Pagans, Wiccans, Occultists -- what is your favorite Divination device?

Question

Do you like Tarot? Astrology? Scrying? Dream work? The Pendulum? The Planchette? Something else, specific to your tradition, such as the Runes?

This question is specifically for those who use Divination, and approve of it. Please, no Christian posts of Bible quotes condemning Divination -- I've already read it, and am well aware of what it says. And please, no quotes from Atheists telling me it's just a game/fantasy/insanity/delusion/all in my head -- duh. But just because the information gathered may be completely internal in origin, doesn't make it any less valuable. There are great psychological and spiritual benefits to self knowledge, and divination is a useful tool for insight into the self.

So, helpful and respectful answers only please.

Answer 1

1> Aeromancy: Watching the Clouds for symbolism. This I've done since I was a child, as probably did most of us. "Mommy, that cloud looks like a Phoenix Rising out of a Dragon's mouth!"
(a recent one I saw)

2. Cartomancy: Particularly Tarot. Tarot I mostly use for psychological analysis.

3. Pyromancy: Observation of flames. Maybe it's because our ancestors often sat around the flames at night, safe from Saber Tooth Tigers and Mammoths, but there's something natural about watching flames, particularly in an outside campground or in a fireplace.

Answer 2

I use the following:
Tarot (I have a few different decks. I love the artwork as well as the symbolism. The one I use most often is the Mythic Tarot because it depicts the Greek pantheon.)
I've also used a couple other card systems. My favorite non-standard card system is Greer's Sacred Geometry Oracle, below:
http://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Geometry-Oracle-MIchael-Greer/dp/0738700517

Astragali (aka "knucklebones", and yes I use real ones) -- I use these or dice with the Greek Alphabet Oracle found here:
http://www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/BA/GAO.html

I've used the I Ching on occasion, using coins as the method for finding the hexagram. However, a lot of the traditional symbolism relies on cultural ideas I'm very unfamiliar with, so I don't use this much. Likewise, I've tried a Tibetan divination system called Mo, which is also really interesting but doesn't suit me as well as some other methods.

I have done scrying using various tools: a flat black disc, concave mirror, liquid in a chalice, a small crystal ball.

I have also done trance/journey work for divination, with interesting results, but it's much more difficult than using a tool such as the Tarot.

I've also used a modern adaptation of an old divination system sacred to Hermes. It's based on asking a question of Hermes at a sacred site of his, plugging your ears and going into a marketplace, and then unplugging them. The first thing you hear is your answer.

On occasion I have simply asked for omens or signs, and occasionally it's confirmed.

I would like to learn orthinomancy (bird divination) and additional systems to use with the astragali.

For quickie readings I usually resort to cards. They're easy, rich in symbolism, and usually give you a pretty good idea of what's going on right away. For deeper work I find the trancework valuable, but like I said it takes a while, is difficult, and currently I'm rather out of practice.

Answer 3

My 3 most used forms of Divination are the Tarot and have been using various cards since 1973. Cloud scrying, I have done that since I began my Wiccan path in 1971. And the pendulum, Also used since 1971. The pendulum is OK for a yes or no answer, Cloud scrying gives me imagery of a visual nature but the interpretation is VERY subjective and difficult to interpret. Tarot seems to be the most accurate tool in that it directly addresses my questions, gives the details more completely and is much easier to interpret.

Briughtest blessings,
Raji the Green Witch

Answer 4

I've been reading the Tarot for 27 years and find it a valuable tool for divination. My favorite for doing readings for other people is The Ancestral Path Tarot by Julie Cuccia Watts. When doing readings for myself, I prefer The Medicine Woman Tarot by Carol Bridges.

I also have found Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams and David Carson (although not a Tarot deck) to be useful and accurate.

The first tool of divination I was introduced to over 30 years ago was the pendulum. I now make them for family and friends.

I also use Rune Stones and started making my own from pebbles collected from Lake Michigan beaches about six years ago. The process is incredible. I enjoy walking along the beach and collect hundreds of small, round pebbles--of course I say a prayer and make an offering first.

Bright Blessings!

Answer 5

I love the pendulum. I have several and which one I use depends on the answers I need. I also carry one with me at all times. I've gotten answers as well as found lost items with my pendulums. I'm not familiar enough with tarot to be completely comfortable reading. I have a scrying mirror but haven't used that yet. I do, however, also like the planchette. It just seems to work well for me.

Answer 6

I love the tarot, my pendulum, astrology, dream work, and some additional things. I'm learning to scry and to use Runes. I have Norse ancestors (along with Celtic/German), and the runes have always fascinated me, but I've held off on them. For my birthday I got a beautiful set of engraved sodalite runes and some books, and I'm going to give it a go!

Answer 7

My favorite so far is the Tarot. I like the Runes, but not having a set, I haven't had a chance to work with them yet. I also have a pendulum, but I haven't used it much yet.

Answer 8

I have used the tarot, Dream Work and the pendulum. I would like to learn the Runes though. I have never used them.

Answer 9

Tarot cards are the only thing that I've gotten to work. Specifically the Rider Waite deck. After my first one was damaged by rain I tried a few others but eventually got a new Rider Waite deck. I find the imagery to be effective in that deck.

Answer 10

I think things like Tarot cards are good for two reasons. One, they're a way of organising psychic impressions (I see Tarot as working through the user). Two, the imagery helps to prompt you to remember the meaning.

I've actually been trying to develop my own system using the tarot as a template. I want a way to get more complex information and cover more areas of life.