The History And Practice Of Divination Techniques, Such As Tarot And Astrology

Divination, the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or unknown through supernatural means, has been a part of human history for centuries. From the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Greece to modern-day spirituality, divination techniques have been used to gain insight and guidance in various aspects of life. In this blog, we'll explore the history and practice of two popular divination techniques: tarot and astrology.

Tarot

Tarot is a form of divination that uses a deck of 78 cards to gain insight into the past, present, and future. The history of tarot is shrouded in mystery, with some sources claiming it originated in ancient Egypt while others attribute its creation to medieval Europe. The earliest known tarot deck dates back to the 15th century and was used for playing games, rather than divination.

It wasn't until the late 18th century that tarot began to be associated with divination, with the publication of Antoine Court de Gébelin's "Le Monde primitif" which suggested that the tarot was a representation of ancient Egyptian mysteries. This theory was further popularized by French occultist Eliphas Levi in the mid-19th century, who connected each card to a corresponding Hebrew letter, astrological sign, and planet.

Today, tarot is used by millions of people worldwide for guidance, introspection, and spiritual growth. A tarot reading typically involves shuffling the deck while focusing on a specific question or situation, then drawing a number of cards and interpreting their meanings in the context of the question asked. Tarot readers may use various spreads, or layouts, to guide their interpretation of the cards.

Astrology

Astrology is a divination technique that uses the positions of celestial bodies to gain insight into human affairs and natural phenomena. The history of astrology can be traced back to ancient Babylonian and Egyptian civilizations, where astrologers observed the movements of the stars and planets to predict seasonal changes and natural disasters.

In ancient Greece and Rome, astrology became associated with the study of personality and fate. Astrologers believed that the positions of the planets and stars at the time of a person's birth could reveal important information about their personality traits and life path. This idea was further developed in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, when astrology became a popular tool for predicting political events and the fortunes of royalty.

Today, astrology is a widely recognized form of divination, with millions of people using it to gain insight into their own lives and the world around them. An astrological reading typically involves calculating a person's birth chart, which shows the positions of the planets and stars at the time of their birth, and interpreting the meaning of these positions in relation to various aspects of their life.

Conclusion

Tarot and astrology are just two of the many divination techniques that have been used throughout human history to gain insight and guidance. While the origins and history of these practices are complex and multifaceted, their continued popularity today speaks to their enduring relevance and importance in our lives. Whether you're seeking guidance on a specific question or simply looking to explore your own spiritual path, tarot and astrology can offer valuable insights and perspectives.

Cambridge Encyclopedia Of Anthropology on Divination 

Divination and Human Nature By Princeton University Press