Let’s continue on our fascinating journey through time by exploring the resurgence of divination in recent history. First transporting ourselves to the vibrant Renaissance period, a time of rebirth and rediscovery, to uncover why this period saw a revival of divination and its mystical connections. We’ll then leap forward to the 20th century, a time of modern resurgence, and discover the enduring fascination with divination that continues to captivate minds around the world today.

Through this exploration, we’ll gain insights into the reasons behind divination’s persistence and the perpetual resistance it has faced in various cultures. Finally, we’ll have the chance to practice our own divinatory skills with the Tarot. Join us as we unravel the threads of history, wisdom, and the ever-present allure of divination.

Exploring the Renaissance and Tarot

The Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement spanning from the 14th to the 17th century, was a pivotal era in the revival of divination and esoteric knowledge.

The Renaissance Revival

The Renaissance was a time of rediscovery, reawakening, and reconnection with ancient knowledge. This period witnessed a renewed interest in the mystical and the occult. Divination, which had been somewhat marginalized during the Middle Ages, experienced a resurgence during this time as people were actively seeking to broaden their understanding of life.

The Influence of Hermeticism

Hermeticism, a spiritual and philosophical tradition based on the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, was a cornerstone of the Renaissance. It emphasized the interconnectedness of all things and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Divination was seen as a means to access the higher wisdom that people were eager to explore as a result of these mystical undertones.

The Arrival of Tarot

The Tarot, originally a card game, gained esoteric significance during the Renaissance with their rich symbolism and allegorical images. Subsequently, these decks became popular tools of divination for those desiring to unlock profound insights into the human psyche and the cosmos.

20th Century Resurgence and Modern Fascination

The fascination with divination didn’t end with the Renaissance. In the 20th century, a new wave of interest swept through the world and was influenced by various factors.

The New Age Movement

The 20th century saw the rise of the New Age movement, which emphasized holistic well-being, spirituality, and alternative forms of knowledge. Divination practices like astrology, Tarot, and numerology became central to this movement.

Psychology and Self-Exploration

Psychologists like Carl Jung recognized the value of symbols and archetypes in understanding the human mind. Tarot, in particular, was seen as a tool for self-exploration and gaining insights into the unconscious.

Pop Culture and Entertainment

Divination practices also made their way into popular culture, further fueling the modern fascination. Tarot cards and Ouija boards, for example, easily became symbols of mystery and intrigue in literature, movies, and TV shows.

The Perpetual Resistance and Persistence of Divination

Throughout history, divination has faced resistance and even suppression, yet remains a persistent part of humanity’s collective experience throughout the ages. The reasons behind these extreme scenarios are diverse.

Religious Involvement

Some religions have been resistant to divination, considering it a threat to their authority or dogma. However, many individuals within these religions have continued to practice divination quietly, and divination practices have used by the priestly classes themselves in many cultures as well. These religious inconsistencies have made the potential morality or immorality of divination unclear to laypeople across cultures and times, rendering it seemingly dangerous to many.

Fear of the Unknown

Fear of the unknown and superstition has led to resistance in certain cultures. Divination often confronts the mysteries of life and the future, which can be unsettling to some. At its best, it performs as a mirror of the seekers subconscious understanding and the superconscious’ grace regarding any topic or situation, making it a potentially horrifying tool when it falls into the hands of someone who wishes to remain close-minded.

Cultural Preservation

In other cases, divination has persisted as an integral part of cultural identity and tradition. It’s seen as a means to connect with ancestors and honor the wisdom of the past. Of course, in instances where much of a culture’s history has been lost or destroyed (such as the Mayan’s), a lack of preservation can render us unable to truly learn or understand much of their divinatory and spiritual practices too.

Seekers of Wisdom

Despite challenges or naysayers, seekers of wisdom have always found value in divination. It provides insights into the human condition and the mysteries of existence, serving as a path to personal growth and self-discovery. It is also a common thread, woven throughout the diverse histories and societies of humanity, making it a valuable tool for those seeking global connection and collective understanding.

Divination Exercise: Tarot Card Pull

For a hands-on experience of divination, let’s embark on a journey into the world of Tarot for ourselves. Tarot cards are a powerful divinatory tool that can provide insights, guidance, and clarity. For this exercise, you’ll need a Tarot deck if you have one, or you can use a virtual Tarot deck online.

1. Begin by finding a quiet, comfortable space. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
2. If you have a Tarot deck, shuffle the cards while focusing on a question or intention. If you don’t have a physical deck, visualize shuffling virtual cards in your mind.
3. When you feel ready, draw a single card from the deck. This card will offer a message or insight related to your question or intention.
4. Examine the card closely. Pay attention to the symbolism, colors, and emotions it evokes.
5. Write down your impressions and feelings about the card in a journal or on a piece of paper.
6. Next, using your deck’s booklet or an internet search, find the classic correspondences and interpretations of the card and jot down what feels most relevant to your intention or question. Then, compare and contrast these notes with those of your own personal impressions to learn more about your own reading style and intuition.
7. When you are satisfied with your impressions and understanding, replace the card in the deck and reshuffle it before you put it away. Remembering to offer your gratitude for the opportunity to explore its rich symbolism and archetypes as you do.
8. Following your Tarot card pull, reflect on how the various potential messages of the card might apply to your life or the question you asked. Look for opportunities to apply the card’s perspectives in real time as you go about your life, and when you need to, revisit the Tarot to continue your mystic apprenticeship with the cards.

This Tarot card pull is just the beginning of your divinatory journey. It’s just a glimpse into the profound wisdom that awaits as we continue our exploration of divination. We hope you’ll join us as we continue to uncover the mysteries of this wonder that has permeated human experience throughout ancient times and indigenous cultures, and that continues to persist and even thrive now in our modern era.