Divination Symbols

Doing research on divination brought me to a list of the many methods, tools and materials and varied ways people have tried to know the future or make predictions. So interesting...and some of the materials were a bit disturbing or unsavory.

I use game pieces and beads from other countries in my work and I realized I had many items that represented some of the tools or symbols of divination.

I decided to create a long pendant with these beads. The beads are hand wire wrapped to Sterling Silver chain. The beads include a small bone Mahjong bead, black cat, skull, domino, die, two fish to represent the Zodiac sign of Pisces, a Bagua charm, a turquoise triangle and a hand charm.

Some divination is as simple as a black cat crossing one's path. Other forms are much more complicated and involve reading information from cards, a person's palm or a crystal ball.

There is a difference between divination and what some refer to as fortune telling. Divination often involves a ritual and special knowledge or education and fortune telling is more in line with Feng Shui where a person can interpret for themselves.

Represented in this pendant are both forms. A black cat may portend bad luck and Astrology is used to interpret tendencies in others and ourselves. The Bagua is used in Feng Shui to help a person structure their environment to achieve balance and good energy or Chi.

Like reading Tarot cards, there is a form of divination that uses Mahjong tiles. Dice and dominoes are used in a form of divination called cleromancy or by casting. Divination by minerals is oryctomancy which is represented by the Turquoise triangle. Divination by the human form is somatomancy and is represented by the skull and the palm.

This 5.5" pendant dangles from an adjustable cotton cord necklace.

by sam