Bibliomancy is a form of divination by using books. Traditionally, a person will ask a question or focus on an issue they want guidance on, then randomly open a book (often a sacred text like the Bible, but it could be any book) and point to a passage.

Historically:

In medieval Europe, Bibliomancy was often done using the Bible or religious books.

In Islamic cultures, people sometimes used the Qur'an in a similar practice called Istikhara.

Ancient Greeks and Romans would sometimes use works like Homer's Iliad or Virgil's Aeneid for divination (in that case, it was called Sortes Homericae or Sortes Virgilianae).

The idea is that the selected passage will somehow provide an answer, advice, or insight about their situation. Some people see it as mystical guidance; others see it as a way for the subconscious mind to recognize patterns and find meaning.

Tarot decks first appeared in mid-15th-century Northern Italy as a bespoke set of playing cards (the “trionfi” or triumphs) for wealthy families. In the late 18th century, occultists like Antoine Court de Gébelin and Éliphas Lévi reinterpreted Tarot as a repository of ancient Egyptian wisdom and esoteric secrets. The esoteric tradition crystallized with decks like the Rider–Waite (1909) and Thoth (1943), which codified much of the symbolism readers still use today.

Tarot isn’t just fortune-telling in a literal sense; it’s a projective tool that reflects your subconscious thoughts and feelings through vivid imagery. When you lay out cards, your intuitive mind connects the symbols to your situation, offering fresh perspectives and uncanny synchronicities.

Whether you approach Tarot as art, meditation, or a creative coaching tool, it can become a powerful channel for self-reflection and insight. Feel free to dive in, experiment with different spreads, and most importantly—have fun exploring the cards!