DIVINATION METHODS

DIVINATION METHODS


The I CHING, TAROT, RUNES and NUMEROLOGY

Life is the same in many ways today as it was for the people who lived thousands of years ago. Just as the ancient folk of the Norse used the Runes for guidance, the Eastern hemisphere has used the I Ching, or Book of Change (amongst other names) when pondering the best course of action to take in certain situations. Eastern countries such as China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam have relied upon the Book of Change, from remote antiquity until the present day, to help them make decisions.

While the I Ching, which originated in China, evolved separately from the Runes and the Tarot, it can be cross-referenced to the Western disciplines to help us align ourselves harmoniously with worldwide philosophies. The Nordic Runes give us a grounded and earth-based spirituality, and can be directly aligned to a specific Tarot card and I Ching hexagram line.

I Ching hexagram. The philosophies and laws of transformation illustrating the cycles of existence that humans normally encounter during their lives, were recorded in written/book form as the Book of Change, about 3,000 years ago. As with the Runes, prior to this, the I Ching was handed down from generation to generation as oral parables, for not less than 3,000 years. It was reputed to have first been written down in book form at around 1123 BC, by King Wen and his son, the Duke of Chou. At a later date, the great sage Confucius added his own commentaries.

The I Ching was created by the Chinese to help us (humanity) point ourselves in the right direction in our daily lives, in the present moment. Based on the principle that everything changes constantly, the I Ching teaches us how, when and where to act. The I Ching deals with the situations in life that we meet everyday. These 'situations' are regarded as 'fields of energy' in which various forces are at work, creating a particular state of affairs. If your want or desire is to change the situation, you must first do whatever is needed within, in order to change the underlying energy flow. This approach benefits the situation in a positive manner, on an energetic level.

Like the Runes, the I Ching identifies the forces at work, and recommends the most appropriate action or attitude under the circumstances. Parallel to both the Tarot and the Runes, the I Ching tells you what needs to happen in order for things to change for the better in your life.

In the Chinese culture, as with that of the Norse, change was always regarded as an intrinsic part of the flow of life. In today's society, we can learn a great deal from this approach. We, in the Western world, tend to experience change as 'threatening', rather than 'challenging'. As a result, we often fail to see the possibilities and opportunities that may present themselves in the new and changed situation. The I Ching, again much like the Runes, indicates and informs us of how we can cope with change in the most honest, intelligent and harmonious way.

To grasp the concept of the I Ching it is imperative to understand that in Chinese thought and belief, there are two basic principles in life; the masculine or Yang force and the feminine Yin.

The I Ching contains 64 hexagrams, or figures of six lines in different combinations. There are two types of lines, broken and unbroken, representing the Yin and Yang principles. The hexagrams, each of which has a name, are said to depict every possible type of situation one may meet in life. In other words, any situation you may encounter in this lifetime, will be made up of a particular combination of Yin and Yang forces - the resulting hexagram reflecting the wisdom which already exists in your subconscious mind, but is hidden from view.

In theory, the forming of the hexagrams is similar to the Runic concept of the strands of the Web of Wyrd coming together to create and form the everyday situations in life.
Just like the Runes, the I Ching has its own methods and traditions involved when consulting the Oracle.

One ancient method requires the throwing of yarrow sticks - the way the sticks fall determines the appropriate answer.

Another method is to toss three (3) I Ching coins, then decipher and interpret the ones that fall face up, to obtain an answer.

Yet another valid and simple method is to open the Book of Change at any random page to find the appropriate answer to your question displayed before you.

I Ching cards (and Rune cards) which can be randomly drawn to receive an answer, have been developed for those who feel more comfortable with a Tarot-like system.

The Tarot is an ancient divinatory, predictive and meditation tool and guidance channel. It can be used similarly to the Runes and the I Ching, and it's basic themes and theories run parallel with both. Like the Runes, the Tarot's original author is unknown. It is also uncertain as to exactly where and when the Tarot came into existence, but some believe that it originated in Ancient Egypt about 3,500 years ago and was brought to Europe by the Rom, or Gypsies, as they travelled to Europe from India.

The actual word Tarot is made up of the two Egyptian words, 'Tar' meaning 'royal' and 'ot' meaning 'road' – the Royal Road (Destiny or Spiritual Pathway). The oracle's first appearance in Europe seems to have been in the late fourteenth century, most likely in Italy.

The Tarot was devised using the principles of the Cabala (the Tree of Life – Yggdrasil is displayed prominently within the deck), Astrology, the Elements and Numerology. The Tarot also incorporates and co-relates to the I Ching, colour and it's influence, the Chakras, the Runes and many other oracles of old. Symbolism plays an intricate part and is synonymous amongst all the oracles.

The increasing religious intolerance of the early Christians, and their attempts to suppress esoteric knowledge, wisdom and sacred truths from humanity, in order to instil and enforce their own 'Man's Law', forced the philosophers of the day to encrypt the esoteric secrets into the Tarot cards to keep the ancient wisdom, mysteries and truths hidden and safe from manipulation and persecution.

The Tarot consists of a deck of seventy eight (78) cards in total. This is made up of 22 Major Arcana cards numbered from 0 to 21 and the Minor Arcana of 56 cards.




The Major Arcana has direct relevance to the Hebrew Cabala because not only does the number of cards correspond to the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet, but many of the cards suggest symbolism for the Tree of Life (Yggdrasil)  that forms the basis of much of the Cabalistic wisdom. The Major Arcana depicts the different stages of life we must go through until our 'soul journey 'is complete. Throughout the nature of our existence on this planet as humans, we will encounter several beginnings and endings throughout our lifetime, that are represented by the archetypes portrayed on the cards. The Major Arcana depicts matters relating to the soul, spirit or destiny of our lives that often indicate karmic lessons and themes that we must experience in this lifetime. They point out issues that are occurring within our psyche, rather than external, everyday events, as depicted in the Minor Arcana.

The number of cards in the Major Arcana, 22, is also a Master Number in the science of Numerology.

The Minor Arcana consists of the remaining 56 cards, and depict the more ordinary details that form a meaningful pattern in our lives. They portray the day-to-day events in our daily lives. These events are not cataclysmic or life-changing situations, but rather the daily routines of family, home, work and survival.

The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana are divided into four sets of fourteen cards; each suit consisting of 10 numbered cards and 4 Court cards. The suits, Cups, Pentacles, Swords and Wands, co-relate to the four basic elements of life:
Water - Cups; Earth – Swords;
Air – Pentacles; and Water - Wands.

Again, similarities can be drawn with the Elderfuthark Runes with it's 3 tiered Aetts, each of which has it's own concept or theme.

Like the Runes and the I Ching, the Tarot when consulted, may sometimes give an answer which seems to have no relation to the question or query made. In these instances, the Higher Self may be trying to bring to light a situation that needs attention. For this reason, any response given, regardless of how unrelated it may seem, needs to be given careful consideration.

While the I Ching is considered to be fluid and changing, giving advice in much the same way as a wise friend or mentor would, and there are many close relations between the I Ching, the Tarot and the Ancient Elderfuthark Runes, that link their messages. All three modalities describe the different facets of a person’s life, and detail the various stages of transformation through the life cycle. All three oracles can help delve into the more subtle nuances of human behaviour and interaction.

The Nordic Runes offer us a grounded approach to our spirituality and are able to be aligned to a specific card in the Tarot, just like the I Ching, to give us a greater understanding of the oracles. Although all three oracles are separate entities of themselves, they are all intricately linked and carry the same spiritual values and solutions.

The Tarot and the Runes, the I Ching, when studied and used over time, will have the effect of increasing your intuitive abilities. All that is required to unravel the mysteries is your intuition and trust in your own interpretation.

RUNES AND NUMEROLOGY
Numerology is the study of numbers and the impact they play on our lives, as well as the frequency in which they appear. Numerology plays an intricate part in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels of every human, everyday, whether they are conscious of it or not.

Each number symbolizes, indicates and resonates to a different vibrational energy, which influences our daily moods, pathways and choices – leading to our futures.

In the study of Numerology, the numbers 1 through 9 are considered to be 'compound'. The 0 makes up the compound number of 10, and is of great significance itself. Compound numbers are derived because they comprise qualities of all the numbers which they contain, as well as the overall number, which is derived when they are added together.

For example, the number 26 is computed by adding the digits in the number together (2 + 6) to come up with the primary number 8. The number 26 will also carry the secondary vibrations of the 2 and the 6, in addition to the main vibration of 8. Therefore, although 26 is the higher octave of 8, its vibrations are subtly different from other compound numbers that also add up to 8, such as 44 or 35.

Each Rune of the Elderfuthark, every card of the Tarot deck and the I Ching hexagrams are numbered and carry the energy and vibration of the relevant numbers.

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Joanne Walmsley
Sacred Scribes

NUMEROLOGY  -  The Vibration and Energy of Numbers

RUNES  - The Elderfuthark Runes

TAROT  - The Royal Road

Mythology and Cosmology of the Norse Vikings

Cosmology and Mythology of the Norse Vikings

The mythology and cosmology of the Norse is complex in detail, concept, ideology and comprehension. The beliefs and ideals entail an intensive study on their own and would take thorough investigation to fully grasp the linkages of gods, goddesses and the like.

Norse, Scandinavian and Viking mythology all refer to the pre-Christian religion and belief system of the Norwegian, Germanic, Swedish, Icelandic and Danish peoples. Some scholars group Finnish mythology in with that of the Norse, but the old beliefs of Finland form a separate tradition, although there are some interesting parallels.

The Norse mythological system and the stories they contain come to us mainly from the ‘Eddas’. The Edda/s consist of many different tales which were said to be written by an anonymous person (or people), around 1250 CE. The date of origin of the various original poems has long been under discussion. An opinion has been put forward that the majority of the stories must have been written before the Viking age.

The Poetic Edda is the older of the two Eddas and is therefore sometimes called the ‘Elder Edda’. The Poetic Edda can be divided into two sections; a mythical one and a heroic one.

As with all myths and legends of the world, the first act is that of ‘creation’ – the birth of the primal Creator or Universe. In most myths this often takes place quickly. The rest of creation often happens over a very long period of time. The process itself may involve many generations of gods and goddesses, whose families grow into a large pantheon in the heavens. Such is the case with Norse mythology and cosmology.

It is consistent within most myths of indigenous peoples, including that of the Norse, that the earth would then be made habitable and hospitable, with the creation of rivers, oceans, plants and animals taking place, before the creation of humanity.

Aztec and Native North American Indian myths (particularly that of the ancient Hopi people) tell of a succession of different ages in which the world is created and recreated in an endless cycle, repeated over and over with slight variations. This is akin and likened to the theory of reincarnation from the ancient East.

These acts of creation produce an amazing variety of mythological worlds, too vast and complex to examine in detail and are a study all of their own.

Like many shamanic and indigenous people, the Norse believed there to be a ‘Lower’, ‘Middle’ and ‘Upper’ World.

These different realms were connected by a giant Ash Tree - Yggdrasil - The Tree of Life.

In theory, the Tree’s three roots house and connect the realms of these Worlds or Lands. They are:

‘Neflheim’ - the realm of the dead - below;

‘Jotunheim’ - the home of the Giants,

being the Middle Realm;

and ‘Asgard’, the realm of the gods, home of the Norns or Nornir Sisters - the rulers of human destiny, being above.

The runes represent the forces acting on a situation from each of these realms. The Norse believed that in each of these three realms, there were three separate ‘Worlds’ – each governing or producing a certain force of unconsciousness and power. Each force projects its influence. Therefore, the runes would represent the aspect those forces would take for each of the nine ‘Worlds’ – and what bearing they have on any present situation.

According to Norse mythology, it was Odin, the god associated with war and battle, the creator of the Universe and the ruler of gods, who ‘earned’ the runes by performing a ritual of self-sacrifice. First he slashed his body with the tip of his own spear, then bound himself by the ankles to ‘Yggdrasil’ – ‘The Tree of Life’.

For nine days he refused all food and drink. Finally, he peered down into the depths of his being, where he saw the runic symbols and characters and ‘seized’ them. He knew these symbols had significance and that it was his sacrifice that would bring the runes to the world to teach mankind knowledge and wisdom.

This self-sacrificial myth is very similar to the archetype associated with that of the ‘Hanged Man’ of the Tarot. He strung himself up to a branch of Yggdrasil, The Tree of Life, also by his ankle. The Hanged Man loved mankind dearly enough to endure pain and endanger his own life, to steal the precious fire from the gods, with which he sought to enlighten humanity. Because of his love for the human race, he was prepared to make a painful sacrifice in order to obtain the ‘holy fire’ – wisdom and knowledge for mankind.

Both instances of these self-sacrificial myths represent ‘knowledge of the future and understanding of the past’. They also represent the urge to escape into the spiritual aspect of oneself.

- ‘Collective Consciousness’ is the integral thread between the two myths.

* The name Yggdrasil may also mean ‘Horse of Odin’, as it was also another one of the names Odin was known by.

Norse mythology presents us with a multi-layered, often contradictory, Universal view. Within it is a myriad of parallels and co-relations with other mythological belief systems throughout the world, in all it’s ages and evolutionary stages.

Norse mythology and cosmology is complex and would prove a challenge for any mythology researcher; rich with elements from Indo-European, Shamanistic and many other belief systems.

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Joanne Walmsley

Sacred Scribes

RUNES - The Elderfuthark

The Origins of The Elderfuthark RUNES

The runes bring their message like a roaring wind, then whisper their secrets of hidden mysteries.

The word ‘rune’ comes from the root-word ‘runa’, literally meaning ‘whisper’, to ‘roar’, ‘secret’, or ‘hidden’; much like the word ‘arcane’ from which the name of the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana of the Tarot is taken. In Old English, the word ‘rune’ meant ‘mystery’.

A person who casts the runes was known as a ‘Vitki’, ‘Runecaster,’ ‘Rune Master’ or ‘Gautr’, among other names. The Rune Masters of the Teutonic people were easily recognisable by their elaborate dress and were familiar figures among tribal circles. They were feared, revered, honoured and welcomed by villagers and strangers alike.

There is much evidence to suggest that many of the runic practitioners, as with most traditions of ancient wisdom and divinity, were women.

The runes were carried from place to place by traders, nomads, adventurers and warriors. In time, even the Anglo-Saxon missionaries kept, learned and used them.

Though there are many differences of opinion about when, where and how the runic writing system originally began, there is a general agreement that they were used by pagan tribes over a vast area of Northern Europe. Scholars have proposed a number of theories to explain the historical origin of the runes, all of which have their strengths and weaknesses.

Assorted scholars believe the runes were used predominantly between the 3rd and 17th Centuries. Some historians are certain that the runes had their birth among the Teutonic tribes of Northern Europe, as long ago as 500BC, whilst others are sure that the Goths of Scandinavia adapted the Greek cursive script during their contact with the Hellenic culture around 200AD.

Others speculate that the runes originated much later in Northern Italy and that they were derived from the Latin alphabet. Many take the view that they were invented during the Viking Civilization, around 200AD. Historically, there is evidence that the Elder Futhark was used for engraving jewellery at least 50 to 100 years before the birth of Christ, making it obvious that the runes had been in useable existence since ancient times. According to documented research, the last original Rune Masters lived in seventeenth-century Iceland. Regardless of their exact date of birth, the runes are as powerful and relevant today as they were in yesteryear.

Thousands of years ago, the runes evolved in a culture that understood the essential elements of life; the balance of personal power through self-mastery. The runes are part of a system of spiritual belief that is older than Christianity, is as beautiful and complex as the Buddhist and Hindu beliefs and encompasses the wisdom-based knowledge of the Eastern traditions.

Also see:

Elderfuthark Runes

The Origin of the Runes

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Joanne Walmsley

Sacred Scribes