The Witch's and Druids Den

A little History

Astragalomancy, a variation of Cleromancy, involves divination through the process of casting lots. The term originates from a combination of the Greek words “Astragaios” (referring to dice or knucklebones) and “Manteia” (pertaining to divination). These dice are typically inscribed with letters or numbers. In archaeological sites across the Mediterranean and the Near East, marked Astragali bones from sheep and goats were frequently discovered, particularly in religious and funeral settings.

Among the Greeks, dice were crafted from sheep knucklebones. The act of rolling dice held a connection with the deities Athena and Hermes. In Roman mythology, Mercury was the patron of dice throwers and was often portrayed with dice that held prophetic powers. Occasionally, an olive leaf known as the “Lot of Mercury” was thrown along with the dice to seek his favor. In both Greek and Roman societies, the practice of casting lots, or sortition, played a crucial role. It was used to select government officials and make other significant decisions, serving as a less susceptible form of democracy compared to elections.

Historically, this practice involved the use of five dice or a single die-cast five times. However, this discussion will focus on the modern reinterpretation of the method.

Modern-day Casting

There are a few different approaches to the workings of Casting dice. We will focus on a few below. The modern way of casting the dice is with modern 6-sided Dice. Draw a 12-inch or 8-inch circle for your casting area and start throwing.

Two Dice Method

Focus on your Question, Throw the dice into the circle if dice fall out of the circle, they are not counted then add the number on the dice.

• 2 – Yes
• 3- no
• 4- A surprise is coming
• 5- Be wise about it
• 6- Luck is coming
• 7- Of Course
• 8-Have Faith
• 9- Be patient
• 10-Certainly
• 11-Nonsense
• 12-Doubtful

Three Dice Method

Dice that fall out of the circle should not be counted. These dice can suggest that things will not go as planned. If 2 Dice fall outside the circle could mean problems coming. You can add up your dice, or you can count them individually. When you cast them, the ones farther from you can have less impact on you if you chose

• 3 – Favorable, surprising news
• 4 – Bad luck, disappointment.
• 5 – Your wish is granted, but in an unexpected way, a stranger brings joy.
• 6 – Loss of business and money.
• 7 – Beware of backstabbing, which causes setbacks.
• 8 – Injustice caused by outside influences. Victimization.
• 9 – Rekindling and forgiveness after arguing. Luck in marriage and in matters of the heart. 10 – Business success, promotion, domestic bliss.
• 11 – Parting of ways, some illnesses.
• 12 – Expect well-written news, but seek counsel when replying to any correspondence.
• 13 – Sadness and grief.
• 14 – Help from a friend, getting to know a distant admirer.
• 15 – Beware of temptation.
• 16 – Safe and pleasant travels.
• 17 – A change of plan. Schedules may be altered by somebody abroad who is involved in your arrangements (this person is likely to have links to the ocean).
• 18 – Overall happiness involving prosperity and success.

Yes or no Method (One Die)

Ask a question with the die in hand and roll it.
Even numbers are yes 2,4,6
Odd numbers are no 1,3,5

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There are many variations to the meanings, but for the most part, they all fall along the same path. You can assign your own meaning to this system very easily

When Julius Caesar and his armies crossed the Rubicon River in northern Italy in 49 BC, beginning a civil war with the Republic, he used the expression “The die is cast.” the single die was rolled, and the choice was made – perhaps by fate – and now cannot be undone.

I offer a set of hand-carved Astragalomancy dice on my website

I will talk about the older form of This Divination from the Romans and Greeks in the coming moon with a Gaulish flavor to it.