From the interpretations of dreams, examinations of bones and entrails, lines in the hands, marks in the earth, flights of birds, the casting of runes, the words of an Oracle, scrying, the meanings of tarot cards, astrology, and dancing until one becomes dizzy; never mind the reading of tea leaves, apple, water and food divination human beings have been seeking answers for many thousands of years, despite what various religions have decreed.

Every culture, in one form or another, has kept the craft of Divination alive and kicking into the 21st Century. In a world that can often appear to be losing the “meaning” of meaningful understanding, its definition is, simply: “to be inspired by a god” in order to gain insight by a ritual. And “insight” means a capacity to discern the true nature of a situation.

For two wonderfully inspiring years I travelled with a Medium, all over the North of England, in the capacity of a road manager and was confronted by some rather narrow prejudices. Sometimes this took the form of being on the receiving end of tirades with passages of the Bible being quoted at us whilst we were sprinkled with “holy” water. My medium friend would respond with: “In My Father’s House are many Mansions.”
This is the title of a small book written by Scottish-born Lord Dowding, who, despite his sterling work in winning the Battle of Britain, found that his belief in Spiritualism and Spirit Communication kept him from due recognition, at the end of the war.

Actually, not so very long ago (in historical terms) warring generals would consult Seers, at both the camping and battlegrounds, in a ritual called the “hiera” which involved the slaughtering of a sheep; and taking note of the animal‘s last movements and its blood flow. I doubt that was done in 1939; but on July 31st (Lammas Eve) , in 1940, there was a fabled meeting of British Witches to raise a cone of power to stop Hitler’s invasion of our shores. I heard of it by listening in to the conversations of spiritualists who were living in my native county of Kent, at the time. Gerald Brousseau Gardner, an English heredity Witch, of Scottish descent, tracing his roots to one Grissel, burned at the stake in 1610, in Newburgh and with an interest in archaeology had joined in the ritual. It was said that apparently five of its members had died from an energetic draining; with Gardner admitting that his own health had been affected. In 1951,  after the original law against witchcraft was repealed he had gone to the Isle of Man to where the folklorist, Cecil Williamson had established a Museum of Magic & Witchcraft, before becoming its Resident Witch, setting up his own coven, and purchasing the building. In 1951, as times change, he was received at Buckingham Palace, being recognised for his distinguished work in the Far East.

Lammas Eve, All Hallows Eve: so many of the ancient pagan festivals were moved, changed and blended with the growth of Christian beliefs. Both Cecil Williamson and Gerald Gardner believed that the old ways were being “educated“ out of  a younger generation but, in a consideration of that collective DNA that measures 790 return journeys to the Sun (the Sun being 93 million miles from Earth) being reflected in each individual, you can’t beat ancestral memory.

And it is so with Samhain being celebrated as a time when the mostly closed gateways between the natural and the supernatural worlds allow some passage, the spirits are allowed to wander into our domains. Of course one may always sprinkle salt across our doorways to restrict access but it is a good time for Divination, and acknowledging those who have passed.

I came across one way in an old book, gifted to me by a friend. This is done at the time all are seated. You need as many plain wine glasses as you have guests into which they break an egg (carefully not letting any of the yolk into the vessel) and then each guest pouring in icy-cold water as quickly as possible. After about half an hour, the contents from into a tower decorated with “silvery baubles” and create a picture which can be described as a coming event. It never fails to delight at dinner parties.

And now to the Prognostications, using Tarot Cards and the Oracle for each sign.

SCORPIO: There is Something awaiting you that you have been working to, over many lifetimes. It brings you to your Soul’s purpose. There seems to be a strong connection to the older ways, and a more natural way of living.

SAGITTARIUS: You’re at the beginning of your personal New Year, already; and it involves speaking your truth. Don’t be put off by the nay-sayers and doubters. Keep your eye on a positive outcome in all that you choose to begin.

CAPRICORN: You are about to take the risk of trusting that you have every “right“ to be in your own power. Past relationships have been your testing ground. What comes, now, is one that honours you. It begins, as you honour your own Self.

AQUARIUS: If you listen to your intuition, it will give you all the answers you need. If you feel that you’ve been lacking in energy then take a clear look at your diet. Organic foods will give your metabolism a real boost.

PISCES: Give your Self a break, Pisces and send up a “prayer” to your guardian angel to help with any negative situations. It’s a simple as this!

ARIES: As a natural-born “leader” you’ve got an excellent opportunity to face up to something (or someone) who is not being as honest as you are. Speak your truth, and shame a “devil.”

TAURUS: There’s an opportunity coming your way for you to be help make your world a better place. Take some time to think about what this might be; and It will present itself.

GEMINI: This is a fine time to cut any attachments to any negative attachments. This may involve a relationship, or a “bad” habit. In either case, you’re freeing your Self up for something much better!

CANCER: Well if you’re not in your full power, I want to know Why Not? You have the right touch, the right words and the best actions at your disposal right now. Use it!

LEO: It seems you can teach someone from what you have experienced yourself; and it is exactly the right time for them.  It’s said, until something has happened to us, it’s never happened. You will both gain from this shared experience.

VIRGO: Right now you have the opportunity to make up your own Mind Movie. Really! And now you understand what all those past not-so-happy-endings prepared you for. You can change the script so that it brings you all that you want, and need.

LIBRA: Change is all around you. In fact, it’s all around Us (Uranus being in Libra) so just go with the flow. Call upon your guardian angels to release any fears. This is a time, when the dust has settled, that you’ll be thanking your lucky stars for the amazing ride.

Audrey Yeardley, author of “Heavenly Light, Celestial Bodies and Us” (poems and essays) is available for Tarot readings at OHM Therapies, in Edinburgh on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To make a appointment contact 0131- 2201301