You may know me as the Tarot educator or the Tarot Content Creator who sprinkles basic astrology and numerology in her monthly Tarot spreads. But when you think of Gem Blackthorn, you think of Tarot. That wasn’t an accident.
You might not know that I have a more natural inclination towards mediumship. Because it was “easy” for me, I gravitated towards Tarot because I valued the education that accompanied learning about the system. I learned about occult symbolism. I learned about the history of Western Esotericism. And I even learned about the great responsibility that comes with reading Tarot cards for strangers.
I could have learned similar lessons if I had dedicated myself to another tool or divination system. The point wasn’t that I chose Tarot, but that I chose one tool to become an expert in. I’ve learned the basics of many divination systems. I can read you a birth or transit chart. I can calculate your life path number. I can even read runes. Adequately. But when you book a Tarot reading with me, you can be confident that you’re booking with an expert because I decided to put all the other divination systems aside and dedicate myself to one. When clients are giving you money and trusting you with personal details, they deserve an expert.
So I’m here to encourage you to pick one divination system for the next six months. Become an expert. Learn about its history, its application, and its controversies. Learn the tool and its system like the back of your hand.
Exploring Different Divination Tools
Tarot Cards: I’m sure you can’t get enough of Tarot on Tiktok. The Tarot deck has 78 cards, each with distinct imagery, symbolism, and meaning. The deck is divided into two sections: the Major Arcana, which consists of 22 cards representing significant life events and spiritual lessons, and the Minor Arcana, which has 56 cards depicting everyday situations and challenges through four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles). Tarot readings involve drawing and interpreting these cards to answer questions, gain clarity, and tap into the subconscious mind, offering a reflective and intuitive tool for personal growth and decision-making. Does that sound like a lot? It is.
Oracle Decks: Unlike tarot, oracle decks don’t follow a specific structure. Every deck is unique to its creator and artist. They can vary in the number of cards and themes, making them more flexible and intuitive.
Playing Cards: Known as cartomancy, using a regular deck of playing cards for divination is an ancient practice that can be just as insightful as Tarot. Different cultures may use the same playing card deck but with completely different rules and meanings for each card. Playing cards are a good choice if you’re in an environment where divination is not welcomed. It’s easier to hide the divination behind the guise of a game.
Pendulums: Pendulums are used for yes/no questions or to locate objects and energies. They work by tapping into your subconscious mind and the energies around you. Pendulums can be as formal as a beautiful pointy crystal on a silver chain or as casual as a pendant necklace you’re wearing right now.
Astrology: Astrology is the study of celestial bodies and how they reflect human affairs. It’s a complex system that requires studying charts and planetary positions. The applications for astrology are wide. You can use astrology to learn about a person’s personality and to find where you lost your keys (seriously). In my opinion, it takes years to learn the basics of astrology and decades to become an expert. It’s much more than just horoscopes.
Numerology: Numerology interprets the significance of numbers and their influence on human life. It is based on the belief that numbers have a mystical connection with events and characteristics of individuals. Each number, from 1 to 9, along with master numbers 11, 22, and 33, is associated with specific traits and vibrations. Numerologists analyze a person’s birth date and name to uncover insights about their personality, life path, destiny, and potential challenges. By understanding these numerical patterns, individuals can gain deeper self-awareness, make informed decisions, and align more closely with their life purpose.
Runes: Runes are an ancient alphabetic system used for writing, divination, and magic, originating from Germanic and Norse cultures. Each rune symbol, carved into stones, wood, or other materials, carries specific meanings and energies, representing concepts such as strength, growth, protection, and transformation. In divination, runes are cast or drawn from a bag, and their positions and interactions are interpreted to provide insights and guidance on various aspects of life. Runes offer a connection to ancestral wisdom and a way to tap into the subconscious, helping individuals understand their current situations, predict future outcomes, and make decisions aligned with their spiritual path.
Dowsing Rods: Divination with dowsing rods, also known as dowsing or water witching, is a practice used to locate objects, energies, or substances such as water, minerals, and even lost items. It involves holding two L-shaped rods, often made of metal, loosely in one’s hands and walking slowly over an area. The rods are believed to move or cross in response to the presence of the sought-after object or energy field, guided by the user’s subconscious mind or unseen forces. While traditionally used for finding water sources, dowsing rods are also employed in spiritual practices to detect energy fields, locate ley lines, or gain answers to specific questions through their movements. Like a pendulum, they’re good for yes or no questions.
Automatic Writing: Divination with automatic writing, also known as psychography, is a practice where an individual writes without conscious control, allowing messages to flow from their subconscious mind or spiritual entities. The person typically enters a meditative or trance-like state, holding a pen and paper, and lets their hand move freely to produce words, symbols, or drawings. This process is believed to bypass the conscious mind, accessing deeper insights, hidden knowledge, or communication from spirits, guides, or other metaphysical sources. Automatic writing is used for gaining personal insights, receiving guidance, and exploring spiritual connections, providing a direct and unfiltered channel for divinatory information.
Tea Leaves: Tea leaf reading, or tasseography, is a form of divination that involves interpreting the patterns left by tea leaves remaining at the bottom of a cup after drinking. The process begins with brewing a cup of loose-leaf tea and drinking it while leaving a small amount of liquid and leaves at the bottom. The cup is then swirled to spread the leaves, and the patterns they form are examined. Readers interpret these patterns to glean insights about the future, personal issues, or general guidance. Each shape or formation of the leaves is associated with specific meanings, allowing the reader to provide intuitive and symbolic readings based on the visual cues presented.
Candle Reading: Candle reading, or ceromancy, is a divination practice that interprets the shapes and behaviors of candle flames, wax drippings, and the candle’s residual wax in a glass container. In this method, a candle is lit, and the reader observes how the flame behaves, including its size, color, and movement, which can offer insights into current situations or future events. The wax drippings are also analyzed as they cool and harden, forming various shapes and patterns that are interpreted for their symbolic meanings. Additionally, the residual wax left in the glass or holder is examined for shapes and symbols that can provide further guidance or answers. Candle reading combines visual observation with intuitive interpretation to offer divinatory insights based on the candle’s behavior and remnants.
These are just a couple of divination systems and tools at your disposal. Humans have been searching for ways to answer esoteric questions ever since we became conscious of ourselves. Research other systems and find the one that calls out to you.
Practical Considerations
Time Commitment
Some divination methods require more study and practice than others. For example, astrology involves learning complex charts and planetary movements, while pendulum dowsing can be picked up more quickly.
Accessibility
Consider the availability of materials and resources for learning and practicing your chosen tool. Tarot and oracle decks are widely available, whereas finding quality runes might be more challenging.
Cost
Some divination tools can be more expensive to acquire and maintain. Tarot and oracle decks, for instance, can range in price, while pendulums and basic numerology charts are often more affordable.
Personal Alignment
Intuitive Connection
Pay attention to how naturally you connect with a tool. Some people might find that they have an innate understanding of oracle imagery, while others might feel a stronger pull toward the simplicity of numerology.
Comfort and Confidence
Choose a tool that you feel comfortable and confident using. Your confidence will grow with practice, but starting with a tool that feels manageable can make the learning process more enjoyable.
Spiritual Beliefs
Your chosen divination method should not go against your personal spiritual or religious beliefs. Some tools may fit better with your worldview and spiritual practices than others. I know that I had a lot of fear pumped into me about the Ouiji board and it took me years to work my up to using a pendulum over a spirit board. I had to give my spiritual beliefs time to evolve before I could approach spirit boards comfortably.
Ethical Considerations
Respect for Traditions: Always approach divination with respect for its origins and cultural significance. Avoid appropriating practices that are sacred to other cultures, especially if you haven’t been initiated into those traditions. For instance:
Throwing Bones: This is a traditional practice in many African cultures and often requires initiation and a deep understanding of the cultural context
Cowrie Shells: Used in African and Afro-Caribbean divination, this practice is also culturally specific and may not be appropriate for those outside the tradition
I Ching: Though widely available, it’s crucial to approach this Chinese method with respect for its cultural significance and origins
Ethical Use
Consider the ethical implications of using divination. Use your chosen tool responsibly and with the intention of helping and providing insight rather than causing harm or fear. For ethical and legal purposes, I do not answer readings regarding health and legal matters, for example. If my intuition tells me that the client is ill, I will gently suggest that they get a checkup. Consider your ethical boundaries.
Boundaries and Consent:
I will never tell you what boundary you should have for your divination. That is up to you. Map out how far you’re willing to divine and under what circumstances. Some readers will never divine a situation unless they have explicit consent from all parties involved. Other people don’t think it’s a big deal. Up to you. But make sure you know where you stand before you have a client sitting in front of you asking you to look into their husband’s girlfriend.
Learning and Development
Study and Practice: Be prepared to invest time in studying and practicing your chosen method. Read books and take courses. If you decide to move forward with a complicated system like Tarot or Astrology, I highly recommend finding a mentor.
Join Communities: Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals can provide support, additional learning opportunities, and a chance to share experiences. Online forums, local meetups, and social media groups can be valuable resources. It’s easy to hide within ourselves when flexing our intuitive muscles, but community is everything.
Ongoing Learning: Divination is a lifelong journey. Stay open to learning and expanding your knowledge. Even after you’ve chosen a specialty, exploring other methods can enrich your overall practice.
Finding What Calls to You
I recommend you spend time learning the basics of various methods and pay attention to which ones you feel drawn to. Your intuition will guide you to the tool that best aligns with your energy and spiritual path. This is a highly personal journey. As much as I would love for you to join the ranks of reputable Tarot readers like the ones I teach, you don’t have to pick up the most popular tool. Buy some pretty crystal pendulums. Flirt with ghosts on Ouiji boards. Drink some jasmine tea. And enjoy the ride.
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