Here’s how to Get Started with These 3 Essential Tools
When you’re facing a decision or sitting with a question, you don’t need to meet it empty-handed. You can grab a divination tool to invite insight and clarity into any situation.
Divination tools work on the principle that everything is connected and that our consciousness is part of Universal Consciousness. When we set the intention to receive guidance, and open ourselves to it, wisdom will always meet us.
These three divination tools are my go-to favorites. Here’s how I love to work with them—and how you can, too.
Note: Before using these, pause and center yourself with a few deep breaths. If you’d like, you can light a candle and perhaps some incense.
1. Oracle Cards
Why Use Oracle Cards:
Oracle cards are perfect for tapping into loving guidance about how to navigate a situation. They can also reveal the deeper soul lessons behind the challenges you’re facing.
(I love oracle decks so much, I have written many of them myself. My latest include The Wild Witch Oracle, The Oracle of Daydreams & Moonbeams, and The Halloween Forever Oracle.)
How to Use Oracle Cards:
First, ask a question. Choose an open-ended question, rather than something that calls for yes-or-no answer. For example, you might ask: “What do I need to know about _____,” “How can I best move forward in the situation with _____,” or “What guidance will help me most regarding _____.”
Shuffle your deck until it feels right—you might sense it in your hands, hear it in your mind, or know it in your gut. Don’t worry or think too much about this – trust that you will stop when you are supposed to.
Then, draw three cards from the top to represent (1) past, (2) present, and (3) future. Arrange them left to right.
Gaze at each image individually, just appreciating the art and getting a sense for its energy. Also look at all three of the images at once and contemplate how they might go together. Before you read about the images or try to analyze how they apply, just sit with them and notice how they feel to you.
After a few moments of silently gazing at the art, look up the card in the accompanying guidebook. Read what you find there. Notice anything that stands out to you or seems to be especially relevant to your question.
If you’d like, you can journal at this point. Write down what stands out to you and how you feel it may apply. If you’re not sure what the cards are telling you, journaling will usually give you just the insight you need.
2. Tarot Cards
Why Use Tarot Cards:
The tarot is powerful for revealing the big-picture dynamics in play—the unseen structures shaping your situation. It’s like receiving a blueprint of the energies at work.
My first tarot deck, THE TAROT OF SECRETS (a formulary, catalyst, and key), drops in August.
How to Use Tarot Cards:
Ask your question, again in an open-ended way (see above).
Shuffle until it feels right, cut the deck, and try this seven-card spread (which I love from Ellen Dugan’s Witches Tarot guidebook). Arrange them in a row, from left to right: (1) Past, (2) Present, (3) Future, (4) Advice, (5) People involved, (6) Obstacles, (7) Outcome.
As you turn the cards over, take your time. Let your intuition roam through the imagery, noticing what speaks to you. Then, check the guidebook and any other tarot books you like for more insight into each card. (Two of my favorites are Finding the Fool and The Cards You’re Dealt.)
Again, this would be a great time to journal to explore your feelings and guesses about how these cards may apply.
(“Guessing” is always a good workaround when you’re not sure. You’ll be surprised about how accurate your “guesses” can be.)
Want a deeper dive? Watch this video tutorial.
You may also like this tarot-inspired meditation with prayer beads.
3. The Pendulum
Why Use a Pendulum:
A pendulum is an amazing tool for accessing your body’s wisdom and your deep, intuitive knowing. In our intellectual culture, we often forget that our bodies are always offering us guidance. The pendulum helps tune you into that inner compass.
(I use a pendulum to access the Akashic Records for my Akashic Clearing sessions.)
How to Use a Pendulum:
Hold the pendulum loosely in one hand. Visualize a pillar of light connecting you to the earth and the cosmos, and call in Divine protection.
Ask aloud or mentally, “Show me yes.” If your arm is relaxed, the pendulum will likely start moving in a forward/backward motion or a clockwise circle, but be open to whatever you see.
Then, ask, “Show me no.” Common no movements are side-to-side or counterclockwise, but you may be unique.
Over time, this will become second nature. You can even start experimenting with other ways of asking and receiving answers with your pendulum.
To jumpstart your journey, take this self-paced online workshop, HOW TO MASTER THE PENDULUM.
Have you tried any of these divination tools? I’d love to hear how they’ve worked for you—please share your experiences in the comments.
Also feel free to ask any questions. I try to respond to every comment.
Discover more from Tess Whitehurst
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Thank you Tess! I have used Tarot cards for about 54 years and they are my go to when looking for answers.
A few years back I got some of Colette Baron-Reid’s Oracle cards. They are nice but kind of “meh”. Nice and warm and fuzzy. But for some of my clients they are what they need in a reading. The same with Radleigh Valentines’ Angel Tarot cards. They give a nice reading for folks that are concerned about “magic” and “demons” etc.
As to pendulums – my first pendulum had been gifted to me by a friend. I cleansed it and cleared some many times and yet it would always give me false readings. A simple thing like “is it raining outside” during a pouring rain and it would say “no”. Not even a maybe. So, I placed it in a container and filled it with sea salt. Sort of a permanent time out. I later found a pendulum that called to me at a shop and have had much better luck with that one.
Dear Tess
Thank you so much for your fabulous wisdom.
I use many decks of oracle cards but yours are my very favourites at the moment.
My first connection with you was when I found your ‘Oracle of Portals’ at a Mind body spirit fair in York, England, near where I live. You had just released them.
I now also have your angel magic cards and have ordered your new Tarot set and The wild with set, I cant wait to receive them later this year.
I love your emails and your reminders about our wonderful Path.
Thank you Thank you Thank you with love, joy, gratitude and Peace XXX Eve XXX
I use each of these tools for divination; it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I guess I’d have to say I use tarot most often. I prefer intuitve reading, but also like to look for well known adages, pop culture and myth. For example, The Hermit calls Moses to mind for me, Five of Cups makes me think of “Don’t cry over spilt milk,” And Ten of Swords is “Put a fork in me, I’m done.”