A significant portion of the divination methods covered in this course involving identifying and analyzing symbols that appear around us. Some of the methods that rely on symbols include:

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• Tasseomancy – tea-leaf reading

• Xylomancy – observing twig patterns

• Scrying – gazing, including but not limited to:

  • Catoptromancy – mirror-gazing

  • Gastromancy – crystal-gazing

  • Hydromancy – water-gazing

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Across all of these methods, the interpreted meanings of observed symbols tend to be the same; that is to say, whether you see a raven in your tea leaves or your crystal ball, it likely represents bad news. Your earlier years of divination focused on the methods themselves, but now we’re taking a step back to focus on the meaning and interpretation of the symbols that have appeared.

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Sometimes, the meanings of symbols that appear in divination are straightforward, while other times, a little more thought is necessary to understand the connection between a symbol and what it represents. For example, it’s probably no surprise that a baby would represent something new or that scissors would represent separation, but why does a sheep represent good fortune? Consider the importance of sheep in history; they provide fleece/wool, a necessary resource. A farmer with a lot of sheep would be able to exchange the wool or products made from it for other goods. Because the farmer benefits from the sheep, this animal has come to represent good fortune, both in the sense of money and luck.

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The following are some websites you may want to use as resources when determining the meaning of a particular symbol; you’re also welcome to do your own research and consult other websites, but please list them as sources if you do.

• Crystalinks

• Divination by Tea Leaves

• The Spruce Eats

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Because there are many “symbol dictionaries” readily available, the real challenge is determining the meaning of a symbol in the context of the question that you are trying to answer. For example, let’s say a querent asked you about this year’s House Cup competition, and you saw an ostrich. It wouldn’t be sufficient to tell them that you saw travel; in fact, you’d likely leave them rather confused! Rather, you’d need to interpret the meaning of the ostrich in this context; perhaps it suggests that the house who will win will undergo a long journey in order to take the cup.

 

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Assignment

 

Please answer the following questions and submit your answers in the Owlery.

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1. Why might a waterfall represent prosperity? 5 points

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2. Look through the lists of symbols and definitions provided above and find one symbol whose meaning surprises you. Do some research in order to determine why this particular symbol has the meaning that it does. Explain your findings. 10 points

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3. Select a magical creature, preferably one unique to the HP world. What would this creature represent if it appeared as a divination symbol? Explain your answer. 15 points

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4. A querent has asked you whether they should get another pet, and you see a wolf. What do you tell them? 15 points

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5. A querent has asked you whether they should apply for a time turner, and you see a sword. What do you tell them? 15 points