NOT ALL WITCHES

Not All Witches Use Tarot Cards

When most people think of witches, one of the first images that often comes to mind is that of a mystical figure laying out a spread of tarot cards, interpreting the symbols and predicting the future. While tarot is a popular tool in modern witchcraft, it is far from the only method of divination used by witches and wise women. In fact, the art of divination spans a multitude of practices, each with its own unique history and cultural significance. In this blog post, we will explore the rich tapestry of divinatory practices beyond tarot, delving into historical techniques used by wise women and oracles of the past.

The Broad Spectrum of Divination

Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. It has been a part of human culture for millennia, practiced in various forms across different civilizations. Here are some of the most prominent methods of divination, both historical and contemporary:

1. Scrying: Also known as crystal gazing, scrying involves looking into a reflective surface, such as a crystal ball, mirror, or even a bowl of water, to receive visions or messages. This practice dates back to ancient times and is found in many cultures around the world.

2. Runes: Runes are an ancient alphabet used by Germanic and Nordic tribes, and they are often used for divination. Each rune has a specific meaning and can be cast or drawn to gain insight into a question or situation.

3. Astrology: Astrology involves the study of celestial bodies and their movements to understand human affairs and natural phenomena. This practice has roots in ancient Babylonian, Greek, and Egyptian cultures and remains a popular form of divination today.

4. Pendulum Divination: Using a pendulum, a small weight on a string or chain, is another common method. The pendulum is asked yes/no questions, and its movements provide answers based on the diviner's interpretations.

5. I Ching: Originating from ancient China, the I Ching, or Book of Changes, is a system of divination that uses a set of 64 hexagrams. These hexagrams are generated by tossing coins or yarrow sticks and provide guidance through their symbolic meanings.

6. Tea Leaf Reading (Tasseography): This form of divination involves interpreting patterns left by tea leaves in a cup. Popularized in the Victorian era, it has roots in ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern traditions.

7. Numerology: Numerology is the study of numbers and their mystical significance. By analysing numbers related to a person's birthdate or name, numerologists can provide insights into their character and destiny.

8. Bibliomancy: This method involves seeking answers by randomly opening a book, often a sacred text, and interpreting the passage found there. The Bible has historically been used for this purpose in Christian cultures.

Historical Divination Techniques

Throughout history, wise women, shamans, and oracles have employed various divination techniques to guide their communities. Here are some notable historical methods:

1. The Oracle of Delphi: One of the most famous oracles of the ancient world, the Pythia at Delphi, would enter a trance and deliver prophecies inspired by the god Apollo. Visitors from across the Greek world would come to seek her guidance on everything from personal matters to state affairs.

2. Augury: Practiced in ancient Rome, augury involved interpreting the will of the gods by observing the behav of birds. Augurs, the priests who performed this ritual, would look at the direction of flight, the species of birds, and their calls to make predictions.

3. Casting Lots: This ancient practice, mentioned in various religious texts, involves throwing or drawing objects such as stones, bones, or sticks to make decisions or predict the future. It was used by the Hebrews, Greeks, and many other cultures.

4. Dream Interpretation: In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, dream interpretation was a respected practice. Dreams were considered messages from the gods or the deceased, and specialised priests would interpret their meanings to provide guidance.

5. Geomancy: This method involves interpreting markings on the ground or the patterns formed by a handful of soil, sand, or stones. Geomancy was practiced in medieval Europe and has roots in Arabic and African traditions.

6. Haruspicy: In ancient Rome, haruspices were priests who practiced divination by examining the entrails of sacrificed animals, especially the liver. The condition and appearance of the organs were believed to reveal the will of the gods.

Modern Interpretations and Practices

While these historical methods provide a glimpse into the rich diversity of divination, modern witches and practitioners have adapted and innovated these techniques to fit contemporary contexts. Here are some ways in which divination is practiced today, often drawing from these ancient traditions:

1. Oracle Cards: Similar to tarot, oracle cards are a popular divination tool. Unlike tarot, which has a set structure, oracle decks can vary widely in theme and design, offering more flexibility in interpretation.

2. Intuitive Reading: Many modern witches emphasise the role of intuition in divination. Rather than relying on established systems, they trust their inner voice and personal symbols to guide their readings.

3. Digital Divination: With the advent of technology, divination has also gone digital. Apps and online platforms offer tarot readings, astrology charts, and other forms of divination at the touch of a button.

4. Combining Methods: Some practitioners combine multiple forms of divination to gain deeper insights. For example, a reading might involve tarot cards, runes, and a pendulum to provide a more comprehensive answer.

The Importance of Personal Connection

One of the key reasons not all witches use tarot cards is the deeply personal nature of divination. Different methods resonate with different individuals based on their cultural background, personal experiences, and intuitive strengths. Here are a few reasons why a witch might choose an alternative form of divination:

1. Cultural Connection: Some witches feel a stronger connection to the divinatory practices of their ancestors. For example, a witch with Nordic heritage might prefer runes, while someone with Chinese ancestry might gravitate towards the I Ching.

2. Personal Intuition: Divination is as much about intuition as it is about the tools used. Some witches find that certain methods speak more clearly to their intuitive abilities, making the readings more accurate and meaningful.

3. Accessibility: Tarot decks can be expensive and not readily available to everyone. Other forms of divination, like pendulums or scrying, can be more accessible and cost-effective.

4. Simplicity: Some witches prefer the simplicity of methods like bibliomancy or dream interpretation, which don't require specialised tools or extensive study.

Respecting the Diversity of Practices

In the end, it's essential to respect the diversity of divinatory practices within the witchcraft community. Tarot cards are just one of many tools available to witches, and each method has its own strengths and unique qualities. By exploring and embracing this diversity, witches can find the practices that resonate most deeply with them and enrich their spiritual journey.

Stay Magical 

xoxo