How to Create Your Own Geomancy Chart
Geomancy, or “divinatory geomancy,” is an ancient form of divination that involves interpreting figures made by casting shapes or marks on the ground or surface. The practice has roots in various cultures and often relies on the interpretation of random patterns created during the geomantic process. This article will guide you through the steps to create your own geomancy chart and provide insight into how to interpret the results.
Understanding Geomancy
Before diving into the creation of your geomancy chart, it’s important to understand what geomancy entails. Traditionally, geomancy uses a method called “geomantic figures,” created through random processes like casting stones, tossing coins, or simply making random marks in the sand. Each mark can represent a binary system—a line can be either solid (a “1”) or broken (a “0”). In geomantic practice, these marks create a series of figures which are then interpreted for insights.
The Importance of Intention
The effectiveness of geomancy is often tied to the intention of the practitioner. Before starting your geomantic session, take a moment to center yourself and clarify your question or intention. This focus will guide the interpretation and provide more meaningful insights into the resulting chart.
Materials You Will Need
Creating a geomancy chart is relatively simple and requires minimal materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Writing Surface: A piece of paper or an earthy surface like sand.
- Writing Tool: A pen, pencil, or stick for drawing.
- Randomizer: This could be sticks, stones, coins, or any object you can use to create random marks.
- Geomantic Interpretation Guide: A reference sheet that explains geomantic figures and their meanings.
Steps to Create Your Geomancy Chart
Step 1: Cast Your Marks
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Choose Your Randomizer: Decide on what method you’ll use to generate your marks. For simplicity, many practitioners use four lines composed of dots that can either be solid or broken.
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Make Your Marks:
- If using sticks or stones: Randomly place them in a way that creates four groups.
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If using dice/coins: Roll or toss them a number of times (typically four) and record whether they land on heads (solid line) or tails (broken line).
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Create Four Lines: Continue this process until you have created four lines. Each line will consist of either one solid mark (—) or one broken mark (–).
For example:
Line 1: — — (solid)
Line 2: – – – (broken)
Line 3: — — — — (solid)
Line 4: – (broken)
Step 2: Formulate the Geomantic Figures
After generating four lines, convert them into geomantic figures by grouping them in pairs.
- Pairing Your Lines: The first two lines form the first figure, and the next two lines form the second figure. In our example:
- First Figure: Solid-Broken
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Second Figure: Solid-Broken
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Representing Figures: Each figure consists of a specific name based on its composition. In classical geomancy, there are typically 16 geomantic figures.
Step 3: Create Your Geomantic Chart
Once you have your figures:
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Arrange Your Figures: Draw a simple chart with spaces for each figure generated from pairs. Organize them vertically so they resemble a tree structure.
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Selected Figures: Depending on your method, you may draw additional figures from existing ones, such as “house” figures that arise from combining initial figures through specific formulas.
Step 4: Interpret Your Chart
Now comes one of the most exciting parts—interpreting your geomantic chart!
- Understand Each Figure: Reference your geomantic interpretation guide to understand what each figure means. For example:
- Puella symbolizes youthfulness and potential.
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Fortuna Major signifies success and beneficial outcomes.
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Consider Relationships: Look at how these figures interact with one another based on their placement in your chart. Consider if they are harmonious or conflicting.
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Reflections on Your Question: Relate the meanings back to your original question or intention. What insights do these interpretations provide? Reflect deeply on how they resonate with your current situation.
Commonly Used Geomantic Figures
Here’s a brief overview of some common geomantic figures and their traditional meanings:
- Via – The way; journey and transition.
- Caput Draconis – Beginning; new opportunities.
- Cauda Draconis – Ending; closure and conclusion.
- Rubeus – Passion; strong emotions; caution advised.
- Albus – Purity; clarity; tranquility.
The complete set typically includes 16 different figures with individual meanings that can have both positive and negative interpretations depending on context.
Practicing Geomancy Regularly
To become proficient in geomancy, consider practicing regularly:
- Daily Draws: Set aside time each day to draw figures and interpret their meanings.
- Journaling Insights: Keep a journal documenting your questions, generated charts, and interpretations over time to track patterns and insights.
- Community Engagement: Engage with fellow practitioners through online forums or local meetups to share experiences and deepen your understanding.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own geomancy chart is an enriching experience that allows you not just to engage with an ancient practice but also to connect deeply with your own intuition and insights. Through intentional questioning, careful drawing, and thoughtful interpretation, you can uncover layers of meaning that provide guidance in various aspects of life.
As you continue exploring this fascinating art of divination, remember that patience is key; mastery comes with practice and reflection. Use this guide as a foundation upon which you can build further studies into geomancy—an ancient tradition that remains relevant in our quest for understanding ourselves and our paths in life today.