Astragyromancy
Another method of divination using dice.
In this variation of Astragalomancy, three dice are cast into a circle about twelve inches in diameter. If any of the die falls out of the circle, it should not be counted. If in the first two attempts all of the die fall out of the circle, the casting should be stopped and tried again at a later date or time. Three misses in a row is considered to be an extremely bad omen. If a number recurs during reading, it indicates that significant news are on the way. If one die lands on top of another, it signifies that the inquirer may receive a gift, but also should be careful both in business and love.
Castings are interpreted in the following manner:
Three ― The smallest number that can appear; an indication of good fortune, pleasant surprises in the very near future. Whatever the inquiry, this is one of the most positive responses you could get in Astragyromancy. Four ― An indication of disappointment, or a streak of bad luck. The inquirer should be extremely careful, an unpleasantness of some kind may occur. Five ― A sign that the inquirer's wishes will be granted, or that a new friendship will be established; plans will come to fruition; a wish will be granted. Six ― An indication that the inquirer will soon have to part with money, and to beware of dishonest acquaintances; a loss of some kind is forecast. Seven ― An indication of sorrow and setbacks, and that people are talking behind the inquirer's back; possible difficulties in business, money troubles, gossip and so on. Eight ― An indication that the inquirer's will soon be blamed for something he or she may or may not be responsible for; expect criticism. Nine ― An indication of a soon to happen wedding, either the inquirer's or someone close to him or her. Also a sign of luck in love, or that a reconciliation is forthcoming. Ten ― A sign of a career advancement, or the birth of a child. Eleven ― An indication of sickness, or separation and sorrow; a parting, which may be temporary. Twelve ― An indication the inquirer will be the recipient of happy news; a message of importance will soon arrive. Thirteen ― A very bad omen, signifying sorrow, grief and worry. Fourteen ― A sign that the inquirer has a secret admirer, or a helpful friend; friendship; help from a new friend. Fifteen ― A sign of disagreements, dishonesty and gossip; begin no new projects for a few days. Sixteen ― An indication of travel in the near future; a pleasant journey. Seventeen ― A sign that changes will soon be occurring, including a possible change of residence; also, a change in plans may soon be necessary. Eighteen ― The very best number to be cast. A exceptional good omen, signifying success in all endeavors, lots of money, and much happiness.
Another method of Astragyromancy employs letters and numbers, and the overall message attained can be applied to particular areas of someone's life. The circle is divided into a dozen equal pie-shaped wedges, and each is assigned a different letter of the alphabet from A to L. The three dice are cast, and the letters that are landed on are then interpreted using the correspondent number of the dice, in the following manner:
Individual die numbers:
One ― Generally favorable, but bear the overall prediction in mind. Two ― Your success depends on your friends. Three ― An exceptional omen for success. Four ― Disappointment and trouble. Five ― Good indications. Six ― Uncertainty and indecision.
Sections of the circle:
A ― Next year. B ― Money matters. C ― Travel. D ― Domestic matters. E ― The present. F ― Health. G ― Love and marriage. H ― Legal matters. I ― Your present state of mind. J ― Work and career. K ― Friends. L ― Enemies.
Walter B. Gibson mentions Astragyromancy in his 'Complete Illustrated Book of Divination & Prophecy' (1973):
"Astragalomancy or Astragyromancy: divination with dice, ranging from crude bones with primitive markings to cubes bearing spots, letters, or cabalistic symbols, all interpreted by the bone caster."
Though the practice of dice divination is very ancient, most forms still in use seem to have been established in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
See Astrology, Acutomancy, Agalmatomancy, Divination, Coscinomancy, Cleidomancy, Augur, Stoichomancy, Dowsing, Tarot, Heptameron, Demonology, Sortilege, Idolomancy, Demonomancy, Tephramancy, Anemoscopy, Eromancy, Austromancy, Chaomancy, Roadomancy, Capnomancy, Pyromancy, Meteormancy, Ceraunoscopy, Zoomancy, Radiesthesia, Mystic Gifts and Charms - New Age Gift Shop & Wicca and Pagan Supplies, Love Spells -- Use these powerful love spells to help you find and keep your true love, The Tarot Store, The Chakra Store, Divination & Scrying Tools and Supplies, Unique Amulets, Talismans, Good Luck Charms, and Love Tokens, Powerful Witch Doctor Spell Kits, Powerful Spells - Cast by Andreika the Witch, Webmasters Make $$$, AzureGreen - Celebrating All Paths to the Divine, ISIS - Tools for Your Soul's Journey, and The Pyramid Collection - Myth, Magick, Fantasy and Romance.
Sources: (1) The Little Giant Encyclopedia of Fortune Telling, Sterling; (2) Pickover, Clifford A., Dreaming the Future: The Fantastic Story of Prediction, Prometheus Books; (3) Dunwich, Gerina, A Wiccan's Guide to Prophecy and Divination, Carol Publishing Group; (4) Dictionary of the Occult, Caxton Publishing; (5) Spence, Lewis, An Encyclopedia of Occultism, Carol Publishing Group; (6) Halliday, William Reginald, Greek Divination; a Study of its Methods and Principles, General Books LLC; (7) Cunningham, Scott, Divination for Beginners: Reading the Past, Present & Future, Llewellyn Publications.
| | |