Using Divination Tools to unlock Your Artistic Visions
- artbykagsy
- Feb 15
- 4 min read
The Mystical Connection Between Art and Divination Art and divination may seem like separate worlds, but they are deeply connected; each supporting the other in ways that bring life to any creative project. Divination, the practice of seeking knowledge through spiritual or mystical means, can be a powerful tool for artists. It can offer inspiration when suffering from that good old, creative block or guidance through the creative process.
Whether you choose astrology, rune casting, scrying, or tarot, these ancient traditions provide a unique lens through which artists can explore their inner world through symbolism, colours, and themes that resonate with our own personal experiences.
That being said, let’s explore how divination can influences your art, shaping everything from colour choices to the messages you weave into each piece.
Astrology: Cosmic Influence on Color and Composition
Astrology, the study of planets and their impact on human life, has long been a source of inspiration for artists. The stars and planets don’t just influence personality traits and life paths but they can also shape the creative process.
Many artists instinctively gravitate toward colours and forms that align with their astrological signs. A bold, passionate Aries might favour fiery reds and strong, angular compositions, while a dreamy Pisces may be drawn to soft blues, fluid shapes, and ethereal imagery. Although, astrology’s influence can extend beyond personal expression; planetary movements can also affect creative energy.
During Mercury retrograde, for example, artists may find themselves revisiting past works or exploring themes of introspection, while Venus’ influence might inspire art centred on beauty, love, and harmony.
Astrology can also guide the theme of our art. A piece created under the influence of a grounded, nature-loving Taurus might reflect themes of stability and materiality, while one shaped by adventurous Sagittarius could explore freedom, expansion, and philosophy.
Scrying: Seeing Beyond the Surface
Scrying, the practice of gazing into a reflective surface like water, a mirror, or a crystal ball to receive visions offers a direct connection to the subconscious. For artists, it can serve as a powerful method of unlocking creative insight, allowing images and symbols to emerge from deep within.
By practicing scrying before beginning a piece, an artist might foresee an image, shape, or colour that sparks inspiration. These intuitive glimpses can lead to artwork that has a surreal, dreamlike quality or an abstract composition that manifests from a higher plane or dimension.
Beyond offering visual inspiration, scrying teaches us to trust our intuition, embrace spontaneity and let go of control and rigid news in our creative practice. Just as scrying requires surrendering to the unknown, so too does the artistic process, leading to unexpected discoveries on the canvas.
Rune Casting: Ancient Symbols as Artistic Inspiration
Runes, an ancient alphabet used by many tribes, can carry deep symbolic meanings and have been used for centuries as a tool for divination. Each rune represents a concept or energy that can serve as an inspirational springboard for artists.
In rune casting, symbols are drawn or tossed, and their meanings provide guidance or insight into a situation. This practice can shape artistic themes and aesthetics in fascinating ways. For example, the rune Algiz, associated with protection, might inspire an artist to explore themes of guardianship or resilience, while Fehu, the rune of wealth and abundance, could lead to art centered on prosperity and success.
Runes can also influence artistic structure and design. A piece inspired by Wunjo, the rune of joy and harmony, might feature flowing lines and bright, uplifting colours, while one inspired by Tiwaz, the rune of justice, could have a more structured, symmetrical composition with bold, authoritative tones. Whether subtly woven into a design or incorporated as bold statement, these sacred symbols, can offers layers of ancient wisdom to your artwork.
Tarot: Channeling Archetypes and Symbolism
Perhaps one of the most beloved tools of divination among artists is the tarot. With its rich symbolism and universal archetypes, tarot cards offer endless inspiration for creative exploration.
Each card in a tarot deck represents a different facet of the human experience, from love and transformation to conflict and fate.
Pulling a card before starting a piece can provide artistic direction, allowing the imagery and meaning of the card to guide the work. For example, The Empress, a card of fertility and creativity, might inspire art bursting with lush nature, organic shapes, and earthy tones, while The Tower, representing upheaval and sudden change, could lead to chaotic, jagged compositions with dark, intense energy.
The beauty of artwork inspired by the tarot lies in its ability to tap into the collective conscious. The symbols on tarot cards carry meanings that encapsulate individual experiences, making the art universally understood. Through tarot, artists can connect with something greater than themselves, channeling messages that speak to everyone at once and individually.
The Mystical Intersection of Art and Divination
The relationship between divination and art is both mysterious and profound. These spiritual practices offer you a way of accessing deeper realms of creativity, unlocking new visions and meanings within your work. Whether guided by astrology, runes, scrying, or tarot, you can use divination to tap into the unseen, allowing your art to evolve in ways that transcend our everyday existence.
By embracing divination as a creative tool, you’re inviting the unknown into your process, enabling you to produce art that are not only visually stunning but also rich with symbolism and mystical energy. Art, like divination, is a bridge between two worlds: the seen and unseen; one that connects the material with the spiritual, the conscious with the subconscious, and the known with the infinite.
Enjoy channelling your inner artist!
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