The gypsies did traditional fortune telling with three dice.  Avoid divining by this method on a Monday as this is unlucky for dice-casting, nor should you use them during stormy weather, thunder or electrical storms when the activities of certain elementals may affect or confuse the reading.  Wednesday is the day sacred to Mercury and most favourable for astragalomantic consultations.  Some say that around evening dusk is most propitious, perhaps observing the planetary hour of Mercury and the Moon or Sun in a sign ruled by that planet.  Some draw  a circle to cast the dice upon whilst others counsel the use of a square of dark fabric for the same purpose.

 

To cast the dice sit in the north and light a single candle whilst calling upon Hermes in words such as this:-

 

"O Great Hermes

Mist wrapped hooded master of the cross-ways

Wing heeled bearer of the Caduceus wand

Tutelary Lord of the Dice

Lend your servant your vision

and your wisdom

To gain a true reading of this oracle

And to reveal my destiny this day"

 

Then hold the dice in your hand or in a suitable cup and formulate your question then shake the dice after breathing thrice upon them to infuse them with your aura then cast them along a north-south axis before you.

 

The numerical sums of the dice and their basic meanings are as follows:-

 

3 - good fortune, a wish attained, a pleasing surprise, positive developments transpire in the near future

 

4 - caution and tact required, an encounter with a difficult person, an unforeseen disappointment

 

5 - benign influence about to manifest, a stranger who will become a friend and ally

 

6 - a loss in worldly terms turns out to be a spiritual gain, a disappointment turns out to be for the best

 

7 - Hele, conceal and never reveal! discretion is the best policy amidst malice and scandal mongering, keep a secret to yourself

 

8 - the past affects the present, an adverse judgement, time to abandon a foolish and wayward path and profit thereby

 

9 - good for love and friendships, reconciliation after quarelling, an invitation come to you, a wedding may be imminent

 

10 - progress in business and family affairs, a child, a progressive step forward

 

11 - unhappiness over a (temporary) separation, illness causes anxiety for the querent

 

12 - a significant letter or communication comes within a week, a decision to be made, counsel from a friend

 

13 - sorrow, sighing and misfortune, worries on the subject's mind, inauspicious omen

 

14 - help from a new friend, admiration and assistance from another

 

15 - avoid being implicated in a petty dispute or contention, follow your conscience, don't become involved in questionable activities, be wary

 

16 - travel, a happy and profitable journey, do not dealy

 

17 - successful operations and activities, thriving business leading to future success

 

18 - great honours and success come to you, happiness, gain and ascendance, luck and felicity