Divination
Tarot
Despite its mystical rep, tarot started as a card game in 15th-century Italy called trionfi (or tarocchi). The cards weren’t used for divination until centuries later—likely not until the 18th century. The imagery we now associate with the “Major Arcana” was originally allegorical art, not esoteric symbolism.
The occult explosion of the 1800s gave us the tarot-as-oracle we know today, with French occultists like Etteilla and later the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (looking at you, Waite and Crowley) layering it with astrology, Qabalah, and ceremonial magic.
(Le Tarot Noir is my dream deck. It’s considered one of the first. The “original” tarot deck as we know it is Le Grand Eteilla. Even Tarot de Marseille was originally a card game. Everyone say thank you to Italy and France.)
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Norse Runes
Runes, like ogham, originated as an ancient writing system, not divination tools. The Elder Futhark is the oldest known runic alphabet (c. 2nd century CE), used across Germanic tribes.
References to runes being used magically show up in Norse sagas and charms, but their use for divination as we know it today is modern reconstruction. Rune casting was revived during the 20th-century occult boom, particularly thanks to Ralph Blum (controversially so, he added a “blank rune,” which has no historical precedent).
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Pendulum Divination
Pendulums fall under the broader category of dowsing, which has roots in ancient Egypt and China. Traditionally, dowsing rods were used to locate water, minerals, or lost items.
The use of a suspended object (like a stone on a chain) for yes/no divination is likely much older than written history, though modern spiritualists popularized it in the 19th century. Today’s pendulum boards and charts are a recent addition.
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Scrying
This is one of the oldest forms of divination in human history. Think reflective surfaces, smoke, flames, and water.
Ancient Mesopotamians used oil scrying in water. Egyptians gazed into dark bowls. The Greek oracle at Delphi inhaled fumes. Celtic druids may have read reflections in rivers or cauldrons.
Crystal balls weren’t always made of quartz, many early ones were polished obsidian (like the one used by John Dee, court magician to Queen Elizabeth I). Scrying is truly primordial.
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Ogham
Ogham (or Ogam) is an early medieval Irish alphabet, carved into stones and wood around the 4th–6th centuries CE. It’s often considered “the tree alphabet,” but only a portion of it directly references trees.
While there’s no historical record of it being used for divination in ancient times, many modern Irish polytheists and druids, such as myself, use Ogham staves as a native Celtic system of symbolic wisdom. Its resurgence is tied to the revival of Gaelic traditions and neopagan reconstruction. Although, as you can see, mine are cubes rather than staves. Working with the ancestors on a budget here, people.
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Final Thoughts
A lot of what we call “ancient” is actually modern magic in old clothes, but that doesn’t make it less powerful.
What does matter is respecting the origins, doing your research, and avoiding cultural mishmash. These tools carry both history and spirit. Use them wisely.
What’s your favorite method of divination?
Divination, a practice with deep roots in human history, encompasses various methods that have transformed over time. Tarot cards, often seen today as tools for spiritual insight and guidance, originated as a card game in 15th-century Italy. Their evolution into a divination system was influenced by 18th-century French occultists who integrated astrology and magic into their use. Norse runes emerged from ancient alphabets, with their application for divination being a modern reconstruction influenced by 20th-century beliefs. Pendulum divination, a technique dating back to ancient civilizations, was repurposed in modern spiritualist practices, showcasing its versatility across cultures. Scrying, another ancient method involving reflective surfaces, was utilized by cultures from Mesopotamia to Celtic druids, illustrating a rich tapestry of human connection to the metaphysical. Ogham, often referred to as the tree alphabet, has seen a revival among modern pagans, emphasizing respect for history and cultural traditions. Adopting these tools requires a commitment to understanding their origins and meanings, ensuring they are wielded with respect and insight. Whether you are a novice or seasoned practitioner, exploring these intricate systems can deepen your spiritual journey.
