Defined as the attempt to gain insight by ritualistic, paranormal means
From the Latin “divinare,” to be divinely inspired, to foresee
There are many types of divination, and all cultures have them. Coffee readings, palm readings and tarot cards are the most popularized in media. Anything can be “read,” it just depends on which particular method works for you.
Growing up in a religious home, any form of divination or superstitious belief was looked down upon; even coffee reading, which is practically second nature in the Balkans, was taboo in my father’s house. As someone who often had prophetic dreams, and an ironclad sixth sense, being told that my intuition was essentially a sin proved difficult for me, on a personal level. I struggled with the religious teachings, tried to bend myself far enough that I fit the mold that was expected of me, but failed, and failed miserably.
I suffered from anxiety, depression, questioned my self-worth and lived in a constant state of limbo. To put it mildly, I was unhappy. I started losing my intuition, stopped having dreams and lived a mechanical, albeit religious life.
This is not an anti-religious post. Not by any means. I have often said, and will continue to say that spirituality is a deeply personal belief. No one can dictate what you should or should not believe. You know what speaks to your heart and you should absolutely follow that. It is the only way to be truly happy, and when we are happy we can achieve so much, and help others. I know this on a personal level, I believe this on a visceral level. It wasn’t until I started moving away from organized religion, and started listening to myself, that I started finding myself, and being happy with myself, finally happy.
What works for me doesn't necessarily work for everyone else, and vice versa. That's the point, we are all individuals, and we all have individual needs.
I am often asked if I can read someone’s coffee, because it’s a popular method in the Balkans. However, that’s not my thing. Besides my dreams (which have returned in all their prescient glory), I was always drawn towards runes, and other more solid forms of divination (geomancy for the win!) I have a lot of air and water placements in my chart, so I naturally am attracted to the opposite, which is earth and fire.
Here’s a short list in case you’re curious about different types of divination. As always, this is just an example, again SHORT LIST! If you find yourself drawn towards something, do the research, and follow that instinct. Google is your friend! Use it!
Tasseography: reading tea leaves, coffee grinds, wine sediments
Geomancy: reading the earth (rocks, soil, sand)
Cartomancy/taromancy: reading cards
Scrying: a broad term meaning reading by gazing, this encompasses reading mirrors, crystal balls and water
Osteomancy: reading bones
Follow your intuition, your gut, your dreams, your heart, whatever direction it pulls you towards. Trust it, that's where you are meant to be 💜
