The Art of Astragalomancy
Derived from the Ancient Greek words for knucklebones and talus bones, “astragalus” and “astragali,” as well as the suffix for divination or magic, "mancy."
This form of Cleromancy— divination through casting quadruped bones or dice, has been recorded throughout history in several areas of the world. It is even suggested by researchers that the practice stretches farther back before record as well.
Astragali have been rediscovered near altars or funeral locations in Greece, the Mediterranean, and Near East countries, dating back to pre-500 BCE. However, the earliest documentation of dice was from the Egyptian game of Senet, played before 3000 BCE and up to 2nd century CE. Games involving dice have also been recorded in ancient Indian texts such as the Mahābhārata from 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE. Moreover, the Shona people of Southern Africa performed divination with Hakata, also known as carved wood or bone dice.
During classical antiquity, sheep and goat knucklebones would be marked with letters or numbers. These markings would then become associated with specific meanings that would hold the answers to the querent or diviner’s questions. Through a random sequence, a prediction can be made through interpretation— stringing them together as a sentence.
Astragalomancy is certainly not a thing of the past. In our modern day, the 14th Dalai Lama has been known to consult the Mo, a dice divination method based on Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan shaman traditions!
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How to read
the Common Dice
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As we all know, modern game or divination knucklebones and dice are made out of plastic, metal, and even crystals. The common die is cubed and known as the d6, as it has 6 sides. You will need 3 of these die in order to perform the most commonly used method of dice divination— originating from a traditionally Ancient Tibetan technique. A circle is first needed to be drawn on a paper or ground unless a divination mat with a pre-drawn circle has already been purchased. Ask the (open-ended) question, cast the dice, and you will be answered.
Pay attention to the position of the dice. You will have to examine if any fell outside of the circle. Interpret as written below:
1 Die outside - Obstacles or difficulties may lie ahead in the near future… things will not go as planned (Maybe)
2 Dice outside - Quarrels or disagreements are likely in regards to this situation… (No)
3 Dice outside - Luck, fortune and success! You’ll be fine, so no further reading is needed… (Yes)
The dice that falls within the circle will reveal a message based on the sum:
0, 1, 2) Sorry, no answer for the querent. They will have to try again some other day.
3) The querent will experience change in certain circumstances within their life soon.
4) There will likely be arguments or unpleasantries in a future exchange or regarding situation due to a misunderstanding.
5) An unforeseen revelation or obtainment in knowledge will come, helping the querent fulfill their desired manifestations.
6) Be wary of all financial, relationship or material loss.
7) Someone is possibly being cunning and causing setbacks. Otherwise, the querent will have general hardships or obstacles in the near future, but they should not fret, as it will be remedied in due time.
8) Stop! The querent shouldn’t act impulsively, as it may lead to trouble or undesirable results. Be patient and practical about this situation. Possible injustice or external factors are in the way as well.
9) May be a sign of rekindling or forgiveness in the matters of the heart. The querent may find themselves in a potential romantic or business union in the near future. Success in these areas are likely.
10) New beginnings in family life, career path or community are soon to come! This can refer to a birth of project, promotion or literal baby.
11) There may be a potential loss of a person in the querent’s life, short term illness… Or the return of a person who was estranged from them.
12) A very important message is to come, and the querent may need to seek guidance if it refers to legal matters. Alternatively, this may rather refer to a large sum of money coming into the querent’s life soon.
13) The querent may need to redirect their path, as continuing may lead them to more obstacles or disappointments.
14) There will be a friend or family member who will offer assistance. Alternatively, this result may suggest a new romance arriving soon.
15) The querent will need to proceed with caution and avoid starting new ventures for the next week. Try not to be drawn into gossip or temptations.
16) There will be time to relax through a short trip, entertainment, and/or emotions of relief through money coming in for the querent.
17) A change of perspective and/or adjustment in one’s plans may be needed. The querent should be receptive to the advice and council of others, whether they know them or not.
18) There is luck, success and blessings on the way! The querent will feel completion or fulfilment after a long journey.
*Notes:
The Tibetans believe that 2 dice falling on top of the other while throwing, suggests that the querent will receive a gift in the near future. They will also need to re-throw the dice for their reading.
It is also believed that a die falling on the floor after performing the reading on a tabletop, signifies losing a close friendship.
If you own DnD dice, you may find divination resources online that interpret the meanings of higher numbers.
Some people may additionally associate the numbers to numerology interpretations to provide more insight!
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