A (Brief) History of Divination
Overview
Long before tarot decks became household tools and astrology filled our newsfeeds, humans turned to the unseen for answers. This immersive talk traces the vast tapestry of divination across cultures and centuries, exploring how people sought guidance through stars and planets, bones and shells, sacred lots, fire and smoke, mirrors and water, dreams and visions, hands and faces, tea leaves, ink, wax, runes, cards, crystals, and countless other forms of symbolic language.
From ancient oracles and medieval scryers to Renaissance mystics, Victorian fortune-tellers, and contemporary practitioners, we’ll uncover how divination evolved—and why it has remained an enduring human practice despite shifting religions, empires, and worldviews. Along the way, we’ll examine cultural taboos, protective traditions, and surprising connections between systems that developed oceans apart.
Perfect for the curious seeker, the historian-at-heart, or anyone who works with intuitive tools, this talk reveals the deep roots behind the methods we still use today. Discover how divination has shaped spiritual paths, influenced political decisions, guided everyday lives, and continued to thrive in modern metaphysical practice.
Join public historian and storyteller Rissa Miller, a regular at the Serpent's Key. Her expertise stems from extensive research into the area of esoteric history, including ghosts, witchcraft, cryptids, and folklore. Rissa believes the most enduring stories teach us not only about humanity's past, but also give reason to reflect on our own present beliefs and realities
