Divination Laws -- what if anything is permitted?

I've been reading a lot about the laws and history of divination in Judaism lately (I'm a Jew, btw). I'm reading a lot of conflicting information, from totally banned to "everything but this and this are ok" to "Jews have a rich tradition of divination/magic" (especially in the middle ages, but that doesn't necissarily mean it wasn't in violation of the Law). I know obviously the Umim and Thummim were a part of the priestly garb and which are commonly accepted to be tools of "divination", and there's many references to the use of astrology -- Solomon I believe was an expert astrologer, and some sages were very vocal about the power of astology. And of course many kabbalists throughout history have walked the line between the Law and "divination". And there's obviously the story of The Golem and dubbykim. A hamsa seems obviously to be a charm, but is common in Jewish jewelry and homes. So I find myself very confused on the matter. And of course there's the rumors of the Prime Minister being killed by a curse. I know we may interpret and omen after the fact, but not decide our actions based on perceived omens -- but at the same time some sources say the flight of birds, clouds, and casting of lots are acceptable to use to guide one's actions.

Obviously the simple answer is "it's all forbidden", but the texts and history seem more vague. However I know "divination" is typically associated with "occult" and ultimately idol worship, the ultimate prohibition. I don't wish to practice "magic" or anything occult, but I am curious about divination, especially if there's any uniquely Jewish practices -- but more important is the Law of course. However it seems sometimes modern interpretation of Law is at odds with history -- for example Rachel and our acestors in the Exodus wore noserings (they wouldn't give them up to make the Golden Calf, nor the Temple) which I'm quite sure the frum commity would not look kindly on, and our forefathers obviously wore something like what we'd now consider a dress, with no split in the trousers (I understand the cultural aspect which mitigates these points however, they're only examples).

I'm also curious what a Jew is to do if they feel they have "psychic" abillities. Are they to interpret them as something from God or the yetzer hara or merely good intuition? To be 100% clear I don't feel I have any psychic inclinations whatsoever, absolutey nothing of the sort, I'm just curious what someone were to do in that situation. Nor do I practice any arts of divination (I did use a nail on a string to see if horses were pregnant, before I really thought about what it was I was actually doing), but I've been curious about the topic.

Submitted September 23, 2019 at 04:19AM by calm_chowder https://ift.tt/30gQ64Z