It is murky out there. It has been this way for a long time. There are roiling atmospheres of complicated astrological conditions that will persist for years. There are currents and crosscurrents of cultures, ideologies, and religions moving and colliding into whirlpools and riptides. And all that is churning while the icecaps are melting.  There are pundits, prophets, and profiteers with axes to grind. It seems a safe bet to put your money on cynicism, apocalyptic narratives, and apathy as respite.

 

Stop and take a deep breath and let it out slowly. 

 

I know quite a few people that are readers, astrologers, psychics, or diviners of one sort or another. Many of them are doing what they can to see for themselves, clients, friends, and community. At the best of times most of the people that are seeking readings are in some kind of distress. They bring that distress into the reading, and good diviners use spiritual practices to see past that turbulence. Many readers I know prepare and purify themselves before divination to reduce the impact of their state of mind on the information that they bring forth. 

 

In these times, we need the seers, the seekers, and the dreamers more than ever. But we need them full of clarity, equanimity, and a compassionate style of delivery, not dread. Whether you only do readings occasionally or whether it is central to your work, please be mindful of whatever practices or selfcare you need to keep you clear and in the game. I came up with something recently that I have encouraged the seers in my Tradition to use. It is a charge that is read before beginning the work. 

 

 

The Seers’ Ninefold Charge

 

 

The worth of my efforts comes from detachment.

The message has value whether it is small or large.

The way forward is pronoia* not paranoia. 

 

I clear away my own and collective fears and expectations.

I release my desire for specific outcomes.

I ward and shield against distorting influences.

 

Let me see and know those things that I or others can act upon.

Let me see and know solutions, options, and keys to questions.

Let me see and know the most probable outcomes and the way to better circumstances.

 

 

Before using this charge for the first time, take some time to think on how each of the nine lines apply to your work and circumstances. After that repeat it once or as many times as seems fitting to you before beginning your divination. It is particularly useful as a group practice. The world needs you strong of heart and sight. If this particular method doesn’t quite work for you, then use your inspiration to create a new one.

 

 

* Pronoia is the counterbalance to paranoia. It is the belief that people, and the universe, are working to bring about goodness. It was coined by American sociologist Fred H. Goldner in 1981.