Pressed Pennies, those souvenir coins from attractions and amusement parks, have found a new purpose. I was inspired to use them as a tool for divination. Keep reading to learn how you can, too!
What makes pressed pennies ideal for readings?
🪙 Rich symbolism ripe for interpretation
🪙 Images represent various locations and themes, which can be relevant in readings
🪙 Versatility: can be either cast like charms or drawn like runes.
How Pressed Penny Reading Differs from Charms and Runes:
Feature Pressed Pennies Charms Runes Shape Mostly Uniform Unique shapes Mostly Uniform Symbolism Imagery + text Mostly imagery Symbols only Drawing Style Single draws or casting Mostly casting Single draws or casting Interpretation Flexible / intuition based Flexible / intuition based Requires study of tradition Used in Location Readings Yes Rare No Social Media Friendly Harder to photograph Highly visible Clear and bold symbols
You will need:
1. A collection of pressed pennies
2. A magnifier for detailed inspection (optional)
3. A sturdy bag or container for storing your reading coins
Preparation:
1. Sort through your collection, setting aside damaged or duplicate coins*
2. Clean the remaining pennies to reveal hidden details
3. Choose coins with meaningful symbols for your reading set
* please wear gloves to protect your hands from germs. Penny lots can be quite dirty
Defining Meanings:
Assign meanings to each penny based on:
🪙 Your understanding of the images and text
🪙 Metaphysical symbolism research
🪙 Personal / intuitive associations
Keeping notes on each penny's meaning is helpful for beginners. It’s like creating your own oracle guidebook.
Reading Techniques:
1. Single Penny Draw: Ideal for specific questions
2. Layout Reading: Draw individually, and place into any tarot or rune spread
3. Casting: Gently toss a handful of pressed pennies onto a casting sheet or mat. Then, remove out-of-bounds and face-side-down coins (those which land with a blank side up). Interpret the face-side-up ones that remain.
Interpreting Your Reading:
🪙 Consider the symbolism of each penny
🪙 Pay attention to where coins land (if cast on a sheet or mat) and how they interact with each other
🪙 Trust your intuition to connect the symbols with the querent's situation
The more you work with the coins, the more connected you’ll become with their messages.
Happy Reading!
Get your own pressed penny reading from the psychic who “coined” the technique!
