Roll the bones 

Divination with Dice

Divination with dice, known as astragalomancy (or astragyromancy/cubomancy), is one of the oldest forms of fortune-telling. It falls under the broader category of cleromancy, the casting of lots or objects to seek divine guidance or insight into the future. Archaeological evidence shows dice-like objects used for both games and divination dating back over 5,000 years, with origins in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece, Rome, and beyond.

Historical Roots

The earliest “dice” were not the familiar six-sided cubes but astragali—knucklebones (ankle bones) from sheep, goats, or other animals. These naturally had four distinct sides (valued typically as 1, 3, 4, and 6), making them ideal for random casting.

These bones appear in archaeological sites across the Mediterranean, Near East, and beyond, often at religious or funerary locations. In ancient Greece, practitioners cast astragali and consulted inscribed “dice oracles” on statues or monoliths. The Romans adopted it, sometimes for medical diagnosis or invoking gods like Mercury (patron of dice throwers). Evidence exists from Egyptian tombs (over 4,000 years old), Hellenistic sites in Israel (with gods’ names on bones), and even Tibetan Buddhist traditions using specialized Mo dice. Cultures from Africa (Shona hakata bones) to Central Asia practiced similar methods, viewing the roll as divine intervention.

Modern Practices

Today, astragalomancy uses standard six-sided dice, polyhedral sets (like D&D dice), or custom ones with symbols (astrological signs, runes, letters). A common setup involves casting onto a mat or within a circle to contain the throw and add layers of meaning.

Modern divination dice, including symbolic and themed sets.

A common method involves:

1.  Formulating a clear question.

2.  Drawing a circle (9-12 inches) on cloth or paper.

3.  Shaking and casting 1-3 dice into the circle.

Interpretations vary:

•  Dice outside the circle: “No” answer, uncertainty, or ignore/re-cast.

•  Both/all outside: Bad omen; stop the reading.

•  Positions/numbers inside: Sum the pips or interpret individually.

Example meanings for three-dice totals (a popular system):

•  3: Excellent luck, wishes fulfilled.

•  4-5: Challenges ahead.

•  6-8: Neutral or delays.

•  9: Romance or reconciliation.

•  10: Success, new beginnings.

•  11-12: Good news or messages.

•  13: Sorrow or obstacles.

•  14-15: Helpful friends.

•  16-18: Travel, positive changes.

Sample Interpretations (Three-Dice Sum Inside Circle)

Traditional meanings vary by source, but a common set includes:

•  3: Good luck, wishes fulfilled.

•  4: Disappointment or setback.

•  5: Stranger brings news or help.

•  6: Loss (material or emotional).

•  7: Gossip or criticism; be cautious.

•  8: Haste leads to misfortune; think carefully.

•  9: Romance, marriage, or reconciliation.

•  10: New beginnings (birth, job, success).

•  11: Short illness or parting.

•  12: Important message; seek advice if legal.

•  13: Sorrow or persistence in wrong path.

•  14: Helpful friend or new love.

•  15: Beware false guidance.

•  16: Pleasant journey.

•  17: Change (possibly involving travel or outsiders).

•  18: Success, abundance, fulfillment.

Many practitioners personalize meanings based on intuition.

Dice divination remains accessible and portable today—perfect for quick insights. Whether using ancient-style knucklebones or modern gaming dice, it connects us to humanity’s timeless quest to read fate in randomness. Try it with respect and an open mind!

Other methods and Possible dice outcomes : two different interpretations 

0 - Limitless, Unity, Nothingness, Boundless, Truth, Purity, Consciousness, Alpha and Omega

1 - Beginning, Creativity, Independence, Ego, Self, Originality, Action, Courage, Invention, Leader, Will

2 - Duality, Division, Choice, Cooperation, Diplomacy, Mediatory, Reproduction, Positive and Negative, Harmony, Adaptable

3 - Trinity, Enthusiasm, Expressive, Sociable, Artistic expression, Superficial, Optimistic, Manifestation

4 - Practical, Responsible, Stability, Logical, Hard working, Frugal, Steadfast, Planner, Patient, Loyalty, Repression

5 - Adventure, Freedom, Change, Variety, Adaptability, Curiosity, Experienced, Knowledge seeker, Traveller, Imagination, Playful

6 - Harmony, Love, Beauty, Marriage, Family, Responsibility, Understanding, Sympathy, Healer, Perfectionist, Duty, Service

7 - Philosopher, Spirituality, Sage, Truth seeker, Reserved, Inventor, Aloof, Introspective, Unusual, Exotic Hidden, Ethereal

8 - Achievement, Abundance, Executive, Management, Power, Materialistic, Strength, Self-disciplined, Success, Psychology, Intensity

9 - Endings, Completion, Humanitarian, Compassionate, Romantic, Selfless, Generous, Idealist, Artistic, Healer, Blending, Indulgent

From Matthew Venus - Spiritus Arcanum)

One dice falls outside - Difficulties lie ahead

Two dice fall outside - Arguments and quarrels are likely

Three dice fall outside - A sign of luck and success (No reading needed)

The dice that land within the circle are totalled 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 too 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 - 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 a 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 - Fulfilment