Divination
Understanding the hidden dynamics of Time and knowing the reality of the
spirit worlds enables the Ovate to divine without the interference of the
rational mind. This mantic work falls into three categories: augury - which
is the making of predictions based on signs and omens; divination - which
uses particular methods for finding hidden things - whether they be 'intangibles'
such as future events or 'tangibles' such as water or metal; and prophecy
- which needs no outer methods but which depends on the Ovate's ability
to channel higher wisdom in relation to future events.
The methods of augury used in the past were many: from simple weather-witching
to sophisticated interpretation of bird flight - from the observation of
animal behaviour to the interpretation of planetary configurations. Almost
certainly each of the four elements was used for augury, as they were used
for healing. The signs and associated feelings conveyed by earth cast on
a sheet or drum-skin were read as a modern fortune teller might read the
tea-leaves or in Eastern Europe the coffee-grounds. The shapes of passing
clouds or of the images found in the fire or in gazing into pools of water
were further sources of inspiration.
Divination is a more sophisticated form of augury. It is claimed that the
Druids used the Ogham or the Coelbren tree-alphabets for divination. We
cannot be sure that this is true historically, but they certainly provide
us today with evocative means of understanding hidden dynamics and future
events. Divination need not be simple fortune-telling - an attempt to see
into the future. It can be an effective means of revealing hidden dynamics
- whether they be within oneself or within a relationship, or within a group.
Divination then becomes a means of gaining self-knowledge and a deeper understanding
of the hidden causes behind appearances. Seen in this way it becomes no
longer an irreverent attempt to pierce the veil which nature has placed
between us and our future, but yet another means to go beyond the surface,
to plumb the depths, to look at causes rather than effects. Modern day Ovates
are able to turn in this quest to a number of distinctly Druidic methods
of divination:
Card Sets
Using the following sets, which draw on the Druidic and Celtic wisdom traditions,
can provide experiences of these traditions in deeper ways than book study:
The Druid Animal Oracle, Philip
and Stephanie Carr-Gomm Simon &Schuster, 1994.
The Arthurian Tarot: Caitlin
and John Matthews, Aquarian Press, 1990 [Tarot pack and book]
The Celtic Book of the Dead
, Caitlin Matthews, St Martin's Press, USA/ Stewart Hse, Canada/ Aquarian
in UK. 1992
The Celtic Tree Oracle - works with the sacred trees of the Celts
and Druids and the Ogham, mentioned in Chapter Eight. Liz & Colin Murray.
Rider. 1989.
The Arthurian Hallows - works with the Arthurian & Grail mysteries
to create a path of self-discovery. John & Caitlin Matthews. Aquarian.
1990.
Koelbren & Ogham Divination Sets are available from Kaledon Naddair,
Keltia Publications, 4a Minto Street, Edinburgh, Scotland EH7 4AN.
Ogham Divination Sets made of wooden staves are available from Hernan
Turner, Killoughter Road, Galway, Eire.
Bards, Ovates and Druids
The Order
The Druid Path
The Druid Grove