Fire Omens or Reading Smoke
Divination & The Harry Potter Series
Season 13 of Every Day Tarot is all about divination, and today’s episode focuses on fire omens, also known as pyromancy or capnomancy—the ancient practice of reading flames and smoke.
What we explore in this episode:
Mentions of fire omens and smoke reading in the Harry Potter series
The history of pyromancy and capnomancy across cultures
Smoke as a bridge between earthly and spiritual realms
Fire Omens & Reading Smoke
Since the first spark of fire was struck, humans have gathered around its light—seeking warmth, safety, and stories. But for some, fire has also been a portal. Its smoke curling into the sky carries not only scent and shadow but also messages. This ancient practice of seeking signs in fire and smoke is known as pyromancy (divination by fire) and capnomancy (divination by smoke).
Like tarot, smoke divination is a mirror. What you find in it says as much about you as it does about the future.
History of Smoke Divination
Smoke is liminal. It’s neither solid nor liquid, neither earth nor air. That transience makes it the perfect symbol of messages from beyond.
Cultures across history have read fire and smoke. Ancient Babylonians burned cedar, interpreting the messages rising in the air. Greek oracles at Delphi inhaled sacred vapors. Druids are believed to have burned oak and mistletoe in ritual fires. Even today, incense and candle flames remain sacred tools, helping practitioners open a space between the everyday and the spiritual.
Tarot Cards
To explore the energy of this episode, I pulled cards from The Citadel: A Fantasy Oracle by Fen Inkwright
The Smith - Overthinking vs. action, sparks of creation, forging change
The Adventurer - Responsibility, pressure, and resilience, like a volcano ready to erupt
The Diviner - Patience, divine timing, smoke-filled space for clarity
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
💭 Today's Tarot Pull:
From The Desert Illuminations Tarot by Lindsay D. Williams, I pulled the Nine of Jugs (Nine of Cups, Upright).
This card invites us to pause and recognize abundance. Like smoke rising and disappearing, joy is fleeting—so savor what’s here now. You’re surrounded by fulfillment, luck, and the rewards of what you’ve built.
Reflective prompts on this card:
What abundance is already around me that I haven’t fully appreciated?
Where am I overthinking instead of simply enjoying?
How does timing shape my ability to trust what’s unfolding?
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 starting this fall 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!
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