American folk divination refers to the practice of attempting to gain insight or knowledge about the future through various methods and rituals that have been passed down through generations in American folklore. This form of divination is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions and belief systems of different regions of America. One common form of American folk divination is the use of tarot cards. Tarot card readings are believed to offer guidance and predictions about various aspects of one's life, including love, career, and health. Each card in the tarot deck has a specific meaning and interpretation, and the reader uses their intuition and knowledge of symbolism to interpret the cards and provide insights to the seeker. Another popular method of divination in American folk traditions is the use of pendulums.
The Stone in the Stable – The stone referred to in this charm would likely have been a holed stone, one which had been naturally eroded to leave a gap by which it was then hung in places needing protection from malefic activity. Sarah over at Forest Grove wrote a bit about these holed stones, saying “In the UK it was used as a protection charm as the locals believed that by tying their front door key or the stable door key to a hole stone they would protect the building it hung upon.” This, much like the horseshoe, was primarily protective, but a holed stone could also be used to “see” witches and other Otherworldly entities by peering through the gap.
The Pilgrims, drawing on their English heritage, had all sorts of magical tricks up their black-and-white sleeves for defeating evil witches and devils. As the Catholic priest, by Bible incantations or scriptural magic, exorcises devils and charms cattle or sore throats, disowning the darker magic of older days, so the Shaman acts against the real wizard.
Another popular method of divination in American folk traditions is the use of pendulums. A pendulum is a small weighted object that is suspended from a string or chain. By asking yes or no questions, the diviner holds the pendulum steady and waits for it to swing in a specific direction, indicating an answer.
Episode 220 – Divine Divination with Siri Vincent Plouff and Cassandra Snow
Summary: We chat with Siri Vincent Plouff and Cassandra Snow about the intersections of divination, folklore, community, Queerness, and much more in this episode.
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Producer for this show: This episode is supported by listener Matthew Venus of Spiritus Arcanum in Salem. We hope you enjoy your new familiar, Gary Busey, and keep him well-fed and magically bound as needed.
Sources:
You can find our guests at:
Plus you can find their books: Lessons from the Empress (by Cassandra Snow and Siri Vincent Plouf), Queering the Tarot (by Cassandra Snow), and Queering Your Craft (by Cassandra Snow)
Our guests mention the site Asali Earthworks as well for Queer-friendly and social justice-oriented tarot reviews and more. Maria Minnis’ Anti-Racist tarot website also gets brought up.
We mention a LOT of tarot decks, too, including:
- The Doodle Tarot by Em Kay Halloway
- The Next World Tarot by Christy Road
- The Rosebud Tarot by Diana Rose Harper
- Tarot of the Divine by Yoshi Yoshitani
- The Numinous Tarot
- The Fat Folks Tarot (currently unavailable)
Some upcoming publications from us:
Cory recently contributed to The Gorgon’s Guide to Magical Resistance, edited by Jenn Zahrt and Laura Tempest Zakroff (which includes his “penis trees” article along with a lot of other great pieces) and the upcoming release of the Llewellyn’s Complete Book of North American Folk Magic, out in Spring 2023. Also be on the lookout for our upcoming collaborative book Conjuring the Commonplace: A Guide to Everyday Enchantment and Junk Drawer Magic also coming in 2023 from 1000Volt Press.
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Image via Pixabay (Used under CC 2.0 License, modified by New World Witchery)
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The fear of malefic witchcraft—which would eventually go on to spawn the famous “witch hunts” of Colonial America—stirred hearts on both sides of the table. Each group had its own charms, talismans, prayers, and formulas for dealing with the dangers of spiteful magic. The Pilgrims, drawing on their English heritage, had all sorts of magical tricks up their black-and-white sleeves for defeating evil witches and devils:
This method is believed to tap into the diviner's subconscious or spiritual energies to provide guidance and answers. Some American folk divination practices involve nature and natural elements. For example, reading tea leaves is a form of divination where the diviner interprets the patterns and shapes formed by loose tea leaves in a cup. These patterns are believed to reveal insights and predictions about the seeker's life. Certain rituals and practices involved in American folk divination have been influenced by Native American traditions. Native American tribes have long used various forms of divination, such as animal totems and scrying, to communicate with spirits and gain insight into the future. These practices have been incorporated into American folklore and continue to be practiced today. Overall, American folk divination encompasses a wide range of practices and rituals that offer individuals a means of seeking guidance and understanding about their lives and the unknown. These practices are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and beliefs, providing a connection to the past while still remaining relevant in the present..
Reviews for "The Use of Animal Bones in American Folk Divination"
1. Jane - 2 out of 5 stars
American Folk Divination was not what I expected at all. I thought it would be a fascinating exploration of traditional divination techniques and beliefs in American culture. However, the book was mostly a collection of outdated and irrelevant practices that are no longer widely recognized or used. The author lacked credible sources and didn't provide enough context or historical background for readers to fully understand the significance of these practices. Overall, it was a disappointing read and didn't meet my expectations.
2. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars
I was extremely disappointed with American Folk Divination. It felt like the author was grasping at straws to stretch out the content and make it a full-length book. The information provided was superficial and lacked depth. The author failed to provide any sort of analysis or critical examination of the divination practices discussed. It felt more like a compilation of random facts rather than a thoughtful exploration of the subject. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and insightful look into American divination.
3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars
As someone with a genuine interest in divination, I found American Folk Divination to be lackluster and uninspiring. The book focused too much on obscure and little-known divination practices, neglecting to delve deeper into the more commonly recognized methods. The lack of practical guidance or step-by-step instructions made it difficult for readers to engage with the content. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked enthusiasm, making it hard to stay engaged throughout the book. Overall, I was hoping for a more engaging and informative read, and this book fell short of my expectations.
4. David - 2 out of 5 stars
American Folk Divination was a missed opportunity to delve into the intriguing world of divination in American culture. The author's biased tone and lack of objectivity were off-putting. The book felt more like a personal opinion rather than an objective exploration of divination practices. Furthermore, the author failed to provide adequate historical context or cultural analysis, making it difficult to understand the significance and broader implications of these practices. Overall, I was left with more questions than answers after reading this book.
5. Emily - 2.5 out of 5 stars
While American Folk Divination had some interesting insights, it fell short in terms of organization and structure. The book lacked a clear and cohesive narrative, jumping from one topic to another without proper transitions. The information provided was fragmented and disjointed, making it difficult to follow along. Additionally, the author's writing style was bland and lacked the necessary enthusiasm to make the subject matter engaging. Overall, I appreciated the effort to explore American divination practices, but the execution left much to be desired.