Why do we divine? To know our fate? To possibly alter it? Given so many philosophical models of destiny and determinism, divination can operate within many cosmovisions, often the diviner and the querent do not discuss or even need to agree upon the modes of personal belief. In instances where divination is representative of a specific cultural praxis or spiritual tradition, perhaps some of these ways of thinking are more agreed upon, or are meant to be exemplified through the divination process. When does the divination begin? What does it predict? Who is speaking? Is this mere ‘fortune-telling’ or is it something more comprehensive? Is there room for traditional models of diagnostic divination in the modern atheistic materialist paradigm?

Peering into the void is never without hope- and many traditional methods of divination include a way to secure the desired outcomes foreseen and to ameliorate the undesired, through proscription and prescription of action or diet, through ritual remediation and placation through offering or donation. While some of these models have extensively incorporated remediation, it is not a universal phenomenon. Similarly, even in systems where it was not heavily practiced, we can even see it adopted in more recent years as part of a growing trend towards divination as a holistic system including remediation and rectification.

Building off a familiarity with many modes of divination and different cosmologies that support such practices, ritual theorist and diviner Jesse Hathaway Diaz will explore and contrast theories of divination and remediation in this session in ongoing Diviners on Divining series. Both lecture and conversation, come explore the foundations of what we do as diviners and explore the theories behind our curiousities and queries!

About the Presenter:

Jesse Hathaway Diaz is a folklorist, artist, performer and independent scholar with a Masters in Performance Studies from NYU. With initiations in several forms of witchcraft from Europe and the Americas, he is also a lifelong student of Mexican curanderismo, an initiated priest of Obatalá in the Lucumí Orisha tradition, and a Tatá Quimbanda. He co-hosts an occult themed podcast called ‘Radio Free Golgotha’, and co-edits the ‘Folk Necromancy in Transmission’ imprint through Revelore Press. For the better part of two decades, he has been involved with Theatre Group Dzieci, a New York based experimental theatre ensemble which explores theatre and ritual as a way, blending service with self-exploration and performance. Dividing his time between the Bronx and a farm in the Hudson Valley, his artistic and written work navigate the world-as-magic through exploring orality and transmission, decolonialism, ritual theory and praxis, herbalism and healing modalities through private study, apprenticeship, and community involvement.

Dr. Alexander Cummins (@grimoiresontape) is a  professional diviner, consultant sorcerer, &  historian of magic.  His work focuses on grimoires, divination, & folk necromancy. He co-hosts Radio Free Golgotha, & can be booked for talks, workshops, readings, coaching & consultation at www.alexandercummins.com/. His recorded classes can also be obtained from The Cauldron Black archives.

THIS CLASS IS ONLINE ONLY! The class link will be emailed to you in your registration confirmation. The class recording link will be emailed to you within 3-5 business days of the conclusion of the class and will be available to you for 30 days after the conclusion of the class.

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This Agreement is between The Cauldron Black (“OWNER”); and the Purchaser (“RECIPIENT”). WHEREAS, OWNER has developed through substantial effort, research, time, and expense certain inventions, design concepts, methodologies, technical know-how, copyrightable material and trade secrets directed and related to this class.  (“INFORMATION”); WHEREAS, OWNER desires to disclose the INFORMATION on a confidential basis to RECIPIENT.  The OWNER wishes to maintain the confidentiality of the INFORMATION and the protection of OWNER'S intellectual property rights. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the  mutual promises, covenants, and conditions contained herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:  I. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION A. OWNER agrees to disclose  INFORMATION to RECIPIENT for the purposes of an online class.  B. RECIPIENT agrees to receive such INFORMATION and to refrain from  copying, disclosing, using, selling, or offering for sale any and all of said INFORMATION. RECIPIENT agrees to keep confidential and refrain from disclosing any and all of the INFORMATION, and to take all necessary and reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized disclosure or  use  of any and all of the INFORMATION.  Failure to uphold this NDA may result in legal action.