Astragalomancy: Divination with Dice
Antique Bone Dice Photo by Matthew Venus
Astragalomancy, which is a form of Cleromancy, is divination by use of dice. It is an ancient form of divination and is still used by many when seeking answer to the unknown.
One of the most common forms of Dice Divination used today is accomplished by using three dice.
The diviner will either draw out a circle, roughly eight inches or so, on a piece of paper or on the ground. Some diviners have a simple mat which they use for this that will have the circle pre-drawn. The question is posed and the dice are cast.
To determine the meaning of the reading the diviner will first examine if any dice have fallen outside of the circle.
1 dice outside - Difficulties lie ahead
2 dice outside- Arguments and Quarrels are likely
3 dice outside- A sign of luck and success (no reading needed)
The dice that land within the circle are totaled up and their sum indicates the message.
0,1,2 - No answer available. Ask another day
3 - a change in circumstances will happen soon
4 - Unpleasantness, arguments, misunderstanding
5 - Unexpected surprise or information, your plans and wishes will be fulfilled
6 - Loss of some kind, most likely financial, possibly material, or a relationship
7- Potential hardships, gossip, finances, etc. They will eventually be resolved
8- You should not act to hastily, lack of discretion may lead to misfortune
9- A possible union in love or in business , success in romance and/or gambling
10- New beginnings, possibly a birth, or a new job/promotion
11- Potential loss of a person, death, short term illness; or the return of a person who was estranged from you
12- Important communication will arrive soon, seek counsel if it is a legal matter, potential for a large sum of money
13- Continuation on your current path will lead to misery and difficulty
14- A friend or relative will offer their assistance, possibly an new romance arrives
15- Proceed with caution, avoid starting new projects for the next week, do not be drawn into gossip
16- A short trip will provide relief, entertainment, and potentially profit
17- Change of perspective, adjustment to plans may be needed, be receptive to the council of others, even those whom you don’t know
18- Luck, Success, Blessings, Attainment and Fulfillment
Some additional items to note
*If two dice fall one on top of the other while throwing the dice it means that you will receive a gift. Re-throw the dice for your reading.
*If you are throwing the dice on a tabletop and a one falls on the floor, you may lose a friend
*It is said that the dice shouldn’t be thrown on a Monday or Wednesday, nor should they be thrown more than three times for the same person in one day.
