Divination
Knowing the future beforehand is such a universal desire that many different forms of Divination have developed in different areas among various peoples over time. In Visharvé, Divination is defined as clairvoyance induced by magic. Some of them utilize mystical markers which are imbued with power in order to predict coming events, in other words, talismans such as cards marked with archetypal figures, dice, coins, bones, bamboo sticks, or stones. However, many Divination practices do not rely upon physical objects at all, putting them clearly in the category of spells or enchantments. Of course, practitioners who believe in a higher power often request guidance from their deity or the spirits, in addition to performing the rites and rituals of their preferred type of Divination.
Effect
The goal of any form of Divination is to acquire information about the future. Some schools of thought believe that by knowing details about coming events, one can alter them by making different choices. Others maintain that destiny is unavoidable, but one can better accept fate if one is forewarned.
Side/Secondary Effects
Occasionally visions of the past or from distant lands may be mistaken for the future, omens may be misinterpreted, or the feelings of the fortune teller may color the nature of what they see. Charlatans also abound in this field, as is impossible to be certain what might have happened without interference.
Manifestation
Depending on the method of Divination, a bystander might perceive assorted different things. With Cleromancy, the casting of various magically charged objects, one will obviously see the patterns formed by the stones, bones, or coins. Here, it is the interpretation that requires skill. Likewise with Astrology, anyone can look up at the stars, but Divination using them is much more complicated. If the magician is performing scrying with water or some other reflective surface, oneiromancy which is dream reading, or augury which relies on signs and omens, very little is obvious to the observer.
Source
Most Divination is low intensity magic and the magician needs no other power other than their own mystical energy, although occasionally a spiritual source such as a diety will contribute to the process.
Required materials can range from nothing at all, to elaborately decorated cards made of thin slivers of wood or porcelain, which can be passed down through generations, but usually a few coins suffice, as long as one knows the secret of how to translate the symbolic archetypes or specific patterns and positions into hints regarding the future.
The Tishatayo and N'kiwãng both practice Augury through dance, and tend to receive assistance and communicatios from the Dreamtime or from Awayé. They find signs and omens in natural phenomena.
The Murrechi people are interested in the scientific arts of Astrology and Numerology.
The Seo Hán Nì have refined Cleromancy into a book explaining all possible arrangements of cast coins, dice, or bamboo sticks, called the Book of Predictable Changes.
The Paleyit foresee the future through Scrying, or using a Dowsing rod similarly to a giant ouija board.
The Thedhis T'al folk have a complex system of archetypal cards made of thin wood or fine porcelain, which may even be passed down through generations, and which are akin to the Tarot Deck.
Finally, in Jailuha, the ordinary Lake Luha occasionally fogs over completely, transforming into the magical Lake of Visions. Water taken judiciously and reverently from the Lake of Visions is called the Water of Sight, and is always in great demand. A few drops on the tongue may grant the drinker vivid glimpses of the past or future; if more is swallowed, the mystical fluid can drive people permanently insane.
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