The Art of Divination

Tarot? Scrying? Witches Runes? Dream interpretation? These are just a few examples of the many different methods that can be used for divinatory purposes. So why is divination important? I have found that regular (or even sporadic) practice of my personal favorites (tarot reading, mirror scrying) can not only be useful in gaining insight or inspiration in a particular matter whether it be personal, professional, magickal, or mundane. But aside from that it also helps develop your intution in general, as well as the level of trust you have in your own instincts. Both can be very useful in occult matters, and I highly recommend you experiment with one or more forms of divinatory work. If you tend to be a bit absent-minded (like myself) you may find it useful in relocating all those little things that you always seem to misplace! :-)

A WORD OF WARNING!!
No, the demons of prophetic power will not haunt and torment you for eternity after you've awakened them from their ancient slumber. BUT...the best advice I can give you when making an inquiry...MAKE SURE YOU WANT TO KNOW THE ANSWER!! Keep in mind that if it's something that is stressing you out, and something that you most likely cannot do anything about is it really worth knowing about ahead of time? Why torture yourself with the knowledge of some impending doom that you can do nothing about? Having said that, it is also worth keeping in mind that most things are not etched in stone. Most often divinatory work will only give you a general idea of where things are headed if they continue on their current path. Also keep in mind that results often require interpretation...just because you get a bad result doesn't necessarily mean it was wrong, perhaps you just misinterpreted. But you should get better at it with practice.

YOU ARE NOT NOSTRADOMUS!!
We can argue all day as to the accuracy of Nostradomus' predictions, but assuming you think that he was a great prophet all I can say is, don't expect those results in your own practice. Attaining such great powers, if even humanly possible, takes time, dedication, and practice! Start small, and work your way up if you so choose.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
This depends greatly on the individual and the method used. Don't expect to have profound visions in your first attempt at scrying. Don't expect to be able to look at tarot cards and instantly know what they on your first few sessions.
When scrying you may recieve results in many different ways...for example you may see visions of an upcoming event, you may see symbols that require interpretation, you may hear an (almost) audible voice speaking to you (as I did with Hecate), or you may get nothing but mere thoughts. If they do come in the form of thoughts the ones of use will seem alien to you, almost as if they are not your own.

IN REGARDS TO THE TAROT
For tarot reading, I (and many well known occult experts and authors) recommend that you use a deck that "speaks" to you. I prefer The Gothic Tarot by Joseph Vargo, it is a rather dark sided deck with ghosts, vampires, gargoyles, dark angels etc. No matter what deck you chose be sure that it is one that suits you. I.E. if you didn't clap when Tinkerbell died, it's best not to use a deck of faeries and so on.
One of the advantages to using a deck that "speaks" to you as opposed to ones that don't is that you will have little use for the little booklet that comes with it. If the deck speaks to you, it should be quite obvious what the cards mean in a given spread for a given inquiry. With in just a few sessions with regular use you should begin to get a general idea of what many of the cards symbolize to you. However it is a good idea to keep in mind that just as with events, advice, and predictions derived from the cards, the meanings of the cards themselves are not etched in stone either. Keep an open mind and an open heart; be receptive to what they are trying to tell you!
When shuffling your deck be focusing on the matter at hand either in your mind, or say a mantra out loud that seems relevent to you. And continue shuffling until the deck feels "right" to you (you'll know when it does).

In regards to the other possible methods for divination (runes, automatic writing, astrology etc.) you would be better off to seek out another source as I have never used any of the three. However, if you would like more information on scrying I recommend reading "Nocturnal Witchcraft" and "Gothic Grimoire" by Konstantinos. While not exclusively about scrying, and some of the philosophy is a little "fluffy bunny-ish" for my taste (albeit a black bunny) there is a very good chapter on scrying as well as excellent exercises to assist you in jump starting your abilities. They are definately worth checking out in my opinion. Besides that, if you are a darker Pagan you are sure to find other things of interest in these books as well regardless of your philosohpical leanings.

Darkest Regards,
Raven

Seance at the St. George Hotel

Hecate: Matron Goddess of Nightkind

For those of us who choose to walk along a path of shadows Hecate is well known. Indeed, Hecate is well known to most witches and warlocks be they seeks of light, or stalkers of night.

There is much wisdom to be had in Hecate in spiritual matters, and much power to be had in magickal matters. But perhaps the most gratifying of Hecate's qualities is the solice and comfort she can provide for us nightkind. Last night, while scrying my portal and chanting her invocation I could hear her speaking to me almost as if she were leaning over my should and gently whispering words of comfort. Given this has been a trying time, and one of serious rebirth and rediscovery of things that once mattered to me this could not have come at a better time. It was as if I were being welcome back into the either of night after a long journey, and I have to say it is as if I never left.

I won't get much into the myths of Ancient Greece regarding Hecate as this is my view: Ancient myths are just that, ANCIENT MYTHS. While you are certainly free to browse through them and decide for yourself, I find the best way to get to know these entities is to commune with them through meditation, scrying, ritual, spirit boards etc. Myths can give you a general idea of the thoughtforms surrounding Hecate, or any other mythological being but trust your intution and your instincts. Rarely (if ever) will you find a being deliberately out to decieve you.

As one of Nightkind it is not surprising that I would find myself attracted to the essence of Hecate. Although some have a stigma that comes of her sometimes fearsome image, you need not be afraid. Darkness is the way of the universe. It has no source, it just is..and therefore it can be neither good nor evil. Good/Evil only come into play when you consider the actions, motivations, and morals (or lack thereof) regarding the practitioner. And even then this can be a highly subjective matter (one man's demons are another man's angels so to speak). But these are just MY opinions, and MY impressions. What will Hecate bring to you? Maybe you should find out...perhaps...tonight.

Darkest Regards,
Raven