Alden wrote on 02/22/10 at 04:38:11:Referring back to the Norse Runes as an example of a way to feel "connected" to the Gods,
There's a "Greek alphabet" somewhere that allows for divination practices. It's somewhere on this site, but I can't think where.
I'd note that Hermes didn't tread on Apollo's turf--prophecy, but Apollo left Hermes free to practice divination. Hermes invented the lyre using a tortoise shell. Tortoise shell patterns were also a divinatory device, especially, I believe, in China. I suppose Apollo returned the favor by teaching Hermes divination.
We are, as a figure of speech, always at the crossroads, or, as they said, "where three roads meet." Hermes (and Hecate) occupy crossroads, points of transition and direction. When we have no map, no guide, no information, I suppose a little divination might come in handy.
The Latin root--well, it's still used in French and Spanish to mean "guess."
Divination is what we do when we engage in the fine art of guessing.