The old arts of seeing, sensing, and knowing — the ways folklore teaches us to read the unseen, interpret signs, and listen to the quiet language beneath the world.
Divination
The practice of seeking knowledge — past, present, or future — through symbolic means. Folklore treats divination as a bridge between intuition and the unseen, using tools, patterns, and natural elements to reveal hidden truths.
Abacomancy
Divination using dust, ash, or sand. Patterns formed naturally or by gentle movement are interpreted for guidance.
Hydromancy
Divination using water. Ripples, reflections, or disturbances in water are read as messages.
Pyromancy
Divination using fire. Flames, sparks, and the movement of burning material reveal symbolic meaning.
Scrying
Seeing visions or symbols through reflective surfaces — mirrors, crystals, water, or polished metal. A quiet, meditative form of divination.
Dowsing
Using rods or pendulums to detect energy fields or locate water, objects, or spirits. When rods cross, the sought energy is believed to be present.
Astrology
A symbolic system interpreting the movements of celestial bodies to understand earthly events and personal tendencies. Folklore treats astrology as a map of influence rather than a science.
Clairvoyance
The ability to perceive events or knowledge beyond the physical senses. Clairvoyance is considered a natural but rare intuitive gift.
Extrasensory Perception (ESP)
Perceiving information through senses beyond the known five — intuition, visions, impressions, or symbolic dreams.
Intuition
A sudden understanding or sense of something without conscious reasoning. Folklore views intuition as a whisper from the unseen.
Premonition
A warning or knowing that something is about to happen. Premonitions often come as dreams, chills, or sudden thoughts.
Psychokinesis
The ability to influence or move objects through mental or energetic force. Folklore treats psychokinesis as a rare and uncontrolled phenomenon.
Telekinesis
A form of psychokinesis specifically involving the movement of objects without physical contact.
Remote Viewing
Gathering information about distant or unseen targets through intuitive or symbolic perception.
Mediumship
The practice of communicating with spirits or the dead. Mediums act as bridges between worlds, receiving impressions, visions, or messages.
Automatic Writing
Writing produced without conscious control, believed to come from subconscious, spiritual, or energetic sources.
Planchette
A small heart‑shaped tool used in automatic writing or spirit communication. Traditionally placed over paper with a pencil inserted.
Instrumental Transcommunication (ITC)
Using technology — radios, televisions, recorders — to facilitate communication with spirits. Fire or water may be used alongside devices.
Water ITC
Using reflections, ripples, or distortions in water to reveal spirit images or messages.
Fire ITC
Using flame movement or shapes to reveal symbolic or spiritual communication.
Astral Projection
The spirit or consciousness leaving the physical body to travel the astral plane. Folklore views this as a natural but uncommon ability.
Astral Plane
A realm between physical consciousness and higher spiritual awareness. Dreams, spirits, and symbolic landscapes reside here.
Aura
The energy field surrounding living beings. Colors and shapes within the aura are believed to reveal emotional, physical, or spiritual states.
Auric Field
The electromagnetic field surrounding all living things. Folklore interprets its layers as indicators of health, mood, and spiritual condition.
Glowstick Effect (Folkloric Context)
A cautionary term describing the false belief that repressing emotions creates spiritual “light.” Folklore warns that emotional suppression leads to harm, not enlightenment.
Amulets
Objects imbued with protective or beneficial energy. Worn or placed near thresholds to guard against harm.
Sigils
Symbols created to focus intention or protection. In folklore, sigils anchor energy and ward off unwanted forces.
Smudge Sticks
Bundles of herbs — often sage — burned to cleanse spaces, remove negative energy, or bless the home.
Saging
The act of burning sage to purify a person, object, or location. Smoke is waved through rooms or around the body.
Cleansing
Removing negative energy through herbs, words, rituals, or symbolic actions.
Clearing
A form of cleansing specifically applied to properties or land.
Banishing
Casting out negative energy or spirits through ritual, intention, or symbolic tools.
Exorcism (Folkloric Context)
A ritual performed to remove harmful entities. In folklore, exorcism restores balance and frees the afflicted.
Evil Eye Protections
Objects or gestures used to ward off harm caused by envy or ill intent — blue beads, garlic, iron, salt, or specific hand signs.
Iron Protections
Iron repels fae, spirits, and enchantment. Keys, nails, and horseshoes are placed near doors or beds for safety.
Thread Knots
Knots tied in thread or cord to bind luck, seal intentions, or protect secrets. Found in Celtic, Norse, and Mediterranean traditions.
Crossroads Offerings
Coins, bread, or salt left at crossroads to ensure safe travel, clarity, or protection from wandering spirits.
Lantern Light
Lanterns used in divination or protection to guide spirits or illuminate symbolic paths.
Corn Dollies
Figures woven from the last sheaf of grain to house the spirit of the harvest and ensure fertility.
Bottle Trees
Glass bottles hung on branches to trap wandering spirits. Sunlight destroys them at dawn.
Rowan Magic
Rowan branches or trees used for protection against witchcraft and malevolent spirits.
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