Divination Ethics 101: Let's Start A Conversation

Ethics in tarot, as well as divination generally, are a hot topic in the community that isn't discussed near as often in the level of depth I'd like to see for such a complex issue. So here is my offering to the occult/witchcraft/pagan/recon/revivalist community: let's start a conversation about divination and ethics.

0:00 Intro
3:20 Querent/Questioner
13:41 Diviners
24:01 Solo Divination

Special thanks to JACandQuill for the Channel Emotes!

[IkedaHakubi]

1. Even if divination has no real world effficacy, the fact that people believe it does means there are ethics involved.

[lolwutguise]

I declare the like and subscribe buttons compatible for marriage

[cassied.]

For me personally, I do believe divination and divinatory practices are communication, though not necessarily with the gods. I believe it depends on who you're asking. When I use my tarot or oracle decks, sometimes I ask with the intent to communicate with a god or multiple gods, sometimes I ask with the intent to communicate with my ancestors, and sometimes I ask the cards themselves - though in that case, for me it's incredibly important that I spend the time developing a connection to the deck as well as using it and shuffling it semi-regularly.

[jtztbassman]

I use divination as a means of outlining possibilities; and when I have the sense for it, a daily rune draw for something to think on.

[Sparkbomber]

A very ethical video, which is the best way this one could have been done. =D Nuanced and interesting, even for those of us who are non-religious and a wee bit sceptical.

[shiaseedsalad]

I've done tarot and oracle card readings before, but only for friends and family and for free since they are close to me. 😊

[suburbiawitch]

Mostly for the algorithm.

I do like your mention of broom closet safe methods. I haven’t tried it yet, but I know there is a folk magic tradition of using regular 52 card playing cards for divination. New World Witchery uses this a lot and it sounds pretty neat if you need something that looks innocuous to outsiders.

[adamdiner]

When I think of divination, the ethics behind the practice was rarely on my mind. I thank you for giving me such factors to think about. While watching, I began thinking about a type of divination mechanic in one of my Minecraft worlds using a dropper and various items with each labeled with an answer spectrum of yes to mostly yes to leaning towards yes to indifference, etc. An unconventional method to be sure, but I have seen Lord Zeus' involvement in one of my gameplays in Minecraft.

[IkedaHakubi]

2. Even though I don't personally believe in Astrology, I will give more repsect to someone who has research historical beliefs, like the Illumination of Bel, rather than a new-ager that is just making stuff up.

[nelle]

On the 'the tool must be gifted to you' I keep hearing people fight against this idea yet I haven't ever seen someone suggest this myself.... Same about tarot being closed, how do I consistently miss all these? I do use TikTok after all! Not that I'm complaining

[foxyjambread]

My view on what kind of communication I'm performing depends on the method of divination I'm using. Things like cleromancy I tend to feel are conversations with deity, things like scrying (wax, for me, usually) are more often conversations with myself, like looking further inward rather than outward.

[adhdseaweed]

I may try to learn some solo divination after watching this!

[IkedaHakubi]

Would it be fair to say that anything that would be unethical to do by mundane means would be unethical to do by supernateral means?

[alexbrown]

Why does the Witchcraft community say you should use tools gifted to you by someone else is primarily about energy. If you buy the tool, it is seen as "tainted" by greed and acquisitiveness. If it is gifted to you, it is seen as touched by the energy of generosity and charitableness. Or, at least, that is how it was explained to me.

I do find it interesting the subtle cues of classism that are part of the witchcraft community, as, in this case, it is saying being able to afford the best tools for you taints them with negativity, while being able to manipulate people into "gifting" you with those same tools is somehow positive.

Then again, for my I-ching castings, I use 3 steel pennies passed on to me by my Grandfather, so I am not without bias on this subject.

[serpentofares]

I loved the video as I always do! Splendid work!

[crystalratclffe]

I am very impressed by this video. I agree with everything you said and will look up the other videos you referred to

[gordonknighton]

Awsome video. Aliakai definitely delivered. This is my offering to the algorithm mods.

[hauntedherbivore]

Another superb video and couldn't have come at a better time as I'm just starting to learn tarot. Thank you so much for all that you do.

[crystalratclffe]

This is excellent, covering the wide variety of divinations and their uses.

[lumunusgetsuei]

Another great video. Thank you for making this!