Trelawney
Divination & The Harry Potter Series
Season 13 of Every Day Tarot continues our exploration of divination in the wizarding world, and in this episode, we turn the crystal ball toward Sybill Trelawney—a character who embodies both the mystique and the marginalization of intuitive arts.
We’ll explore her family lineage, the mythological roots hidden in her name, how her prophecies shape the series, and why she’s often dismissed despite her accuracy.
What we explore in this episode:
How Sybill’s name links her to ancient Greek oracles and prophecy traditions
The portrayal of divination in Hogwarts classrooms vs. real-world magical practices
The tension between authentic vision and public disbelief
Why reclaiming the intuitive arts matters for modern witches and seekers
Professor Sybill Trelawney: The Seer No One Believed
Trelawney is a descendant of the legendary Seer Cassandra Trelawney—a name that itself comes from Greek mythology, where Cassandra was cursed to speak true prophecies that no one would believe. Her first name, “Sybill,” echoes the Sibyls of ancient Greece. They were prophetess or oracles who spoke at sacred sites and whose visions were sought in times of crisis. This layered naming builds a character steeped in mysticism, prophecy, and tragedy.
In Hogwarts, she’s dismissed by students and faculty alike, mocked for her dramatic style and fixation on doom. It's ironic how even in a magical world, divination is treated as the most dubious of arts.
The Diviner’s Dilemma
Professor Trelawney, being portrayed as eccentric, dramatic, and frequently mocked, mirrors how real-world intuitive and mystical practices, particularly those aligned with feminine energy, are undervalued or ridiculed. And yet, despite all the doubt surrounding her, Trelawney delivers prophecies that alter the course of the entire wizarding world.
Her paradox—being both overly underestimated yet impactful—offers a lesson for anyone whose gifts are misunderstood: “There is power in holding your vision steady, especially when others can’t see it.”
Tarot Cards
To explore the energy of this episode, I pulled cards from the The Desert Illuminations Tarot by Lindsay D. Williams:
Three of Daggers (Three of Swords) - perseverance through pain, grief, and misunderstanding
The Tower - sudden upheaval, transformation through chaos, and sudden truth breaking through resistance
Three of Chilies (Three of Wands) - stepping into new opportunities, planning for a different future
The Magician - recognizing and claiming your own power, bridging the mystical and the material
Deck referenced:
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
Tarot Pull:
From The Goddess of Love Tarot Deck: A Book and Deck for Embodying The Erotic Divine Feminine (by Gabriela Herstik and illustrated by Julia Popescu), I pulled the Queen of Wands (Reversed).
A call to turn inward, reclaim your fire, and cultivate your gifts without the need for external approval. This is the card of sovereignty over your passions and loyalty to your own magic.
Reflective prompts on this card:
Where in your life are you being asked to move quickly, and where might you need to pause and burrow?
Is there a project or dream you're ready to multiply like rabbits?
What would it look like to embrace your soft parts and still feel powerful?
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.
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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