18 Divination Tools & Techniques to Predict Your Future

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Learn to use tarot cards, pendulums, crystals, and more

Co-authored by Paige Ferris and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: September 3, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Tarot
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• Pendulums
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• Rods
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• Spirit Boards
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• Runes
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• Tea
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• Scrying Bowls
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• Mirrors
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• Crystal Balls
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• Dice
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• Crystals
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• Pen & Paper
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• Birth Charts
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• Palmistry
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• Merkabas
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• Bones
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• Coins
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• Books
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• Tips

|Show more |Show less

Divination is the spiritual practice of determining the hidden significance or causes of events and foretelling the future by interpreting omens and symbols. Cultures all over the world have used forms of divination for centuries, and it’s still a common ritual in many modern spiritual practices. In this article, we’ll teach you how to use several common divination tools, with the help of expert psychics, astrologers, and spiritual advisors.

Steps

1

Tarot Cards

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1. 
   Shuffle tarot cards and interpret their meaning. One of the most common forms of divination is tarot reading. Shuffle a deck of tarot cards while focusing on your question or intention. Draw as many cards as you want (3 is common), then refer to your guidebook and your intuition to interpret the cards’ meanings, both individually and in relation to each other.

   • Oracle cards work the same way, though their meanings aren’t as standardized as tarot cards’. This allows for a wider range of interpretations.
   • If you don’t want to buy a new deck, it’s even possible to read tarot with playing cards! “You can pretty much read with anything,” says psychic, astrologer, and entertainer Joanna Gerard. “You can read with Uno cards [or] create your own cards if you want to.”
   • While you can use common tarot spreads, like the Celtic Cross, Emily Christensen, spiritual advisor and founder of Rainbow Raaja, encourages you to listen to your intuition when laying out your cards. “Tarot doesn’t have to be so rigid,” she says. “It can be creative and fun if you allow your imagination the freedom to create.”

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Joanna Gerard is a psychic, astrologer, and entertainer with over 15 years of professional experience.

   Emily Christensen is a shamanic spiritual advisor, reiki master, and the founder of Rainbow Raaja based in Southern California and King County, Washington.

   Jennifer McVey, Cht, is a spiritualist, seer, and the spiritual director of Spiritual Answers and Solutions, with more than 22 years of experience.

   Julia Topaz is an astrologer and the owner of Look Up the Stars, an astrology practice where she provides readings for clients based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

   Paige Ferris is a Tarot Reader, Astrologer, and Intuitive Psychic with over 6 years of experience. She specializes in practical occultism and psychological astrology.
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2

Pendulums

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1. 
   Use a pendulum to get answers to yes-or-no questions. A pendulum is a weighted object suspended from a chain or string. Hold the top of the chain between your thumb and forefinger, allowing the weight to dangle, and ask a yes-or-no question. The direction the pendulum swings reflects your answer. Make sure the pendulum hangs freely and can swing unobstructed.

   • Tarot reader, astrologer, and intuitive psychic Paige Ferris explains the process: “Sit with your pendulum at a table. Rest your elbow on the table and hold your forearm at about a 45-degree angle so the pendulum is able to flow freely, a few inches off the tabletop.”
     • Resting your elbow on a table makes it so you’re less likely to shake and influence the direction the pendulum swings.
   • Before asking your question, decide which movements you want to reflect yes or no. Ferris notes, “I personally believe that a circle motion is a yes and a line (back and forth) is a no.” If the pendulum remains still, the answer may be unclear.
   • Set a clear intention before using your pendulum. Ferris says, “I always start with clear questions I know the answer to, like asking if my name is ‘Paige Ferris,’ for example, to set my trust and intentions. Always clear your energy and try to place yourself in an objective space, detaching from the answer and feeling into the question.”
   • Ferris continues, “Make sure your hand and the pendulum are steady prior to inquiring. The goal is to have the momentum of the question you feel to force the pendulum to give you its answer.”

3

Dowsing Rods

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1. 
   Use dowsing rods to reveal the location of an object. Dowsing rods are L- or Y-shaped rods traditionally used to locate oil, water, or minerals underground. Many believe that you can also use them to find people, pets, or lost objects. Hold the rods in your hands and walk around slowly. It’s said that when you walk over the object you’re looking for, the rods will shake or vibrate.

   • Some also use dowsing rods, or divining rods, to answer yes-or-no questions. Hold one rod in each hand and ask a question. Like pendulums, decide which movements reflect which answer.
   • For example, if the rods move toward each other, it could indicate a “yes,” while moving in opposite directions could indicate a “no.”
   • Make sure to hold your dowsing rods properly. Spiritual director Jennifer McVey, Cht, explains that you should hold the bottom of the L so the longer side extends outward. Keep a firm grip on the rods so your energy flows through them.
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4

Spirit Boards

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1. 
   Ask spirits for insight about your situation. Spirit boards, or Ouija boards, are tools used to communicate with spirits or beings from other dimensions. Some believe that because these spirits exist on a separate plane, they can offer insights into current or future situations. To use a spirit board, place the tips of your fingers on the planchette and ask your question. Allow the spirit to guide the planchette around the board to spell out its answer.

   • Take proper precautions when using a Ouija board. Always say goodbye before ending the session, and keep the board and the planchette separate when not in use to make sure no spirits linger.
   • Before using a spirit board, McVey advises, “I would get some type of training from someone who knows about it, or I would get training in how to keep spirits out of your house and out of your body.”

5

Runes

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1. 
   Cast runes and interpret their symbols and positions. Runes are ancient Germanic and Nordic symbols that form the runic alphabet. These symbols each represent a specific sound, concept, or idea. Cast a handful of runes on a flat surface and interpret their meaning based on their positions and symbols, allowing your intuition to guide you.

   • Each rune carries unique symbolism and energy and can offer insights into relationships, health, career, and personal growth. Most rune sets come with a booklet to help you interpret their meanings, so don’t worry if you don’t have them memorized.
   • Ferris says, “Like most divination techniques, it’s as simple as centering yourself in an Observer role, setting your intention towards a topic or question, and allowing synchronicities to reveal the magic.”
   • Ferris explains the process: “Pull from your runes, starting with only a few at a time, and let them make impressions on you in regards to your question. I believe all divination techniques are conversational, meaning if you have further inquiries or additional questions, continue the conversation either out loud or in your mind and continue to pull until you understand your answer.”
   • Some use runes for quick yes-or-no answers, while others prefer to use them for more complex and detailed readings.
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6

Tea Leaves

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1. 
   Examine the pattern of tea leaves at the bottom of a cup. Tasseomancy, or tea leaf reading, is a form of divination that involves interpreting the patterns of loose-leaf tea leaves. Drink a cup of tea, leaving a small amount of liquid at the bottom of your cup. Swirl the cup in a clockwise motion, let the tea leaves settle, then interpret your answer by analyzing their shapes, patterns, and positions. If you don’t like tea, you can also use herbs or used coffee grounds.

   • There is no one correct way to read tea leaves. However, you might want to look for certain animals, symbols, letters, or numbers. Think of what these symbols commonly represent.
     • For example, if your tea leaves resemble a cat, it might suggest independence or curiosity.
   • The position of the leaves can also reflect their meaning. Leaves at the top of the cup are often related to current or near-future events, while those at the bottom reflect long-term influences or issues. Those at the sides of the cup may indicate ongoing situations.

7

Scrying Bowls

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1. 
   Stare into a bowl of water and reflect on any visions you receive. Scrying is a divination practice that involves gazing into reflective surfaces to receive visions and insights. One common way to scry is to fill a scrying bowl with water or another reflective liquid. Calm your mind and gaze into the surface, allowing your eyes to become unfocused. Don’t try to force images, but take note of any shapes, colors, or symbols that appear. Then, use your intuition to interpret them.

   • Pay attention to any physical sensations, emotions, or thoughts that arise, as well. These can provide additional context to any images you see.
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8

Scrying Mirrors

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1. 
   Gaze into a mirror and note any images you see. Another common way to scry is to use mirrors. While any mirror can work, it’s generally recommended to use a dark or black mirror for a more reflective surface. Stare into the mirror with unfocused eyes and make note of any images you see or physical sensations you experience. Look up traditional interpretations for the symbols you see if you’re having trouble coming up with your own meanings.

9

Crystal Balls

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1. 
   Peer into a crystal ball to seek spiritual guidance. It may sound cliché, but crystal balls are another common scrying tool. They essentially work the same way as scrying mirrors. Stare into the crystal ball’s surface and allow your eyes to relax. Visualize yourself merging with the crystal and allow images to form in your mind.
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10

Dice

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1. 
   Interpret the numbers rolled by one or more dice. Divination doesn’t always require specialized tools; you can interpret some answers with a normal set of dice! Focus on your question or intention and roll 3 six-sided dice. Add up all the numbers, then add those digits together until you’re left with a one-digit number. Look up what that number represents in numerology, and use that information to interpret your answer.

   • Another option is to use astrodice, which depict the 12 planets, signs, and houses used in astrology. Cast your dice, then interpret your answer based on the meanings behind the symbols.
   • It’s also possible to ask yes-or-no questions using dice. Even numbers represent “yes,” and odd numbers represent “no.”

11

Crystals

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1. 
   Use crystals to enhance your divination practices. Crystals can help you connect with your spiritual side and give you additional insights into your divination routines. Select crystals that align with your intentions. Meditate with them by holding them in your hand and focusing on their energy, and arrange them in specific patterns to create a crystal grid to amplify your intention. Integrate them into your divination practices by placing them on your tarot deck or using them alongside pendulums or runes.

   • Each crystal has different properties to support different aspects of your life. For example, use amethyst for spiritual healing, rose quartz for emotional healing, or citrine for abundance.
   • Most crystal users recommend charging your crystals between uses. Christensen says, “You can charge crystals with intention, Reiki, under the sun (for action or passion), or under the moon (for reflection or healing).”
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12

Pencil and Paper (Automatic Writing)

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1. 
   Write down any words or phrases that come to you. Automatic writing is a form of divination in which you write without conscious control or intention. Grab a pencil and a piece of paper, and allow your mind to relax completely. Then, write down whatever thoughts naturally come to mind without overthinking or editing. When you’re done, read and reflect on what you’ve written.

   • Some believe automatic writing is a form of mediumship in which the writer acts as a channel for messages from spirits. Others believe it’s a way to connect with and receive guidance from your higher self.
   • If you don’t want to use a pen and paper, McVey says you can also type whatever comes to you.
   • As an alternative to writing, McVey adds, “You could draw if you’re more [of] a doodle person. [Then] go back and see what you ended up drawing.”

13

Astrological Charts

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1. 
   Study your astrological chart for insights into your life. Astrological charts, or birth charts, show the positions of the planets, sun, moon, and other celestial bodies at the time of your birth. Many believe the positions of these planets can interpret your personality, potential, and life path. To create your birth chart, you need to know the date, time, and location of your birth. Then, read more about each aspect to learn more about yourself and your potential future.

   • Many apps and websites will allow you to see your birth chart for free.
   • If you want to practice astrology in more detail, consider getting a planetary ephemeris. These provide tables and charts that detail the positions of celestial bodies on each day of a given year.
   • Astrologer Julia Topaz says, “Looking at [your] birth chart is like opening the hood of a car to see what’s going on underneath. It can provide really targeted insights that help people grow, address their challenges, or appreciate their own strengths.”
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14

Palms of the Hands (Palmistry)

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1. 
   Analyze the lines on your hand for insights into your potential future. Palmistry, or palm reading, is an ancient divination practice in which you examine the lines, mounts, and shapes of the hands to gain insight into your personality and potential future. If you’re just getting started, use a guidebook to help you locate the different lines on the hand (like the heart, head, and life lines) and interpret their meaning based on their length and shape.

   • The mounts, or raised areas of flesh under each finger, also reflect different aspects of your life. For example, the Mount of Venus is associated with love and passion, while the Mount of Jupiter is associated with ambition and leadership.
   • The shape of your hand and the texture of your skin can also provide additional context about personality traits.

15

Merkabas

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1. 
   Use a merkaba to increase your spiritual awareness. Merkabas are sacred Jewish and Egyptian symbols associated with sacred geometry, an ancient science that symbolizes the connection between all things. Hold a merkaba during meditation to enhance your spiritual awareness and make a connection to higher teachings.

   • Some believe the merkaba can open the third eye and allow you to see things beyond the physical.
   • According to Ferris, "Merkaba is a symbol of the spirit, mind and body acting as one, so acknowledging and praying to the energy can help one center their focus and energy on union of the three planes and summon balance."
   • Ferris says, “All sacred symbols can be used for intention setting and an invitation to summon an energy into your energy field. For example, I create art revolving around symbols like a merkaba to channel and invite that energy into my awareness and subconscious mind.”
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16

Bones

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1. 
   Throw bones and interpret their arrangement. Osteomancy is a form of divination in which you cast bones (or objects resembling bones) to predict the future and gain insight into a situation. Similar to runes, toss the bones on a flat surface and observe how and where each piece lands. Osteomancy doesn’t have any set interpretations, so assign each bone its own meaning beforehand.

   • For example, you might analyze the shape the scattered bones create or choose one bone that always points to the piece most relevant to your question.
   • If you choose to use real bones, make sure they’re ethically sourced. Collect bones from an animal that died of natural causes or purchase a set from a collector or curio shop. If you collect your own bones, make sure to clean and disinfect them before using them.

17

Coins

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1. 
   Flip a coin to answer a yes-or-no question. If you want an easy and affordable divination tool, all you need is a coin! You’ve probably flipped a coin to make a decision, but you can do the same to gain insight into a situation. Simply ask a yes-or-no question and decide which side of the coin will reflect each answer.
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18

Books (Bibliomancy)

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1. 
   Open a book to a random page and interpret the passage. Bibliomancy is a form of divination that uses a book to gain insight or predict the future. Many people use sacred texts, like the Bible, but any book will do. Think of your question, then open the book at random. Select a passage without looking, then interpret its meaning in relation to your situation. Ferris says that these readings “[rely] on the power of synchronicities.”

   • Ferris explains the process: “Open [the book]. With your eyes shut, take a few deep breaths and think of a situation or topic that you would like to receive a broader perspective on. With your eyes still closed, flip through the pages, settle on a page that feels ‘right’ intuitively and then move your finger around the page until, again, you feel you are at the ‘right’ spot.”
   • Ferris continues, “Open your eyes and read the passage, and be mindful to take it with a broad sense of perspective on the major theme being presented rather than the details of the story itself.”

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Tips

• Keep in mind that there is no scientific evidence that divination exists. Trying these methods can be fun, but don’t get upset if you don’t get accurate results.
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