Male Divination Disbelief
Divination & The Harry Potter Series
Season 13 of Every Day Tarot continues our exploration of divination in the wizarding world, but this time through the lens of how male characters approach (or avoid) it!
In this episode, we look at Ron and Harry’s skepticism, the gendered dynamics around mystical arts, and how fiction mirrors real-world attitudes toward intuition.
What we explore in this episode:
Why Ron and Harry approach divination with skepticism and how that shapes the story
How intuitive arts are often coded as “feminine” in both magical and non-magical culture
Power, perception, and why divination threatens rigid hierarchies
Reframing divination as a universal human skill, not a gendered one
Ron and Harry’s Skepticism
From the moment they step into Professor Trelawney’s tower classroom, Harry and Ron treat divination with a mix of doubt and humor. Harry maintains a polite detachment. Ron, however, leans into parody, going so far as inventing outlandish predictions just for laughs. Is it comedic? Maybe. But it underscores how the narrative treats divination as less serious than “hard” magical subjects.
In the wizarding world, just as in ours, intuition and symbolism often get sidelined in favor of skills considered more rational or measurable. For male characters, this skepticism can also be a kind of armor. Almost like their way to avoid being associated with something deemed “soft.”
The Real-World Mirror: Challenging Who Gets to Define What Counts as Truth
Beyond fiction, cultural norms often dictate who is “allowed” to engage with intuition. Practices like tarot, astrology, and scrying are still frequently labeled as feminine domains, discouraging men from fully exploring them. This can limit their connection to a valuable form of wisdom and perpetuate the myth that logic and intuition can’t coexist.
Throughout history, the intuitive arts have been dismissed or mocked—often by men in positions of authority. This dismissal is not just about disbelief; it’s about control. By undermining intuition, systems rooted in patriarchy limit ways of knowing that fall outside “rational,” “masculine” frameworks.
Seen through this lens, Ron and Harry’s attitude toward divination becomes more than a subplot. It’s a reflection of how gender expectations shape the stories we tell and the truths we’re willing to entertain.
Tarot Cards
To explore the energy of this episode, I pulled cards from the Sasuraibito Tarot:
The Emperor - patriarchal authority, structure, and the tendency toward rigid thinking
The Magician - power, skill, but also the shadow of manipulation and controlling the narrative
Five of Swords - conflict, ego battles, and the harm caused when one perspective dominates
The Hanged Man - the need for a fresh perspective, seeing the value in intuition and non-traditional wisdom
To explore the energy of this episode, I pulled cards from:
If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!
Season 1 - Tarot basics
Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits
Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture
Season 5 - Tarot Spreads
Season 6 - Suit of Wands
Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles
Season 8 - Suit of Swords
Season 9 - Suit of Cups
Season 10 - Tarot and Witchcraft
Season 11 - Tarot and Plant Allies
Season 12- Tarot and Animals
Today's Tarot Pull:
From It’s Grow Time oracle deck by Chantel Davis Gray, I pulled “Just like everyone has a favorite pizza, I will be someone’s favorite.”
A playful reminder of belonging, affirmation, and self-worth.
Reflection prompt on this card:
What perspectives might shift if I allowed myself to be “someone’s favorite” without changing who I am?
A 12-Week Tarot for Transformation Journey
Starting at the end of summer, join me for a 12-week live course based on Tarot for Transformation!
We’ll spend three months together, working through the major arcana as archetypal guides. Each week, we’ll:
Focus on one major arcana card and the life themes it highlights.
Explore journaling prompts and exercises from Dreya Blume’s book.
Share experiences and support each other in a safe, witchy, and affirming space.
Participate in live one-hour calls (with replays available if you can’t join live).
This is not just about learning tarot — it’s about using tarot as a vessel for real, meaningful change in your life.
If you've ever longed for a supportive community to explore big personal shifts, or if you’re ready to commit to discovering your most authentic self, this journey is for you.
You can sign up to receive more information (no FOMO!). We’re planning to begin at the end of August, so there’s plenty of time to get ready.
Ways to Connect & Support:
Get my Tarot Card Creation Workshop including the full hour long recording with my step by step method, examples of the tarot cards I’ve created, journaling questions, and PDF to walk you through it for just $33. Click here to purchase now!
Join my 12-week Tarot for Transformation Live course this summer where we will be deep diving into the Major Arcana to Discover Our Best Selves and Create a Life Worth Living. If you’re interested, sign up here for more information!
Patreon: For new moon readings, tarot Q&As, individual card pulls, and behind-the-scenes peeks, join the Every Day Tarot Patreon family.
Newsletter: Get my FREE 2025 5-Card Tarot Spread PDF + weekly musings, event invites, and magic straight to your inbox.
Support the Podcast: If you love the show, the best way to support it is by listening daily, leaving a review, and subscribing or following in your favorite podcast app.
Book a Consultation: I’m a sex & relationships therapist working virtually across Washington. I specialize in helping queer, kinky, polyamorous, and witchy folks navigate anxiety, chronic illness, communication, and identity work. If you’re looking for a therapist and I seem like a good fit, please reach out and book a free consultation: camilleasaunders.com