Divination Tools

Using tools to try to "divine" or understand the future or a higher power have been a part of the human story from the beginning.  Here, as with working with Goddesses, Gods and Sacred Others, you will find a wide variety of personal interests and skills among Pagans.  You will also find varying opinions on how central divination tools are to the Pagan lifestyle.

Using the Research Tools you will, again, find lots of resources for each of these topics.  This is not an all-inclusive list of divination tools, but it reflects the prominent methods I have come across in my studies.

Personally, I have been working with tarot cards since the early 1990s.  If you would like to explore tarot I would recommend you start with Tarot Passages and Learning the Tarot, An On-Line Course. 

Study, Practice, Study, Practice, etc.!

It takes time to develop these skills.  I've been working with tarot for over 10 years and I still feel like I'm new at it.  If you want to be known as someone who is good with runes or astrology or any other divination tool, it will take a strong commitment and many hours to get to that place.

Providing Services to Others

I think many of us want to feel as those we have a sixth sense or a special talent to share with others ... and there's nothing wrong with that.  When you start practicing divination, though, it is important to keep that in check.  If you decide to read the runes or tea leaves for another person you are taking on some responsibility for being honest, keeping your own agenda off the table, and responding to that person's reaction to your reading.

As a psychologist I'm very sensitive to the skills and ethics surrounding counseling.  As a tarot reader I also know the power one holds when in that reading position.  If you decide to work with others, no matter what divination tool you use, please be prepared!  Develop a personal code of ethics and clearly define your boundaries.  Also, if you are accepting money for your skills be sure you are aware of all the legal and business-related items.  

Watch Your Money

If you search for "divination tools" in a typical search engine you will find a huge list of Pagan merchants ready to meet your needs.  That's wonderful -- but remember that you don't need to purchase everything at once, and you might be able to make your own tools.

By the same token, if you seek a reading or session with someone who practices these divination skills, make sure you know what your in for.  Ask other Pagans for references.  Make sure you understand the cost and what you are to receive for it.