The term divination covers a wide array of methods that supposedly aid a person in discovering hidden knowledge. The hidden knowledge may be a prediction of future events, an explanation of current happenings, or an insight into past events. The techniques range from flashes of insight, to attempting to tap into supernatural powers, to interpreting the significance of omens or other signs. Divination is found in virtually every civilization and culture.

There are three basic types of divination: intuitive divination, possession divination, and wisdom divination.

Intuitive divination occurs when a person, or diviner, has a hunch or a sudden awareness about someone or something. Certain people, such as spiritual leaders, saints, or gurus, are said to be able to gain such insights at will by simply peering at another person or into that person's eyes.

In possession divination, either a nonhuman agent or a diviner is used by...