Russian Solitaire tiles

Some time ago (1992) there was a "new and interesting deck of cards" introduced to the Western market. Russian Gypsy Fortune Telling Cards.

Now, this "deck" didn't got much popularity, because people were confused by the use of words like "cards" and "deck". These aren't cards or a deck of cards. These are tiles. This is more like a puzzle than a tarot layout. Some people find that very confusing and difficult, don't get at all how to read these, find the swirling unnecessary complication and stupid. To me this appeals a lot, and I am very impressed by how much some simple symbols say!

In this deck there are 25 tiles divided in four, fours are made of half of a picture. The divination is akin to reading tea leaves. You lay out the tiles in a square, five by five, and see if any images are completed. If not, you didn't get that symbol in "your teacup". Some times you get no symbols at all. It's like picking an empty rune in rune casting. It's not a good day to divine, you are breaking rules and asking the same question too soon, or there just isn't anything of importance to be told to you.

The symbols are somewhat similar to the LeNormand symbols, but some are different, even totally opposite. I could post a shortlist of the meanings, but I won't, because that would be infringing copyright, because miss Touchkoff has written her own version and understanding of the symbols, they are not exactly like the Russian general divinatory symbols.
(BTW; her name sounds more like toots-coff than touch-khov. It's t, ou like in you, ch and k like in Chekhov, off like in off - so it's not "ov" like in Chekhov, but "off". Actually it's exactly like in Chekhov, but she chose to write it "off", so f it is. In fact, it would be better to put in the f in Chekhov as well. Because that's how Russians pronounce the -ov, -of, -off ending of their names.)

Now, this doesn't really matter, if you have learned anything from this blog :-D YOU create your symbols. The universe will align to suit you, and will force the tiles to mean what you think they mean... But - I would recommend you get the book to learn the "correct" meaning of the symbols. After all, the "deck" creators made it with intention, and that matters. It might take some time for the universe to adjust and assimilate this deck to your world of symbols. Also, I think it's interesting to create new associations and increase one's collection of symbols.

There are several good reviews of this deck and some general advice on how to use it.
Layout and sample reading
How to Do a Reading
and here is an interactive free layout online - it shuffles and lays out the cards for you, and you can turn the cards in place to get the symbols, but it doesn't tell you what the cards mean.

Why I am talking about Russian solitaire tiles is that this is an actual Russian divination method, and they call it "solitaire" or "patience". And there are A LOT of different decks produced in Russia...
Take a look at this thread: They are posting photos of the different decks and lists of the meanings of the symbols. It's in Russian, but you can google translate it, if you wish.

Now, I have learned so much about this divination method lately, and would like to share with you some of my insights and ideas.

It matters how much you need to move the cards to get the symbols.
If the symbols come upright and connected right away, this is a strong symbol, important message, and a significant part of the answer.
If the symbols are broken, this implies blockage or denial, someone is trying to hide things.

You read the symbols in order - from left upper corner to right down corner, from left to right.  Note that you read the SYMBOLS, not the TILES - there are five rows of TILES, 9 rows of SYMBOLS.

Horizontal rows trump the vertical ones - so if a card would make a symbol both horizontally and vertically, you make the horizontal symbol and read the vertical symbol as something that would have happened if the horizontal symbol hadn't happened.

If there are tiles that would make a symbol but are separated in the same column or row, it means that that could have happened, was about to happen, but didn't, won't. For example, there is the ring in the first tile on the row, and also on the fourth tile, it means that the person thought of proposing but changed his/her mind.

Also, the tiles next to a connected symbol offer more information about the situation. Now, the images on cards that make connections are always the same, BUT THEY ARE NOT IN THE SAME POSITIONS ON THE LAYOUT NOR TO THE CARDS NEXT TO THEM.
This is why the edge cards are important, THE “CARD NEXT TO THEM” IS NOTHING. The empty rune. Void.

I mean... I just love divination! The stories that are being told are so layered and complex, and all you have are some symbols! :-D

Here's another sample reading... wow.

Reading teacups

Judging by his expression, he's very interested in the girl facing him :-D

But, if all those symbols shown in the picture are in his cup... wow. I think I see a shotgun wedding there... :-D

Some Miscellaneous Methods

From
A MANUAL OF CARTOMANCY FORTUNE-TELLING AND OCCULT DIVINATION
Including
The Oracle of Human Destiny, Cagliostro’s Mystic Alphabet of the Magi, The Golden Wheel of Fortune, The Art of Invoking Spirits in the Crystal, The Various Methods of Divination
By
GRAND ORIENT

FOURTH EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED WITH PLATES
WILLIAM RIDER AND SON, LIMITED
164 Aldersgate St., London, E.C.
1909


Divination with Needles

Take five-and-twenty new needles ; set them on a plate, and pour water on them. Those which cross each other denote as many enemies of the consulting person. Ancient magic attributes many virtues to the needle. When the winding-sheet of a corpse has been sewn with it, it acquires a power of enchantment over the bridal bed, and the fulfilment of the marriage act can be prevented by its means.

Alectromancy

This is a time-honoured method of divination by means of a cock, and it has the admirable merit of simplicity. Trace a large circle in sand, and divide it into twenty-four equal spaces, in each of which must be inscribed one letter of the alphabet, rejecting J and U, which are usually represented in ancient writings by their correspondents I and V. Put over each letter a single grain of barley or wheat, and in the centre of the circle place the cock, who is the chief agent in this divinatory rite. Carefully notice from which letters he pecks up the grain, and the order in which he proceeds during his mystic meal, for the assemblage of these letters should form a word which will give you reliable information on that question about which you had recourse to the oracle. 

 

Cromniomancy

Divination by onions

This ceremony is only performed on Christmas Eve, and to obtain tidings of absent persons. Place several onions on a table, and leave them undisturbed till they begin to sprout, having previously inscribed upon each the name of some absent friend. That which sprouts most speedily signifies that the person whose name it bears is in the enjoyment of vigorous health.
In the middle period of the nineteenth century the method was practised by German maidens in the hope of ascertaining particulars of their future husbands.

Gastromancy

This method of divination is concerned with magical clairvoyance, and requires the assistance of a natural magician. It is performed in the following manner. Place some globular vases, filled to the brim with clear water, between a number of lighted waxen tapers. Make an invocation of the angelical or planetary intelligences — such as Israfel, Gabriel, or Metron, the spirit of the north — and direct the natural magician, who should be a boy or a girl of absolute and assured virginity, to gaze intently into the vases, when they will behold upon the surface of the water, amidst the reflected light of the tapers, a pictorial reply to the questions proposed by the consumers of the oracle,

(For some reason I find it less probable to find "the natural magician, a boy or a girl of absolute and assured virginity" than that this actually works :-D)

Lecanomancy

This is another method of divination by water, which must be placed in a silver vase on a clear, moonlit night. The light of a candle is reflected from the blade of a knife on to the water, on which the gazer must fix his concentrated attention. Should he possess any faculty of clairvoyance, he will read an answer to his questions either pictorially or literally represented upon the smooth and shimmering surface. 

Margaritomancy

This form of divination is considered efficacious for the recovery of things stolen, and seems to have been practised in the Middle Ages. A pearl must be placed by a fire and covered with a glass vase. The names of the persons suspected must be repeated in a loud voice above it, and at that of the guilty party, it is credibly declared that the pearl, with a sudden bound, will strike and perhaps shiver the top of the vase. If no such manifestation occurs the diviner may be certain that he is on the wrong scent, and will do well to obtain information by some other method.

Rhapsodomancy

This pleasing form of divination is practised by opening the works of some poet at hazard, and taking the lines on which the eye first falls as a prediction on the subject about which information is desired. The works of Homer and Virgil were generally chosen in the past, but a mine of poetic and even prophetic suggestion will be discovered in Shakespeare. A considerable gift of insight is required in the interpretation of this class of oracle, and those who consult it will do well to look below the surface for the mystic significance of the passage. A variety of this divinatory method consists in opening the book with a pin, and consulting that passage which is marked by the point of the instrument. 

Onychomancy

A form of divination which may elicit latent clairvoyance, and was generally practised with boys, consists in rubbing oil or wax upon the nails of the seer, who turns them to the sunlight and gazes fixedly upon them. Should he possess the required pyschic power, he will perceive various figures represented on the surface of the nails, as on so many mirrors or crystals, and he will be able to afford information on the subjects which are under inquiry.

Spodanomancy

This divinatory methood was still practised in Germany during the first half of the nineteenth century. It is performed by scattering ashes thickly in some place exposed to the air and writing therein with the end of the finger any question about which information is needed. The inscribed ashes are then left for the night, and on the following morning the letters that remain legible are used as oracles, for which purpose they may be placed in their natural order, when if they form an intelligible word, it may be considered to contain the mystic sense of the oracle and an answer to the question proposed. Otherwise, the insight of the contriver must be used to extract an appropriate answer from the assemblage of letters arranged after any fashion. As destiny is supposed to decide what letters should remain legible, and what should be effaced, this intervention of the operator does not interfere with the working of the oracle, but simply manifests its message. Should other characters than those inscribed originally appear upon the surface of the ashes, there is no need for apprehension, though such interferences, according to a time-honoured custom, have been frequently ascribed to the devil.

Geomancy

A manual of occult divination would be justly deemed incomplete without some reference to the several time-honoured methods of eliciting occult information and prophetic oracles which are included under this name. Geomancy, however, is much too extensive a subject to be treated within a brief space, and fortunately, those who are anxious for a particular acquaintance with its mysteries will find every opportunity for obtaining it in the handbooks which treat of the subject. It has been studied by serious persons, among others, by Cornelius Agrippa, whose account of it will be found in the Three Books of Occult Philosophy. There are also tracts in manuscript, in which some of the conventional signs used in the art are brought into relation with other occult systems, and the results are striking.

Apart from the various conventions, Geomancy, philologically, signifies divination by earth, and one of its most simple applications consists in the scattering of a pinch of dust or earth upon a table, concentrating the prophetic faculty on the lines and the formless figures which it assumes, and thence extracting the mystic oracle. Obviously, this process is substantially identical with divination by the grounds in a tea or coffee cup.

Geomancy may also be practised by the observation of fissures and crevices naturally formed in the earth ; a biologized condition is occasionally produced on inhaling the vapours which ascend from these places, and the oracular utterances of the subject, under such influence, are interpreted in a convenient manner and consistently with the needs of the occasion.

Bituminous exhalations, which issue from the bowels of the earth and are fraught with the tenebrous mysteries of the “ concentrated centre of Nature,” are, however, comparatively uncommon, but there is yet another method of geomantic magic, which may be performed by tracing lines and circles on the ground, and then exercising the clairvoyant faculty upon their various combinations.

Finally, the most popular of all the processes is the fortuitous marking of a sheet of paper with points from right to left, and for the space of four lines. The lucidity of seership is then directed to the evolution of a mystical cosmos out of this minute chaos. In the hands of Cornelius Agrippa and Heydon, this method has been elaborated to the last degree, by the help of astrological formulae, and the doctrines of planetary influences.

Aeromancy. — The old art of predicting things to come by variations in atmospheric and kindred phenomena. The appearance of a comet, for example, announced the approaching death of some great personage. Auguries were drawn from lightning and thunder, from the forms of clouds, and even ceremonial magic obtained presages by causing the apparition of spectres in various regions of the air.

Alphitomancy. — A form of divination by means of barley meal for the discovery of guilty persons. The accused person was compelled to partake, and would do so, if innocent, without inconvenience, but in the contrary case, he showed signs of indigestion or choking.

Aleuromancy. — Paper pellets inscribed with oracular sentences were placed in a basin of flour and stirred nine times. The flour was then divided among a number of people in search of information, and each recipient applied the oracle which he received to his particular subject of inquiry. 

Anthropomancy. — A horrible rite of divination by the inspection of human entrails, usually those of children sacrificed for the purpose. It is described by Herodotus.

Apantomancy. — The fortuitous act of extracting presages from the appearance of any object unexpectedly — as, for example, a hare or an eagle. A spider seen running or spinning in the morning promised money, but in the evening news. A contrary opinion regarded all such occurrences as evil omens.

Arithmancy. — Divination by numbers, more especially in connection with their alphabetical equivalents. There are many modes of this art, and it ranks as an occult science in its more elaborate developments.

Aspidomancy. — Described as an Indian practice, but as the diviner sits in a circle, recites conjurations and passes into a kind of ecstasy, it is really a department of ceremonial magic.

Astragalomancy. — Divination by dice, two being used for the purpose, each bearing the numbers i to 6. They were cast in the ordinary manner ; the numbers obtained were translated into letters, when an oracle was obtained by rendering these into words and the words into some kind of sense.
To make the process more ceremonial and impressive, a question was written on paper and this was passed through the smoke of burning juniper wood.

Axinomancy. — Divination performed with a hatchet.
To discover hidden treasures, the weapon was held edge upward in the air and an attempt was made to balance an agate thereon. If successful, no treasure was in the neighbourhood, but in the other event it was repeated three times. If the agate rolled in the same direction, it was worth while to continue the search, but otherwise the inquirers must go further.
To discover thieves, the handle was held straight up in the air and people danced round it. When the handle shook so that the axe fell to the ground, the point of the compass to which the top of the handle was turned was the direction in which to seek for the guilty person.

Funny story about belomancy :-D

Belomancy. — Divination by arrows, on a number of which the possible answers to a given question were written, and the darts drawn at hazard.

Bibliomancy. — For the discovery of sorcerers. The accused person was placed on one side of a pair of scales and a Bible on the other. If he proved the lighter, he was held innocent — on the whole, perhaps as good as any other method of testing which used to be employed for the purpose.
The Bible was also opened with a gold pin and a presage was drawn from the word on which it rested.

Botanomancy. — Performed by leaves or branches of vervain and heather after the same manner as Belomancy.
Presages were also drawn from the scattered leaves of these plants after a high wind.

Capnomancy. — Divination by smoke, obtained by the burning of vervain and other sacred plants. The shapes and direction taken were the subjectmatter of the oracles.

Causimomancy. — Divination by fire. For example, if a combustible object failed to burn, a happy omen was concluded from this object.

Chiromancy. — The inspection of lines on the hand — one of the occult sciences and the subject of many elaborate treatises, both ancient and modern.

Cledonismancy. — Divination by fortuitous words heard on momentous occasions and in its principles precisely similar to Apantomancy.

Cleidomancy. — Divination by a key, for the discovery of theft and murder. The key was placed in a book with the ring outside and the book was tied up. The Querent held the key by his finger placed in the ring and whispered the name of a suspected person. If innocent, the key did not stir ; but if this was the guilty party, it moved so violently that the string round the book was broken.

Cosquinomancy. — A method of discovering theft by mean's of a sieve placed upon pincers held by two fingers of each hand only. Suspected names were recited and he was judged guilty at whose name the sieve, shook or turned over. It was serviceable for other misdeeds.

Critomancy. — A mode of drawing presages from meats offered in sacrifice and barley flour strewed upon sacrificial victims.

Crystallomancy. — Divination by means of a crystal - but this is a form of clairvoyance, and as such is well known at the present day.

Dactylomancy. — Divination by rings made under certain stellar aspects ; but finger-ring lore is too large a subject for a record in this place.

Daphnomancy. — Divination by the laurel, a branch of which was cast into the fire. If it crackled in burning, this was a happy augury, but the contrary result was ominous.

Demonomancy. — A department of Black Magic, being the evocation of demons and the obtaining from them of answers to specific questions.

Eromancy. — Said to be a Persian practice. A vessel was filled with water; the Querent covered his head with a linen cloth and uttered his wishes in a low voice. If the water bubbled, it was a fortunate prognostic.

Geloscopy. — The curious art of extracting characteristics from laughter, but scarcely a form of divination, as the term is understood.

Gyromancy. — The ceremony of circumambulating a circle about which letters were traced. This was continued till giddiness ensued and the performers fell to the ground. The letters covered in their fall gave oracles, for those who could interpret them, concerning future things.

Hippomancy. — The extraction of oracles from the neighing of horses.

Hydromancy — The prediction of things to come by means of water, and of this there were many forms, of which I will mention one. A vessel was filled with water and a ring suspended over it by means of a thread. This ring was caused to strike the sides of the basin a certain number of times, and presages were drawn from the movements caused in the water.

Ichthyomancy. — Divination by the entrails of fish.

Lampadomancy. — The extraction of prognostics from the form, colour and various movements in the light of a lamp. Sparks from the wick meant news. 

 

Libanomancy. — Divination by incense, accompanied by prayers relative to the question at issue. The incense was cast upon fire and the smoke carried the prayers to heaven. If they were to be granted, the fire consumed the incense; but if not, as it had to be cast at hazard, the incense either fell away or was not consumed. For some obscure reason, this practice was void in respect of death and marriage.

Myomancy. — Divination by rats and mice, another variety of Apantomancy, with special reference to the cries of these creatures.

Oculomancy. — The art of identifying a thief by the turn of his eye, said to have been accompanied by certain superstitious ceremonies.

Œnomancy. — -Divination by wine, with special reference to the colour observed when drinking it and to any other circumstances from which an interpretation could be derived.

Omphalomancy. — Divination by the navel of newborn first children, to ascertain what future conceptions awaited the mother. It was determined by the number of markings or bands.

Onomancy. — Divination by names, but enough has been said on this subject in our earlier sections. There were, however, several methods. 

 

Oomancy. — Divination by the outer and inner forms of eggs. The most impenetrable secrets of the future were said to yield their mysteries to this process.
A modern method is to break an egg slowly into a glass of water, and the shapes assumed by the white part are supposed to furnish presages.

Ophiomancy. — Divination by the movements of serpents.

Ornithomancy. — Divination by the flight, songs and cries of birds. I do not think that the laws of this art have come down to us.

Pegomancy. — Divination by springs of water, performed by dropping stones therein and observing their movements.

Phyllorhodomancy. — Divination by rose-leaves, which were made to clack in the hand and the sound resulting was interpreted. 

 

Psychomancy. — Divination by spirits, but especially the spirits of the dead and therefore a department of ceremonial magic on its worst side.

Pyromancy. — Divination by fire, with the help of some ground pitch cast thereon. If it lighted quickly, there was a favourable augury.

Rabdomancy. — The ancient form of divination by staves, mentioned by Ezekiel and Hosea. A staff was chosen and peeled on one side ; it was then thrown in the air, and if, on falling to the ground, the peeled side was uppermost, but the reverse on the second trial, this was a happy omen. 

 

Sciomancy. — Another variety of necromantic art, but more especially concerned in the evocation of astral reflections to ascertain future things.

Sideromancy. — Divination with a red-hot iron on which some kind of spangles were cast and were said to give star-like reflections in burning.

Sycomancy. — Divination by the leaves of the fig-tree, on which questions were written. If the leaves dried quickly, it was a bad omen, and the contrary in the alternative case.

Tephramancy. — Divination by the cinders of a fire which had consumed a sacrificial victim.

Theomancy. — A part of the Jewish Kabalah, being a study of the mysteries resident in Divine Names. It was held to be the highest of all the practical sciences arising out of the secret wisdom of Israel.

Tiromancy. — Divination by cheese, but of this art I have found no particulars.

Xylomancy. — Divination by the help of pieces of dry wood found on the road — also by the casual arrangement of sticks of fire-wood and the way in which they burn.

Prediction of Things to come by the Grounds in a Tea or Coffee Cup

From
A MANUAL OF CARTOMANCY FORTUNE-TELLING AND OCCULT DIVINATION
Including
The Oracle of Human Destiny, Cagliostro’s Mystic Alphabet of the Magi, The Golden Wheel of Fortune, The Art of Invoking Spirits in the Crystal, The Various Methods
of Divination
By
GRAND ORIENT

FOURTH EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED WITH PLATES
WILLIAM RIDER AND SON, LIMITED
164 Aldersgate St., London, E.C.
1909

 

Pour the grounds of tea or coffee into a white cup ; shake them well about, so as to spread them over the surface; reverse the cup, to drain away the superfluous contents, and then exercise your intuitive and previsional powers in discovering what the resultant figures represent.
Long, wavy lines denote vexations and losses, their importance depending on the number of lines.
Straight lines, on the contrary, foretell peace, tranquillity and long life.
Human figures are usually good omens, announcing love affairs and marriages.
If circular figures predominate, the person for whom the experiment is made may expect to receive money.
If these circles are connected by straight, unbroken lines, there will be delay, but ultimately all will be satisfactory.
Squares foretell peace and happiness; oblong figures, family discord; curved, twisted, or angular figures are certain signs of vexations and annoyances — their probable duration being determined by the number of figures.
A number of lines, whether long or short, foretell a happy old age.
A crown signifies honour, and, for politicians, etc., success at court.
A cross denotes news of death, but three crosses in the same cup are symbolical of honour.
A ring means marriage; if a letter can be discovered near it, that will be the initial of the name of the future spouse.
If the ring be in the clear part of the cup, it foretells a happy union; if there are clouds about it, expect the contrary; if it chance to be quite at the bottom, the marriage will never take place.
A leaf of clover or trefoil is a good sign, denoting speedy good fortune if at the top of the cup, and good fortune roportionately more remote as the symbol is nearer to the bottom.
Flowers are commonly the signs of joy, happiness and peaceful life. A rose promises health; a lily at the top of the cup foretells a happy marriage, but at the bottom it portends anger. A shrub signifies delays ; a single tree as a rule predicts a restoration to health, but a weeping willow is a portent of sorrow. A group of trees in the clear part of the cup betokens misfortunes which may be avoided;
several trees wide apart promise that your wishes will be accomplished; if encompassed by dashes, it is a token that your fortune is in its blossom, and only needs care to be brought to maturity; if surrounded by dots, riches may be expected.
A tree beside a house promises you the possession of a country seat or cottage, according to size.
A house beside a circle shows that the former will come into your possession. If there be an X near it, it will be situated in a city or town. If accompanied by triangles, it will be inherited or given to you. If it be surmounted by a cross, you will die in it.
Mountains signify either friends or enemies, according to their situation. The sun, moon and stars denote happiness, success; clouds, happiness or misfortune — according as they are bright or dark. Birds are good omens ; the appearance of one in the cup, typifies a sudden stroke of luck.
Quadrupeds — with the exception of the dog — foretell trouble and difficulties; reptiles mean treachery.
Fish imply good news from across the water, but some authorities interpret their appearance as the presage of an invitation to a good dinner.
A serpent is always the sign of an enemy, and if in the cloudy part of the cup, gives warning that great prudence will be needed to ward off misfortune.
The figure of a man indicates a speedy visitor; if the arm be outstretched, he will be the bearer of a present.
When the figure is very distinct, it shows that the person expected will be of dark complexion, and vice versa.
A heart surrounded by dots signifies joy, occasioned by the receipt of money.
A letter signifies news ; if in the clear, very welcome ones; surrounded by dots, a remittance; hemmed in by clouds, bad tidings and losses; a heart near it, a love letter.
An isolated line signifies a journey, its extent in proportion to the length of the line; dots or small branch-fines signify the obstacles which may be expected therein.
A circle enclosing four points foretells the birth of a child, and this emblem has a profoundly occult significance.
A dog beside a human figure always has reference to a friend.
A man mounted on a horse presages a male person who will powerfully espouse your cause.
An anchor at the bottom of the cup denotes success in business; at the top, and in the clear part, love and fidelity; but in thick or cloudy parts, it means inconstancy.
A crown near a cross indicates a large fortune resulting from a death.
A bouquet, composed of four or more flowers, is the most fortunate of all omens.

Occasionally, the development of the clairvoyant faculty produces lovely landscapes, complex groups of figures, large flights of birds, and a variety of suggestive visions, which, being of a higher character than those previously described, are proportionately difficult to explain, and sometimes transcend speculation. To persons of poetical and romantic temperament, they are, however, eminently suggestive, and are far more highly prized than the common appearances which admit of a facile interpretation.

A Manual of Cartomancy, Fortune-Telling and Occult Divination

A scan of it is on Archive.org
 

 

 This is a very interesting book in the subject published 1909, and as you can see of the partial contents, you can see that it talks about a lot of subjects :-D Not much, but... it's full of interesting little tidbits. One could make a whole Tumblr blog about it :-D

The Oracle of Human Destiny p. 28
The Mystic Alphabet 109
The Golden Wheel 111
The Art of Invoking Spirits 119
An Egyptian Method of Cartomancy 134
The English Method of Cartomancy 137
An Universal Oracle 145
The Book of the Secret Word (Tarot) 151
How to Find Lucky Numbers 171
To Read a Person's Character 173
The Prognostications from the Rulign Sign 177
Judgments drawn from the moon's age (at the birth) 210
The virtues and influences of precious stones 214
Some Unheard of Curiosities 218
- for Communicating with Persons at a Distance
- To Know Each Other's Mind at a Distance
- For the Eve of St. John (to speak with spirits)
The Hours, Virtues and Colours of the Planets 222
...
Concerning Presages 238
The Arts of Divination 241
The Grounds in a Tea of Coffee Cup 242
Divination with Needles 245
Alectromancy (Cocks) 245
Divination with Onions 246
Gastromancy 246
Lecanomancy 247
Margaritomancy 247
Rhapsodomancy 247
Onychomancy 248
Spodanomancy 248
Geomancy 249
A Supplementary Lexicon of the Art 250
Of Divination by Dreams 259

Molybdomancy

I Finland the tradition of predicting the future, especially the coming new year, by the shapes of molten lead. Now, it's called "tin", but it's mostly lead and dangerous to breathe in, so it's good people do this only once a year.

There are two schools of how to read these metal creations; one is to see what shapes one see in the shadow of the piece, other is to see shapes in the piece itself. Which ever way one chooses, it's related to scrying and tea leaf reading.

CASTING TIN CONTAINS LEAD AND THAT IS POISONOUS! DO NOT BREATH IN THE GASES AND DON'T HANDLE THE ITEMS MORE THAN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. It would be good to use gloves when handling the metal.

Also, you are working with molten, hot metal. The temperature is very high, and will cause bad burns if you get it on you. Have a bucket of cold water handy and some aloe vera or other burn cream.

You put the tin in the ladle and melt it. You keep the ladle with both hands and very carefully, but quickly, pour it into the cold water.

An article in Spanish about this


Abbey, future ease and freedom from worry
Acorn, improvement in health, continued health and strength
Aircraft, unsuccessful projects
Anchor, a lucky sign, Success in business and love
Anchor, steadiness, commitment, loyalty
Angel, good news, especially good fortune in love
Angel, improved health; creativity
Apes, secret enemies
Apple Tree, change for the better
Apple, time to make your dreams come true
Apples, long life, gain by commerce
arch, a journey abroad
Arrow, a disagreeable letter from the arrow's direction
Arrow, misfortune overcome by patience; or a legacy
Axe, difficulties overcome
Axe, your luck is in your own hands (to a woman, a good lover)
Badger, long life and prosperity as a bachelor
Basket, an addition to the family
Bat, fruitless journeys or tasks
Bear, a long period of travel
Bear, quarrel and competition with a friend
Beasts, other then those mentioned, foretell misfortune
Birds, a lucky sign; good news if flying, a fortunate journey
Boat, a friend will visit
Bouquet, one of the luckiest of symbols, a happy marriage
Bridge, a favorable journey
Broom, work
Building, a removal
Bull, slander by an enemy
Bush, an invitation into society
Butterfly, success and love
Butterfly, success and pleasure
Camel, a burden to be patiently borne
Candle, loyal friends
Cannon, good fortune
Car, approaching wealth, visits from friends
Car, travel or expenses (depending on how you see the car)
Cart, fluctuations of fortune
Castle, unexpected fortune or legacy
Cat, difficulties caused by treachery
Cat, enemies, scheming
Cathedral, great prosperity
Cattle, prosperity
Chain, an early marriage; if broken, trouble in store
Chair, an addition to the family
Church, a legacy
Church, funeral
Circles, money or presents
Clouds, a serious trouble; if surrounded by dots financial success
Clover, a very lucky sign; happiness and prosperity
Coffin, long sickness or sign of death
Comet, misfortune and trouble
Compass, a sign of traveling as a profession
Cow, a prosperous sign
Cross, a sign of trouble, delay or even death
Crown and Cross, good fortune resulting from death
Crown, success and honor
Dagger, favors from friends
Dead tree, sorrow
Deer, quarrels, disputes; failure in trade
Dice, success by cheating
Dog, faithful friends
Dog, worries
Donkey, a legacy long awaited
Dove, a lucky symbol; progress in prosperity and affection
Dragon, a great and sudden change
Dragon, be careful with your lusts and desires; self-discipline required
Duck, increase of wealth by trade
Eagle, honor and riches through change of residence
Earring, new work
Egg, relationship problems
Elephant, a lucky sign; good health
Elephant, achievements, adventures
Falcon, a persistent enemy
Fan, good news
Ferret, active enemies
Fish, deceitful friends, boredom
Fish, good news from abroad; surrounded by dots, Immigration
Flag, danger from wounds inflicted by an enemy
Flower, good fortune, success, happy marriage
Flower, luck and family celebrations
Foot, busy year, perhaps an accident while traveling
Fox, treachery by a trusted friend
Frog, success in love and commerce
Gallows, a sign of good luck
Glasses, don't get tricked, don't loan money to anyone
Goat, a sign of enemies, and misfortune to a sailor
Goose, happiness; a successful venture
Grasshopper, a great friend will become a soldier
Grave, longevity
Greyhound, good fortune by strenuous exertion
Guitar, you will meet a pleasant person, perhaps a loving relationship
Gun, a sign of discord and slander
Gun, quarrel with friends or loved ones
Hairbrush, sickness
Hammer, triumph over adversity
Hare, a sign of long journey or return of absent friend
Harp, marriage, success in love
Hat, success in life
Hawk, an enemy
Heart, pleasures to come
Heavenly Bodies signifies happiness and success.
Hen, increase of riches or addition to the family.
Hen, more income and happy reunion
Horse, desires fulfilled through a prosperous journey.
Horse, fame and riches, real emotions and love adventures
Horse-Shoe, a lucky journey or success in marriage.
Horseshoe, new workplace or promotion, lucky year
Hour-Glass, imminent peril.
House, success in business.
Human Figures, judged by what they appear to be doing.
Interrogation (mark of), doubt or disappointment
Island, travel and success
Ivy, honor and happiness through faithful friends.
Jackal, a mischief maker of no account
Jewelry, loving spouse
Jug, good health
Kangaroo, a rival in business or love.
Kettle, death.
Key, money, increasing trade, a good husband or wife.
Keyhole, secrets, keep your nose out of other people's business
Kite, a sign of lengthy travel leading to Honor and dignity.
Knife, a warning of disasters through quarrels and enmity.
Ladder, a sign of travel
Leopard, a sign of immigration and subsequent success
Letters, signifies news
Lily, on top of cup, health and happiness, bottom, anger,Strife
Lines, indicate journeys and their directions
Lion, greatness through powerful friends
Lock, worries and confusion
Man, a visitor arriving
Man, fun and successful time in life
Mermaid, misfortune, especially to seafaring persons
Monkey, deception in love.
Moon, (as a crescent), prosperity and fortune.
Mountain, powerful friends; many mountains, powerful enemies.
Mouse, danger of poverty through death or swindling.
Mushroom, sudden separation of lovers after a quarrel.
Numbers, very lucky, long life, good health, happy marriage.
Oblong figures, family or business squabbles.
Owl, an evil omen, indicative of sickness, poverty, disgrace.
Palm tree, good luck, children to a wife, marriage to a maid.
Parrot, a sign of emigration for a lengthy period.
Peacock, success and acquisition of property; a happy marriage.
Pear, great wealth and improved social position
Pearl, luck and influential friends
Pheasant, a legacy.
Pig, good and bad luck mixed.
Pigeons, important news if flying, if not, domestic bliss.
Pillow, raise
Pine tree, continuous happiness.
Pistol, disaster.
Rabbit, fair success in a city or large town.
Rabbit, family will grow
Rake, take care of your unfinished job, don't wait for help
Rat, treacherous servants, losses through enemies.
Raven, death for the aged, divorce, failure in business.
Razor, lovers quarrel and separation
Reptile, Quarrels.
Rider, good news from oversees regarding finances.
Rifle, a sign of discord and strife.
Ring, marriage; if near clouds an unhappy marriage.
Rose, a lucky sign denoting good fortune and happiness.
Saw, trouble brought about by strangers.
Scales, a lawsuit.
Scissors, quarrels, illness, separation of lovers.
Serpents, spiteful enemies, bad luck, illness.
Shark, danger of death.
Shark, threats and enemies
Sheep, success, prosperity.
Ship, promotion or travel
Ship, successful journey.
Sickle, unpleasant obligations
Snail, bad news come slowly but surely
Snake, great difficulties, stormy time ahead
Snakes, are a bad omen. Great caution should be exercised.
Spider, a sign of money coming.
Squares, comfort and peace.
Star, a lucky sign, surrounded by dots foretells great fortune.
Star, health and success
Straight Line, a very pleasant journey.
Straight Lines, peace, happiness and long life.
Sun, farewell to worries
Swallow, a journey with a pleasant ending.
Swan, good luck and a happy marriage.
Sword (broken), Victory over an enemy.
Sword, disputes, quarrels between lovers.
Sword, success at work
Teeth, sickness, problems, misfortune, need to let go of the old
Timber, Logs of timber indicate business success.
Toad, deceit and unexpected enemies.
Tree with leaves, luck and prosperity
Trees, a lucky sign; prosperity, and happiness.
Triangles, always a sign of good luck and unexpected legacies.
Twisted Figures, disturbances and vexation.
Umbrella, annoyance and trouble.
Unicorn, luck, love and happiness
Unicorn, scandal
Violin, pleasant family life and business success
Vulture, bitter foes.
Wagon, a sign of approaching poverty.
Waves, big changes
Wavy Lines, denotes losses and vexation.
Wheel, an inheritance about to come.
Windmill, success in enterprise.
Wolf, beware of jealous intrigues.
Woman, pleasure and happiness, several women indicates scandal.
Woman, scheming environment
Wood, a speedy marriage.
Worms, indicate secret foes.
Yacht, pleasure and happiness.
Yew Tree, death of an aged person leaving his legacy to you.
Zebra, travel and adventure in foreign lands.


Surface and shape of the cast

Smooth surface: nothing is going to happen the coming year
Bumby surface, like Scrooge McDuck's money chamber: money and prosperity
Holes: You are going to miss a lot this year, chances, money, perhaps even people
Lacy edges: you are going to have an entourage of admirers and courtiers
Cup-like insets: bad omen, perhaps even of death
Long tail: health and long life, the longer the tail, the longer the life
Long straight strings and sticks: you need patience
Curvy strings and sticks: travel, either concrete or symbolical - you have to finish this before anything new can come to your life
Separate strings and sticks: small problems
Flat shape: lazy and unproductive year
Platelets and leaves: letters, news; the amount and size of the message depends on the amount and size of the pieces
Cast breaks: busy year, more pieces, more events
Cast breaks into two equal pieces: read both pieces for themselves and think how these two meet in your life
Cast breaks into tiny pieces: really busy year, you need to learn what is important and what is not. Read the biggest piece's shadow.
Long stick and a round cast: let go of the old
Tear shaped pieces: tears
Cast divided into two: difficult choice, surprises, unexpected - look for letters in the cast; those stand for important people
Sharp points: protection
Flakes: means nothing, these are just residue from the cast

Greek Alphabet Oracle

Now, they claim this is "ancient"... I don't think so. I think this has been created because of the runes, ogham and the Hebrew letters in tarot cards - these "symbols" look sufficiently mystical and if you can sell it, do so.

Now, there are at least two different methods. One uses the letters as runes, the other uses dice or sheep knucklebones to come up with the symbol.

Apollonius Sophistes' method with dice
The tile method

Hestia's Needle

From Shirley Twofeathers' blog

In the aura of candle light
string a needle on a thread of white
then let the needle hang in the air
asking any question that you dare

Watch the needle swing back and forth
And should it swing from South to North
then the answer is clearly yes
if it circles its anyone’s guess

If the needle swings West to East
the answer is no to say the least
when you’re done put the oracle away
to be consulted another day

By Carolina Dean

Bone divination

Sangoma divining bones

by David Cumes

Simple bone divination method

Take three different bones - it can be whole bones or pieces of bones, or any objects, really
Decide which is the "jack", which is "yes" and which is "no".

The question should therefore be of the kind that can be answered with "yes" or "no".

Shake the bones in your hands, or in a bowl or bag if they are too big for your hands, concentrating in your question. Throw the bones. The bone that lies closes to the "jack" is the answer to your question.

If both are equally close, the answer is "maybe" or "unknown" or "don't ask this right now".

Now, it is generally accepted, that if you ask again, you are not respecting the oracle, and you will get equally disrespectful answers, that is, answers that tell you what you want to hear, and not what is, but in my mind it is OK to ask for clarification. I mean, you are then just saying you are stupid and slow to understand, and asking the oracle patience with you. Just remember thinking this, and not thinking you are just saying that and fooling the oracle, because... that is disrespectful and stupid.

So you can ask for clarification, but be very aware of that this time the answer won't be definite "yes" or "no" but more "maybe" and "maybe not", or "likely" and "hardly".

Also, you can choose for the "jack" a piece with two distinct sides, and decide which side is "heads" and which "tails", and decide which side means "uncertain" and which side "don't ask".

As you see, this can be defined indefinitely, and more pieces can be added, and then you will end up with a magpie oracle, junk oracle, treasure oracle, charm oracle, bone oracle or what ever name one has for this kind of oracles.

Divination by salt

Alomancy (from Greek halo, 'salt', and manteia, divination), also called Adromancy, ydromancie, idromancie, and halomancy, is a form of divination where salt is used.

1) The diviner casts salt into air and interprets patterns as it falls, either as it falls or after it has fallen, on the ground. A casting cloth or pattern drawn on ground can be used.

2) The diviner mixes a strong salt solution in a bowl and lets the water evaporate, and interprets the salt formations on the bowl.

3) Salt can be thrown into fire and the reactions are read

4) Alomancy by Raven Digitalis from Shadow Magick Compendium

Pour the salt or sand into a square or rectangular tray to a depth of about three inches. Hold a pencil loosely in your hand, with the point at the center of the substance. Relax, close your eyes, and state your question. Let your hand move of its own accord until it stops—and no longer than three minutes. Open your eyes and look for symbols or letters among the markings.
Some common examples: “Y” for yes; “N” for no; “P” for perhaps;
“X” for love.
A long line for a journey; a short line for a visitor.
A large circle for misfortune; a small circle for news;
a triangle for success; a square for obstacles,
a heart for love, a broken heart for parting a parting.
Read other symbols in relation to your question.

Some salt superstitions and beliefs:

* salt is said to bring prosperity, so people are given salt as gifts at housewarmings and such
* salt is said to bring fertility, so brides are given salt as a wedding gift
* salt is said to bring protection - ghosts and evil spirits cannot step over salt

If you spill salt, you have to throw a pinch of it over your left shoulder, to get rid of all the spirits called to the place by spilling of salt

Lenormand Work Book by Pepi Valderrama, work notes

Today's card: The Letter

So... I will get personal communication today. Nice!

So - let's work on the list of words.
This card is The Letter, number 27 in the Lenormand deck. There shouldn't be anything but the letter in the picture. So... what is "letter"... letter, message, postcard, posted communication, thinking about you, writing on paper, letters... connection... private message... at that time... has been replaced with telephone, messaging, email... replaced in its time clay tablets and quipo strings... now, in this image, there's a dove carrying the letter in its beak... the room has an ink bottle and quill and what's that called, the blotting tool thingy. And an old fashioned secretary desk. It's a very old-fashioned room. And I would say the writer is a leftie. :-D
The directions and colors in the picture also has meaning. The bird is central, in movement, very much alive, but flying to left, into past... The chair is empty. The letter writer is absent. Makes me think of messages from the past as well as messages to the past. Time travel? Memories?
Perhaps this person doesn't want to be with other people. E is old-fashioned, and lets birds transport e's letters...

Now, 27 is 3x3x3, and numerologically its value is 9. 3 cubed is very magical, and 9 is about The World.

"Angel Number 27 is a message from your angels that new information or news of a positive nature is on its’ way, so listen to your intuition and heed its guidance for your highest good."
Angel Number 27; Joanne Sacred Scribes

 The same site also states that repeating number 3 means there's an "Ascended Master" near you.

"The numerology number 27 is about philanthropy and compassion in a cooperative atmosphere."
Number 27 meaning

Now, the playing card. Lenormand has playing cards depicted on them (usually) and Letter is 7 of spades.

Card of Removal

This card represents the uncovering of a truth, a removal, or a loss of some kind. There may be a disruption among friends, quarrels with others, loss of a friendship, or an ending to a relationship. Avoid arguments with friends for now.

The seven of spades indicates a lack of opportunism and announces the dangers linked to immobility, and relates to the short-term sorrows that put the consultant in an unstable situation.
Latin Cards: Seven of Spades

Generally the 7 of Spades represents a setback or a reversal of fortune, and in relationship readings it invariably shows a cooling off of affections.
7 of Spades: Art of Cartomancy

Oh... doesn't sound like that picture at all!

In Russian Gypsy Fortune Telling Cards Letter means "news from the far" and it has 4 meanings, depending on how it stands:
Upright, Position 1 Meaning Happiness will come to you from afar.
Position 2 Meaning Interesting, unexpected news.
Position 3 Meaning you will hear long-awaited words.
Reversed; Position 4 Meaning Sad news.

In Katina's Deste cards the meaning of Letter is "News. A message coming from a distance. The cards around will tell what kind of message it is, positive or negative.
It can also mean that someone or something you have been waiting for, is coming to you - reversed it means that he/she/it is NOT coming"

Etteilla, then?

"Enemy successful."
"Dark girl; a good card; it promises a country life after a competence has been secured.
Reversed
Good advice, probably neglected."
"Good news. A letter from a distance. Bad news. An invitation."
"Hope, Confidence, Desire, Attempt, Wish
Reversed
Wise Advice, Good Counsel, Wisdom, Prudence, Circumspection.""Everyday worries, or a resolve taken
Reversed
silly stratagems in love-making."
"by means of a lost letter a secret will be revealed, and this will cause much sorrow; an officer will restore the letter, and all will end well."

Lenormand letter 

General Feeling: Neutral

Planet: Mercury

Zodiac: Gemini

Keywords: letter, message, news, communication, expression, written communication, documents

long distance communication; letters, email, text messages, telephone conversations, correspondence, penpals
any communication; from everyday conversations to conferences, meetings, negotiations; verbal and non-verbal, from facial expressions and gestures to messages in clothing and art - all expressions
information, information flow, social media, media, newspapers, magazines, internet
any written papers, papers with writing, from diplomas to postit notes, faxes, invoices, bills, files, newsletters, flyers, pamphlets, zines...

as a person:
- a writer
- good communicator, orator
- "letter carrier", someone who delivers the message, what ever kind of message it is, so if it's a facial expression, it's the person twisting her face :-D - any person you communicate with

General Description: The Lenormand Letter is the card of written communication. It can come in any form – email, letter, fax, newspaper… It can also indicate business documents (such as an invoice or memo), legal documents (such as a will, court order, or parking ticket), or school documents (e.g., report cards and diplomas.)
documentation or paperwork of any kind. It can mean things such as diplomas, certificates, resumes, invoices and permits, for example.
The letter card represents news and messages. It's all forms of written communications. It can come in the form of a note, a document, email, text messages and letters.
The letter also involves written documents, such as licenses, diplomas, certificates, and permits. It includes postcards, flyers, junk mail and brochures.
All forms of paperwork. Anything that can be written.

Anna K. about the Letter

Career:
information is coming; invoices, memos, resumes, any business related paperwork
You should receive some form of appreciation at work, such as an award.

Occupation: Anything involving the media and communication – journalist, PR expert, blogger, writer, reporters, postal worker

Health: prescriptions, test results, referrals

The Body: Hands and fingers

Love: written correspondence with a loved one. A love letter, online courting, Valentine You should receive a love letter.

Physical Description/Qualities: Communicative, nice hands, educated, proud

Timing: Something that happens quickly; the month of June; could mean 27th day of the month

Questions to Ask with The Letter

    What do I need to communicate?
    Who do I need to reach out to?
    What kind of documentation do I need?
    What am I holding inside?
    What do I need to write or email?
    Write your feelings and thouhgts on paper to release them
    What message are you trying to convey?
    Are all of your documents in order?
    Do you need to renew/get a license or permit? Any official papers?