Reading and Understanding Omens

In classical times the reading of portents and omens was a matter of great political import. In Classical Rome the Augurs ability to foretell the future by taking of the Auspices through reading the flight of birds was utilized in strategizing wars, directing the lives of the people and in determining religious ceremony. In Celtic culture the Druids foretold the future through the growth and movement of trees. Throughout history and across all continents indigenous cultures have been known to rely on the art of divination through the reading of natural omens and signs. Unfortunately , over time, much of the art has taken a back burner to modern day life or have been forgotten all together. There are still religious groups and lay practitioners who work diligently to preserve and perfect these old ways, and resources exist for those who are interested in learning. If you are one of those interested parties but haven't been able to locate information on understanding omens or how to read them this article should be of some help.

The first thing the student of divination is taught is to understand the very existence of nature and time, and how the future is able to communicate within the present. Esoteric and magickal thought have long dictated that time is not a linear phenomenon. The future exists at the current just as the past does. In addition to this, all things that exist first exist as a thought or energy form created within the mind. This all may sound very mystical , but in fact, quantum physics has already begun to display how this works through some very scientific and ordinary means. While this simplifies the concept a bit, one can think of it this way: While the future already exists, it does not yet exist in the same plane where we do. We live in and perceive things within the third dimension. The future we seek to access lies in the fourth dimension, a plane that is very close to ours , yet vibrates at a rate that we are unable to perceive. But it is no less a reality and the affects and circumstances of the reality can be so profound as to cause waves that create signs across the barrier of dimensions. As we catch up to the events that are already set in motion in the fourth dimension we perceive these things as the present. Often we have missed tell tale signs in what has now become the past that would have told us what to expect. Again this simplifies the concept to extremity, but it is as close as an article of this magnitude could delve into the subject without confusing the reader.

Signs and portents can be very simple and everyday in the way they express themselves to us. The falling of leaves and the flocking of birds or livestock are natural occurrences, but patterns can be read in them by the skilled diviner. Once the practitioner has perfected the art of reaching into that sacred and quiet space inside, through either ritual or meditation , and has learned to become aware of these communications through time and space, they must also learn to interpret what they see. Signs may mean different things to different people, depending their life circumstances and the way they understand the messages being sent to them . Whenever interpreting a sign, you must ask yourself what it means to you first , and take that interpretation into consideration before arriving at a conclusion. In the meantime here are some universal symbols that show themselves in dreams and other types of divination that may help you to get started.

Often in reading signs you will notice certain symbols that seem to stand out to you or get stuck within your head. When this happens, whether irt makes sense to you or not, this is likely to be the most meaningful part of the sign. Often numbers and colors are indicative of something that should get you attention. Here are common interpretations of numbers and symbols within divination.

In divining the meaning and symbology of numbers you can refer to numerology the meanings of the base numbers one through nine are as follows.

One represents beginnings, starting over. It can also be representative of a person who embodies characteristics of self sufficiency and personal strength.
Two symbolizes harmony and balance. It can represent someone who is caring and nurturing or your own need to nurture either yourself or others.
Three signifies new growth, and creative solutions to problems. Three can represent birth either in children or creative/ business pursuits.
Four shows the need to work on things from a practical perspective rather than a mystical or emotional place.
Five can be a harbringer of change, sometimes difficult changes. Bear in mind that change is necessary for growth.
Six when seen in divination represents the home, comfort , resolution and contentment.
Seven symbolizes a need for deep introspection and thought in your current situation.
Eight symbolizes great success and is often associated with material gain and power.
Nine symbolizes perfection, the end of the journey , resolution and the wisdom of final understanding.

Colors can be important elements in divination also, here are some basic color correspondences and meanings.

Brown is the color of the Earth. It symbolizes practical approach, hard work and acceptance.
Red represents vitality, life force and creative passion. It is the color of courage and action.
Pink represents kindness, gentle action and spiritual love.
Yellow symbolizes warmth, joy and happiness. It can also represent mental clarity, intellectual enlightenment and learning.
Green is the color of life, fertility and contentment, it can represent wealth and a stable environment.
Blue symbolizes spiritual harmony and peace.
Purple and Indigo represent spiritual awakenings and magick power, it can mean a need to connect wit the higher self.
Black is the color of endings and of darkness, but as always in divination remember that the end of one thing is only the beginning of another.

Animals are common bringers of omens, but there are no hard and fast rules regarding the interpretation of the appearance and behaviors of animals in divining the future. While old adages can come in handy in weather divining, when other omens are read regarding animals, you must consider what exactly the sign might mean to you. For instance , the appearance of snakes in dreams and visions has often been associated with mysteries, magick and inner desires~ but for a person who fears snakes, or even one who has a great affection for snakes~ this symbology could have drastically different associations. Always bear in mind that your own feelings about what you are seeing should be more persuasive to you than any rule that can be applied to interpreting symbols, and above all learn to listen to your own inner voice.