Classifying Divination
From natural to manipulated events, from planets to pebbles, from gods to humans, even animals and plants, they have all been used at one time or another for prognostication. Though many of the rituals and practices have been lost throughout history, some remain in ancient documents, in superstitions or in practice.
Divination Forms are classified by asking three simple questions --what, how and why.
Means
The ‘what’ is the material or subject matter that is used for the divination. Within a metaphysical context, these items are categorized either as: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Man or Spirit. [1] However, classifying the divinatory item is not always clear and then only from the diviner’s perspective. Often, the item is a composite with more than one ingredient.
For example: |
Method
The ‘how’ is the manner in which the diviner interacts with the divination means in formulating the prediction or reading. The diviner is not limited to just one method. He or she may use all of them during their prognostication.
Intuitive: In intuitive divination, it is the diviner that is both the element and the process. The diviner will either react to stimuli or receive sensory information without reason or cause. Many refer to this (including myself) as the sixth sense or intuition. Intuitive divination does not rely on artificial trappings except perhaps as a meditative tool or for dramatics. In some people this extra sense is stronger and better developed and we call them psychics and mediums. Intuition is an essential part of divination. Examples: scrying, trance, oracles, clairvoyance, and necromancy to name a few.
Interpretive: In this practice, information is received through physical means and then manipulated (read) to form an explanation. In manipulated events, such as casting stones, it is still consider natural and valid because of the underlying principle of randomness. The divination works on the premise that no event is without cause. Examples: Runes, tarot, I Ching, and other cleromancy practices.
Inductive: This is the method by which conclusions are inferred from observation. Within divination these observed “facts” and events, although arbitrary and without direct human intervention, are still predetermined and not controlled through mundane means. Astrology and aeromancy are good examples.
Motive
The ‘why’ classification, in an honest practice, is providing useful information about the unknown; however other reasons might be found. For instance, the reason might be to support an ailing spirit, arbitration between incompatible points of view, and therapeutic purposes. Then there is the business category, which many circus and carnival soothsayers fall into. It serves as paid entertainment.
Notes
1. There are those (myself included) who would classify "humans" under the element Earth, instead of its own category. The key point here is whether the individual believes the human race is separate and unique from nature, or not. This separation and superiority idea comes from "The Great Chain of Being" a Renaissance premise of universal orderliness.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Who are You? 101 Ways of seeing Yourself —Malcolm Godwin
An Encyclopedia of Occultism Volumes I & II —edited by Melton J Gorden
The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft —Rosemary Ellen Guiley
Thought Processes
Deduction and Induction
Keeping in mind that I am a skeptic, I put no great importance to classifying divination other than that it is interesting information. However, I could see where it could come in handy for those who adhere to Elemental Magick.
Besides the way I see it, the diviner is the common denominator throughout all divination; for without him or her there would be no divination at all. Humans are the method, the means and the motive.