Introduction: African Divination Systems, Bone ReAdings & Vodou Priest Psychic Readings
African Divination Systems and Vodun Priest & Priestess Psychic Readings. Learn about African Divination Systems including Bone Readings, Shell Readings, Kola Nut Readings and Divinations from the African Traditional Religions (ATR). Divination is the sacred practice of seeking guidance, clarity, and messages from the spiritual realm. In African Traditional Religions (ATR), divination is often described as the Voice of God — a way for initiated Priests and Priestesses to interpret signs, symbols, and sacred objects to reveal insight into life’s questions.
At Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans, our initiated Vodou and Santeria Priests and Priestesses use these powerful tools — bone readings, shell readings, kola nut divination, and more — in every psychic reading and spiritual consultation. These systems are not casual practices; they require years of training, spiritual attunement, and devotion to master.
This overview is part of our Spiritual Summary Series™, provided by Babalawo Manolo, one of my favorite Padrinos, and family members, straight outta Miami – and designed to acquaint you with the foundations of African divination systems and their role in authentic Vodou traditions.
♠ Why Initiation Matters in African Divination
African divination systems can only be performed by initiated practitioners of Vodou, Santeria, Ifa, Yoruba, Candomblé, Palo, and related traditions. Each path carries its own sacred methods, symbols, and initiations. Without initiation, the readings lack validity and accuracy, as true divination requires mastery of thousands of combinations, deep spiritual training, and communion with the Divine. Many of our initiated Vodou and Santeria Priests and Priestess use these tools, or a combination of these tools, in every psychic reading and spiritual consultation offered at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
We offer more in-depth and academic resources on these African Traditional Divinations and Psychic Readings systems showcased in our extensive article section for those wishing to learn more about “Reading them Bones!” This just gives a quick and handy reference on some of the divination and psychic readings performed by initiated Priests and Priestesses.
♠ ABOUT AFRICAN DIVINATION, BONE READINGS, SHELL READINGS & KOLA NUT PSYCHIC READINGS ~ A BRIEF OVERVIEW:
African divination is a practice found in many different African cultures and belief systems, which involves seeking guidance or insight from spiritual or supernatural forces. Divination is often used to make decisions, solve problems, or gain a deeper understanding of oneself or the world. It is often said these types of African Divinations and Psychic Readings are indeed, the “Voice of God.”
The types of readings offered in the African Traditional Religions vary depending upon the Diviner’s initiations and specific Voodoo path. African Traditional Religion (ATR) Divinations and Psychic readings can only be performed by an initiated Vodou/Vudu/Vodun Priest or Priestess.
This is required for the Divination to be valid or accurate, as they take years to master and a lifetime of learning the thousands of combinations of the shells for example. These types of Divinations require tremendous knowledge, spiritual attunement, training, and devotion to draw upon the voice of the Divine and deliver the messages into this realm.
♠ COMMON TYPES OF AFRICAN DIVINATIONS AND PSYCHIC READINGS FOUND IN THE African Traditional Religions:
There are many different forms of African divination, each with their own unique methods and traditions. Some of the more common forms of African divination include:
- Ifa Divination: Yoruba system using trays, symbols, and stories to communicate with Orunmila, the god of wisdom.
- Bone Readings: Casting bones or sacred objects to interpret messages from spirits and ancestors.
- Diloggun: Cowrie shell divination practiced in Yoruba and Santeria traditions to speak with the Orishas.
- Chamalongo: Congo system using seashells and coconut shells to interpret divine messages.
- Sangoma Divination: Zulu and Xhosa healers using divination to diagnose illness and guide communities.
♠ What African Divination Means & MORE INSIGHT INTO EACH Reading:
Divination is the sacred practice of seeking guidance, clarity, and insight from spiritual forces, ancestors, or natural signs. It is often described as the Voice of God within African Traditional Religions (ATR), allowing initiated Priests and Priestesses to interpret messages from the unseen world. For those unfamiliar with the term, divination is essentially a spiritual consultation — a way to understand hidden truths, make decisions, and connect with divine wisdom.
🤍 Bone Readings
Bone readings are among the oldest forms of African divination. A diviner casts or arranges bones — sometimes animal bones, shells, stones, or other sacred objects — onto a surface. The way these pieces fall, their positions, and their relationships to one another are interpreted as messages from spirits or ancestors. Each bone carries symbolic meaning, and together they form a spiritual map that reveals guidance, warnings, or blessings for the seeker.
🤍 Shell Readings
Shell readings, often using cowrie shells, are deeply tied to water, fertility, and communication with deities. In Yoruba and Santeria traditions, this practice is known as Diloggun, where shells are cast and their patterns interpreted to speak with the Orishas — divine forces of nature. Shells are considered living symbols, carrying the voice of the Divine. Their arrangement reveals answers to questions, spiritual remedies, and insight into the path ahead.
🤍 Kola Nut Divination
Kola nut divination is a West African practice, especially among the Igbo and Yoruba peoples. A diviner breaks or casts kola nuts, then interprets the way the pieces fall or the patterns they form. Each configuration carries meaning, offering guidance on personal matters, community decisions, or spiritual concerns. The kola nut itself is sacred, symbolizing hospitality, respect, and connection to the ancestors, making its use in divination both practical and profoundly spiritual.
♠ Why These Systems Matter
Bone readings, shell readings, and kola nut divination are more than techniques — they are living traditions that preserve African heritage and spiritual continuity. Each system reflects centuries of wisdom, cultural identity, and devotion. They remind us that guidance from the Divine is not abstract, but woven into everyday life through sacred objects and ancestral voices. By honoring these practices, initiated Priests and Priestesses keep alive the profound connection between humanity, spirit, and the natural world.
♠ SUMMARY OF Bone Readings, AFRICAN TRADITIONAL Divination and Vodou PSYCHIC READINGS:
Overall, African divination is a rich and diverse practice that reflects the complex beliefs and traditions of many different African cultures. While each Vodou/Vudu/Vodun/Voodoo tradition has its own unique methods and beliefs, they all share a common goal: seeking guidance, messages, and insight from the spiritual realm.
African Divination, Bone Readings, Shell Readings and Kola Nut Readings, much like many spiritual and religious topics, are often vast and complicated subject matters. There are volumes and tomes written about these incredible, mysterious, and powerful African divination systems available for those to learn more if they wish.
We offer these fun and informative Spiritual Summary Series™ to acquaint those with some preliminary information on various spiritual topics. If you would like to hear what the Divine have to say about your personal situation or life questions, speak to one of our expert Practitioners in one of our Divinations and Spiritual Consultations. At Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans, we always strive to provide educational resources for our guests and friends visiting us, and truly hope you enjoyed our “Spiritual Summary Series™” article. Please let us know if there are any topics you’d be interested in learning more about too by emailing webmistress@erzulies.com!