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Understanding Magic: Divination Witchcraft

Writer's picture: Margaux SwearingenMargaux Swearingen

Ah Divination witchcraft. A personal favorite of mine. One that I use on an almost daily basis from the mundane to the divine. I love divination. I can't say it's the first witchcraft I dabbled in, but it was probably the most profound one. I still have my very first Tarot deck that I got from the Barnes & Noble in San Diego on a family trip. Seeing the cards for the first time and truly understanding what everything could mean, it unlocked something deep within that I will never forget. So yes, it is time to discuss Divination and all it can be.

Now Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. Divination witches use a variety of tools and techniques to gain insight into the situation or to seek answers to their questions. Some common tools of divination include tarot cards, runes, pendulums, scrying mirrors or bowls, and astrology charts. Divination witches may also use their intuition, clairvoyance, or other psychic abilities to gather information.


Divination witches often use their skills to help others by providing guidance or insights into their past, present and future & they may offer readings or consultations to people who seek their services. However, it's important to note that not all witches practice divination, and not all divination witches are witches in the traditional sense. It's also worth noting that divination is often considered controversial, and some people may view it as superstitious or unscientific. Nevertheless, divination remains a popular practice among many people, including those who identify as witches. Coming from someone who has tried almost every type, I truly believe that it depends on the witch and their tool. I have seen people wield a pendulum more clearly than a deck of tarot and be able to pick up on the most detailed information from a single swing.


Divination witches often use their tools and techniques to gain insights into various areas of life, including love, career, health, and spirituality. Some divination techniques are also used to communicate with spirits or to receive messages from the divine.

Here are some common divination tools and techniques used by witches:

  • Tarot Cards: Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards that are used to gain insight into the past, present, and future. Each card has a specific meaning, and the cards are often arranged in a spread to provide a detailed reading. Some witches who use this tool tend to read past the meanings and see a deeper understanding within the cards as well. You will see Oracle Cards as well which work differently than Tarot. Oracle decks are more free-form and open-ended than Tarot decks & consist of any number of cards, and the cards may or may not have specific meanings or symbolism. Tarot decks are more structured and have specific meanings and symbolism, while Oracle decks are more open-ended and rely on intuition and personal interpretation.

  • Runes: Runes are a set of ancient symbols that are often carved into stones or wood. Divination witches use runes to gain insight into various aspects of life, including love, career, and health. Runes are amazing because they can be made of many different materials. Crystals, wood, bone, rock, anything! You pick a material that is best for you and make your own if you want!

  • Pendulums: Pendulums are a weight attached to a chain or cord. Divination witches use pendulums to ask yes or no questions or to gain insight into the energy of a particular situation. Like Runes you will find many different types of pendulums. Crystals & metal will be the most common pendulums you will see but, in a pinch, you can even use a keychain! You can also use these tools for dowsing to find lost items!

  • Scrying: Scrying is a technique in which divination witches use a mirror, crystal ball, or other reflective surface to gain insight into the future or to communicate with spirits. This type of divination does tend to be a tad bit intense or harder for some (or at least me). If you would like to try scrying, I recommend really having a solid grounding practice first and release expectation of what will show up and learn from there.

  • Astrology: Astrology is the study of the movement and positions of celestial bodies. Divination witches use astrology charts to gain insight into various areas of life, including love, career, and spirituality. Certain transits and ingressions can predict how you will maximize a moment and, in some cases, also prepare you for a time that will need more understanding, grace and flexibility.

Divination is often seen as a way to connect with the divine or to gain guidance from higher powers. Some witches may use divination as part of their daily practice, while others may only use it on special occasions. Regardless of how often it's used, divination can be a powerful tool for gaining insight, clarity, and direction in life.

Hope this gives you all the courage to go out and buy your first tool! If an Oracle or Tarot deck called to you the most, here are some helpful ways to build a relationship with it & in return creating a better connection with you and your spiritual team!

  1. Connect with the deck: Take some time to connect with the deck and get to know its energy. Look at the artwork on every single card and familiarize yourself with the symbolism and meaning behind each card. Before you even look in the guidebook. What does each card initially feel like to you. What jumps out?

  2. Cleanse the deck: Before using the deck for the first time, it's a good idea to cleanse it. You can do this by smudging the deck with incense, crystals, burning culturally appropriate herbs, placing the deck under moonlight, or using any other method that resonates with you. In a pinch you can even use a sound that makes you feel at ease and set the deck in the music's vibration.

  3. Set an intention: Before each reading, set an intention for what you want to gain from the reading. This can help to focus your energy and help you to get more accurate and meaningful messages from the cards. When first using the deck, I recommend setting the intention of an introduction. Who is the deck to me? How will it guide me? When will it come in most handy?

  4. Shuffle the deck: Shuffle the cards in whatever way feels natural to you. Some people prefer to shuffle the cards while thinking about their question or intention, while others prefer to shuffle the cards while focusing on their breath or a specific mantra.

  5. Draw a card: When you're ready, draw a card from the deck. Take some time to look at the card and consider its meaning in relation to your question or intention. Notice which card may have even popped out during shuffling.

  6. Interpret the card: Use your intuition and the guidebook (if included) to interpret the meaning of the card. Consider the symbolism, colors, and imagery on the card, as well as your own feelings and impressions.

  7. Reflect on the message: Take some time to reflect on the message of the card and how it applies to the intention or question that was set. Consider how you can use the message to gain clarity, insight, or guidance.

  8. Care for the deck: After each reading, take some time to care for the deck. You can do this by placing it back in its box, wrapping it in a cloth, or using any other method that feels appropriate. You may also want to cleanse the deck periodically to keep the energy clear and vibrant.

Remember that these are just general guidelines, and that there are many different ways to use an oracle deck. Ultimately, the most important thing is to use the deck in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you and to have fun!


Until next time,

xoxo

Margaux <3

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