Divination is the practice of trying to learn about the future or discover hidden knowledge through supernatural or magical means. Throughout history, people have used many forms of divination: reading tea leaves, interpreting dreams, studying the flight patterns of birds, casting stones or bones, or consulting oracle cards. Ancient Greeks traveled to the Oracle at Delphi, where a priestess would enter a trance and deliver cryptic prophecies. In ancient China, diviners heated turtle shells until they cracked, then interpreted the patterns.

A person who practices divination is called a diviner or sometimes a fortune-teller.

While divination remains part of many cultural and spiritual traditions today, modern science considers these practices unreliable for actually predicting the future. Scientists explain that divination can seem to work through psychological principles: people interpret vague predictions in ways that fit their experiences, or the act of seeking guidance helps them think through their problems more clearly.

You'll encounter divination in mythology, fantasy stories, and historical accounts. Characters might consult crystal balls, read omens, or interpret signs to guide their decisions, adding mystery and tension to the story.