Astragalomancy

Also known as Astragyromancy is a form of Cleromancy, which involves the casting of lots to determine an outcome. Hucklebones (ankle bones of goats or sheep, and sometime oxen, or deer) in Roman they were called “Tali,” in Latin they were “Talus,” and in Greek they were called “Astragli.” They were numbered I, III, IV and VI. 4 (or 5 in Greece) tali were thrown at a time. The best throw possible was Venereus (Venus) or Basilicus where I, III, IV and VI were thrown (or Alpha, Gimmel, Dalet, & Zeta or Digamma in Archaic Greece), this is the best throw and even beat all sixes. The worst possible throw was Canes (Dog) or Canicula which was I, I, I, I. The Ace point or 1 is flat and was called Canis or Canicula, it is the narrow most basic side/surface. The 3 side is concave and was called Chius, it is the wide side with a notch in it and called the back. The 4 side is convex and was called Senio, it is the large smooth side and known as the belly opposite the back. The 6 side is twisted and was called Venus, it is the narrow side and the most complex surface. The sides opposite one another each add up to 7 (3+4 or 1+6). Six-sided dice were called tesserae. They were often used like oracle bones and cast to divine the future. Consultants prayed to the god before casting the dice, which were kept around the statue of Herakles, who was thought of as providing the mantic inspiration for the numbers that were rolled. Plato in Phaedrus attributes the discovery of astragali to the Egyptian god Thoth or Hermes.

Various Objects

Your bone set does not need to necessarily be made up of bones but could be various objects that have meaning to you. 10 to 15 objects are more than enough to account for every eventuality. In Africa, we have the casting of the cowrie shells which are used to foretell the fortunes of the hopeful. In Tibet, we have Mo, which is a form of Astragalomancy, a practice of casting knucklebones marked with specific symbols. In South American there are root doctors that still cast bones to help clients.

Meaning of various bones:

· Large Bone - Male aspects - Strength, Control, Aggressiveness, Father

· Medium Bone - Female aspects - Nurturing, Healing, Intuitiveness, Receptiveness, Mother

· Predator Bone (Wolf Bone) - Cunning, Being on the hunt.

· Deer Foot Bone - Be watchful, alert, and ready to make a move.

· Coyote Tooth - Someone is trying to trick you, A Fight, Lies

· Snake Vertebrae - Sex, cycles, Rejuvenation, Passion

· Chicken Bone - Bad luck, Death, Negative aspects, a loss

· Cowrie Shell - Communication if open mouthed, Lack of communication if closed mouth

· Key - Doors open or locked.

· Green stone or Piece of Amber - Money, Finances, Things of value

· Foot Bones - Use foot bones for success, protection when traveling, starting a new chapter in life (for change) and to bless newborns.

· Leg bones (or hind leg bones) - Leg bones can be used in magick for stability in all areas of life as well as love magick (not lust) to find soul mates.

· Pelvic Bones - For lust and fertility magick use pelvic bones.

· Spine or Rib Bones - For health, vitality, and energy, use rib bones. For stable health and energy, use spine bones.

· Arm Bones (or front leg) - Use arm bones to work magick for career or to get things done.

· Hand (or front paw) Bones - Use hand bones for inspiration magick and creative endeavors of all kinds.

· Skulls - Use skulls for any type of self-work or vision magick.

You can keep your items in a small wooden bowl to contain the bones and have the client place their hands over the bones to infuse them with their energy, or you can have them hold the bones in their cupped hands.

For a generic Astragalomancy chart create a 12" x 12" circle intersected by an X on the cloth or piece of leather. Designate each section as North, East, South, and West.

· North - Material things, Ancestors, Finance, Jobs.

· East - Emotional things, relationships, Love.

· South - Sexual energy, battle, Conflicts.

· West - communication, Intellect, Thoughts.

Greek Astragalomancy

An inscription in Limyra, a city in ancient Lycia records an oracle that documents an ancient Greek form of astragalomancy. Traditionally, the seeker would go into the temple, and after a prayer, and probably making an offering to the deity of the temple (or donation to the priests) they would consult the bones. Five bones would be rolled like dice (or 1 bone, 5 times). The total score from rolling the bones provides a number, which would determine the advice of the gods.

In the same geographical area in which these astragaloi inscriptions and oracles are found, twelve sites possessed ‘alphabet oracles’, which were inscribed on stone in the late second century AD. A preamble was followed by a list of the twenty-four letters of the Greek alphabet, with a response after each letter. ‘Alpha’ for example, is followed by ‘You will carry off everything successfully’. A throw, or throws, of an astragalos, or several astragaloi, would give a number corresponding to a letter in the Greek alphabet, which would provide the enquirer with a response.

· Sit where you feel most comfortable, ideally at a desk or at a table. Make sure the area in front of you is neat and clean.

· Concentrate on the question, repeating it in your mind.

· Relax. Take a deep inhalation down into the center of your belly, breathing as a baby breathes, and hold that inhalation briefly.

· Toss the 4 (or 5) knucklebones. Or if you don’t have bones toss the three coins.

o Establish the numerical value that the faces of the coins stand for as described above.

o Do this four more times, representing a total of five throws of a single astragalus or a single toss of five astragali. Make sure that you retain your concentration and briefly hold your breath each time you make a throw.

o Add up the total. Refer to the "List of Divination Combinations" at the back of the book. Find the divination that correlates to the total numerical value you have thrown. There is an oracular verse corresponding to the precise configuration of each possible throw.

Response number one being for Olympian Zeus and then ranging through numerous gods until the fifty-sixth, who was Hermes Tetragonus.

	Total Value	Combination	Name	Description	Image
1	5	11111	Olympian Zeus	All throws are ones, hear the voice of the Shining One. Zeus Savior will inspire you; He will give you happiness and all that you wish for. But sing the praises of Aphrodite and Hermes, son of Maia.
2	7	11113	Athena Who Judges	Four ones and a three command the following: By avoiding Enmity and Hatred, you will attain your reward. Reaching this journey’s end, you will be saved by Athena Bright eyes. Her judgment, which she imposes, will be for you welcome.
3	8	11114	The Fates	A single four falls, and four ones: Do not act upon that which you now pursue, for it will not be good; He who tries will find the task both difficult and impossible. For now, you must travel abroad; the future, however, hides no evil.
4	9	33111	The Eagle of Zeus	Two threes fall, and three ones: The high-flying Eagle will guide you to the right hand. Your fortune will be positive; with great Zeus’s aid, You will succeed in what you strive for with passion. Fear nothing.
5	10	61111	The Great Spirit	One six and four ones come to you: The god who has blessed you will grant you the best of outcomes if you act upon that which you have in your mind. Demeter and Zeus will be your saviors.
6	10	11143	Tyche, Opportune Chance	If there are three ones, one four, the fifth a three: Do not proceed with that which is imposed on you. Now, though you are in sadness, the gods will guide you; They will deliver you from suffering, and there will be no evil.
7	11	33311	Nike, Goddess of Victory	If three threes fall, and the remaining two are ones: You will accomplish what you desire, all is yours. If you honor the gods, you will triumph. The judgment they impose will be welcome to you.
8	11	11144	Artemis of Bravrona	You see three ones the rest are fours: Do not sow into the wind, nor plant seeds in hard stone. Do not sail on deep oceans during the storms of winter. Contemplate quietly and remain unaffected by all this.
9	12	11136	Dionysus Bassareus	One lone six, one three, and three ones fall: Be in no hurry to harvest the buds of the vine, nor the summer figs, nor should you prepare your weights for the line, for you will lie heavy in the waves. Your obligation lies elsewhere, and it eludes you.
10	12	11334	Zeus the King	Two ones fall, two threes, and a four: Proceed. You will achieve your goals beyond your wildest dreams. And those things that seem fearful, the god decrees will bring you joy. Honor the great king, Zeus, and Lord Apollo Light-bearer.
11	13	11164	Hermes of the Games	One six, three ones, the fifth is a four: Stranger, your business in foreign lands will go well. Do not seek for opportunity; the god will arrange for your happiness. For it is not difficult for this situation to bring you gains.
12	13	11344	The Melodious Muse	If one three falls, two ones, and two fours: You would do well to act. Good prospects, profits easily gained. It is better now to participate, rather than to try to create. Keep private, in order to succeed, the sweet verse of the Muse.
13	13	33331	Themis	A single one falls, and four threes: This road has no gains for you and is impassable. Be in no hurry at present. The god will not allow that which you pursue; you must wait. It is distressing to enter into conflict and legal trials.
14	14	13334	Triton	A single one and three threes, the fifth a four: Your attempts are in vain; you struggle against the waves. You seek a fish in the ocean; be in no hurry to act. Nor is it useful for you to make demands of the gods at the wrong time.
15	14	61133	Hermes the Guide	One six, two ones, and two threes: Do not reflect upon evil, nor go against the god, planning calamities, for there is nothing useful in this. Neither on the path you are taking, will you uncover gain in the end.
16	14	44411	The Benevolent Spirit	Should three fours fall and two ones: The god will lead you down the path he imposes. Smiling Aphrodite will guide you with benevolence; Your path will be productive, and no clouds hang over your fate.
17	15	13344	Zeus the Savior	A single one, two threes fall, and two fours: For such deeds as must transpire, with courage, take action. Proceed, for the gods send good tidings on this matter. Spare no efforts; there is nothing evil ahead for you.
18	15	11166	Zeus Ammon	If three ones fall and two sixes: On that path which inspires you, walk boldly ahead. The god will grant you everything; proceed as your inspiration commands. Zeus, who thunders in the heights, will be your savior.
19	15	33333	Benevolent Fortune	Should all throws be threes, then hear the voice of the Shining One. She who has borne a child, found both her breasts dry. But lo, she has flowered once again and has milk aplenty; And all will be well for you, concerning that which you ask of me.
20	15	43611	Zeus the Guardian of Travelers	One four, one three, one six, and two ones: Concerning that which you strive for, be patient, it is not yet time. And should the gods present you with sadness, they will redeem you willingly. He who is in foreign lands will complete his journey, says the god.
21	16	63331	Hercules	One six, three threes, the fifth a one: It is not yet time, be in no hurry; do not act foolishly. Be not like the lioness that bore a den of blind cubs. Prepare yourself calmly, and the god will guide you.
22	16	64411	Cybele	One six, two fours, and two ones: From dry branches one cannot harvest fruit. Neglect your own self, and life becomes unlivable. Neither is it possible to reap bountiful fruit, when you have not sown.
23	16	13444	Prometheus	A single one, one three, the rest are fours: The circumstances promise great reward. If you act wisely on what the divination tells you, stranger, you will succeed; From the gods, you have just approval for that which you seek.
24	16	33334	The Fertile Earth	Should a single four fall and all the rest threes, then you will succeed in all things, and command capably. Along with luck, you will have the aid of Apollo. The Earth will bear you perfect fruit for your labors.
25	17	33344	Nereus	The threes are three, the fours are two: It is difficult to fight against the waves. Stay, friend; Hard labor is necessary. Changes will be good. Avoid extreme turmoil, for you may suffer evil.
26	17	13346	Artemis of the Fields	One six, a single one, one four, the rest are threes: When a rabbit happens by, then all will go well. Cease your suffering, for happiness awaits you. By honoring the gods, you will nourish your consciousness.
27	17	11366	Fruit-bearing Demeter	If two sixes fall, two ones, the fifth a three: Gather an unripe fruit, and it is not useful. After many contests, the laurels will be yours. But strive with deliberation; do not act in haste and violence.
28	17	14444	Zephyrus	If a single one falls, and the rest are fours: The god will now complete everything for you and guide you favorably. Act upon all things according to your plans. Torment yourself no longer; You will craft all that you desire with perfection.
29	18	66411	Adrasteia, She Who None Can Escape	If two sixes fall, two ones, the fifth a four: That upon which you act will be positive. Good fortune will be yours from the beginning, and all danger will be swept aside. All other divinations will be positive for you.
30	18	16443	Zeus the Thunderer	A single one, one six, two fours, the fifth a three: It is not possible to fulfill your desires, the god judges; Nor will it benefit you to journey far from your home. Nor through payment will you find anything beneficial.
31	18	44433	The Supplicant Deity	Three fours, and two threes fall: I see no safe path for you. Be patient. Events will favor you after this, but for the present do nothing. Have faith in the gods and remain hopeful.
32	18	63333	Benevolent Time	One six, four threes, the following command: Be in no hurry to move forth; the god disagrees, be patient. Be not like the lioness that bore a den of blind cubs. Prepare yourself calmly, and all will be happily completed in your favor.
33	19	66133	Good Hope	Two sixes and two threes, a single one, so command: Easily traveled and secure will be your path, concerning that which you ask. Fear nothing; the god will guide you in all things. He will end the burden of sadness and dissipate suspicion.
34	19	44461	Zeus the Creator	Three fours, one six, the fifth a one: Endeavor with courage, for the divination brings you hope; The god declares that he who is ailing will be saved. And if events impose on you a duty, fulfill it, for you will be rewarded.
35	19	34444	Hermes, Who Presides Over Gain	Should a single three fall, and all the rest fours: Hermes will grant you the appropriate inspiration; he will confer on you a boon. You will have it all; you will achieve what you desire. You will discover that which he foretells, and there will be no evil.
36	19	63334	Victory Triumphant	One six and three threes, the fifth a four: I foresee good things, stranger, in this consultation. And he who walks in foreign lands will end his journey well. With the help of great Zeus, you will soon achieve what you strive for.
37	20	66611	The Victorious Sun	If three sixes fall, the rest are ones, A bright sun watches over you, who sees all things. For the problems you now face, you will find a solution. A gift that brings victory will complete this foretelling.
38	20	44444	The Heavenly Fates	If all the tosses are fours, take no action now; There is no reward along this path. For I see guile in you regarding that which you ask of me; Nor should you, a mortal man, pressure the god into giving you his blessing.
39	20	43661	Nemesis	A four, a three, two sixes, the fifth a one: Concerning that which you intend, make haste; all will be yours afterward. Those things that until now brought you sorrow, will be directed to your advantage, says the god. Be at peace; there is no evil ahead for you.
40	20	63344	Zeus, The Guardian of the Dead	A single six, two threes, and two fours fall: It is not possible to achieve in haste that which your fortune commands. You will find benefit; the god will relieve you of your burden. The task will be easy but protect yourself from evil.
41	21	66441	Demeter	Two sixes, two fours, the fifth a one: Your road will be easy, and all things secure, concerning that which you ask. Fear nothing; the goddess will guide you in all things. She will drive away the burden of sorrow and dissipate suspicion.
42	21	44463	The Shining Sun	Three fours, one six, the fifth a three: You will achieve what you desire and will uncover that which troubles you. Endeavor, stranger, with courage, for all is in readiness. You will uncover the hidden; your day of deliverance is at hand.
43	21	33366	Good Fortune, Who Delivers Us from Pain	If three threes fall, and two sixes, this they command: There are good deeds; make haste to perform them. You will be delivered from heavy sorrow and triumph over all. And he who wanders in foreign lands will return home, the god declares.
44	22	16663	The Renowned Fates	A single one, three sixes, the fifth a three: Put not your hand into the mouths of wolves, for you may suffer harm. What you ask of me is difficult and uncertain. Even so, you will end this road of unproductive wandering in peace.
45	22	64444	Poseidon	A single six falls, the rest are fours: Sow not into the sea, nor try to write on the crests of waves; Both are a waste of effort, and an impossible task. Nor should you, mortal man, make demands of the god, who may bring you grief.
46	22	66433	Raging Ares	Should two sixes fall, one four, and two threes: Do not advance toward your goals, stranger. This I prophesy: Into the battle has come a powerful lion; guard yourself, for it is terrible. It is not possible to achieve that which you seek; do nothing.
47	23	16664	Athena	A single one, three sixes, the fifth a four: Honor Pallas Athena and all will be yours; All that you desire, and all that you have planned for, will come to you. She will free you from bondage and relieve the ailing from pain.
48	23	66443	Euphrosyne	Should two sixes fall, two fours, the fifth a three: Sally forth, follow your instincts, and quickly, for you will return home. Discover what inspires you and act upon it, for you will conquer all. All about you is happiness, and you have nothing to fear.
49	24	66633	Pythian Apollo	Three sixes, and two threes, hear the following: Stay, do not act, and obey the words of the Radiant One. In the future, lie in wait for your chance, but do nothing now. There are obstacles ahead, but you will complete that which concerns you.
50	24	44466	Cronus, Who Devours His Children	Three fours, two sixes, this the god commands: Remain in your home with serenity; go nowhere else, lest a fearful and vengeful beast spring out of the earth and come against you. This action appears neither safe nor secure to me.
51	25	46663	The Shining Month	One four falls, three sixes, the fifth a three: With courage, you will have the opportunity to achieve your desire. You will succeed by dashing to your goal. Your efforts will be rewarded. You are bound, however, to strive for the greater good, in a just struggle.
52	25	66661	The Mother of the Gods	Four sixes, the fifth a one, so command: As wolf’s snatch sheep, and powerful lions seize horned oxen, so will you conquer over all. All that you ask of me will be yours, with the aid of Hermes, son of Zeus.
53	26	66644	Zeus of the Underworld	Three sixes, two fours, so do I prophesy: This act will find barriers ahead; be in no hurry, have patience. For this road bears sadness; it is both inapproachable and difficult to traverse. It will be difficult to buy, and should you sell, it will be at a loss.
54	27	66663	Celestial Aphrodite	Four sixes and one three command the following: The daughter of Heaven, Aphrodite, Queen of Love, will send you good tidings. She will prepare a path of escape for you from the pain and anxiety crushing your heart.
55	28	66664	Damage	Four sixes and one four command the following: You will have no luck. Why fight a futile battle? Stay, for you may be injured in your haste. It is neither wise to rush toward your goal, nor to wander like a fool.
56	30	66666	Hermes of the Square	If all throws be sixes: Travel not toward your goal; better to stay in place. For I see guile in you regarding that which you ask of me. Nevertheless, you will end your futile journey in peace.