Divination: The Tarot

The traditional tarot deck has 78 cards divided into 2 distinct parts, The major arcana and the minor arcana.

The major arcana follows the journey of the fool, and reflects our own journeys and the major events in our lives. It consists of 22 cards each with its own name and number, and each can have a different meaning depending on where it is found in the spread and whether it is face-up or down.

• (0)The Fool



• (1)The Magician



• (2)The High Priestess



• (3)The Empress



• (4)The Emperor



• (5)The Hierophant



• (6)The Lovers



• (7)The Chariot



• (8)Strength



• (9)The Hermit



• (10)Wheel of Fortune



• (11)Justice



• (12)The Hanged Man



• (13)Death



• (14)Temperance



• (15)The Devil



• (16)The Tower



• (17)The Star



• (18) The Moon



• (19)The Sun



• (20)Judgement



• (21)The World

The minor arcana consists of another 56 cards divided into for suits (wand/stave, cup/chalice, coin/pentacle and sword), each suit is then divided into 10 number cards (also called pip cards) and for court cards (king, queen, knight and page). The court cards from each suit make up the court arcana and usually depicts the lesser events of our everyday lives.

It is important to understand the meanings of each card (it is also important to develop your own understanding of what each card could mean in relation to your own life) and that there are many different spreads which can give you different styles of readings. Often you will find a certain card or cards that will show up in your spread no matter how well you may shuffle the deck, this may reflect an aspect of you life that needs to be attended to. We will be adding more information on what each of the cards mean as well as different types of spreads so keep an eye out.

Divination: Reading Tea leaves

Tea leaf reading (also called 'tassology', 'tasseomancy' or 'tasseography') is the art of reading the patterns or pictures that tea leaves make in cup (in some traditions coffee grounds or wine sediment are used). This form of divination is quite personal and the best results are gained from reading for yourself although it is possible to read for others if they are present (as with all divination methods the approval of the person you are 'divining' for is needed).

Method: To begin a tea leaf reading first clear your mind (as with most forms of divination it is best to begin with a clear almost meditative state of mind), if one thought or feeling keeps returning then make that subject of the reading, if not a general future reading is fine. Make a cup of tea with loose tea leaves without the use of a strainer (using the tea from tea bags is inadvisable as the are cut too small and float on the top of the water), the cup should be white or of a light colour to make it easier to see. You then may then pour away or drink the tea (or if you are performing the tea leaf reading for another person have them drink the tea) being careful not to ingest too much of the tea if some of it is still floating, when the tea is nearly all gone shake the cup or turn it 3 times and upturn the cup over it's saucer to drain off the remaining liquid, there should be a decent amount of tea leaves left in the cup. The reader then interprets the symbols found within.

Reading the Tea Leaves: starting from the handle of the cup (if the cup has no handle begin at the point farthest away from you) and working clockwise in a spiral until the base of the cup is reached. The cup can be divided into 3 parts the rim, the centre and the bottom. the rim is generally the area which was not covered by tea when the cup was poured, the bottom is the area still covered by tea when it had been poured away or drank, with the centre being the area between these two points. The symbols found within the cup can vary greatly from pictures of people, places or things to ones such as lines, letters and numbers. The interpretation of symbols can vary from person to person, which is why it is a good idea to do your own readings. Once you have examined the cup note down any symbols you noticed, where they were found and what they were next to or near (sometimes symbols can group together to make more defined interpretations.

Interpreting the symbols:The meaning of the symbols can also vary greatly depending on the reader, although if you are just starting out there are a few symbols which it is helpful to know. Some helpful symbols and there meanings are:

• Letters, can symbolise people in your life.
• Numbers, dates of important events.
• A Heart, usually means love.
• Mountain, hindrance of a journey.
• A Cross, usually symbolic of suffering or sacrifice.
• Bird, if flying means good luck.
• Dog, a loyal friend, if found in the bottom of the cup could mean a good friend in need of help.
• Egg, usually a good omen signifying creation or a fresh start.
• Hand, if open may mean friendship, if closed an argument may arise.
• Cat, deceit.

Cup and Saucers: Although any tea cup can be used, it helps to have a white or light coloured cup to discern between the cup and the tea leaves. There are sets designed specifically for use with tea leaf reading, sometimes marked with astrological signs or sections, these however are quite rare but if you look long and hard enough you are sure to find them. Good places to find them include second hand shops, antique and metaphysical stores, there are also a few sets available on our website http://whispersinthenight.net/.

Divination

Divination is common among wiccans although not an actual part of wicca. Wikipedia defines divination in 3 ways:
1.(uncountable) The act of divining; a foreseeing or foretelling of future events.
2.The pretended art of discovering secrets or the future by preternatural means.
3.(countable) An indication of what is future or secret; augury omen; conjectural presage; prediction

The first and third definitions are fairly accurate, the second definition, however, seems to have been written by a sceptic (I have kept the links in with the definitions for anyone looking for Wikipedia's definitions of those particular words). My personal definition varies from these in that I believe divination to be the art of communicating with the divine (hence the name divination) in order to obtain guidance, advice and/or information regarding your past, present and future

There are many different forms of divination and after much practise most people find one or two forms that they prefer and/or have better results with.

Some forms include:-

• Scrying, the art divination by reflective surface(often performed using a crystal ball or scrying mirror or bowl, but can also be performed using flame and/or smoke).
• Tarot cards.
• Palmistry, reading the lines and creases on ones palm.
• Oneiromancy, interpreting dreams.
• Runes, casting stones (or anything really) marked with runes.
• Dowsing, using pendulums or sticks etc.
• Astrology.
• Numerology.
• Tea leaf readings.

While some forms are harder to master (or even begin) than others it is important to ask yourself what you are looking to gain from your experience as some forms offer more insight (as well as requiring more Divine connection) into certain areas than others.

Ritual tools: God and Goddess statues or candle holders

What is it? Generally a statue/figurine or candle holder depicting the God, Goddess or deity of your choice.

What is it made from? Can be made from any material available.

What is it used for? The God and Goddess statues can be used to represent the God and Goddess during ritual, also the candle holders are generally used to hold the candles that are representative of the God and Goddess but may also bear their image. However the 2 are interchangeable and in my opinion not a necessary part of ritual as many other things may be substituted to represent the God and Goddess, and candles may be placed on any heatproof dish or surface.

Symbolism and associations: The symbolism and associations with these are many and varied depending on the God, Goddess or deity you chose to invite to your circle. In addition to this the actual symbolism of the actual God Goddess or deity may vary according to the way in which they are depicted, or simply the way in which you see them.

Where to find them: Can be found in all sorts of places, including but not limited to antique stores, swap meets, second hand stores, metaphysical stores, and online, so have a good look around but don't dismay if you cant find the particular God, Goddess or deity you are looking for as some people search for years before finding one that fits the image in their heads of how they should look.

Ritual tools: Crystal Sphere

What is it? A crystal sphere a spherical object, generally used during rituals.

What is it made from? Most crystal balls on the market now are made from either glass or leaded glass - and sometimes even plastic. However, some genuine quartz crystal spheres do exist, but with their authenticity comes a high price tag (Up into the thousands of dollars!).Genuine quartz crystal spheres are a lot colder to touch than its leaded glass, glass and plastic counterparts, which also helps identify them from the fakes.

What is it used for? Generally used to project an image set out inside the users mind, the sphere is critical to getting the information they want protrayed, across.

During a Wiccan ritual, the crystal can be placed on an altar to represent the Goddess. The user can attempt to receive messages from the God's or to store energy that has been used during the ritual. Futhermore, some Wiccans may also be able to 'scry' the sphere to call up images of their past lives or simply just images of the Goddess.

Symbolism and association: It's shape (The spherical layout) directly represents the Goddess. The icey cold temperature of the quartz represents the Goddess' domain, deep in the seas.


Where to find them: You may be able to locate one of these in an antique store, but more than likely not. Although genuine quartz crystal spheres are also available through some metaphysical and online stores, be sure to check that they come with a certificate of authenticity.

Ritual tools: Pentacle ( also called an altar tile or paten)

What is it? Usually a flat, round tile, inscribed or stamped with certain symbols pertaining to their use. During the 'burning times' pentacles were often made from disposable materials such as wax or clay, for easy dis-assembly should the authorities come knocking.

What is it made from? Usually made from gold, silver, wood, brass, clay or wax, but can be fashioned from plaster if these are not available.


What is it used for? Placed in the centre of the altar during ritual. You may place objects to be consecrated on it, or objects to be used in ritual and/or magical rites. It can also be used as a concentration point of magical rites or meditation. Some traditions may also use it to summon the Goddess.

Symbolism and association: While it can be inscribed with many varying symbols, the most common of which is the pentagram (a five pointed star surrounded by a circle), but are also sometimes seen with runes, God and Goddess figures or other symbols. The altar pentacle is usually associated with the feminine aspect, north and the element of earth.


Where to find them: Pentacles can be bought from almost any pagan or metaphysical stores or websites but depending on your intentions and beliefs you may want to create your own, and inscribe it personally, any round flat piece of material will do in his case, temporary pentacles may even be fashioned out of paper if necessary.

Ritual tools: Bell

What is it? A bell is a hollow, cup shaped device usually with a swinging 'clapper' inside, although some types may need to be struck from the outside.


What is it made from? Like modern day bells, it can be constructed from almost anything (most commonly metal, , but the material and size of the bell will determine the pitch and frequency of the vibrations given off by it.

What is it used for? The Bell has a plethora of uses. Briefly put, the bell can be rung to do the following:

• Invoke the Goddess during a ritual.


• Bring about a good energy.


• Mark the beginning and end of certain sections of ritual.


• Vibrations from the bell are said to have purifying capabilities (most commonly used to purify a space, person or emotion before ritual).


• If hung on a door or placed inside a cupboard - it is said to guard the home.

Symbolism and association: The bell is an heavily female oriented ritual tool and is associated with the element of air. The vibrations from a bell symbolise the goddess' ability to give birth to form through vibration.

Where to find them: Since any bell will suffice they can be bought from just about anywhere, including (but not limited to) music shops, second hand stores, metaphysical, online and pagan stores.

Ritual tools: Cauldron

What is it? The Cauldron is usually a round vessel with an opening smaller than its widest part, 3 solid legs and a tight-fitting lid

What is it made of? Generally it is made from Iron, but can be fashioned from just about any metal. I have found contradictory statements concerning the use of iron for anything other than the athame as iron is particularly conductive metal and may store energy once raised.

What is it used for? Despite the common misconception that these are used solely for the mixing of potions and other various concoctions, this is not true in Wicca. Normally placed inside a sacred circle, these tools are generally used to burn items which are designated for use during ritual, but can also be used to hold fresh water and flowers during the spring rites. They do, however - provide a vessel for which you can cook, and furthermore, make brews inside of.

Symbolism and association: The cauldron is used to symbolise the Water element, reincarnation, immortality and the womb of the Goddess. Furthermore, during Spring, it may be filled with flowers in fresh water -symbol of fertility and of the return of the Goddess who lies dormant during winter; During Winter, a fire may be lit within the cauldron -symbolising the returning heat from the Sun (The God) from within the cauldron (The Goddess).

Where to find them: Because of the nature of the cauldron they are almost impossible to fashion at home, so metaphysical or online stores are your next best option.

The Wiccan Rede

Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.

For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.

Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.

Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.

When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.

When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.

Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's
insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.

Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.

Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.

Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.

Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.

As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.

When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.

In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.

Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.

Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.

With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.

Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.

These Eight words the Rede fulfill:

"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"

Ritual tools: Censer

What is it? A vessel made for burning incense, can come in many forms such as a plate, bowl, or hanging vessel.

What is it made from? Censers can be made from wood, earthenware or metal, depending on their design and use.

What is it used for? Can be used for ritual, magic or general household purposes. A censer is usually used by placing the incense in or on the censer (depending on the design of the censer and the type of incense used) and ignited. The censer (and more importantly the incense it holds) is often used to purify a space before the circle is cast, or as an aid in meditation.

Symbolism and associations: Strongly associated with the element of air, it can also be used to represent the element of fire during ritual.

Where to find them: A censer can be made from any piece of heatproof material, or bought from any home wares, or metaphysical store.

Ritual tools: Boline

What is it? The Boline (sometimes spelled bolline) is a sharp knife with a straight or cresent shaped blade and usually a white handle.

What is it made from? While the blade is traditionally made of steel the handle can be made from any number of materials.

What is it used for? Unlike the athame, the boline is used for pracitcal work, like cutting herbs and cords and carving candles, ect. In some traditions (one of which is kitchen witchery) where it is encouraged to use your tools outside of ritual, the boline is not neccesary.

Symbolism and association: Being of a phallic nature it is generally associated with the Gods, while its curved blade is reminscent of the sickles that were used to harvest crops in days gone by.

Where to find them: In the case of a boline pretty much any sharp white or light handled knife will do, of course in saying that, a knife of nautral materials is always prefferable.

Ritual tools: Chalice

What is it? A chalice is a goblet or stemmed cup. Often seen as 'a cauldron on a stem.'

What is made from? A chalice an be made from a great many materials but as with all wiccan tools it is advisable that it be made of natural materials. The most common materials are metal, wood, stone and crystal.

What is it used for? The chalice is primarily a ritual tools but can also be used in magic, often it is used in conjunction with the athame as part of the great rite. It may also be used to hold the ritual beveridge.

symbolism and associations: The chalice symlobises the goddess, the womb and fertility and is associated with the element of water.

Where to find them: Any goblet painted or marked with appropriate symbols may be used as a chalice, alternatively wiccan stores and websites have a beautiful and sometimes affordable solution.

Ritual tools: Athame

What is it? An athame (knife or dagger) is a double edged, dull blade usually with a black or dark handle.

What is it made of? While the blade is almost always made of metal or wood, you can also get bone athames - although the use of these in wicca is quite controversial. The handle of the athame is usually made of metal or dark wood and can have symbols or patterns carved into it, or be wrapped in leather or dark cloth.

What is it used for? An athame is a purely ritual tools and is not to be used for cutting ( for cutting knifes see 'boline' section) nor for use outside the sacred circle, except in 'kitchen witch' tradition which encourages the regular usage of ritual tools to familiarise oneself with them. Generally the athame is used as an extension of the arm to aid in the raising and directing of energy when casting (or breaking) the sacred circle, or to represent the God during rituals. Sometimes energy raised may be channelled into the athame for later use, as the black or dark handle is said to attract and hold power. The athame may be substitued (or be a substitute for) the wand or sword in ritual or magic rites. According to the gardnerian traditoin the athame is the most important of the ritual tools.

Symbolism and Associations: The athame, being phallic in nature(just as the wand is also of phallic nature) is a symbol of the god, so it is often used in conjunction with the chalice or cauldron to symbolise procreation. The athame is also associated with the elements of fire and/or air.

Where to find them: Athames generally cannot be made at home due to thier components, although there is nothing stopping you making your own from a pointed stone by attaching a handle or wrapping one end in cloth or leather, alternatively you could buy one specifically made for ritual or just a regular dagger that has been dulled to prevent injury.

Ritual tools: Besom

What is it? The besom (or broom) Is a long straight stick or branch, with a bundle of twigs tied to one end, because of the way they are made besom 'heads' are round instead of today's more common flat variety.

What is it made from? Traditionally the wiccan besom is made with an Ash handle, Birch twig bristles and willow wood bindings but can be made from any number of plants or herbs.

What is it used for? The besom is used mainly for ritual and magic purposes. It is used to cleanse an area before the circle is cast, by sweeping lightly (barely, if at all, touching the floor) Around the room to rid the space of all negative or "dirty" energy. Besoms can also be hung in the home or placed across threshholds for protection and are often jumped at handfastings.

Symbolism and Associations: Sacred to both the god and goddess, it is a symbol of fertility and unity, with the handle (or 'shaft') representing the male aspect and the bristles, the female. It is also seen as a symbol of purification and cleansing, often associated with water.

Where to find them: Besoms can be made at home, from garden or wild materials, or alternatively they can be purchased from specialty pagan stores or websites.

Ritual tools: Wand

This is the first of the ritual tools info pieces, as always with my work, your quite welcome to ask questions or add any extra information you deem worthy of noting. I hope eventually to also have sections on creating your own tools.

What is it? A wand is a hand held rod, usually straight and measuring from the crook of the owner's arm to the tip of thier middle finger (or around 30cm).

What is it made of? Usually made of wood, metal or crystal, they have also been known to in varieties of ivory and bone. In addition many wands are decorated with symbols or patterns, or decorated with items such as feathers, leather, gems, rocks, or paint.

What is it used for? Wiccan wands are most commonly used to aid in the channeling of energy during rituals and magic rites, but can also be used as an extension of the arm when casting the circle.

Symbolism and Associations: Being phallic in nature, it is usually asociated with the gods. It is also usually linked with the element of air. Wands are also asociated with the tarot and are a suit of the minor arcana,which links it with the element air and the direction of south. The materials from which a wand are made, however, have great effect on it's symbolism and can connect it with different elements and gods/goddesses, and even determine which ritual it is best suited to.

Where to find them: Often wands are cut from trees by thier owners, however, if this does not seem suitable for you, or if you are looking for something of the crystal or metal variety then shopping around through pagan stores and/or websites is a convenient and often affordable solution.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Whispers In The Night blog,

This is not a 'Book of Shadows', it will not contain spells or rituals, but a collection of information regarding the general religion of wicca (and a little divination thrown in for good measure, I know it's not a part of wicca, but it is a common interest among a lot of wiccans and a topic that I myself are quite interested in learning more about). Topics I intend to cover at first include ritual tools and divination methods and tools, If that's not what you want to see, let me know what is, I might be able to help you out :)
Blessed be.
Belladonna Whisper.

http://whispersinthenight.net/