Hi readers,
I have been performing more divination than I normally do over the past week or so. Prior to finding Paganism I hadn’t considered divination or heard of the word. I have always had psychic abilities but the idea of using something like cards or anything else seemed strange to me. I thought that they were just used by people who didn’t know what psychic abilities they had or for people who were too afraid to receive messages. In my opinion, I believe everyone has psychic abilities however due to most of the views within our culture, personal beliefs, and other factors people are scared to use them or conditioned to believe it is not real. In 2012, I went to a store with a friend and I was exploring the shelves when I came across this pendulum. The person who assisted me informed me that the crystal on the end was clear quartz and explained how to use it by holding the chain so that the crystal would hang freely then she said to ask it a question. I placed it in my hand and asked a question as instructed. I noticed it moving and tried to understand what the direction meant. I bought it that day, began researching how to use it more, and have used it ever since. To this day it is one of the few tools I use for divination.
I use my pendulum for locating objects, asking straightforward yes/no questions, and I will sometimes use it when communicating with spirits. Further, over the years I have learned to use other tools like crystals and even cards. However, I do not use any tarot cards as I seem to have no connection with it at least at this point. I use playing cards when I read for myself and others. I did research on the card meanings, but I found that even If I understood what they meant that reading them was different because most of the time the traditional meanings did not apply to various situations. Also, I took a course in psychic development a few years ago and learned more intuitive ways to read which I feel works best for me personally. Especially with the experiences I grew up having I feel that I am more intuitive at using certain forms. For example, I can see with what residual vision I have within flames which I have heard about as a form of scrying as in gazing within a reflective object. However, I did not know for certain If it was something, I would be particularly good at until I attempted it several times. In terms of the playing cards even though I knew the meanings would not always apply I still studied the card meanings to understand the system and how others have used it.
One thing to note is that many ponder the question how can I read cards If I don’t have enough vision to read print? I simply purchased a set of playing cards with braille on it so I can tell what they were. Even If I did not have the cards labeled, I could do what I did when I didn’t have money to buy a set of premade ones, use a regular playing card deck. Then, I can label it myself further aligning the deck with my energies or just use a different system. Some people use the cards, or crystal ball as a way for them to focus, and for others it’s about the object helping them access their intuitive abilities.
For myself, I use them both when I do readings for others depending on the situation and for myself. I use Divination before I cast any spells in most situations to see If the timing is right for the spellcasting, to see If the situation calls for it, or just to see If something else could occur without casting it.
Depending on what happens after the divination session I will refine the spell as needed by rewriting my intention, choosing a different day/time, moon/solar phase, or some other part of the spell. If I am receiving that now is not the best time for the spell, I would meditate on what I have received and save the spell for a future use If I came to the same conclusion.
Even If you may or may not practice magic or are uncertain about starting divination is a good skill to have as a tool because it can help you during challenging situations. Start with something that calls to you personally, study its history and how to use it, and try it for yourself. Try pulling a card a day, a week, try using your pendulum for help finding an object or with a yes/no question either about a spell or something even more mundane. If you still are unsure which one to use ask for help either online, at the store you purchase the item from, try different forms of divination and before you buy it try it out a few times to see how the cards or other item you may be buying works for you.
I hope that by sharing my experiences and ideas this has given you some thought to assist you and ways you can begin exploring divination for yourself If you have not or ways you can try to enhance your practice.
As always, I wish you peace and blessings during this week!
Many Blessings!