarot readings for free! Please message me if you're interested and I'll get back to you asap
I have 2 decks
Throth tarot deck and wild and unknown tarot deck
I only have 1 set of runes
Please let me know if you're interested! Love and light
Lavender Brown
Happy Valentines Day everyone!
While some may adore this holiday, others find it grotesque, so to honour both the day and the feelings everyone relates to it (both good and bad) today is the perfect day to relate and explore Lavender Brown
Lavender Brown was just so god-damn annoying. I hated her, I still hate her, rewatching and rereading I still hate her and while for some it might be because she was “between Hermione and Ron getting together”--Lavender wasn’t, Ron was; there isn’t that level of dislike for Victor Krum, because he’s not a pain in the ass. In class we saw her barely paying attention or whining (you’re learning MAGIC girl, focus!), was very overdramatic, gullible and influenced (relationship with Trelawney), didn’t trust Harry or Dumbledore about Voldemort, infatuated with Lockhart (weird, that’s what they have in common) and Trelawny, had no independce or confidence and for us who had been growing up with Hermione, Lavender was always a contrast (and a bit of a bully to Hermione) and we just saw more of what we didn’t always like about her in Year Six. With Ron she’s in that (and from what we feel would always be) someone who is having their first boyfriend/girlfriend, OMG I totally love you even though it’s only been 3 days, we’re going to get married, live happily ever after, middle school romance...but at 16/17, and incredibly one-sided. Would they have lasted forever? No, from the beginning it was clear, to those he told, that Ron was more about being in a relationship than the relationship itself (yeah, asshole move). And, while Lavender was right that there was something going on between Ron and Hermione, it wasn’t right to act on it as 1) they weren’t acting any differently than they used to and 2) no romantic relationship should replace any friendships. Yes, over time people split up, but as an ultimatum, it’s the first step of the romantic relationships quick demise (and true with friendships where one tries to rid other friendships). She was just a whiny, petty, privileged American, ugh.
Now, what did we learn? Regardless of her judgement and attitude she joined Dumbledore’s Army and fought in the Battle of Hogwarts, reminding us that everyone has layers. She also was a great friend to Seamus and Pavarti. Who knows, maybe had Harry, Ron and Hermione not been constantly busy saving the universe they would have all been friends, or at least friendlier and found they had more in common than we thought because we know a lot about Lavender’s annoying traits and her personality, but little else because it was easier to see her more dramatic side. So, Lavender Brown, you do remind us that not everyone is the same, not everyone will get along, not everyone is going to best your very best friend but that everyone still deserves respect, understanding and compassion
"the sight of the stars makes me dream"
- Vincent Van Gogh
YO new divination/symbol generator just dropped
Possible Free Rune Readings!
Hey lovelies!! I was wondering if I wanted to start doing rune readings (keep in mind that I have very very little rune experience), would anyone be interested? I would be reading witches runes and Norse runes. Please let me know if you would be interested :)
Disclaimer!!
As accurate as tarot readings and pendulum readings may be, they are only a tool. Please never solely base any major life decision on any yes/no question or divination advice from tarot, instead use it as a guide or a way of getting in touch/validating your intuition :) blessed be <3
Oracle Reading for 6-23-16 🔮🌕💜 Dawn: The light after the darkness. I love this card because it's about hope after a tough time. No matter how dark of a place you are in, there can always be hope on the other side. Don't lose sight of that. Don't give up. You can do it. You're a capable and beautiful soul, no matter where you are now. Halloween Oracle by Stacey Demarco.
Daily Tarot Reading for 6-21-16 💜 Three of Cups. This card is all about celebration and friendship. It's about being very connected to your emotions and those around you. It's building a sense of belonging with those around you. It's also about having a lil party and being a bit sexy 😉
Daily Oracle Reading for 6-13-16 <3 The Lamp: Remembrance. This card is all about honoring the lives of those we love who have passed on. I immediately thought of the Orlando Pulse Victims. Even though I did not lose any personal friends or relatives, as a fellow LGBT member and as a fellow human being, my heart aches and mourns for those beautiful souls we lost so tragically. My heart hurts for the friends and families of the victims, and my heart hurts for the survivors because they have experienced such tragedy and trauma. Death is incredibly difficult, and tragedies like this impact us all permanently. Take some time to honor and respect those who we love who have passed on. Halloween Oracle by Stacey Demarco.
Daily Oracle Reading for 6-10-16 <3 Skull of Stars: Infinite Possibilities Just what I needed today, the skull of stars!! This skull is reminding us that even though we may feel small and powerless in this great big world, we are stronger than we ever could imagine. Often, I feel so bogged down with trying to figure out a career, I forget all about my dreams. This card is a message that you need to chase after those dreams! No matter how big they may be, you do have the power to make those dreams a reality. Halloween Oracle by Stacey Demarco (Blue Angel publishing) Card descriptions are based off of the manual, but in my own words and interpretations.
Daily Oracle Reading for 6-9-16 <3 Joy: Rejoicing in the present. This card keeps coming up for me lately. I've been feeling drained and laden down with stresses and worries. I haven't taken a lot of time for my own pleasure and enjoyment. That is what this card is about, having joy in the moment and being present. Often times, I'm not present. I'm so worried about my future that I forget to enjoy the now. I forget to experience the beauty of the moment I'm currently in. This card is a gentle reminder to have joy, right now in our present lives. Halloween Oracle by Stacey DeMarco (Blue Angel Publishing) Card descriptions are derived from card manual but in my own words and interpretation.
Daily Oracle Reading for 6-8-16 <3 Scrying: Intuition. To me, this card is all about opening that third eye chakra and letting your intuition guide you. Your intuition is such a vital and important part of your being, but often we push it away and even fear it. This card is a reminder to trust that little voice in our head, or that gut feeling. We can access our intuition with many different tools, one of my favorites being divination. Scrying is a wonderful form of divination, but it requires trust. It requires you to trust in not just your logical mind, but your intuitive one as well. Take a little time to open your third eye and trust your intuition. Read some tarot cards, scry, meditate, or just be <3 The Halloween Oracle by Stacey DeMarco (Blue Angel Publishing) Card descriptions are derived from the card manual, but are in my own words, and my own interpretation.
Daily Oracle Reading for 6-6-16! <3 Atlantis: Atlantis symbolizes a rapid, quick energy that drives you to pursue your true calling in life, the thing that makes you happiest. She is symbolic of the healing aspect of water. She urges you to tap into that wonderful healing energy to heal yourself so that you may be able to do what you were sent here to do. She encourages you to connect with the divine feminine. Her energy will inspire you to be fearless and pursue your dreams! She works closely with crystals and sea creatures. Connecting with creatures and sea life can help you tap into this beautiful and feminine healing energy. Telepathy: The two beautiful twin mermaids symbolize a telepathic bond between two individuals. A telepathic bond enables people to send messages and energy to one another without using modern technology (even though tech is awesome). As we progress with the wonderful advances of digital and technological communication, sadly we tend to forget about or lose our natural gifts of telepathy and intuition. These mermaids are reminding you to connect with your emotional center, and trust your intuition. Send telepathic messages to a loved one far away, or connect with the energies around you. Be present. Re connect with your emotional self, and your delightful methods of non-verbal communication. Vulnerability: These merfolk represent tearing down your emotional walls, and letting yourself be vulnerable. In order to heal, we need to tear down our emotional blocks and walls so we can be open to healing. That requires being vulnerable, as difficult as that is. If we keep large walls up, and refuse to let healing in and others who are trustworthy and have our best interest at heart, we block our healing. These merfolk urge you to open up and allow yourself to be vulnerable. A guide, a therapist, or a trusted teacher, friend, or relative are a good place to start. This little spread is all about healing our emotional selves and becoming attune to our emotions in order to be able to find our true calling. If we do not heal, we do not have the strength or motivation to help ourselves and others and do what makes us truly happy. Oracle of the Mermaids by Lucy Cavendish (Blue Angel Publishing) Card descriptions are based off of the deck guidebook, but in my own interpretation and my own words.