Ancient Chinese divination practices were deeply ingrained in traditional Chinese culture, offering ways to predict the future and gain insight from the cosmos.
Divination Methods in Ancient Chinese Culture
Oracle bone divination, where cracks in heated bones were interpreted, is one of the oldest methods. The I Ching (or Yijing), a book of changes, was consulted for guidance – its hexagrams providing symbolic answers to life’s questions. Astrology, numerology, and the observation of natural phenomena were also important divination methods.
Use of Tarot Cards in Western Culture
While the spiritual systems or mediums differed, Europeans also adopted the use of oracle methods through the divination of reading bones, runes, and tarot cards.
Tarot cards are believed to have emerged in 15th-century Europe, initially designed for playing games. It wasn’t until the 18th century that their rich symbolism was linked to divination and fortune-telling. Occultists embraced tarot, interpreting the cards’ archetypal images as coded messages from the universe. Today, tarot cards remain a popular tool for self-reflection, exploring subconscious patterns, and seeking guidance on life’s journey.
Over the centuries, tarot decks have evolved, with iconic versions like the Rider-Waite-Smith deck becoming cultural touchstones. Contemporary practitioners use tarot for personal growth, meditation, and even creative inspiration. While tarot readings are often associated with predicting the future, their true power lies in helping individuals gain deeper insight into their own lives and the choices they face.
Vicki Iskandar’s The Chinese Five Elements Oracle
Vicki Iskandar has created a tarot card set based on her vast expert knowledge of Feng Shui, Chinese Astrology such as BaZi or Four Pillars of Destiny, the ancient art of war of Qi Men Dun Jia, and even Qigong.
As somebody who has practiced meditative Qigong for 3 ½ years now (and successfully realigned their jawline’s spaced teeth without the use of braces and naturally fixed poor posture due to computer usage) and who has an avid interest in mythology and cosmology, I was very drawn to her work.
Although I will not claim that everything is exactly the same, there is a great overlap in the stories, legends, and ancient beliefs in China and aboriginal America. I often find myself reading the same retelling of stories across our cultures, just with differing names or certain details omitted or swept aside.
Since it is the Year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 and both of our cultures find dragons (or ‘plumed serpents’) sacred, let me tell you about this very special tarot deck.
The Chinese Five Elements Oracle features 60 pillars of the five elements found in Chinese Metaphysics, and the twelve animal signs of the well-known Chinese Zodiac. Illustrated by Candice Soon, the oracle deck has channeled ancient Taoist wisdom through a modern perspective that is easy for a Westerner to interpret while completing energy work, or while just trying to grasp a deeper understanding of Chinese Metaphysics.
By now you may have guessed this, but despite not being sponsored for this post I did receive a complimentary deck for this review. Due to my own superstitious beliefs, I will not photograph any of my cards or the layouts, but I have included one of the images from Vicki’s website to display the card’s beauty.
If you are interested in tarot cards, ancient Chinese methods of divination, or even just something new – I would highly suggest you give The Chinese Five Elements Oracle a try. You can visit Vicki Iskandar’s website to purchase a deck or even order via Amazon at your convenience.
In Closing…
Seeking answers from the spirit realm was a hallmark of ancient Chinese life.
Divination provided ways to understand fate and make wise choices. From casting yarrow stalks to interpreting the stars, feng shui, and dream analysis, these practices aimed to align individuals with the natural order of the world. These ancient Chinese divination methods are still studied and used today, offering enduring wisdom and a connection to a rich cultural heritage.
Have you ever used tarot cards before? What do you think about Ancient Chinese cosmology and divination?
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☆ In Asian Spaces
In Asian Spaces 