Other Than Tarot: And HOW?

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TheHeretic -> Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/18/2009 10:13:40 PM)
To avoid any hijacking of a very good thread on the tarot, I'm wondering what other methods and practices are in use among us. I have worked with cards at the most novice of levels, but they never felt right in my hands. When I move on those paths, I use a set of runes I made from an ash sapling. One of the first people I met who shared a bit of wisdom with me, used water in a cast iron skillet. I have no answers about how divination works, but would welcome the thoughts of others. I don't think the method matters a whole lot, if it works for the querent.

hizgeorgiapeach -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/18/2009 10:29:10 PM)
I sometimes use Rune stones (carved for me by a close friend many years ago - I have no carving skill and don't pretend to) and frequently use Flame to achieve a light trance state for divination purposes. I have much more affinity for Fire than I do for water scrying, though I've given that a try a time or two in the past as well. On the rare occassions that I'm tempted to try scrying again, I prefer a simple clay/pottery bowl or cup to anything metal for holding the liquid. With flame - pretty much any flame will do, from a roaring campfire to the flicker of a single candle. I also use Scent frequently to put myself into a trace/receptive state - natural essential oils from a wide variety of plants, some of which have traditional magical uses and some which have significance to me on a personal level having nothing to do with spirituality in the strictest sense. Since I put the hottub in out on the back deck, and the weather turned cold, I've been lighting the Chiminea that sits out on the deck frequently in the evening and then watching it while I'm relaxing in the hottub. The combination has been.... almost to conducive .. to a light trance state. The combination of heat and muscle relaxation from the hot tub jets, cold air, and dancing flames just seems to snag me and put me into a state that's receptive towards both visions and intuitive leaps.

HalfShyHalfWild -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/18/2009 10:41:55 PM)
I use to use astrology, and not just sun symbols. I find a very detailed chart can give a very accurate detailing of a person, sometimes almost disturbingly so. This was years ago and I had a ton of books, and it's very time consuming, well it was at that time. I imagine now with the internet, it would be way quicker. At least the calculating of planets. Tried numerology, didn't care for it at all. Oujia board, absolute no in my book for 99% of the time. And just saying now, if anyone asks, I ain't saying anymore on that subject. And I'm so trying not to sound preachy, but for any novices reading some of the above threads, I'd highly suggest learning the purifying rituals, protection rituals before dabbling in anything. Maybe someone else can elaborate on this, I'm way past my comfort zone right now lol.

TheHeretic -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/18/2009 10:51:50 PM)
Nothing like a homemade Ouija board to scald careless fingers...

Aneirin -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/18/2009 11:04:32 PM)
I have tried various things, runes, tarot, I-Ching and astrology, but not ouija, I will only do that with someone I trust and know they know what they are doing. I personally believe it is not good to bother whatever it is that ouija channels for such things as amusement or trivialities, the whatevers are an absolute last resort, and are to be avoided if at all possible. But that might be my point of view based upon some knowledge, but no experience, like all things, my belief is subject to change. I-Ching and runes felt alien to me, they being of a different culture and spirituality, only tarot feels right, that and astrology. The latter, astrology, an ancient science I feel there is something there, a definite knowledge. I have created my own natal chart and interpretation by old methods, ephemera and such, but it is labourious and requires mathematics, something which does not come naturally to me. I checked my calculated chart against an online program, and the result, surprisingly accurate. Of Astrology programs, this is the best I have ever come across ; Astrograph other than that, a reasonable free chart can be got from here ; Astrolabe

HalfShyHalfWild -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/18/2009 11:21:58 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Aneirin I have tried various things, runes, tarot, I-Ching and astrology, but not ouija, I will only do that with someone I trust and know they know what they are doing. I personally believe it is not good to bother whatever it is that ouija channels for such things as amusement or trivialities, the whatevers are an absolute last resort, and are to be avoided if at all possible. But that might be my point of view based upon some knowledge, but no experience, like all things, my belief is subject to change. I-Ching and runes felt alien to me, they being of a different culture and spirituality, only tarot feels right, that and astrology. The latter, astrology, an ancient science I feel there is something there, a definite knowledge. I have created my own natal chart and interpretation by old methods, ephemera and such, but it is labourious and requires mathematics, something which does not come naturally to me. I checked my calculated chart against an online program, and the result, surprisingly accurate. Of Astrology programs, this is the best I have ever come across ; Astrograph other than that, a reasonable free chart can be got from here ; Astrolabe Just saying now, I perved you [8D] I too only felt comfortable with the tarot and astrology. And wanted to say thank you for those links! I just bookmarked them and am about to check it out.

hizgeorgiapeach -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/18/2009 11:49:11 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: HalfShyHalfWild And I'm so trying not to sound preachy, but for any novices reading some of the above threads, I'd highly suggest learning the purifying rituals, protection rituals before dabbling in anything. Maybe someone else can elaborate on this, I'm way past my comfort zone right now lol. In all the years that I've been a practioner, I've gone through various phases of feeling like I alternately did and did not need things like Purification and Protection rituals. I've never been a huge ritualist anyway - the rituals, for the most part, are simply another Tool - just like the items for an alter set up, or used for divination, etc - to set the mind into the proper mode and focused on specific mental/emtional pathways. That having been said, I will add this. For beginners, I would suggest looking into various forms of circle casting, ritual purification of an area where you're going to be working, and setting up psychic protection. When you put yourself into a ritual or trance state, you are in effect opening yourself up to Whatever energies happen to float past (figuratively speaking) - good, bad, or indifferent. By casting a circle, ritually purifying that space of negative or "bad" energies, and setting the emotional/spiritual boundries to specify that only "good" or "positive" energies can join you in what you're doing - you cut back on potential backlash. It's going to work differently - a different feel spiritually and emotionally - for different people, based as much on their own belief in the necessity of such protective measures as on their experience with what they're doing. Disclaimer : Your milage may vary, and talking to others who take part in such activities will likely garner you other opinions - mine are by no means intended to be an example of what "everyone" thinks.

colouredin -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 3:36:19 AM)
I use tarot and runes and crystals. It depends what I am trying to do really. I use runes for a quick reading, tarot for longer in depth readings and crystals for energy readings. I tend to pick up negative energy quite easily so I use the crystals to pinpoint it and disperse it.

CatdeMedici -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 5:21:22 AM)
I use the tarot, but I more often use a set of them called Goddess cards--they are fewer, used in a simpler fashion and work well for Me--also at times I use scrying, but mostly I use the Goddess cards.

housesub4you -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 5:25:46 AM)
I use beer and on occasion lots of beer

ALAstella -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 6:11:43 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: TheHeretic I have no answers about how divination works, but would welcome the thoughts of others. I don't think the method matters a whole lot, if it works for the querent. This is true because no matter whether it's water, astrology, the Tarot, runes, or crystals the one thing you are interpreting is the form, the pattern, the shape, or even the sequences.. I practise astrology and have done for many years and this is something which always confounds the sceptics.. You can take any individual aspect of astrology, for example the Sun in Scorpio, or having Pluto in Virgo, and it won't say much. Anyone born late October or in the major part of November has the Sun in Scorpio.. and as for Pluto, anyone born between say (off the top of my head) 1961 and 1975 has Pluto in Virgo. What makes it individual and unique, not to mention more accurate is to see the entire birthchart, to see within it patterns such as the 'splay', the 'bucket chart', the 'locomotive' or 'the bundle', all the planets in all the signs and all the houses with the various aspects, all taken from that moment of birth when you drew your first breath, the oxygen activating millions of minute, delicate electrical circuits within your brain. The fact that it was a 'map of the heavens' taken from the perspective of where you were born on that day and at that time, never to be repeated, is what makes you, and your birthchart, truly unique and individual.

beargonewild -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 8:01:50 AM)
When I first started exploring (dabbling) in this area, I first was drawn to Tarot. Since then I have acquired 3 decks though I haven't used then in several years. Astrology is an area which I know nothing about though I haven't tried and probably won't yet I would have my charts done by someone who I sense is quite proficient. I have tried I Ching though the concepts aren't to my liking and gave that up. I have used Runes, mirror scrying, worked with crystals and gotten into deep mediation. In the past few years my main focus has been working with energy, whether it's with crystals or with nature.

Aileen1968 -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 8:03:23 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: housesub4you I use beer and on occasion lots of beer Hahahaha. Me too.

Aszhrae -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 9:00:20 AM)
There are many forms of divination. Fire, smoke, casting bones, numerology or simply gazing into a blackened mirror that sits upon a table so the individual is not focusing upon their own reflection. Using a font (bowl) of water is another method. When I find one, a spring fed stream is a good one, the water is moving constantly so its very difficult to focus upon. Dreamwalking is another means of divining, it is believed to be the best way to speak with the spirits and have them share their wisdom with the dreamwalker. Another method is simply focusing on the bark of a tree as the patterns that exist within rough bark if an individual were to allow them selves to blur the edges. Patterns would begin to form. As the patterns appear the individual would interpret them. This of course is what divination is really about. Interpreting and understanding patterns and images as they appear upon or within your chosen focus. Another possible explanation is the following based loosely upon scientific method of proving or disproving the existence of ESP, Extra Sensory Perception. I believe how divination works is that the element or apparatus chosen is the focus of your awareness. Its difficult to explain it in a more scientific explanation for the skeptics. But it is a focus in order to stimulate certain brain waves within the mind that have to do with instinct, intuition, awareness and transcending human consciousness. I really do believe that each method is perhaps the chosen means to catch a glimpse of the Emerald Tablets. Which of course are the spiritual tablets where written is an account of everything that has come before, what presently is becoming the past as it is written and also the future and how it may influence the individual or the world as a whole. That is my beliefs on divination.

Aneirin -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 10:54:22 AM)
I once read, it was people of certain star signs that feel attracted to the that that is hidden, the occult, is there any truth in this ? I ask as my natal chart indicates a strong attraction to the mystical, something I wish it didn't, as life would be so much easier without having to ponder the depths. And to those that might suggest if I did not want this attraction, I could stop it, wrong, for it like an interest in kink does not go away and always serves to wander back in mind when the guard is down.

TheHeretic -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 11:26:52 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Aszhrae the chosen means to catch a glimpse of the Emerald Tablets. Which of course are the spiritual tablets where written is an account of everything that has come before, what presently is becoming the past as it is written and also the future and how it may influence the individual or the world as a whole. This is the part right before the torches and pitchforks come out... Look, Aszhrae, I'm glad you have a metaphor that works for you to describe this stuff, but ascribing literalism to it is just ridiculous. This is where neo-paganism makes the bend into plain old capitalist mysticism, and the metaphor becomes a product. Let me guess, I'll need a hooded robe of just the right color to read the Emerald Tablets, right? Perhaps a certain incense, and just the right symbolic props as well?

MistresseLotus -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 2:23:01 PM)
I've done it all. Runes, pendulums, Tarot cards, crystals.. what have you. What I discovered is that any of the methods do no more than to get you to focus and open your inner eye. I'd lay out my tarot cards and realized what was coming through was my intuition.. usually what was read had nothing to do with the cards laying before me. If one doesn't have the "gift" to begin with.. you do nothing more than a mechanical reading with a 50-50% accuracy. Any form of divination merely is a means to open the door. JMO

aravain -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 3:08:10 PM)
Back in my hay-day when I used to be really well-into divination of all types, I used to cast gems/crystals/rocks/minerals. It was fun, actually... but I wasn't very, erm, traditional in my methods. I divined based on shapes they created when cast, the faces of the various gems that showed up, and a few other aspects as well. I didn't really focus on any of the normal things. I also did something I called 'tree-searching' in which I "talked" to a tree by watching its leaves in the wind for patterns and symbols. This was my favorite exercise, though it was likely more psychological than divinatory. I've done a pendulum over a spread out tarot deck, as well... actually I did that for a good month to pick my 'card of the day' which was very telling. There's others that I've dabbled into, as well... but nothing too seriously, to be honest. I find the more seriously I pursue something like this, the quicker I become discouraged because it doesn't work for me [:D]

Aszhrae -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 5:48:45 PM)
quote: Let me guess, I'll need a hooded robe of just the right color to read the Emerald Tablets, right? Perhaps a certain incense, and just the right symbolic props as well? You asked in the OP and so I answered. If the reply is not suitable perhaps I could also state that there is an alternative to tarot and perhaps the use of entrails is more a suitable means of divination. Hold still while I do little carving around the anus and let entrails splash to the ground and give you a reading. Sarcasm was unappreciated. Feeling totally bitched right now. Perhaps another technique is in order and good old fashion skinning and reading the patterns of blood upon the skin as it is stretched and dried would be a means of divination that you would prefer?

fearghus -> RE: Other Than Tarot: And HOW? (1/19/2009 7:36:13 PM)
I'm no good with cards. Even though I am about as psychic as a driveway stone, I seem to do okay with ogham sticks (similar to runes, but based on the ancient Celtic ogham alphabet). The tools you use for divination are not important - except that they work for you - you really don't need any tools if you are intuitive. As for me - driveway stone - remember? - so, I have my sticks. Thought about casting sawdust into water, and trying sawdust from different woods and such, but I just don't have the patience. Then there is divination by google. Type in your name and 'needs' ... like this .... "fearghus needs" into the google search window and see the first few answers that jump out at you.

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