PROCEDURE FOR CLOUD DIVINING
When you judge yourself to have a good sky for cloud-divining, and have chosen an acceptable venue for positioning yourself in, close your eyes, and start quieting your mind into a meditative state. When you’re ready, recite something like the following:
Spirits of Air, a vision true
I seek in the clouds above, from you.
Ancestors dear, in heart ‘ere new,
Send readable clouds into my view.
Then state out loud, “My question or issue is …” filling in the rest with your question. You may follow this by stating, “Please send me guidance in the clouds. Thank you.” Then watch with as passive a mind as you can muster. The bulk of your attention should be on the sky, keeping your mind calm and impassive. This is why cloud-divining is probably best to attempt on a day off, when you don’t feel pressured to be anywhere soon. I would say, give this at least an hour, possibly up to four. Cloud-divining is a very passive, leisurely activity that can’t be rushed or done in a pinch.
The procedure outline above can be employed for first-approach cloud-divining as well, but you’ll want to follow the ‘thank you’ with ‘I’ve got to go now, but I’ll be checking in with you over the next twelve/twenty-four/X-number hours.’ If you’re attempting second-approach cloud-divining, be prepared for the possibility the spirits won’t answer during your observation session, then later when you’re doing something else and happen to look at the sky, there is your answer. Spirits can be mischievous and answer on their own schedule. Indeed, if you don’t have the time to spend an hour or more gazing at the sky, first-approach cloud-divining is your only option anyway.
Of course, when you do see a cloud that looks like an answer or a potential answer to your question, remember to thank the spirits who sent it.