Menu Check your monthly horoscope

Mystical Beliefs Around The World

Mystical beliefs have been an integral part of human culture for centuries, encompassing a wide range of practices and traditions that aim to connect with the divine, understand the universe, and achieve personal transformation. These beliefs often involve divination, healing, and spiritual growth, and they are found in cultures all over the world.

While mystical beliefs may be rooted in different traditions and practices, they share a common thread: the belief in something beyond the physical world. Mystics believe that there is a hidden reality that can be accessed through various techniques, and they seek to understand this reality in order to gain insights into their own lives and the world around them.

To delve deeper into these mystical beliefs, we have categorized them under the broader headings of Divination, Monotheistic Mysticism, and Healing and Transformation. While there are overlaps between these categories, each one offers a distinct perspective on the nature of the spiritual realm. To explore these concepts in more depth, please refer to our dedicated articles on each topic.

Divination

Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or hidden information by interpreting omens or signs. It is a widespread practice that has been found in cultures all over the world for centuries. There are many different forms of divination, including astrology, tarot card reading, palmistry, and dream interpretation. Divination is often used to gain insights into one's current life situation, make decisions, and solve problems.

Astrology: Western and Vedic

Astrology, whether Western or Vedic, holds a significant place in mystical beliefs across cultures. It involves studying the positions and movements of celestial bodies to predict one's future and ascertain their personality traits. Western astrology is based on the solar system, while Vedic or Indian astrology relies more on the lunar cycle.

While horoscopes are not considered to be a form of mystical belief by some people, they do share some similarities with mystical practices such as astrology and tarot card reading. For example, horoscopes are based on the belief that the positions of the planets and stars at the time of a person's birth can influence their personality and predict their future.

See Astrology.

Tarot Card Reading

Tarot card reading is a popular form of divination where a reader interprets the symbols and images on tarot cards. These cards are believed to reveal insights about one's current life situation and future possibilities based on the querent's energy.

For more information visit Tarot Cards.

Numerology

Numerology is a mystical belief in the divine relationship between numbers and coinciding events. In this belief, numbers derived from a person's name and date of birth are used to determine their personality, talents, and future directions.

For more information visit Numerology.

Palmistry

Palmistry involves studying the lines, shapes, and mounts on the palm to analyze a person's character and potential life paths. Different lines represent various aspects such as heart, head, life, and fate, each telling something unique about an individual.

For more information visit Palmistry.

Runes

Runes are letters from the runic alphabets used by ancient Germanic languages. They are often used for divination and magic, where stones or pieces of wood marked with runes are cast or drawn to predict the future and seek advice.

For more information visit Runes.

I Ching or Yijing

I Ching, or the Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese text used for divination. Hexagrams obtained by casting coins or sticks are looked up in the text, providing wisdom and guidance for decision-making.

For more information visit I Ching/Yijing.

Crystal Ball Gazing (Scrying)

Crystal ball gazing, or scrying, involves peering into a crystal ball or other reflective surfaces such as water or mirrors to gain mystical insights. It is said to reveal images or symbols that can be interpreted by the scryer.

For more information visit our section on Crystal Ball Gazing.

Tea Leaf Reading (Tasseography)

Tasseography involves interpreting patterns made by tea leaves remaining in a teacup. The symbols and patterns seen in the cup are used to foretell a person's future and provide insights into their current situation.

For more information visit our section on Tea Leaf Reading.

Dreamwalking

The practice of entering another person's dreams, either to communicate with them or to influence their thoughts and emotions.

For more information visit our section on Dreamwalking.

Astral projection

Similar to dreamwalking, but it involves projecting one's own consciousness outside of the body to travel the astral plane, a realm of pure energy and thought.

For more information visit our section on Astral Projection.

Geomancy

Geomancy is a method of divination that interprets markings on the ground or patterns formed by tossing soil, rocks, or sand. The resulting patterns are interpreted to gain insights into questions or the future.

Check our Geomancy page for more information.

Healing and Transformation

Healing and transformation are central themes in many mystical traditions. Mystics believe that there is a deeper reality beyond the physical world, and they seek to connect with this reality in order to achieve healing and transformation on a personal, spiritual, and even cosmic level. There are many different forms of healing and transformation in mystical traditions, including shamanism, reiki, chakra healing, and meditation.

Voodoo and Hoodoo

Voodoo and Hoodoo are spiritual folkways originating from African diasporic religions. These practices involve rituals, spells, and communicating with spirits to seek guidance, protection, and healing.

Check our Voodoo/Hoodoo page for more information.

Spirit Animals and Totems

In various indigenous cultures, spirit animals or totems are believed to offer guidance, protection, and wisdom. Individuals or groups may have spirit animals that guide them throughout life or specific periods.

For more information see the Spirit Animals and Totems section of the website.

Monotheistic Mysticism

Monotheistic mysticism is the study of the divine within monotheistic religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Mystics in these traditions believe that there is a direct, personal relationship between God and humanity, and they seek to experience this relationship through prayer, meditation, and contemplation.

Monotheistic mystics often write about their experiences in their sacred texts, and their teachings can provide guidance and inspiration to others.

Kabbalah

This Jewish mystical tradition explores the nature of God and the relationship between humanity and the divine.

Visit Kabbalah for more information.

Sufism

This Islamic mystical tradition emphasizes direct experience of the divine through love and devotion.

Visit Sufism for more information.

Shamanism

Shamanism involves a shaman acting as an intermediary between the physical and spiritual worlds. Through rituals and ceremonies, shamans seek guidance and healing from the spirit world for individuals and communities.

Reiki

This Japanese healing practice involves channeling universal energy through the practitioner's hands to heal others.

Visit Reiki for more information.

Chakra Healing

This practice aims to balance the body's energy centers, or chakras, to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Visit Chakra for more information.

See a glossary.

Further Reading