Customer Reviews

Art and Practice of Geomancy, The: Divination, Magic, and Earth Wisdom of the Renaissance

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4 star:		(1)
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John Michael Greer, one of our leading esoteric authors, has done it again! The Art and Practice of Geomancy is definitely the best introduction to the traditional Western divinatory art of geomancy.

Literally "earth divination" this lost prophetic art has been confused with the Chinese practice of Feng Shui which concerns itself with esoteric alignment and the orientation of architecture and landscape. Geomancy, which has its roots in North Africa and the Middle East, was a popular form of divination in the European Middle Ages and Renaissance. And no wonder! It is easier to learn than traditional horary astrology and gives almost as precise answers, allowing the practitioner to make accurate predictions of the future on a whole variety of questions.

Greer explains the history and philosophy of geomancy, then introduces the 16 geomantic figures, analogous to the 64 hexagrams of the I ching. Greer also explains the use of the geomantic shield and 12 houses, borrowed from traditional astrology, which are the main techniques in geomancy. Greer also delves into more advanced techniques and gives many illuminating examples. Finally, Greer also gives an account of the use of geomancy for magical and meditative practice.

While earlier esoteric movements like the Golden Dawn have tried to use geomancy, their exposition was limited and often confusing. Greer has not only gone back to the original medieval and Renaissance sources, but has mastered the actual practice of geomantic prediction. As always his writing is clear and lucid, giving straightforward and easy to follow explanations even on difficult points. Anyone interested in divination and traditional Western esotericism will benefit from this excellent manual of geomantic theory and practice. Highly recommended!

I love geomancy because it's a very versatile and simple system of divination. You can use a myriad of tools to be able to cast a geomantic chart, anything from dice, playing cards, tarot cards, stick/earth, bag of pebbles/rocks/marbles.

Tarot requires the usage of the deck which can get damaged or lost. Astrology relies on complex computer programs that may not be available in times of financial strife like the coming depression.

No matter what, geomancy can be used under any circumstances with even the most meager of tools. All one has to do is have this book or commit the information to memory like in the old days.

Geomancy is a very powerful and accurate system of divination, and John Greer did a wonderful job on this book not only showing geomancy, but geomantic magick as well.

10 Stars!

This is a pretty detailed resource on Geomancy. The only problem is that some sections lack explanation, like advanced methods for interpteting the charts, there's enough info to interpret one, but I found myself re-reading the section wondering "Am I doing this right?". I think the biggest problem area in those regards is favorable/unfavorable aspects & perfection of charts.

If you're going to use it for basic things, the text is enough to get started. I have found several readings I did were very accurate. Overall it's a must have for any student of divination. If you're into magick or the esoteric arts, then you should also pick it up.

If they expand the text into a second edition, I'll pick that up too.

John Michael Greer makes the esoteric clear and easy to digest. He writes in a lucid, fluid style that I appreciate. He can teach you the most uncommon ideas so easily, it seems. I really enjoy reading Greer's books. He has an expert's knowledge, a wealth of experience, and a down-to-earth approach ( no pun intended, Druid). :)

This book made clear to me a practice I had not heard of in so long. Greer puts the practice into historical and occult perspective. He explains the processes well--no vague areas. Never does Greer burden you with unnecessary information, irrelevant tangents, or any type of spiritual bigotry. Many authors do.

So Greer is a excellent guide through Geomancy. I cannot think of a better writer to tackle occult subjects. I am always grateful that I stumbled onto Greer's work years ago.

Great writer. True scholar. Skilled teacher.

Buy it now. You will never regret it. :)


Check out these other books by Greer; I enjoyed them a lot (and still do): Monsters: An Investigator's Guide to Magical Beings, A World Full of Gods: An Inquiry into Polytheism, The New Encyclopedia of the Occult

This book is one of the best I've ever read about this topic. It answers all questions a learning geomancer might have. The book focuses on the figures itself instead of the astrological components (planets, signs etc.) that can complicate readings unnecessarily.

most wll reserched and fascinting book on a fascinating subject.
i do wish for a more practical interpertations of the geomantic figurs- that is the one place where if a new edition comes out i wish for him to expand.
read ana cortez playing card oracle for the use of geomancy in playing card spread-
and you have a great system for divination.
i love the title- the art and practice- divination is for me a form of art.

I love this book. It is quite fascinating. The history of this method of divination is intriguing as well.