Divination: Clerimancy

 

The Art of Dice Divination: Origins, Methods and the Meaning of Each Number

Dice are among the oldest objects used by human beings to make decisions, play games and seek insight into the unknown. Although today they are most commonly associated with board games and gambling, dice have also played a role in divination: the practice of interpreting signs, symbols and seemingly chance events to gain guidance about the past, present or future.

The use of dice for fortune-telling is sometimes called cleromancy, a broad term for divination by casting lots or objects at random. When dice are used specifically, the practice may be described as dice divination or astragalomancy, a term associated historically with divination using knucklebones and similar objects.

For those interested in witchcraft, Pagan spirituality and folk magic, dice offer a simple and accessible means of divination. They require little equipment, can be used almost anywhere and allow the practitioner to combine numerical symbolism, intuition and personal reflection.

Unlike tarot cards, which contain elaborate imagery and established symbolic systems, ordinary dice offer a small vocabulary of numbers. Their apparent simplicity is part of their appeal: each throw creates a starting point for interpretation, encouraging the diviner to consider circumstances from a different perspective.

It is important to recognise that fortune-telling with dice is a spiritual or symbolic practice rather than a scientifically established method of predicting future events. Its value for many practitioners lies in reflection, ritual, storytelling and the exploration of possible choices.

The origins and history of dice divination

Ancient beginnings

The history of dice stretches back thousands of years, although the precise origins of the earliest dice and their original purposes remain uncertain. Early people used naturally occurring knucklebones, particularly the ankle bones of sheep and goats, as objects for games, lots and possibly divination.

These objects are known as astragali in Greek, from astragalos, meaning an ankle bone. Unlike modern cubic dice, knucklebones have irregular shapes and do not land with six equally numbered faces. Their different landing positions could nevertheless be assigned meanings or values.

In ancient societies, casting lots could serve several purposes. People might use it to settle a decision, distribute responsibilities, select an individual for a task or seek an answer believed to be influenced by the gods. In religious settings, the outcome could be interpreted as a sign of divine favour or displeasure.

Ancient Greece and Rome

In ancient Greece, astragali were used in games and were also associated with divinatory practices. Surviving literary and archaeological evidence indicates that people attached significance to particular throws, although systems varied between places and periods.

The Romans likewise used knucklebones and dice for gaming. Divination through casting lots existed within the wider Roman religious world, where signs, omens and ritual procedures could be used to seek guidance about uncertain matters.

It is worth distinguishing between the historical evidence for casting lots and the more specific modern practice of interpreting a standard six-sided die according to a fixed list of meanings. The former has ancient precedents; the latter draws on a mixture of later fortune-telling traditions, numerical symbolism and contemporary personal systems.

Ancient Egypt and the wider world

Casting lots and using marked objects to seek answers have appeared in many cultures. Ancient Egyptian gaming objects and lots form part of a long history of chance-based practices, although not every ancient game should be interpreted as fortune-telling.

Similar broad practices involving lots, sticks, bones or marked objects arose in different parts of the world. Their meanings were shaped by local religious beliefs and customs rather than by one universal system.

From lots to modern dice reading

Over time, dice became widely available, especially as manufactured gaming objects. Their numerical faces made them convenient tools for simple divination. A person could ask a question, cast one or more dice and interpret the result according to a chosen set of meanings.

Modern dice divination does not have one universally accepted rulebook. Some systems interpret each number individually; others use two dice and add their values together, while more elaborate methods consider combinations, odd and even numbers, or the relationship between multiple throws.

For a beginner, the most practical approach is to begin with a single six-sided die and learn the symbolism of each face before introducing more complicated methods.

How dice fortune-telling works

The basic principle of dice divination is that a random result is interpreted symbolically in response to a question. Historically, some ancient divination systems used lists of prepared oracular answers corresponding to particular throws, rather than relying only on the diviner's intuition. 

There are several ways to practise dice divination today.

One die: A simple method in which each number from one to six has a particular meaning.

Two dice: The numbers can be read separately, added together, or interpreted as a pair.

Three dice: The total can be interpreted using a list of meanings ranging from three to eighteen. Some modern occult references describe this approach. 

For beginners, I recommend starting with one die. It is easy to learn and encourages you to explore the symbolism of each number without becoming overwhelmed by complicated combinations.

Preparing for a reading

You do not need expensive equipment. A simple set-up might include:

• One ordinary six-sided die, preferably reserved for divination.
• A small cloth or shallow wooden tray on which to cast it.
• A notebook to record questions, results and interpretations.
• A candle or meaningful object, if you wish to make the practice part of a spiritual ritual.

If you follow a Pagan or witchcraft tradition, you may choose to incorporate a prayer, meditation or invocation to a deity associated with wisdom, fate or guidance. This is entirely optional; dice divination can also be practised without religious beliefs.

A simple step-by-step reading

Step 1: Formulate your question

Ask something clear and open-ended, such as, “What should I consider about the opportunity before me?” Questions that invite reflection are often more useful than demanding a definite prediction.

Step 2: Centre yourself

Take a few slow breaths. Hold the die, concentrate on your question and allow yourself to become calm and attentive.

Step 3: Cast the die

Shake it gently in your hand or a cup, then roll it onto the cloth or into the tray. Read the uppermost face.

Step 4: Interpret the number

Consult your chosen meanings below. Consider how the symbol relates to your circumstances, and record any thoughts or associations that arise.

A useful rule is to cast once and reflect on the result. Repeatedly rolling until you obtain a preferred answer can undermine the purpose of the exercise.

The meaning of each dice number: One to six

The following meanings form a practical, contemporary symbolic system suitable for beginners. They are not a single historically universal set of ancient meanings: different diviners may use different correspondences. The interpretations combine familiar numerological themes with the traditional symbolic use of dice.

1

One — Beginnings and independence

Keywords: initiative, individuality, creation, leadership

The number one represents the starting point, the spark of an idea and the courage to take the first step. In a reading, it may suggest that the time has come to act independently, begin a project or take responsibility for your own direction.

Love: A new connection, a fresh chapter or the need to understand your own needs.

Work and money: Initiative, ambition or an opportunity to begin something.

Spirituality: Self-discovery, personal will and the beginning of a new practice.

Guidance: What can you initiate rather than waiting for someone else to act?

2

Two — Partnership and balance

Keywords: harmony, cooperation, choices, duality

Two represents the meeting of opposites: light and dark, self and other, action and reflection. It can point to relationships, negotiation or a decision involving two competing possibilities.

Love: Partnership, emotional understanding and the importance of communication.

Work and money: Cooperation, teamwork or weighing two options carefully.

Spirituality: Balance between intuition and reason, or between inner and outer life.

Guidance: Where would cooperation or a more balanced perspective help?

3

Three — Creativity and growth

Keywords: expression, joy, fertility, expansion

Three is associated in numerology with creativity, communication and the development of an idea. In some spiritual interpretations, it also represents the union of three complementary forces.

Love: Affection, shared enjoyment and open communication.

Work and money: Creative opportunities, collaboration and the growth of an idea.

Spirituality: Learning, inspiration and the development of intuitive understanding.

Guidance: What could grow if you gave it more attention, expression or encouragement?

4

Four — Stability and foundations

Keywords: structure, discipline, security, patience

Four symbolises the four directions, the four seasons and the solid foundations on which something lasting can be built. It encourages practical thinking and steady progress.

Love: Reliability, commitment and building trust.

Work and money: Organisation, budgeting, planning and consistent effort.

Spirituality: Grounding, routine and creating a stable ritual practice.

Guidance: What needs strengthening before you can move forward?

5

Five — Change and freedom

Keywords: movement, adventure, adaptability, discovery

Five represents movement away from established patterns. It may encourage experimentation, travel, learning or a willingness to adapt when circumstances change.

Love: Renewed excitement, changing needs or a desire for greater freedom.

Work and money: New possibilities, a change of direction or the need to adapt.

Spirituality: Exploration, questioning old assumptions and trying a different practice.

Guidance: What change might be beneficial, and how can you approach it responsibly?

6

Six — Harmony and responsibility

Keywords: care, family, healing, service, home

Six is often associated with domestic harmony, compassion, responsibility and the restoration of balance. It asks how people can care for one another without neglecting their own needs.

Love: Devotion, emotional security and mutual support.

Work and money: Responsible decisions, dependable teamwork and sustainable choices.

Spirituality: Compassion, healing symbolism, service and care for the home.

Guidance: Where is greater care, harmony or responsibility needed?

Using three dice: A traditional-style method

One interesting approach is to roll three six-sided dice and add their values together. This produces totals ranging from three to eighteen.

This method has a historical connection to ancient astragalomantic practices, where sets of knucklebones or dice could be matched with prepared oracular responses. However, the meanings below draw specifically on a modern published cleromancy list rather than claiming to reproduce one universal ancient oracle. 

The following table provides a traditional-style fortune-telling interpretation for each total.

These meanings are recorded in a modern occult reference published by Llewellyn Worldwide, attributed there to Carl Llewellyn Weschcke. 

Treat difficult entries as prompts for thought rather than unavoidable predictions. For example, a total of six need not mean that you will lose something valuable; it could instead invite you to consider whether you are holding on to something that no longer serves you.

Reading two dice together

Two dice create another useful method. You can either add the values together, producing totals from two to twelve, or read the two numbers individually.

For example, a throw of two and five might combine the themes of partnership and change. If you were asking about a relationship, this could invite reflection on whether both people have enough room to grow while remaining connected.

A throw of one and four could suggest turning a new idea into a stable plan. A throw of three and six might encourage you to combine creativity with responsibility.

These pairings are examples of intuitive interpretation, not fixed historical rules. The meaning should relate to the question being asked, and it is useful to settle on your interpretation method before casting.

How to interpret dice in different areas of life

The same number can be interpreted differently according to the question.

Love and relationships

Focus on communication, boundaries, trust and emotional needs. A two might invite cooperation; a four could encourage building a secure foundation

Total Divinatory meaning

3 Pleasant surprises; an unexpected source of happiness.

4 Difficulties or unpleasant circumstances requiring patience.

5 Favourable results; a situation may develop positively.

6 Loss, release or the need to reconsider what you value.

7 Money or business concerns; beware of gossip and misunderstandings.

8 Criticism or obstacles; learn from feedback without losing confidence.

9 Marriage, partnership or another important union.

10 Birth or creation, including the beginning of a new project.

11 Separation or parting, potentially temporary.

12 An important message, news or useful information.

13 Sorrow or disappointment; make room for emotional reflection.

14 A new friendship or assistance from another person.

15 Delay a new undertaking briefly; review your plans first.

16 A pleasant journey or an opportunity to broaden your horizons.

17 Change your plans or adapt to unexpected developments.

18 Success, fulfilment or a favourable conclusion.

Career and finances

Interpret the result in terms of preparation, opportunity and sensible choices. A one could inspire initiative, while a four could point towards organisation and planning. Avoid making major financial decisions solely on a dice reading.

Spiritual development

Use the numbers to consider what you might need more of in your life: grounding, balance, creativity, freedom or compassion. This approach can complement meditation, journalling or other divination practices.

Dice divination in witchcraft and Pagan practice

For a modern witch or Pagan practitioner, dice can be incorporated into personal ritual without requiring a complicated ceremonial system.

Some possible approaches include:

Daily guidance: Cast one die in the morning and use its number as a theme for the day.

New Moon reflection: Ask what you would like to begin, develop or release during the coming lunar cycle.

Sabbat contemplation: At seasonal festivals such as Samhain or Mabon, use a throw to prompt reflection on endings, change, gratitude or preparation for the coming season.

Decision-making meditation: Write down the question, cast once and journal about the result before making your own decision.

Divination journal: Record the date, question, number, interpretation and what happened afterwards. Over time, this can help you understand your personal symbolic associations.

You might choose dice made from wood, stone or another material that feels meaningful to you. However, the material does not determine the accuracy of a reading, and ordinary dice work perfectly well.

It is also worth remembering that the historical use of dice in divination does not establish that every contemporary association between numbers, deities, planets or magical correspondences is ancient. Many such systems are modern adaptations that can still hold personal spiritual significance.

Dice divination is a simple yet intriguing practice with roots in the much older traditions of casting lots and seeking oracular answers.

Ultimately, the most useful approach is to regard dice as a tool for reflection rather than a source of unquestionable fate. The roll supplies a symbol; the diviner considers its relevance, weighs the possibilities and decides what to do with the insight. Whether practised as a spiritual ritual, a form of folk divination or simply an exercise in contemplation, dice offer an accessible way to explore questions that matter to us.