Welcome to one of my favorite subjects, divination. It’s the art of seeking knowledge from forces that do not live in spreadsheets or weather apps. People have practiced it for thousands of years, so it’s hardly a passing trend. From ancient priests in marble temples to modern witches on cluttered kitchen tables, the urge to peek ahead (or behind) has never faded. I’ve been practicing my entire life, and I’ve seen it work with uncanny precision.
In this category, you can expect a mix of history, practical how-to, and a dash of sarcastic commentary. I’ll share stories, methods, and even a few cautionary tales. We’ll talk about the tools, the traditions, and the people who shaped them. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or ready to dive in, there’s something here for you to explore.
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Did you know divination, consorting with spirits and image magic often go hand-in-hand? Most often the talent of “physical mediumship” is involved, but other forms of mediumship apply too. I’ll be sure to point out cross-references as articles are published.
I’m beginning with tarot because it has been one of my closest magical companions for years. Tarot is structured, symbolic, and often brutally honest (or the reader is). Over years of teaching, I created my own approach called the P.E.N.S.I method, which makes learning tarot far less overwhelming. Each step builds confidence and intuition while avoiding endless memorization, so the process becomes enjoyable.
Try my method and you can read any fundamental deck (pentacles/swords/wands/cups).
Yes, we have lots of tarot decks.
I will try to get about 3-5 posts a week done on Tarot, so be patient, check back in frequently. In the end you’ll have a total guide for reading any fundamental deck.
I’ve taught this method for years, and it consistently turns nervous beginners into readers who trust their instincts. Along the way, I may write about oracle cards too. They are tarot’s less structured cousins, so they give you direct messages without the traditional seventy-eight-card format. You’ll learn when to use tarot, when to grab an oracle deck, and why each tool can become a trusted ally.
Cards are wonderful, yet sometimes you need different tools. Pendulums are great for quick yes-or-no questions, while divining rods can locate water or hidden objects. I also use divining rods to locate spirits. I’ll show you how to use these tools effectively, so you actually get results.
We’ll also step into séances and the art of spirit communication, which has fascinated people for centuries. This practice ranges from quiet meditation to full Victorian drama, so it offers plenty of variety. Then there’s scrying, which uses crystal balls, dark mirrors, or water bowls to reveal images. The trick is learning to see beyond your own reflection so you can interpret deeper messages.
Bone throwing, or casting the curios, is one of the oldest forms of divination, and it’s still practiced today. It’s personal, symbolic, and wonderfully varied, so no two sets are alike. I’ll share ways to build your own set and create a reading style that works for you.
On that note, I’ll also dive into rune casting for divination, the Elder Futhark which are Germanic in origin.
Ceromancy, or candle wax reading, is another favorite practice. Melted wax can form shapes, scenes, or symbols that tell an eerie and often accurate story. I’ll guide you through setting up, interpreting patterns, and deciding when to trust your first impression so you can work with confidence.
Nature is full of messages, and humans have been interpreting them for centuries. Omens in clouds, movements of animals, or sudden bird appearances can all carry meaning. The key is learning to separate genuine signs from coincidence, so you don’t over-interpret.
We’ll explore pyromancy, where flames speak through movement and color to reveal meaning. Aeromancy, hydromancy, and geomancy offer ways to read air, water, and earth so you can connect with each element directly. Each element speaks differently, and each requires its own approach, so I’ll show you how to listen with intention.
Lithomancy, or crystal divination, is an ancient practice with many interpretations. It can be as simple as tossing stones and reading where they fall, or as intricate as working with a full symbolic set. Both styles can offer surprising accuracy, so you can adapt the method to suit your style.
Dreams also hold prophetic potential, and some arrive naturally while others can be encouraged. Calendula, also known as marigold, is said to help induce prophetic visions during sleep, so it’s a traditional aid for dream work. I’ll cover preparation, interpretation, and how to record dreams quickly so details don’t fade away.
Numerology assigns meaning to numbers, giving depth to other divination forms so your readings feel richer. You’ll learn basic techniques without needing advanced math skills so you can apply them immediately.
Astrology brings the heavens into focus, since planets, signs, and houses weave together to form a map of possibility. I’ll show you how to use astrology for insight, timing, and decision-making, so you can blend it with other divination practices. We’ll keep it simple enough to follow, yet deep enough to be useful for serious work.
Throughout history, divination has had its champions. The Oracle of Delphi spoke for Apollo, so her words shaped the fate of leaders. Nostradamus wrote cryptic prophecies still debated today, and Pamela Colman Smith and Aleister Crowley reshaped modern tarot. You’ll meet famous names and lesser-known figures who also left their mark.
We’ll also explore how technology has changed the game, since virtual readings now reach across the world. Even with these advances, the core remains the same. Divination is still about connection, insight, and the balance between fate and free will.
Divination isn’t always comforting, because sometimes it delivers the answer you didn’t want. Sometimes it makes sense only in hindsight, yet that delayed clarity can still change everything. I practice because it demands attention, honesty, and openness to possibility. I’ve been performing divination since I was a child.
I believe in keeping readings honest, that’s why I never let a client “ask me the question:” I simply read and let the Universe speak, this tends to answer their question and many other questions. I usually pause toward the end and ensure my client’s query is satisfied. If not, now ask a question. Nothing wrong with asking clarifying questions at times. But keeping the asking out of it through the majority of the reading does keep it honest.
I have taught many to read tarot through my own system P.E.N.S.I and that includes keeping it honest.
In this category, throughout articles, I’ll share my experiences, my teaching methods, and my research, so you can learn from them. You’ll get guides, stories, and practical steps for trying these practices yourself. I hope you’ll walk away informed, inspired, and maybe slightly amused along the way.
We’ll begin with tarot and the P.E.N.S.I method, then move into other things like, pendulums, and scrying tools. We’ll explore bone throwing, wax reading, elemental signs, dreams, numerology, and astrology, so you’ll always have something new to learn. Along the way, expect strange stories, historical gems, and useful tips.
This isn’t theory for theory’s sake, because I believe in giving you real tools. You’ll get steps you can follow, history you can respect, and encouragement to create your own style. Whether you’re here for curiosity or commitment, there’s room for you in this conversation. Grab a candle, make some tea, and let’s explore divination together.
The Nine of Pentacles calls on tmy P.E.N.S.I. Method by combining Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition into one picture of refinement and self-sufficiency. It is a card of confidence and independence, showing the figure who has worked hard and now moves gracefully within what they have cultivated. In this card, working through the P.E.N.S.I. Method reminds…
The Eight of Pentacles is one of the clearest examples of how the P.E.N.S.I. Method works in action. Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition all converge here to teach that skill and success are not accidents of fate, but the result of steady practice. This card is where persistence becomes sacred, where discipline itself becomes a…
The Seven of Pentacles calls on the P.E.N.S.I. Method by combining Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition into one picture of patience and reflection. It is a card of pause and assessment, showing the gardener who has worked hard and now steps back to evaluate what has grown. In this card, working through P.E.N.S.I. reminds us…
The Six of Pentacles is a card that speaks to the flow of giving and receiving. Moreover, it often points toward generosity, balance in resources, and lessons about charity and fairness. At its core, this card reminds us that power shifts over time. Consequently, sometimes we are in the role of giver, while at other…
The Five of Pentacles often shows two weary figures moving past a bright window, usually a church or sanctuary. Cold snow or bare ground makes the scene look hard. This card speaks about struggle, loss, and feeling shut out. It is one of the most challenging cards in the Pentacles suit. When I teach tarot,…
The Four of Pentacles in the Rider–Waite Tarot shows a seated figure clutching one coin at the chest, balancing another on the crown, and pinning two beneath the feet. A walled city stands behind, reminding us of both security and confinement. The entire scene (symbolism, 1 of 5 parts to my first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, and…
The Rider–Waite Three of Pentacles shows a young craftsman on a bench, carving stone while a monk and a noble review plans. The scene broadcasts collaboration and early mastery. It feels pragmatic, grounded, and architectural. The mood is constructive and patient, like a cathedral rising one measured chisel stroke at a time. If you haven’t…
The Two of Pentacles in the Rider–Waite Tarot shows a dancer juggling two coins linked by an infinity loop. Behind them, ships ride big waves. Therefore, the scene sets a rhythm of motion, change, and practical balance. If you have not yet read my first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, please do that first. It will help you…
The Ace of Pentacles in the Rider–Waite Tarot shows a hand offering a golden coin from a cloud. Below, a lush garden and an archway suggest growth and entry. Therefore, the scene sets a grounded tone. If you have not yet read my first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, please do that first, because it will help you…
Though I will be using the Rider Waite Tarot deck, for my blog lesson series on learning tarot, you can but don’t have to use this particular deck. I have been reading Tarot since my my pre-teens and professionally for years and have taught many classes. Right now my go-to deck is the The Witches’…
