Geomancy - Earth - Divination
Divination by Earth
What is Geomancy?
Geomancy, also known as "divination by the earth," is a practice that involves interpreting patterns and markings on the ground to gain insight into past, present, and future events.
This ancient art has been used by cultures worldwide for centuries, and its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese.
One common misconception about geomancy is that it focuses solely on interpreting the natural landscape. While this is certainly a part of the practice, geomancy also involves using tools such as compasses, rulers, and charts to create a structured system for interpreting the earth's energy. This system allows practitioners to make predictions and gain spiritual insights based on the patterns they observe in the environment.
Many people are familiar with the concept of Feng Shui, a form of geomancy that focuses on arranging objects in a space to promote positive energy flow.
Geomancy can also be used for personal readings, allowing individuals to gain insight into their own lives and make informed decisions based on the guidance they receive.
Starting with the landscape.
If you are interested in trying your hand at geomancy, there are a few simple steps you can take to get started.
First, find a quiet outdoor space to conduct your readings undisturbed. Take a moment to connect with the earth and set your intentions for the reading.
Next, observe the ground around you and look for outstanding patterns or markings. These could be anything from natural formations like rocks or trees to man-made objects like buildings or paths.
Pay attention to your intuition and trust your instincts as you interpret these symbols.
It’s all about paying close attention to the land upon which we live.
Rather than complicating things by thinking about “energy” or even “energy” lines, allow yourself to be present. Engage all your senses to absorb the “feeling”—the sense of place and space.
When you do this, some places and spaces will become unique to you. Some will relax you, while others may excite or agitate you. It’s essential to be aware of your reactions. Don’t over-interpret or force associations.
Earth Energies - Believers Perspective
Earth energies are the natural energies that flow through the Earth and profoundly impact our well-being. These energies come from various sources, such as the Earth's magnetic field, ley lines, energy vortexes, and natural elements like trees, rocks, and crystals. Harnessing these energies can promote healing, balance, and overall well-being.
One of the most common sources of Earth's energies is the Earth's magnetic field. This energy is essential for our health and well-being, as it helps to align our body's electromagnetic field with that of the Earth. When our energy aligns with the Earth's, we experience a greater sense of grounding, stability, and vitality. Spending time in nature, particularly in areas with strong magnetic fields, can help to realign our energy and promote healing.
Another source of Earth's energies is ley lines, invisible lines that run across the Earth and are believed to carry powerful energy. Ancient civilizations have used these lines for centuries for healing, divination, and spiritual practices. We can increase our intuition, creativity, and spiritual connection by tapping into ley line energy.
Energy vortexes are another important source of Earth's energy. The Earth's energy is powerful and can be felt as a swirling sensation in these areas. Spending time in energy vortexes can help cleanse and balance our energy and facilitate spiritual growth and transformation.
Natural elements like trees, rocks, and crystals also carry unique energies that can be harnessed for healing and well-being. Trees, for example, are known for their grounding and nurturing energy, while rocks and crystals have specific properties that can be used for various purposes, such as protection, healing, and manifestation.
To tap into Earth's energies, developing a connection with nature and spending time in natural environments is essential. This includes hiking, gardening, meditating outdoors, or simply sitting under a tree. Grounding ourselves in nature and opening ourselves up to the energies around us can enhance our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Overall, Earth's energies significantly affect our health and well-being. By learning to harness and work with these energies, we can create a more balanced and harmonious life for ourselves and connect with the natural world in a deeper and more meaningful way.
Earth Energies - A Sceptics Perspective
As a sceptic, it can be challenging to fully embrace the concept of Earth energy and its potential effects on our well-being. Many people believe that the Earth itself emits energy that can be harnessed for healing and balancing our bodies, but for sceptics, this idea can seem a bit outlandish.
One of the main arguments against Earth energy is the lack of scientific evidence to support its existence. While studies suggest the Earth emits electromagnetic fields, there is not enough concrete evidence to prove that these fields have any significant impact on our health. Sceptics argue that the benefits of Earth energy could result from a placebo effect or other psychological factors.
Another issue that sceptics have with Earth energy is the lack of consistency in the practices and beliefs surrounding it. Numerous methods exist for harnessing and utilizing Earth energy, from grounding techniques to crystal healing to forest bathing, each claiming unique benefits. Sceptics may question the validity of these practices and whether they truly tap into any real energy source.
Furthermore, sceptics may question the commercialization of Earth energy, as it has become a popular trend in the wellness industry. From expensive grounding mats to crystal-infused water bottles, countless products claim to harness Earth energy for healing purposes. Sceptics may view these products as nothing more than marketing gimmicks aimed at exploiting people's beliefs in alternative healing methods.
While sceptics may have valid concerns about Earth energy, it is essential to approach the concept with an open mind. While there may not be concrete scientific evidence to support its existence, many people report feeling a sense of calm and balance when engaging with Earth energy practices. Whether it is simply a placebo effect or a genuine connection to the Earth's energy, the vital thing is that these practices bring comfort and healing to those who believe in them.
The Energy Problem
One key issue is that the word “Energy” has very different meanings for different people.
In Science, energy is a verb. It is a precise term for “the ability to do work.” More specifically, the action of a force which causes things to move.
Energy is divided into two types: potential and kinetic. The best way to think about them is that potential energy occurs before an action, and kinetic energy happens during an action. Imagine you are holding a book up in the air. It has the potential to drop just because of its high position. If you let the book drop, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy – the energy in the movement itself.
Energy, to the scientist, comes in many different forms.
Energy comes in many different forms. Some of the more familiar forms include:
Mechanical energy: the moving force behind machinery
Chemical energy is derived from anything that undergoes chemical reactions to provide us with heat or sustenance, such as wood, coal, oil, food, etc.
Muscular energy: derived from the chemical energy of the food we eat
Thermal energy: converted from heat, such as the steam in a steam engine or heat of exploding gases in a combustion engine
Light energy: some organisms, mostly plants, derive their energy from the sun in a process called photosynthesis
Electrical energy: an electric charge associated with power, magnets, and electrical currents
Nuclear energy: energy released by atoms and converted to heat, then to electrical energy
In simple terms, the energy of “science” can be measured, and its effects can be observed. Einstein summed this up in his famous equation: E=MC2
When “mystics” use “energy”, it is more like a noun describing something, perhaps more like a feeling. Love. Hate, Envy, and Jealousy are all powerful emotions, and they can trigger incredible “acts’ - they “motivate” (give motion to) all kinds of behaviours. I’m not sure we would want to reduce these feelings to a mathematical equation. Nor, I suspect, would we want to be able to predict behavioural outcomes as precisely and invariably as scientists seek to do with their assertions about scientific “energy”.
Our intuition is uniquely ours and does not need to be. “standardised” in any way. More relevantly, what each of us “feels” about a place (in terms of Geomancy) can only be expressed in how we understand it: in our vocabulary, using our unique perspective and personal history. This presents a challenge when we try to explain it to others. The language of science is maths simply because there is precision, and personal bias can be limited.
I have no issue in reconciling the scientist's and the mystic’s views on energy. One is objective, and the other is subjective. Both are important and relevant, and I’m not falling into the trap of saying, “Well, science doesn’t know everything yet!” since real scientists are well aware of the limitations of their statements. On the other hand, many spiritual people are ready to claim the universal nature of their beliefs with absolute certainty.
Divination of all kinds is an intuitive, feeling and sensing thing.
Divination is relevant because it leads to discussion and inspiration to find what is seen, heard, or felt relevant.
By way of an example.
I am fascinated by dowsing.
I have observed that when a group of dowsers workshop dowsing for “earth energies,” the maps of the lines they produce are very often consistent.
When the same dowsers dowse individually, the maps of the ley-lines can and often vary.
The scientist would say..
“See, this lack of consistency proves that the hypothesis (idea) of ley lines is wrong!”
However, I understand these varying results as a celebration of how individuals react to the landscape - the “land speaks” to them differently, personally.
Perhaps the result when the same people work in a group is because of “group mind” or even “compliance” or “suggestion.”
But, the point here is the meaning the individual ascribes to what they are sensing from the land.
Some will interpret their experience as evidence of “energy lines,” “dragon lines,” “earth chakras,” “spirit paths” or even “vortices.” Their interpretation will be based on their beliefs and the books they have read.
Watch the fictional series Britannia and see how divination is presented there. It is a far better way of understanding how this works.
As a side note, the idea of Ley Lines was developed by Alfred Watkins and had little to do with “earth energy lines”. He noted that essential sites or “way-makers” were in “line of sight” of each other. These “lines” were more about following routes than mapping out energy lines.
However, alignments of Neolithic burial sites, henge monuments, and Egyptian Pyramids reflect alignments to compass points (sunrise and sunset) and celestial phenomena. So, there is something in the idea of alignment.
Aggrippa’s Geomancy
In his books on Occult Philosophy, published around 1533, he offers a different take on the art of Geomancy. Although the practice may have been Eastern, it became quite popular in Europe and the Middle Ages. Geomancy was popular in Europe from the Middle Ages to the 16th and 17th centuries. It was considered a sister discipline to astrology.
In some ways Geomancy is similar to the I-Ching.
Geomancers would create figures in the sand by drawing lines of dots. The figures were then interpreted to reveal hidden intentions and investigate the human mind.
The first step is usually called "casting" or "sowing" the points.
In this step, the geomancer draws sixteen lines of points, from right to left, while concentrating on the question he or she wants answered. Some texts advise the geomancer to pray before casting the points.
No effort should be made to count the points as they are made, although the geomancer is usually advised to make at least twelve.
Casting the points is a critical process in geomancy; if the geomancer does not cast the points correctly, the result will be invalid. The sixteen lines of points are grouped in fours, and the points are then counted off two by two, from the right to the left, and connected in pairs so that each line ends either with a pair or with a single point. These single or odd and paired or even points will be grouped to create the first four figures of the geomantic tableau:
This process generated 16 possible figures, each with names, qualities, and associations with planets and elements. The figures were classified by qualities like mobility, stability, and impartiality.
The meaning of the figures in a geomantic tableau depended on their location and was influenced by medieval astrology.
Various “casts” would then result in a Geomantic Shield with each figure assigned to a specific position..
Each “figure” can be related to the “elements” thusly..
In this figure above (Acquisito) we can see the “lines” ascribed to each element.
We could “read” one “dot” as being focus or beginning and twp dots as being expanding or active.
In this example then, the figure shows expanding “fire” and “water” and focussed “earth” and “air”.
So whilst the name of the geome (the name for the pattern) is Acqusitio (acquistion or gain) we can dig deeper into it’s “elemental” nature.
We don’t have time to go into this all now, but Geomancy is the focus of our Moot in December. In this moot we’ll be talking about how this medieval system can be related to modern magickal practice and more importantlty, offer a practical step by step instruction on how to perform a Geomnancy Reading,
See you there
Alan /|\
You might like to take a look at my website…
Ultimately, the key to successful geomancy readings is to approach the practice with an open mind and a willingness to trust in the guidance you receive. By connecting with the earth and tapping into its energy, you can gain valuable insights into your own life and make decisions that align with your true purpose.
So why not give geomancy a try? Take some time to connect with the earth and see what guidance it has to offer you. Who knows, you may just uncover some valuable insights that will help you navigate through life with a newfound sense of clarity and purpose.