Divination Space Station RoundUp

August 29, 2014 By Lilith Dorsey

Tarot by Slipp D. Thompson. Licensed under CC 2.0

We are coming up on the one year anniversary of Voodoo Universe and it’s been a year of ups, downs, and inside outs. It only makes sense to talk about our ongoing series Divination Space Station, where we profile the top psychic readers from around the globe. I am proud and humbled at the amazing information that has unfolded in this series, if you missed any of it please take some time to check it out now. One of the things that amazes me about divination is that there is always something more to learn. The following information is invaluable for newbie and veteran readers alike, please consume, share and enjoy !

Dorothy Morrison reminds us that “readings only tell you what’s likely to occur if you continue your current path – and you can change that path at any point. So, nothing’s cut and dried, or carved in stone. Regardless of the question, the outcome is still your call.”

Oseaana December says “Don’t be influenced by what others say is the right method or the better divination system. Be open to finding what works for you and then build upon that.”

Tehron Gillis gives the advice to “sleep with your oracle(for at least three nights) and individual cards or runes or whatever, record your dreams, meditate with them. Become familiar with them and most importantly have fun!”

Orion Foxwood makes the point “always cleanse the tools and space before and after each reading and be sure to bless them through the spirit of some higher power (angelic, deific, ancestral, faery, orisa, loa or other.)”

Taylor Ellwood tells us “Throw away the little booklets that come with whatever divinatory tool you are using and get to know the tool. Work with it. Do meditations with each of the cards, runes, etc and get to know them through experience.”

Vinnie Russo says “when learning a new system, it is incredibly valuable to keep a record of your progress. Review your hits as well as your misses. Both can be helpful in building your confidence in how a system traditionally works and how you can work with the system.”

Bernadette Montana tells us she ” sometimes thinks of the tarot as a doorway. Once that doorway has opened all sorts of information comes in ! ”

Raven Moon's Oracle, wonderful wares ! — Raven Moon’s Oracle, wonderful wares !

Raven Moon’s Oracle states “Knowledge is power. Read, practice, read, practice. And after that read and practice some more. ”

Awo Robert Ogbe Di informs us that “Even the most naturally skilled person is only able to divine reliably if they have been practicing and using their tools for long enough to learn them.”

Lilith Dorsey explains “I consult the tarot, cocos, divining rods, astrological influences almost daily. I feel that’s it’s similar to checking the weather, although I realize this may sound reductionist. I am not diminishing the power of divination, I am just making an analogy about taking one’s spiritual umbrella when needed.”

Check out the full text of these articles if you can, there is a wealth of information here. I’d like to thank everyone for their contributions, comments and for taking time to see what we have to say here on Voodoo Universe so I am offering half- price psychic readings with me, Lilith Dorsey, during the month of September in honor of our Blogiversary!!! To book an appointment email voodoouniverse@yahoo.com and be sure to mention this post !

Divination Space Station: Oseaana December

August 8, 2014 By Lilith Dorsey

Oseaana photo provided by subject, all rights reserved.

It’s been awhile since the Voodoo Universe has stopped at the divination space station, but this go around we are pleased to talk with Oseaana December. You can find out more about her on the website Oseaana.com

When did you start divining?

I started divining about 25 years ago. I was working in a business office at a state facility and my supervisor and I would read for each other during lunch breaks. I mostly used the Tarot and oracle decks for many years and then was introduced to shell and bone readings about 13 years ago.

With what method?

My first divination method was the Tarot. Someone gave me the Motherpeace Tarot by Vicki Noble and Karen Vogel and I fell in love with it. I was taught by a couple different women how to read intuitively using this deck so I didn’t start my journey through the Tarot using a traditional deck like the Rider-Waite or learning the traditional meanings of the cards.

What method do you use most often now?

I still use the Motherpeace deck on a constant basis. I also throw the bones and do a lot of bone readings. When I was introduced to shell and bone readings many years ago I fell in love with the methods that were shared with me because they had deep African roots and it felt like a direction connection to my ancestry. I have been fortunate to find amazing teachers who not only shared their wisdom but also taught me the importance of reading intuitively from the heart. The method of bone reading I do now is one I created from a few different traditions I have learned and studied as well as channeled through me by the Spirits. It’s a highly intuitive system that has a specific throwing mat layout that can give insight in all areas of a person’s life within different realms such as physical, emotional, and spiritual. I teach this system through my website to those that want to learn it. The system has a basic 13 bone and other curios kit that can be used with the basic reading style I teach, then the student is encouraged to add to the basic kit and further develop the system to make it uniquely their own.

How important is the choice/phrasing of the question?

I prefer when a client has a specific question or area of concern. The phrasing doesn’t need to be precise however if they are in-tune with what they are seeking to know it helps the reading go more smoothly. When a client wants a general reading or isn’t quite sure of a specific area they want to be read on, I start the reading process by asking my Spirit Guides what they want the client to know. Usually what comes through triggers the client to realize that they do need help in that area. After that point they start zoning in on specific questions they may have. When I do bone readings the insight from the Spirits and the clients Ancestors comes through almost immediately.

Do you have a yes/no method of divining you recommend?

Yes, I have a couple different methods for yes/no answers. I was taught to read the Obi, Yoruba four cowrie shell method, many years back by a Ifa Priest. I still use that method to get a yes/no answer. A wonderful book I highly recommend if folks want to know more about this method is called, Obi Divination by Afolabi A. Epega. Baba Epega taught the Ifa Priest I learned from.I also was taught how to use the Tarot to get a yes/no answer. I believe this method came from the creators of the Motherpeace deck but I am not sure. Basically you use a tarot deck and what you are looking for is an Ace. If the Ace is upright the answer is yes. If the Ace is reversed the answer is no. If you do not get an Ace the answer is unclear. You start a pile by counting out thirteen cards or until you get an Ace. If you get to the thirteenth card with no Ace then you start a second pile, count out thirteen or stop when you get an Ace. If no Ace in the second pile move on to a third pile and do the same thing. It does sound more complicated then it really is. I did a video about it on my Youtube channel.

http://youtu.be/wyT1yF0uFHU?list=UUwbtn91rJW9jOTQBdZ26aew

Is there any advice you have for newcomers when using divination?

Because I was taught how to read intuitively rather than from a book I would suggest this approach. You have to get know any divination system personally. If it calls to you then work on a regular basis without the aid of a book and develop a relationship with it. Learning the basics is important however to truly connect with it and get the guidance you seek then it is important to make it part of who you are and the only way to do that is to connect with it on a personal spiritual level. Many folks approach divination with the mindset that they can’t do it or don’t know how to do it. Just remember divination tools are just that…tools. They are aids to assist the process. The insight comes from Spirit and if you are an open channel with no preconceived notions about the process or the outcome your reading with be clear. Don’t be influenced by what others say is the right method or the better divination system. Be open to finding what works for you and then build upon that.

More from Oseaana ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ )O( ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ http://www.TheMoonlitSea.net – the crafts http://www.PumpkinCottageConjure.com – the conjure http://www.talkingspiritpodcast.com – the podcast http://www.ScarletandAmethyst.com – the temple

Divination Space Station: Tehron Gillis

May 22, 2014 By Lilith Dorsey

Tehron Gillis is a Westchester based slam poet and writer, a voodoo initiate and rootworker. Practicing magic and tarot for over a decade, Tehron works towards exploring LGBTQ and ethnic themes in the craft. We are honored to feature his thoughts on divination.

When did you start divining? With what method?

I started doing divination when I was 14 years old; it was with the Vampire Tarot deck my sister Amanda got me.

What method do you use most often now?

I use the New Orleans Voodoo Tarot deck now. By combining tarot with numerology spreads I do my best to arrive at accurate answer to my clients question. So if someone asks me a question I would draw as many cards that correspond to the nature of the question as based on the Lwa/Orisha that rule that domain or place on Quabbalist tree of life. I’ll then listen out for any ancestral spirits that want to communicate to their descendants.

How important is the choice/phrasing of the question?

I think the question is very important. If there is a reason that you come to a diviner its probably front of mind and urgent to you. Its highly unlikely that a client will be able to fully use any other information I have to give you. I also do not assume to know what is best for you. If you think your love life is the most important thing, I would find it condescending to tell you about your finances. Inevitably these things will come to light if they are dire… but first things first: What do you want to know?

Do you have a yes/no method of divining you recommend?

I use I ching coins for yes/no with yang being yes and yin being know. I also use Crowley’s tarot yes/no, and a pendulum.

Native American Tarot Queen photo by Lilith Dorsey

Is there any advice you have for newcomers when using divination?

Keep the little white booklet! I know, I hear readers screaming all over the blogosphere but hear me out. We would like to believe that interpreting tarot, runes, and other oracles is a purely intuitive process. There is an idea that this little booklet is counter conducive to reading because it offers preconceived, prepackaged meanings to our oracles and makes it somehow less authentic. But we cannot divorce our intuition from our intellect no more than we can live without either brain or heart. The images and symbols we interpret are filtered through a lifetime of socio-psychological experiences that influence everything that we do. We are little white booklets and our mediums, our oracles are a way to communicate to others. By reading the little white booklet you don’t only gain knowledge on the oracle but also how other people, namely the creator and sometimes artist, view it. This is especially useful in developing your oracle as universal tool for understanding other ways of life. It would behoove the novice to ingest as much literature on their oracle, learn its history, see where its been. Just don’t stop there, sleep with your oracle(for at least three nights) and individual cards or runes or whatever, record your dreams, meditate with them. Become familiar with them and most importantly have fun!

Divination Space Station: Taylor Ellwood

May 12, 2014 By Lilith Dorsey

May is quickly turning into divination month here at Voodoo Universe, and I foresee really good things. There have been quite a few Divination Space Station stops and today I am honored to profile author Taylor Ellwood. We recently reviewed his Manifesting Wealth: Magic for Prosperity, Love and Health here on the blog and now we are pleased to offer his insight about divination.

When did you start divining? With what Method?

When I was 16 and first got into Magic, I picked up a set of Tarot cards and started.

What method do you use most often now?

I use a method which involves using two decks of tarot cards, a dual deck system as it were. I use one deck to represent people, places, things, and events and one deck to represent actions linking those things together. I’ve found to be very useful for analyzing situational factors and helping explore what it is they really want to know or change about the situation. I also create my own spreads for readings, which is helpful because no spread is exactly alike. Instead they are customized to fit the needs of the person getting the reading.

Tarot Magick Mirror photo by Michael Le Roi. Licensed under CC 2.0

How important is the choice/phrasing of the question?

Not very important. As we do the reading, further conversation occurs and I facilitate the person discovering the answers, so its a process of conversation and reading.

Do you have a yes/no method of divining you use?

I use a pendulum for that kind of reading and orient it to the energy of the person. The direction it swings determines the answer.

Is there any advice you have for newcomers when using divination?

Throw away the little booklets that come with whatever divinatory tool you are using and get to know the tool. Work with it. Do meditations with each of the cards, runes, etc and get to know them through experience. The experience of working with them will guide your readings for yourself and others.

To learn more about Taylor Ellwood please visit his website Magical Experiments.

Divination Space Station: Vinnie Russo

May 3, 2014 By Lilith Dorsey

May is already shaping up to be Divination month here on the Voodoo Universe blog, and let me say I see good things. Divination it’s in the cards, the stones, the bones, the future. Today we feature a dear friend of mine,a very wise practitioner, and accomplished reader, Vinnie Russo.

Vinnie Russo has been reading Tarot for over 25 years and is the owner of “Arsenic & Old Lace”. He is an elder is several Traditions of modern Witchcraft and is active in several local and national Pagan organizations through which he holds legal clergy credentials. Vinnie lives in the Boston area where he runs two magical groups – the Sheaves of Demeter which is a coven in the Chthonioi-Alexandrian Tradition of Witchcraft and Congrega Rosa d’Oro which is focused on Italic/Sicilian-American Craft. He is personally interested in the development of nature contacts, such as those forces typified by the spirits and minor divinities of Greek and Italian mythology – specifically, Lare, Lasa, and Manes/Ancestors.

When did you start divining?

1984. That’s when I started to study divination systems in earnest. Before that, I trusted my intuition and often had dreams but I had not tried to develop a specific divination skill until that point.

With what method?

The three main methods of divination that I use are scrying, dream techniques, and Tarot. The first is scrying which is the conscious and unconscious recognition of patterns and determining their mundane meaning as applies to the question or situation – such as gazing into fire, pool of water, or clouds. The second what the ancient Greeks called Dream Incubation – which is a type of dreaming trance that uses a collection of techniques. The aim is to dream about issues or topic of personal importance. This allowing my subconscious to work on an issue or topic and reveal them in vivid dreams when appropriate. Oracular or prophetic dreaming, if you will. The third method of divination that I use is the Tarot and that is the one that I use most often with my clients. I prefer the Tarot as a form of divination when I work with clients because it can be such a versatile tool. The Tarot can help clarify situations as well as get a look into the currents that are in motion and what can be done to influence them.

What method do you use most often now?

I most often use Tarot. It’s quick and although the Tarot speaks in symbols, it can get directly to the point.

How important is the question?

I’ve found that “the better thought-out the question, the more accurate the answer”. When I have a client, I spend a bit of time with them helping them to craft a question that truly reflects what they want or need to know. Often, a client will initially think that they want to know one thing but after careful reflection they realize that they really need to know something else. Sometimes when doing a reading for a client, I will get an answer to the question that they “should have” asked rather than the question that they did ask.

Do you have a yes/no method of divining you recommend?

8666256047_8efd4886d3_z — Tarot by Slipp D. Thompson. Licensed under CC 2.0

When working with the Tarot, a Yes/No question can often be overly simplistic. The question, “Will I get the job?” is a good example. The candidate that is going to be chosen is most likely going to be the one that was best prepared and was best presented. A better question might be, “What can I do to swing the odds in my favor to become the selected candidate?” However, when a Yes/No answer is needed and/or appropriate I do have a system that I use. After asking on the question and focusing on as definitive an outcome as possible, I simply throw 3 card. Depending on the positive/negative association of the 3 cards, it indicates the Yes or No: Yes = 3 positive; No = 3 negative. If you want to take it a tad further when the cards are mixed positive and negative, then: Yes-but = 2 positive and 1 negative; No-but = 2 negative and 1 positive.

Is there any advice you have for newcomers when using divination?

First, although it is important to trust your intuition, make sure that you are starting from a solid basis. In other words, find out what system of divination works best with your personality and skills. Then, research it. Learn at least one, or two, or three ways to use the system and learn them well. Once you know the basics of a divination system, then you can modify it to be more personalized. When I started learning the tarot, I was lucky enough to have 2 very skilled teachers. The advice that they gave me was to choose several recommended authors with differing systems and experiment to see which one(s) resonated with my skills and outlook. I studied the traditional meaning of the card as well as the symbolic meanings on specific decks that I use when doing readings. From there, I developed my own system that is part way between traditional Tarot and a type of scrying into the pictures of the cards.

The second piece of advice is that when learning a new system, it is incredibly valuable to keep a record of your progress. Review your hits as well as your misses. Both can be helpful in building your confidence in how a system traditionally works and how you can work with the system.

Finally, don’t get discouraged. Practice, practice, practice. Very few people are an expert right away when they pick up any new skill.

Divination Space Station: Bernadette Montana

March 26, 2014 By Lilith Dorsey

Bernadettealone — Bernadette Montana. Copyright 2014 all rights reserved.

Women’s History month is still upon us, so I figured I would take this opportunity to spotlight a great woman and a great friend. Bernadette Montana has over 25 years in teaching and practicing Wicca, the Tarot and Native American practices. She considers herself a progressive witch under Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone. She is a 3rd degree High priestess in the Alexandrian tradition, an ordained Interfaith minister, a tribal member and pipe carrier of the Sun Bear tribe (an all nations tribe) , and a tribal member of the Baramaya tribe (Taino bloodline).Bernadette Montana is also the proprietor of Brid’s Closet, located at 296 Main St., Cornwall, NY 12528

When did you start divining?

I started in the late 80’s. My own Grandmother read the Spanish cards and would read for my mom!

With what method?

I started with the Rider Waite tarot deck.

What method do you use most often now?

My preferred method has always been with the tarot. It really resonates with me. I sometimes think of the tarot as a doorway. Once that doorway has opened all sorts of information comes in! I have also branched out into mediumship, pendulum (love this method), Lenormand oracle decks and tea leaves (Which the author Judika Illes taught me)

How important is the question?

Extremely! I work with the tarot in 2 ways. I ask the client if they would like a “cold” reading or if they would like to ask the question beforehand. It’s up to them. The cards can have many different meanings! It all depends upon your intuition or the question being asked.

Do you have a yes/no method of divining you recommend?

For Yes or No questions? I use my pendulum.

Lilith Dorsey and Bernadette Montana at NY Pagan Pride 2013.

Is there any advice you have for newcomers when using divination?

Give yourself plenty of time to learn “your” deck. Make sure that you pick a deck that really resonates with you! The artwork is important. I guess that takes care of the fallacy in which a deck must be given to you. That you should never purchase a deck! If the artwork does not call to you-then how can you come to understand what the symbols mean?

I would also take the time to understand the symbols on your deck. For instance-The Rider Waite-Smith deck has a lot of Judeo Christian symbols in it. It would help to do some research into it. Keeping a journal is another great and helpful way to keep track of your experiences with the tarot and of course, the readings that you have completed.

For more information about Brid’s Closet and their upcoming amazing 7th Annual Beltane/Spring Festival- I’ll be there offering a Voodoo workshop, please Check out their website

To explore more from the Voodoo Universe’s Divination Space Station See the following Stops Below:

Divination Space Station Orion Foxwood

Divination Space Station Lilith Dorsey

Divination Space Station Raven Moon’s Oracle

Divination Space Station Awo Robert Ogbe Di

Divination Space Station Dorothy Morrison

Divination Space Station: Orion Foxwood

January 27, 2014 By Lilith Dorsey

Voodoo Universe is very honored and proud to present the current installment of Divination Space Station with Orion Foxwood. Orion has been a friend for many years and is famous for being an author, witch , conjure-man, and faery seer. Orion Foxwood is the author of “ The Faery Teachings”(RJ Stewart Books), “ The Tree of Enchantments” , and “ The Candle and the Crossroads’(Wiser Books), a DVD set (Pendraig Publications) called “Intro to Faery Seership” and a DVD called “An Introduction to Southern Conjure” (Pendraig Publications). He was born in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia where he was first exposed to faith-healing, root-doctoring, and second sight practices of southern and Appalachian culture and has continued learning and teaching southern conjure and spirit-doctoring practices. He is the founder of House of Brigh Faery Seership Institute, a co-founder of Conjure Crossroads which hosts the annual Folk Magic Festival in New Orleans, and the founding Elder of Foxwood Temple, a coven dedicated to passing on the traditional witchcraft of his Elders. He lectures throughout the USA and Locations in the U.K. teaching southern conjure and Faery Seership with his spirit-wife Brigh. His website is Orionfoxwood.com and he can be reached on Facebook at Orion Foxwood.

When did you start divining?

In 1985.

With what method?

My first divinatory tool was the Norse runes, which I read for nearly 10 years. I wanted to read the Tarot, but they were just too busy for the way my inner spirit works. Though I loved their beauty. I have been considering picking them up and trying now.

What method do you use most often now?

I use a method that I developed in partnership with my spirit wife in the Faery Seership tradition. They are called the “Vision Keys”. They are nine symbols carved on deer antler (because the deer is the Faery stag, and thus a messenger), which, after specific prayers are stated, I cast onto a reading cloth with three circles representing the under/ inner world, surface/ physical world and the upper/ transcendent world. I am the “human” originator of this system but will be teaching it to my Seership students in the near future.

How important is the question?

It is secondary to the throw. I usually recommend that we let the Vision Keys and the Spirit/ Spirits speak about what they want the person you are reading to know first. Then, after I have read, I ask them their questions. Usually, the throw answers their questions…or at least the ones they “should have asked”.

Do you have a yes/no method of divining you recommend?

Yes, I have two methods. I use a pendulum that belonged to my sister, who is an ancestor now and the person who introduced me to witchcraft. I also use four mercury head dimes (which is used in my conjure practices)

mercurydime — One Dime by Eric Golub. Licensed under CC 2.0

which were made in 1934, which is the birth date of my mother. My mother is significant in this read because she passed on the veil to me which gave me the second sight. I throw the coins after I have used a specific charm and then read the head/ tail patterns.

Is there any advice you have for newcomers when using divination?

Yes, work with your tool until it becomes like a dance partner. You begin to know its subtle moves and it works through yours. Always cleanse the tools and space before and after each reading and be sure to bless them through the spirit of some higher power (angelic, deific, ancestral, faery, orisa, loa or other). When you read, it is not only your psychic and intuitive gifts being employed, it is your ability to hear the subtle whisper of your helpful spirits, the spirits of the person you are reading, and the spiritual pattern of what is being read.