Divination Conjure Style by Starr Casas

A delightful in-depth guide to the divination practices of conjure from the beloved author of Old Style Conjure and other books

In Divination Conjure Style Starr Casas shares the secrets of conjure-style divination that she learned at home and that, until very recently, were family secrets that were only transmitted orally. Traditional conjure is the domain of the poor and disenfranchised, living in regions that were (and remain) unfriendly to esotericism and the occult. Thus, conjure divination relies on inexpensive tools that are not exclusively magical: playing cards, rather than tarot cards, or scrying with blue water instead of a crystal ball.

The primary focus of Divination Conjure Style is playing-card divination, but other methods covered include bibliomancy, pyromancy, pendulums, and throwing the bones. Starr discusses the history of these methods and also offers practical information so that the reader can master these techniques for themselves. Josef Bailey, a young New Orleans artist, has created illustrations of conjure-style playing cards to Starr’s specifications.

Praise

“Starr Casas is who you want behind the table when you have a problem and need clear answers. And Starr Casas is also the one you want working for you when you need that problem fixed. In Divination Conjure Style, she shares with you her system of practical, down-to-Earth reading with playing cards, rather than Tarot or oracle decks, to get you the information you need, and how to work with the cards to change you situation. From prepping and setting up to reading the layout, you’ll feel as if Starr is talking to you and guiding you on the path.” – Christopher Penczak, co-Founder of the Temple of Witchcraft and author of City Magick and Instant Magick

“Divination Conjure Style is the sort of no-nonsense primer that any student can pick up as a gateway into Southern magical practice, but it also feels like the kind of book that will reward repeated consultation. In a way, Starr Casas is offering you a seat at her table as she riffles her deck of playing cards or throws her bones at your feet. The book is personal, not a conversation exactly, but a chance to hear a voice of wisdom and experience unclouded by distractions (which are all too common in occult writings). Starr’s directness never comes off as condescending or dismissive of anyone’s experience. Instead, her guidance through divination systems used in Southern-style Conjure is maternal, a hand pointing the way and a voice assuring you that you can do this. She weaves personal stories into her lessons, making the material she covers ring true with a lived authenticity. This book is not a sweeping history of all things Conjure or divinatory–it isn’t trying to be that. Instead, Starr writes from her heart and from the well of her experience, and anyone about to pick up a deck of cards, a pendulum, or a pair of bent copper rods can benefit from reading it.” – Cory Thomas Hutcheson, co-host of the New World Witchery podcast and author of 54 Devils: The Art and Folklore of Fortune-telling with Playing Cards.