It’s pretty common for witches to suggest to each other to use divination at Samhain, as a way to deepen your relationship to your magick, your ancestors and the other realms. One fun way to utilise divination this Samhain is to use your favourite Blessed Be Magick jewelry as part of the practice!

Pendulum Dowsing

Dowsing is a fascinating practice that has been used for centuries as a means of divination and exploration. Whilst dowsing is performed in many different ways, if we look at pendulum dowsing it can involve using tools like a necklace or a bracelet with a charm, becoming the pendulum, to gain the insights or answers to questions.

What you’d do is hold the pendulum by its cord and let it dangle freely. The idea is that the pendulum will respond to subtle energy or vibrations, helping to provide answers or guidance. While there's no scientific proof of its effectiveness, many people find it to be a helpful tool for various purposes, and so many witches swear by it.

To use a pendulum, one typically starts by establishing a baseline response. You might ask a simple yes-or-no question that you already know the answer to like “I am hungry” or “I read about this on blessedbemagick.com”, allowing the pendulum to show you what a "yes" and a "no" response looks like for you. It could be a circular motion for "yes" and a back-and-forth motion for "no," for example. Once you've established this baseline, you can proceed to ask other questions and interpret the pendulum's movements accordingly.

Dowsing is more about intuition and the subconscious mind than any mystical forces. It's essential to approach it with an open heart and an open mind, as the pendulum can provide insights that may be symbolic or deeply personal to you.

So, whether you use a necklace, a bracelet, or any other object as your pendulum, the key is to embrace the gentle, curious spirit of dowsing for your divination practice (for Samhain or for your everyday), as it might just offer you guidance and insights in a veil-lifting way.

Cleromancy - Casting Charms

Cleromancy is a beautiful and ancient divination method that involves casting lots, or small objects, to gain insights or answers. It's a practice that can be deeply personal and meaningful when combined with jewelry charms. I love that this is a type of divination that has been performed across all cultures for since before we had language, with the Egyptians, Etruscans, Romans and Greeks all having their own versions of casting lots.

Cleromancy, at its heart, is about seeking guidance or answers through the “random” arrangement of objects. In this case, your jewelry charms become the divination tools. Each charm may hold unique symbolism or meaning, making them perfect for this practice. Find a piece of fabric or a small board that you resonate with personally. It could be a lovely, soft cloth or a wooden board. It can be something you’ve created on Canva, and then printed off! The key is to choose something that feels special and magickal to you.

Gather your jewelry charms or small objects that have meaning to you together. You might have charms representing different aspects of your life, such as love, career, or health. Ensure they are clean and ready for your reading. Find a peaceful and quiet space where you can focus - light a candle or some incense if it helps you create a serene atmosphere.

All it takes to begin is by focusing on a specific question or area of your life that you'd like guidance on. Hold your question in your mind and heart.

Take your charms in your hands and, with a heartfelt intention, cast them onto the charm cloth or board. Allow them to fall naturally!

Study the way the charms have landed. Each charm's position and proximity to others can offer insights into your question. Trust your intuition and any personal associations you have with the charms. Keep a journal or notebook to record your readings. Write down the arrangement of charms and the thoughts or feelings they evoke. Over time, you may notice patterns and gain a deeper understanding of the messages.

Cleromancy is a practice that relies on your intuition and inner wisdom, much like any other form of divination. Approach it with a curious and open heart, and your jewelry charms can become precious tools for self-reflection and guidance on your life's journey.

Dactylomancy - Ring Divination

Dactylomancy is a unique and lesser-known divination method that involves using rings worn on the fingers for the purpose of gaining insights or divining answers. It's a practice that brings a personal touch to divination, making it quite special.

Dactylomancy is distinct from using a pendulum, such as a necklace, in that it relies on the choice of rings and the fingers they're worn on. In this practice, each finger and ring combination can carry its own significance and meaning. The combination of the finger and the specific ring worn can be interpreted to provide insights into various aspects of a person's life, similar to how lines and mounts on the palm are analyzed in palmistry.

In our history, rings worn by pregnant women were used to divine whether the baby they were carrying were a boy or girl. There are even documented cases where the rings were suspended from hair, and above a glass or container, so that when asked a question the noise of the ring hitting the glass side could be decipered and divined.

In our own modern palmistry readings, dactylomancy can be absolutely be a valuable addition. It allows for a more personalized and nuanced approach to understanding a person's character, their potential, and life path. For instance, a ring worn on the index finger might symbolize ambition and leadership, while a ring on the ring finger could represent matters of the heart and relationships. The choice of rings, whether they are ornate or simple, can also provide additional layers of meaning.

Approach dactylomancy with an open heart and a gentle, kind spirit, just as in any other form of divination. I’ve used this method when researching for clients in the past, and it’s always been in my favour, even when I wasn’t sure who I was connecting with. Don’t put too much pressure on it, much like you wouldn’t expect a five-year-old to cook a four course meal. It does differ from pendulum divination, and can be a lovely addition to modern palmistry, offering a warm and personal touch to the interpretation of a person's life journey.

Protect Your Energy

Protecting your energy during Samhain, a time often associated with increased spiritual activity and energy fluctuations, is essential for maintaining your well-being and inner balance. Here are some ways to protect your energy during this special (and super witchy) time:

• Set up a sacred and safe space within your home where you can connect with the energies of Samhain; this space can act as a barrier to unwanted or negative energies.
• Perform cleansing rituals, such as herb cleansing with sage, incense, or using saltwater, to purify your surroundings and yourself. This can help remove any stagnant or negative energy.
• Adorn yourself with protective jewelry like amulets, crystals, or talismans. Choose stones like black tourmaline, obsidian, or amethyst for their grounding and protective properties, or symbols like Hecate’s Strophalos.
• Before engaging in any spiritual or divination work, cast a protective circle around yourself. Imagine a sphere of white or golden light surrounding you, shielding you from external energies. I like to walk counterclockwise with some incense.
• Samhain is a time to honor and connect with your ancestors. Invoke their protection and guidance during your rituals and meditations.
• Incorporate protective herbs like rosemary, mugwort, or garlic in your cooking or as herbal sachets to carry with you.
• Practice grounding exercises, such as walking in nature or meditating, to stay connected to the Earth's stabilizing energy.
• During Samhain gatherings or activities, be mindful of your boundaries. Politely decline or limit your participation in activities that drain your energy or make you uncomfortable.
• Maintain your physical well-being by staying hydrated and getting enough rest. A well-nourished body is better equipped to handle energy fluctuations.
• Spend time in quiet reflection and meditation to connect with your inner self and discern what energies are truly meaningful and beneficial for you.
• Let go of any negative emotions, fears, or attachments that may be weighing you down. Samhain is a time of release and transformation, so it’s a perfect time for it.

Protecting your energy is essential to trust your intuition, and what feels right for you. By approaching Samhain with mindfulness and respect for the energies at play, you can celebrate this sacred time while maintaining your energetic balance and well-being.

Until next time xox

Writers Bio: Lizzie Burgess, a secular divination Bosswitch, runs BackyardBanshee.com where you can learn more about divination methods, rituals and resources that help you with your growth spiritually and professionally. Lizzie is currently finishing the upcoming book “An A to Z of Modern Divination”, where they upcycle and modernize ancient divination methods for a more accessible divinatory practice.