Studies in Divination

A linked series of three 5-unit courses

Heaven consorts directly with but few, and rarely, but to the great majority gives signs,from which arises the art called divination.

Plutarch, On the Sign of Socrates

Divination is ubiquitous in all times and cultures, including our own. A glance at the daily astrology column, a visit to a Tarot reader at a psychic fair or New Age store, soon makes clear that divination shows no signs of disappearing under the pressure of modern rationalism and science. Yet although divination raises ultimate questions of knowledge and truth, both its scholarly study and its theoretical treatment by practitioners have been fragmentary. The programme at Phoenix Rising offers a much-needed fresh approach to the vast field of divinatory practice and imagination, ancient and modern. We explore and cross-fertilise several distinct lines of inquiry, starting with classical studies, ancient religion and prophecy (Course I). Principal themes are developed through anthropological, psychological and parapsychological perspectives (Course II); and by considering the place of divination in Western esotericism and its manifestations in modernity (Course III).

The separate courses in this programme are designed to stand alone or to come togetheras a comprehensive introduction to the study of divination. They are intended for the intellectually curious and open-minded, whether you come as a student, as a sceptic,or as a practitioner. Previous involvement in the topic is not required. If you have prior knowledge of divination then the questions raised will both challenge and deepen your experience.