Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through various methods. It has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years, with a long history of being used to gain insight and guidance. While different cultures and belief systems may have different forms of divination, the underlying principle is the same – to tap into a higher power or realm for information that is beyond the ordinary senses. One common form of divination is tarot card reading, where a deck of cards with symbolic images and meanings is used to interpret the past, present, and future. The reader shuffles the cards, asks a question, and pulls out a certain number of cards, which are then interpreted based on their symbolism and arrangement. Another popular method is astrology, which is based on the belief that the positions of celestial bodies can provide insights into a person's personality and future.
"A Thai divination manual (phrommachat), containing horoscopes based on the Chinese zodiac A Thai divination manual (phrommachat), containing horoscopes based on the Chinese zodiac" (19th century)Первоисточник: Or 4830.
A Witch s Scrying Mirror The former owner of this mirror, the witch Cecil Williamson, warned that, if you gaze into it, and suddenly see someone standing behind you, whatever you do, do not turn around. User can employ divination, a method of reading the future, the present and the past and or provide help to a problem at hand by using an occultic, standardized process or ritual.
Another popular method is astrology, which is based on the belief that the positions of celestial bodies can provide insights into a person's personality and future. An astrologer creates a birth chart using the person's date, time, and place of birth, and then analyzes the positions of the planets and their significance in various houses of the chart. Palmistry, also known as chiromancy, is the art of reading the lines and markings on a person's palm to discern their character traits, potential, and future events.
Divination
Predicting the future has a long history, and is one of the trickiest magical arts to perfect. Over the centuries, people have practised Divination using a variety of weird and wonderful methods. Some attempts at Divination are, frankly absurd. According to The Old Egyptian Fortune Teller's Last Legacy, for instance, 'a mole on the buttock denotes honour to a man and riches to a woman'.
Installing the Chinese Oracle bones in the Divination roomThe British Library
'So you have decided to study Divination, the most difficult of all magical arts.'
Professor Trelawney in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
"Chinese oracle bones" (c. 1600–1050 BC)Первоисточник: Or 7694/1559, Or 7694/1560, Or 7694/1585, Or 7694/1595.
A Chinese Oracle Bone
This humble-looking bone is the oldest exactly datable item in Harry Potter: A History of Magic. On the front, the diviners observed that nothing of great significance would happen in the immediate future. On the reverse is a recorded a lunar eclipse viewable at Anyang, China, on 27 December 1192 BC. Oracle bones were known historically as ‘dragon bones’, emphasising their magical qualities.
"Wonders. Past, Present, and to Come; Being the Strange Prophecies and Uncommon Predictions of the Famous Mother Shipton Wonders. Past, Present, and to Come; Being the Strange Prophecies and Uncommon Predictions of the Famous Mother Shipton" (1797)Первоисточник: 117.d.44.(2.).
The Yorkshire Prophetess
Little is known about Mother Shipton, also known as the ‘Yorkshire Prophetess’, and we cannot even be sure that she existed. Her most famous prophecy was made in 1530: she foretold that Cardinal Wolsey, the new Archbishop of York, would see the city from afar but never reach it. True enough, Wolsey was arrested on his approach to York and he died soon afterwards.
She was supposedly incredibly ugly, and she was apparently able to levitate.
Wonders. Past, Present, and to Come; Being the Strange Prophecies and Uncommon Predictions of the Famous Mother ShiptonПервоисточник: 117.d.44.(2.).
'Unfogging the Future, very good guide to all your basic fortune-telling methods - palmistry, crystal balls, bird entrails. '
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
"A Thai divination manual (phrommachat), containing horoscopes based on the Chinese zodiac A Thai divination manual (phrommachat), containing horoscopes based on the Chinese zodiac" (19th century)Первоисточник: Or 4830.
Lucky in Love?
When looking for love, it is worth bearing in mind that, according to this Thai manuscript, a hot-tempered couple has a better chance of living happily together than a demonic male and an angelic female. In 19th-century Siam, people would have consulted a divination specialist (mor doo) on matters of love and relationships.
A Thai divination manual (phrommachat), containing horoscopes based on the Chinese zodiacПервоисточник: Or 4830.
These drawings show the animals from the Chinese zodiac, which would have been used to create horoscopes.
"Witch's Scrying Mirror" (20th century)Первоисточник: The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle, 342.
A Witch’s Scrying Mirror
The former owner of this mirror, the witch Cecil Williamson, warned that, if you gaze into it, ‘and suddenly see someone standing behind you, whatever you do, do not turn around’.
Divination with a mirror or another reflective surface is an ancient practice known as scrying. The term originates from the word ‘descry’, meaning ‘to catch sight of’.
Conservator with the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic's Crystal ballThe British Library
"John Melville, Crystal-Gazing and the Wonders of Clairvoyance" (1910)Первоисточник: YA.1988.a.9195..
Crystal Gazing
John Melville wrote this popular guide in the 19th century, as interest in crystallomancy increased. He recommended taking ‘an infusion of the herb Mugwort or of the herb Succory’, which, ‘if taken occasionally during the Moon’s increase would constitute an aid to the attainment of the most desirable physical conditions of the experimenter’s body.’ It is unclear how far Melville’s instructions helped those not gifted with Second Sight.
"Smelly Nelly’s Black Moon Crystal Ball" (20th century)Первоисточник: The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle, 341.
Smelly Nelly
‘Smelly Nelly’, the Paignton witch who owned this crystal ball, was named after her taste for strong perfume. She believed that the fragrance appealed to the spirits who helped her to divine the future. One witness reported, ‘You caught her scent a mile off downwind … to be out with a Full Moon, Smelly Nelly and her crystal was quite an experience.’ Known as a Moon crystal, the black globe should be consulted at night, so that the seer could read the Moon’s reflection in the glass.
Installing the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic's Palmistry HandThe British Library
Palmistry handПервоисточник: The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle, 855.
A Palmistry Hand
Palmistry, also known as chiromancy, requires the diviner to interpret the shape and lines of the hand. This ceramic palmistry hand shows the significant lines and mounts on the palm and wrist. Hands like this were first manufactured for teaching in Britain in the 1880s. A famous palmist around that time was William John Warner, also known as Cheiro, who reputedly predicted events such as the sinking of the Titanic.
"Fortune-telling manuscript Fortune-telling manuscript" (14th century)Первоисточник: Royal MS 12 C XII.
Reading the Palms
This 700-year-old manuscript contains a collection of prophecies and guides to fortune-telling. Here you can see the section which explains palmistry. On the right hand, a vertical line running across the palm reads, ‘this line represents love’. A vertical line running between the middle and index finger has a less fortunate meaning: ‘This line signifies a bloody death; if the line reaches unto the middle of the finger it signifies a sudden death.’ Other lines predict illnesses and attributes, including courage and humility.
gain insight using occultic ritual.
While there are different systems and interpretations, the general idea is that the lines on the palm reflect aspects of a person's life, such as relationships, career, and health. Other forms of divination include tea leaf reading (tasseography), where patterns formed by tea leaves in a cup are interpreted, and crystal ball gazing, where the reader gazes into a crystal ball or other reflective surface to receive visions or information. The mechanics of how divination works vary depending on the specific method and belief system. Some believe that divination is a way to communicate with higher beings, such as deities or spirits, who have access to hidden knowledge. Others see it as a way to tap into the collective unconscious or the universal energy that permeates everything. Regardless of the specifics, divination often requires the practitioner to enter a calm, focused state of mind to be receptive to the messages or symbols they receive. It is important for the diviner to have a deep understanding of the symbols and meanings associated with the chosen method, as well as the ability to interpret them accurately. It is worth noting that divination is not a definitive science and is often regarded as a form of entertainment or a tool for exploration and self-reflection. Skeptics argue that any insights gained through divination may simply be the result of coincidence, subjective interpretation, or the power of suggestion. In conclusion, divination is a vast and diverse field that encompasses various practices aimed at gaining insight into the future or the unknown. While the mechanics and beliefs behind divination may vary, the underlying principle is the desire to tap into hidden knowledge or higher realms. Whether for entertainment, guidance, or self-reflection, divination continues to intrigue and captivate people from all walks of life..
Reviews for "How Do Objects and Tools Enhance Divination Practices?"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I found "How does divination work" to be quite confusing and lacking in concrete explanations. The author seemed to dive into various mystical theories without providing much evidence or logical reasoning. I was hoping for a more scientific approach to the topic, but unfortunately, it fell short. Additionally, the writing style was quite dry and difficult to follow, making it hard to stay engaged.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I was highly disappointed with "How does divination work". The whole book felt like a collection of baseless claims and superstitions. There was no factual or rational basis for any of the author's explanations. I was hoping for something more grounded in reality, but instead, I found myself rolling my eyes at the absurd theories presented. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a logical and evidence-based understanding of divination.
3. David - 2/5 stars - "How does divination work" failed to live up to my expectations. The author relied heavily on personal anecdotes and subjective experiences, without providing any concrete evidence or scientific basis for their claims. It felt more like a collection of opinions rather than an informative book on the topic. The lack of empirical evidence left me skeptical and unsatisfied. I would have preferred a more balanced approach, incorporating both personal experiences and scientific research.
4. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of divination through reading "How does divination work", but unfortunately, it did not deliver. The author jumped from one topic to another without fully exploring any of them. It felt disjointed and lacked depth. Moreover, the writing style was convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to grasp the main points. I found myself becoming more confused and frustrated as I read through the book. Overall, I cannot recommend this book to others seeking a comprehensive understanding of divination.