EXAMPLE
I asked the Kumulak about two matters, a family difference of opinion, and my efforts to translate these divination lessons into a series of books. For the family matter, the Kumulak indicated that I feel confident I’m on the correct side of the issue, but it acknowledged that I’m having to do a tricky dance right now, and the power balance is in flux, and that I may have to make concessions. But the presence of the special figures The Good Star and Luck indicate that the matter will turn out well. As for the question of the divination lessons books, it acknowledges that my intentions are good, but that it will take a good deal of revision and that the whole process will not go as quickly as I would otherwise like to proceed.
CONCLUSION
As for what category of divination I would file this under, after some thought, I decided it would go under symbolomancy. Thought there are certainly elements which arguably make it chartomancy, especially the format in which I’ve presented it here, it is the symbolism behind it which is important, since it reflects the outlook of traditional Kazakh society, and it key to interpreting it correctly.
The Kazakhs, of course, are still consulting the Kumulak today. In any open-air market in Kazakhstan, chances are good there’s a bhalcha giving readings. What I like about Kumulak is its slice-of-life view into a culture I’m unfamiliar with, and the worldview that goes along with it. The rider of the steppes rides in all kinds of atmospheric conditions—wind, rain, snow, sleet, sand storms, and the burning heat of the sun. But he can also ride in more pleasant conditions. It’s a metaphor for all of us and our progress through life. Sometimes the weather is calm, the way forward is clear, and the outcome assured. Other times, we run into unexpected obstacles, stormy weather, or the vehicle we’re using to get there (the horse) isn’t the sturdy mount we thought it was, though everything else in the situation may have looked great when we first started out. Kumulak’s metaphorical way of expressing itself seems to beg the question, how am I riding through life?
EXERCISES
- Perform Kumulak for yourself, asking a specific question. Record the results on the Kumulak Interpretation Chart at the end of the PDF.
- Perform Kumulak for yourself without asking a specific question. Record the results on a copy of the Kumulak Interpretation Chart at the end of the PDF.
- Perform Kumulak for another person you know, your choice of asking a specific question or as a general reading. They don’t have to be present, although if they are, great. Record the results on a copy of the Kumulak Interpretation Chart at the end of the PDF.
- Take a look at the three Kumulak readings you’ve done and answer these questions: a.) Did any of these transpire as the Future Line predicted? b.) Did these three readings, in your opinion, present an accurate and believable view of the situation? c.) What are the strong points of Kumulak divination? What are its weak points? d.) For whom and under what circumstances would you employ the Kumulak as a means of divination?
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Blau, Didier. Kumulak: the Mirror of Destiny. Saint Jean-de-Braye, France: Editions Dangles, 1999. 1st Ed. ISBN: 2-7033-0542-7.