Year 1

Divination Review and Reflection

Read the following article about Divination:

https://www.pottermore.com/features/in-defence-of-divination

Do you agree with Professor Trelawney and Lavender Brown, Professor McGonagall and Hermione Granger, or somewhere in between? What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of Divination?

Write one paragraph (at least 5 sentences) explaining your position on Divination.

Also, remember to review this year’s lessons as your exam is next week!

Overview of Divination Methods, Part 5

This week, we’ll continue to explore the various branches and methods of Divination that you’ll study in the next few years. Remember, you are not expected to know everything about each method this year – rather, these lessons will provide an overview so that you can decide which topics you’ll study more in depth over the next few years. You will be allowed to look back at these lessons during the exam.

Chartomancy

There are two branches of Chartomancy that we study here at Hogwarts: Cartomancy and Stichomancy. The first, Cartomancy, involves divination through Tarot cards. Tarot cards can be purchased for divinatory purposes in sets of 78 cards. This includes 22 cards which make up the Major Arcana, each representing a stage of life or a typical life experience, as well as 56 cards which make up the Minor Arcana, similar to a traditional deck of cards. The cards in the Minor Arcana depict people experiencing influences that may come up in daily life.

The cards are dealt into a spread, containing anywhere from two to fifteen Tarot cards, for a reading. The reader interprets the images, often looking at them from the perspective of present, past, and future. For more information about Cartomancy, you may read chapters 8-9 of the course textbook, Symbology for Seers, but this is not required at this time.

Stichomancy is another form of divination by paper, but in this case, the tool used for divination is a book, generally of historical or cultural significance. A word or phrase from within the book is chosen randomly, either through flipping and pointing or dropping a small item onto the page. If a single word or phrase is not substantial enough, the process is repeated until a full interpretation can be made.

Theriomancy

This form of divination focuses on animal behavior. There are several types of Theriomancy studied at Hogwarts. The first is Ichthyomancy, or divination by fish. A fish is placed into a bowl specifically used for divinatory purposes, and its behavior is studied to make general predictions about the future.

Myomancy is the study of mice and rats in order to make predictions about the future. Certain behaviors by mice or rats are believed to indicate evil or misfortune. Seers may keep mice and rats to monitor their behavior regularly, but for a particular reading, one places a mouse or rat into a maze in order to observe it as it exits the maze.

Ailuromancy is divination involving cats. Various behaviors of cats are believed to be associated with good or bad fortune; for example, fighting with another cat is believed to predict death, while looking out the window predicts forthcoming rain. Cats are also used to answer yes or no questions by placing them near an entrance to a room; the first paw to enter the room determines the answer to the question.

Finally, Ornithomancy involves studying birds for divinatory purposes. Birds can be observed spontaneously or in a planned session. Certain colors and flight patterns of birds are believed to be associated with certain traits and fortunes. You may read chapter 7 of the course textbook, Symbology for Seers, for more information, but this is not required at this time.

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Homework

Please answer the following questions in complete sentences. Your responses must be in your own words.

1. What is the name for divination using cats? 5 points

2. What are the two parts of a Tarot deck called? What is the difference between them? 5 points

3. What animal do some seers keep in order to regularly monitor predictions about the future? 5 points

4. What type of book is primarily used for Stichomancy? Why do you think this is? 5 points

Overview of Divination Methods, Part 4

This week, we’ll continue to explore the various branches and methods of Divination that you’ll study in the next few years. Remember, you are not expected to know everything about each method this year – rather, these lessons will provide an overview so that you can decide which topics you’ll study more in depth over the next few years. You will be allowed to look back at these lessons during the exam.

Scrying

Scrying is the practice of divination by gazing into a reflective or translucent object. Popular objects used for Scrying include crystal balls and mirrors. Prior to gazing, the reader must enter a calm and relaxed state of being. By clearing the mind, the reader ensures that he/she is able to focus on the reading itself. The reader allows his/her eyes to relax as well, so that objects appear in the reflection.

Catoptromancy is one method of Scrying which involves mirrors. The reader turns the mirror toward the moon in order to reflect its light, then relaxes his/her eyes in order to see images in the reflection.

Another method of Scrying is Hydromancy. You may have guessed based on the root word hydro that this is divination using water! Running water is best for this method, but to gaze into still water one can simply drop a small pebble or similar object into the water to create a ripple.

Perhaps the most common method of Scrying is Gastromancy, or crystal-gazing. For this method, the reader relaxes his/her eyes and gazes into a crystal ball, allowing images to appear in the crystal swirls.

Regardless of the object used for Scrying, the reader interprets the images that appear in order to make predictions and interpretations about the Querent and the future. The interpretation of symbols is similar across many fields of divination, with some symbols representing positive traits and others negative.

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Homework

Please answer the following questions in complete sentences. Your responses must be in your own words.

1. Describe Gastromancy in your own words. 5 points

2. How does one prepare for Scrying? 5 points

3. Other than those mentioned in the lesson, what are some objects a seer might use for Scrying? 10 points

Overview of Divination Methods, Part 3

This week, we’ll continue to explore the various branches and methods of Divination that you’ll study in the next few years. Remember, you are not expected to know everything about each method this year – rather, these lessons will provide an overview so that you can decide which topics you’ll study more in depth over the next few years. You will be allowed to look back at these lessons during the exam.

Astrology

This method of divination involves observing the position of objects in the universe at a particular moment to interpret information about that moment. Most often, astrologers create and study birth charts, which represent the position of the planets in relation to the earth at the moment of the person’s birth. A birth chart contains twelve equal sections representing areas of life such as home, career, and relationships.

The planets and Zodiac signs are also placed on a birth chart. The position of each object within a house allows the reader to make observations about a person’s life. For example, if Neptune falls within the 2nd House (material wealth), this may mean that a person has unrealistic aspirations regarding their possessions or money.

To learn more about Astrology, you may read chapters 13 and 15 in the course textbook, Symbology for Seers, but this is not required at this time.

Cleromancy

Cleromancy is the fancy term for divination by casting. One popular type of Cleromancy, runic divination, typically uses stones inscribed with runic symbols from the Elder Futhark. Each of the 24 symbols in this runic alphabet represents a sound as well as a word; the words are interpreted for deeper meaning. For example, the first rune in the Elder Futhark, Fehu, literally means cattle. However, when appearing in a rune reading, Fehu may represent prosperity, wealth, goals, and/or self-esteem, depending on the context of the reading.

Typically, someone practicing runic divination would select a casting layout in order to answer a question. Each layout has a prescribed number, order, and position of runes, and each position typically has a particular focus. For example, some 3-rune layouts focus on past, present, and future. Each rune is interpreted in terms of its position in order to answer the question overall.

To learn more about runic divination, you may read chapter 6 in the course textbook, Symbology for Seers. This is not required at this time, though.

Another popular type of Cleromancy is Favomancy, or casting beans and interpreting the patterns in which they fall. Some methods of Favomancy involve casting beans into particular layouts, similar to runic divination. However, many practicers of Favomancy simply cast a handful of beans and interpret the symbols that appear in the way they land, almost as if reading tea leaves.

Arithmancy

One of the most scientific divination methods, Arithmancy involves assigning values to letters, often with the intention of learning about a person. After translating a name into the corresponding numbers, the digits are added together until only a single digit remains. Each digit then represents certain traits or features, which can provide insight regarding a person’s personality, desires and fears, and social qualities. Personality numbers determined from Arithmancy can be used to establish compatibility between people.

The same method can also be used to learn more about a particular date, especially birthdates. By adding together the digits until a single digit remains, one can obtain a destiny number to learn more about a person’s traits and tendencies.

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Homework

Please answer the following questions in complete sentences. Your responses must be in your own words.

1. What objects in the universe are studied in Astrology? 5 points

2. What is the name of the runic alphabet commonly used for rune readings? 5 points

3. If you were to practice Favomancy, how would you determine which beans you would cast? Would you select a certain number, choose beans with certain features, etc.? 5 points

4. Use the key below to translate your first name (or username) into numbers. Then, add the digits together until you’re left with a single number – what is it? 5 points

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I
J	K	L	M	N	O	P	Q	R
S	T	U	V	W	X	Y	Z

Overview of Divination Methods, Part 2

This week, we’ll continue to explore the various branches and methods of Divination that you’ll study in the next few years. Remember, you are not expected to know everything about each method this year – rather, these lessons will provide an overview so that you can decide which topics you’ll study more in depth over the next few years. You will be allowed to look back at these lessons during the exam.

Kau Cim

Originating in China, Kau Cim is a method of divining using fortune sticks. The reader holds a cup containing several sticks, each of which has a number inscribed on it. The querent asks a question and then carefully shakes the cup until one stick falls onto the floor. If more than one stick falls out, the process must be restarted.

The number on the fallen stick corresponds to numbered fortunes on small slips of paper or in a book. The numbers range from 1-78. Sometimes, multiple readings are completed in order to effectively answer the question asked.

In the United States of America, a version of Kau Cim is available to muggles as “Chi Chi Sticks”.

Lithomancy

Lithomancy is the art of dropping stones for divination. A reader typically chooses his/her own gems or stones to conduct Lithomancy. The stones are generally found in nature and should all be around the same size.

Typically, a set consists of 13 stones, representing each of the following symbols:

• Sun – energy, life, and power
• Moon – inspiration and intuition
• Mercury – intelligence, self-improvement, and wit
• Venus – love and happiness
• Mars – courage and conflict
• Jupiter – wealth and prosperity
• Saturn – health and protection
• Spirit – needs of self
• Universe – entirety of life
• Earth – family and home
• Air – hopes and dreams
• Fire – passion and willpower
• Water – healing and cleansing

The stones are placed inside a bag, and three stones are dropped/cast at random to answer a question. The stones are read based on what they represent as well as their proximity to each other.

To learn more about Lithomancy, you may peruse chapter 2 in the course textbook, Symbology for Seers. This is not required at this time, though.

Xylomancy

Xylomancy is the art of divining by twigs, generally as found in nature. Two aspects of twigs can be analyzed and interpreted for a reading: the type of wood and the pattern of the twigs. As you may know from reading about wands, different types of wood are associated with different characteristics, which can help to provide information about the future for the querent.

As far as the pattern of twigs, they are generally studied for symbols. Professor Trelawney would warn to beware of the grim in the twigs, but we know that there are many other symbols that might come across our paths! These include positive symbols, such as a butterfly or baby, and negative symbols, such as a knife or volcano.

To learn more about Xylomancy, you may peruse chapter 10 in the course textbook, Symbology for Seers. This is not required at this time, though.

Pyromancy

Pyromancy is a rather basic form of divination, mainly providing positive or negative vibes in terms of a topic or question. Think of the flame as having its own life; when it’s calm, light in color, and predictable, the message is generally positive, while a wild, dark flame suggests negative things to come.

Seers can practice Scrying into a flame by gazing into the light and observing images that appear. Some may also throw items into the fire in order to observe the reaction of the flames and make predictions based on that.

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Homework

Please answer the following questions in complete sentences. Your responses must be in your own words.

1. How is a fortune acquired from Chinese fortune sticks? 5 points

2. How are the Spirit and Universe stones different? 5 points

3. If I wanted to know specific details about my future, which of these methods would I be best to practice? Explain your answer. 5 points

4. Other than the symbols mentioned in the lesson, research some symbols that might appear in your twigs (or in divination in general). List at least 3 symbols and what each one might represent. 5 points

Overview of Divination Methods, Part 1

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Divination, we’re going to explore the various branches and methods of Divination that you’ll study in the next few years. Each week, I’ll offer a brief summary of a few Divination methods. You are not expected to know everything about each method this year – rather, these lessons will provide an overview so that you can decide which topics you’ll study more in depth over the next few years. You will be allowed to look back at these lessons during the exam.

Chiromancy

Also known as Palmistry, Chiromancy is the art of divining by reading a person’s palm. In Chiromancy, a person’s personality, traits, emotions, and fate are represented by parts of the hand. A palm reader can discover much about a person by studying his or her hand. Chiromancy can be performed on oneself or on another person and is most often performed on a person’s dominant hand.

Palm readers observe the shape of a person’s hand/palm, the lines of the palm, and the mounts or bumps on a person’s palm. Some palm readers also look at the size of a person’s hand, their fingers and knuckles, and the temperature or feeling of their hand for more information.

To learn more about Chiromancy, you may peruse chapters 3-5 in your course textbook, Symbology for Seers. This is not required at this time, though.

Tasseomancy

Also known as Tasseography, this form of divination involves studying tea leaves to make predictions about the future. To start, the reader brews tea using loose leaves. Of course, a shallow, wide teacup is best to allow the leaves to spread out and form a shape. After drinking the tea, the reader shakes the cup around so that the leaves settle. Each reader has his/her own method of shaking the cup; some will move the leaves around until it feels ready, some will swirl the cup three times, some will flip the cup upside down and back, etc.

The reader looks to the tea leaves for shapes and symbols to interpret. The images that appear represent ideas; for example, a dog might represent loyalty, while a cat represents sneakiness. Sometimes, you’ll notice multiple smaller images, in which case the reader should interpret each image individually, starting at the handle and rotating clockwise.

A list of common symbols that may appear in tea leaf reading is included in your course textbook, Symbology for Seers, in chapter 1. You may choose to read this chapter in order to learn more, but this is not required for this lesson.

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Homework

Please answer the following questions in complete sentences. Your responses must be in your own words.

1. Which hand is typically read in Chiromancy? 5 points

2. What are some of the characteristics of a person’s hand/palm that can be studied? 5 points

3. Describe the steps a reader would take to prepare for tea leaf reading. 5 points

4. If a cup contains multiple images, how should the reader interpret the images? 5 points

Divination Terms

Now that we’ve discussed a basic definition of Divination, we’ll be looking at the terms that will commonly come up in our study of Divination. Please note that these terms may vary from one resource to another, but these definitions should help you understand these terms in the course of our lessons.

Querent – the person who is asking a question or seeking information

Reader – the person who is completing a reading or performing another method of Divination

In some cases, the Querent and Reader may be the same person. Although not all methods of Divination involve “reading”, I will use the term Reader to generally refer to the person performing the method.

Tool – an object used to aid in the process of Divination, such as Tarot cards

Symbol – a image or representation of an object or concept that appears in Divination, often representing something else

Branch – a subset of Divination; for example, Cleromancy is any Divination done by casting

Method – a particular type of Divination and the process used to complete it

There is some overlap between branches and methods of Divination, but in some cases there are distinctions, so be careful using these words interchangeably.

Last week, I asked you to hypothesize what the suffix -mancy might mean. Many of our branches and methods of Divination end with this suffix, which is derived from the Greek word manteia, meaning prophecy. By breaking down these words and analyzing their roots, we can often discover their meaning. For example, the Greek word lithos means stone; therefore, Lithomancy is Divination by gems or stones.

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Homework

Please answer the following questions in complete sentences. Your responses must be in your own words.

1. Describe a situation in which the Querent and the Reader might be the same person. 5 points

2. Symbols that appear in Divination often have either a positive or negative connotation, or feeling. For each of the following symbols, describe whether you think the reading would be positive or negative, and briefly explain your answer. 3 points each

• Kite
• Pig
• Wheat
• Butterfly
• Hourglass

3. Based on its root word, what do you think Pyromancy is? What about Hydromancy? 5 points

What is Divination?

Excellent, you’re here and ready to learn! This week, we’re aiming to answer the question, what is Divination?

According to Merriam-Webster, to divine means:

to seek to predict future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers

True Seers are gifted wizards who are able to see into the future without the aid of interpretive tools. Those who veritably possess the Inner Eye may make Prophecies, or predictions about the future, which are recorded in orbs and kept in the Ministry’s Department of Mysteries.

Even those who are not gifted as natural Seers are able to divine with the use of interpretive tools. These may include crystal balls, tea leaves, runes, and Tarot cards. Many of the methods of Divination that we’ll be studying over the next few years incorporate these interprative tools in order to help answer questions, analyze the past, and anticipate the future. Other methods, such as Palmistry and Astrology, focus on patterns and symbols in the world around us to make observations and interpretations.

Each method that we will study has advantages and limitations, and some methods are more suitable to certain situations than others. As you learn about each method of Divination, think about the types of information that can be ascertained. Does the method answer a question or make unprompted observations? Do the readings focus on one person, multiple people, or the world at large?

When used properly, Divination can guide us to improve our lives by helping us to make informed decisions and increase our control over the future. Divination is not destiny; rather, it provides insight to help us overcome challenges.

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Homework

Please answer the following questions in complete sentences. Your responses must be in your own words.

1. What do you already know about Divination, prior to taking this course? What are you hoping to learn? 10 points

2. Divination is often considered an art form. Why do you suppose this is? 10 points

3. Many branches/methods of Divination end with the suffix -mancy. What do you think this suffix means? 5 points