Books on Divination

Herb Majicks

Books on Divination

I feel it is important to be familiar with several methods of divination; competent in the performance of a few and nearing expert in at least one. Some of the books listed on the Wicca 101 page will address the basics of Astrology, Tarot, and work with Pendulums, among others. For more specialized guides, I offer these titles. Again these are books I have used and found to be clear, uncluttered by dogma as well as trustworthy.

Study, practice and remain a student. There is always more to learn!

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Many divinatory techniques have not been written about in detail, let alone in the manner of a "how-to". You may even find yourself in the blessed position of being born with a Gift for clairvoyance, clairaudiance, psychometry, remote viewing, precognition or any number of other types of psychic abilities. While the ability may be innate, one usually benefits from training with an experienced practitioner. I, however, am not qualified to teach or advise you on the development or proper use of these Gifts; I do encourage you to seek out competent, reputable teachers who can take you beyond what you have discovered on your own and what little is revealed in print. ~Blessed Be.

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~~~~~~~~Runes~~~~~~~~

For this dicipline, I yield to my Partner Danu-Cee, as she has much more experience with runes. Your picks, Love?

In my experience runes are the best divination tool for the positive reinforcement of clarity. I have 4 sets of 'stones' and one set of rune cards. The runes themselves are all different materials ranging from pewter to semi precious stones. There is just something about handling these objects with their old, old symbols that helps me connect to the Ancients. I find it utterly amazing that even one or two little symbols can say so much to a human being. Of the several I own, these are my favorite rune books.~Cee

With Germanic symbols and interpretations from the Norse perspective, Horik Svensson's The Runes was my beginner's text. It served to create a great base of knowledge.

This book (titled Goddess Runes in the edition I own) provides extensive guidance on casting as opposed to drawing runes. Atwater's Goddess-centric perspective brings in the feminine dimension which helped me balance the very masculine energy of the nordic traditional meanings.

Witches' Runes (Formerly titled Rune Mysteries) brings runes together with all the properties of trees, totems, dieties, crystals and gems. Silver RavenWolf and Nigel Jackson have applied a modern spin and helped bring all possible majick to bear, revealing rune reading's relation to another divination tool: tarot cards!

What is your favorite divination method? Any other books you would recommend? Let me know by signing into my Guest Book.

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Divination

~~~~~~~~~Astrology~~~~~~~~~

Published in 1983, A Spiritual Approach to Astrology was my constant companion while learning the art of Astrology. At that time I was exploring the Karmic aspects of relationships and my own life's journey. I found Ms Loftus' sensitivity and focus in this regard very helpful in the clear interpretation of charts. With the help of the proper ephemerides, time and asteroid tables I know that if I get stuck on the subleties of a certain aspect, I need only refer to this book for guidance. A most competent work.

I believe I'd purchased this book about ten years after the first printing. The notion of a 'Native American astrology' was new and not without controversy, yet Wabun and Sun Bear managed to devise a system with cohesion and spiritual sensitivity. I've found it helpful for illuminating some of the dark corners of Euro-centric tropical and sidereal astrology. Anyone who works with leyline energy, who is lunar-centric, or interested in animal totems will feel a resonance with this method.

~~~~~Familiars/Totem Animals~~~~~

Animal Speak and Medicine Cards together provide a good foundation for the oracular interpretation of animal presence. Medicine Cards also contributes an interesting method for determining one's own totemic companions. Dancing Otters and Clever Coyotes is the newest rendition of Animal Energies--which I use as a light weight 'field guide'. This new title/edition is much larger and apparently more in depth.

~~~~~~Stone Casting~~~~~~

Get ready folks, I am about to become adamant here. Dreamstones: Magic From The Living Earth is one of my most precious finds. So much more than just a how-to for stone casting, herein is scribed impeccable methodology and core teachings in several divinatory arts (Astrology, Crystal Majick, Arithromancy, and Dream Walking, just to name a few) and groundwork information on several archetypal gods and goddesses from a variety of celtic cultures. Ms. Loader has built, in my opinion, the most remarkable guide for an undeservedly under-appreciated oracle. I am frankly dismayed to see so few copies available--but my Dears, do not delay in aquiring a copy for yourself--at these shamefully low prices, only a true fool would let it pass!

To Ms. Loader: Please consider publishing a new edition!

~~~~~~~~~Tarot~~~~~~~~~

The Rider-Waite deck (illustrated by Pamela Coleman Smith) is probably the most familiar tarot anywhere, yet the text of Aurthur Edward Waite's guide to the use of the deck is nearly the most difficult one to use for modern practitioners. Waite's writing voice reflects his own time as well as the need to keep secret much information. I list it here for it's historical significance and to give the respect due to a Key which helped keep the art of divination alive.

These two books came into my life at about the same time. I'd graduated from my first deck, Palandini's 'Aquarian', and was learning the 'Amazon' deck. Both Everyday Tarot (Choice Centered Tarot, as it was originally titled) and A Feminist Tarot, became my core references for a number of years. Gail Fairfield offers a wholistic way to approach reading cards which encompasses the intuitive as well as solid knowledge of numerology, astrology, and symbolism, sans hyperbole. Notice the art on the cover of A Feminist Tarot? Gearhart and Rennie give modern interpretations alongside the traditional, hence the references to Rider-Waite throughout.

Note** The Amazon Tarot is a powerful deck designed by a group of women artists which included Billi Potts and Susun Weed. Published in 1980 by Elf & Dragon Press, it is no longer in print, though you can view some of the art at the Mystic Eye. 'Amazon' is my most used, most cherished deck.