Divination, an ancient practice rooted in the belief that supernatural forces can reveal hidden information about the past, present, or future, has fascinated humans for centuries. The quintessence of divination lies in its ability to pierce the veil of uncertainty and offer glimpses into what lies ahead. Throughout history, divination has been practiced in various forms across different cultures and civilizations. From the ancient Greeks who relied on oracles and omens to the Mayans who sought guidance from the stars, divination has served as a tool to navigate the mysterious pathways of life. Even in modern times, divination continues to captivate individuals who seek answers to their most pressing questions. The core element of divination is the belief that there is a deeper, hidden realm beyond the visible world, where secrets can be deciphered and prophecies unveiled.
Then she tells me somewhat defiantly that she can’t pay for a reading because her stepmother keeps her trapped at home doing all the heavy housework. She doesn’t get spending money, just leftovers from the family meals and a few miserable rags to wear. But she tells me she can probably sneak out of the house again next week while her stepmother and stepsisters are at the hairdresser and repay me by helping with my housework.
Then she tells me somewhat defiantly that she can t pay for a reading because her stepmother keeps her trapped at home doing all the heavy housework. Readers who are used to the current of Hermetic teaching set in motion by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which lies behind most occultism in the English-speaking world, may find themselves surprised by the very different approaches Mouni Sadhu presents here and elsewhere in his works.
The core element of divination is the belief that there is a deeper, hidden realm beyond the visible world, where secrets can be deciphered and prophecies unveiled. Divination utilizes a wide array of techniques and tools, ranging from tarot cards and rune stones to astrology and palmistry. Each method offers its own unique insights and symbolism, enabling diviners to tap into the cosmic energies that shape our destiny.
The Quintessence Spread
Quintessence, the Quinta Essentia, the Fifth Element: to philosophers and alchemists it’s the spiritual dimension underlying the material world; the subtle fluid that binds all creation together; the spirit that shines from the heart; and the vital force that animates the four elements.
We can extract the quintessence of a situation with a spread found in nearly every European tarot book. Four cards are laid out to the left, right, top and bottom like the center of the Celtic Cross. A fifth card in the center distills the essence of the four cards.
The spread positions are organized into two sets of polarities. The cards on the horizontal axis could be pro-con, positive-negative, help-hindrance, past-future, or self-other. The two vertical cards might be advice and outcome, what is known and what is hidden, the foundation and the crown, or the advice and the result. Use your imagination to adapt spread positions to the question.
For the fifth card, add up the sum of the four cards, reduce the sum to a number below twenty-two and put the corresponding trump card in the center.
French and Italian tarot readers use just the major arcana with this spread. I’ve turned the European method on its head by using only the minor arcana except for the trump card in the center. I read this card as the underlying theme, lesson or message of the reading.
Let’s see this spread in action with a reading I did recently for a fairy tale princess.
Last month a waif in ragged clothes rushed into my booth in the market square. She looked up and down the street nervously before pulling the curtains tight and telling me that she snuck out of the house while her stepmother and stepsisters were being fitted for ball gowns.
Then she tells me somewhat defiantly that she can’t pay for a reading because her stepmother keeps her trapped at home doing all the heavy housework. She doesn’t get spending money, just leftovers from the family meals and a few miserable rags to wear. But she tells me she can probably sneak out of the house again next week while her stepmother and stepsisters are at the hairdresser and repay me by helping with my housework.
It was a slow day, and I felt sorry for the poor mite, so I motioned her to sit down. The false bravado fell away and she became the sad, vulnerable child she really was. “Is it ever going to change?” She asked in a quivering voice. “Am I ever going to wear nice clothes, have friends, maybe even a boyfriend? My stepsisters have everything and I have nothing! My stepmother hates me and treats me like a slave”.
I shuffled the minor arcana of my 200-year-old Italian deck and laid out four cards in a cross to give an overview of her situation and a possible future. Here’s what I told her.
The Two of Swords shows what is working against you. See that young, healthy laurel branch with the red berries? There’s so much youth and vitality and potential in you, but it’s held in suspension, as if floating in a bubble. But the walls of this bubble are thin and easily breached. Your situation is not crushing you. You’re just in a holding pattern until your moment comes to emerge into the sunlight.
The Queen of Cups is working for your benefit. She’s a loving, maternal figure who has your best interests at heart. Look at that large chalice festooned with a garland. It looks like the queen has a gift for you.
The Nine of Coins at the top shows a way to rise above your situation and transform it. I realize nothing in your life up to this point has given you a reason to believe this is true — but this card is asking you to have faith and believe that the universe is basically generous and supportive. If you believe your circumstances can change, and if you can envision a better future, then the universe is waiting to grant your every wish.
The Three of Cups on the bottom shows future possibilities. The heart-shaped vine supporting the top cup promises much love and happiness in your future.
The sum of the four cards is 18. (I count the court cards as 2, 3, 4 and 5). The quintessence of this spread is Trump 18, the Moon. Magic in the moonlight. Midnight – when the moon rides high in the sky. Everything in this spread – the wealth, the love, her mother’s spirit, seems like a misty illusion to her – the foolish dreams of a kitchen drudge. I encourage her to believe that it’s all possible and it all can become real. With magical assistance, her life will be transformed. She says she’ll go to her mother’s grave that night and pray that this reading comes true.
Postscript: Cinderella has become a kind and generous monarch, loved by her people. She didn’t forget the old fortune teller who encouraged her to believe in a better future. Thanks to Cinderella’s generosity, I quit that drafty booth in the marketplace. Now I read my cards in front of a cozy fireplace in my snug cottage on the edge of town.
French and Italian tarot readers use just the major arcana with this spread. I’ve turned the European method on its head by using only the minor arcana except for the trump card in the center. I read this card as the underlying theme, lesson or message of the reading.
Divination serves as a bridge between the human realm and the metaphysical, providing a means to access higher wisdom and guidance. By interpreting the signs and symbols presented through divinatory practices, practitioners attempt to comprehend the intricate patterns of the universe and discern messages from the divine. While divination cannot guarantee absolute accuracy in predicting future events, its true power lies in its ability to offer clarity and introspection. Through divination, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves, the situations they face, and the potential paths that lie before them. It serves as a reflective tool, allowing individuals to explore their own desires, fears, and aspirations, and make informed decisions about their lives. Ultimately, the quintessence of divination lies in its profound impact on our perception and understanding of the world. It enables us to transcend the boundaries of the tangible, embrace the mysteries of the unseen, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Divination holds the key to unlocking the depths of consciousness, guiding us towards a more enlightened existence..
Reviews for "Predicting the future through divination: separating fact from fiction"
1. Rachel - 2 stars - I found "Quintessence of Divination" to be quite disappointing. The author's writing style was dry and tedious, making it difficult for me to stay engaged with the story. The characters were poorly developed, lacking depth and relatability. Additionally, the plot was convoluted and hard to follow, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others looking for an exciting and captivating read.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Quintessence of Divination" was a complete waste of my time. The story was incredibly predictable, with no surprises or twists that I hadn't seen coming from a mile away. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making the characters seem two-dimensional and uninteresting. Furthermore, the pacing was incredibly slow, dragging on for what felt like an eternity. I regret picking up this book and would strongly advise others to stay away.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Quintessence of Divination," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The world-building was lacking, leaving me confused about the magical elements and their significance to the story. The protagonist seemed whiny and indecisive, making it hard for me to root for her throughout the book. Additionally, the romance felt forced and unrealistic, lacking the chemistry and depth needed to make it believable. Overall, this book was a disappointment and not one that I would recommend to fellow readers.