Cleromancy
Dice were perhaps one of the first tools used in lot casting. The earliest types of dice were made from the knuckle-bones of certain types of animals. These afforded sides upon which numbers or other symbols could be written, and could readily be cast to provide a reading. Perhaps not much later, humans discovered that dice could also be produced with clay. This provided smoother surfaces on which to write or carve. Clay dice were the forerunners of the plastic form in use today.
Though the practice itself is ancient, most forms of dice divination still in use seem to have been established in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These modern versions were created for amusement. Fortunetelling pamphlets and books of the era usually included directions for the use of dice in divination. Though rarely employed today, this simple system can provide a quick insight into the future.
The message received is said to usually come true within nine days. For some curious reason, attempting dice divination is not recommended on Monday or Wednesday.
Dice divination requires three dice. This practice is somewhat limited, as the oracle itself determines the message (that is, it won't answer a specific question). Use your insight to broaden the dice's prognostications.
To proceed, place three dice of the same size either into a cup or between your hands. Shake them vigorously and allow them to fall onto a piece of velvet. Add the numbers that appear on the upper surfaces of the dice, then determine your fortune according to this list:
Three: The smallest number that can appear. Pleasant surprises in the very near future.
Four: Unpleasantness of some kind may occur.
Five: Plans will come to fruition; a wish will be granted.
Six: A loss of some kind is forecast.
Seven: Possible difficulties in business, money troubles, gossip and so on.
Eight: Expect criticism.
Nine: Marriage; unions.
Ten: Birth, either of a child or of a new project.
Eleven: A parting, which may be temporary.
Twelve: A message of importance will soon arrive.
Thirteen: Sorrow.
Fourteen: Friendship; help from a new friend.
Sixteen: A pleasant journey.
Seventeen: A change in plans may soon be necessary.
Eighteen: Success; a wish will be obtained; the very best number to appear. A similar, even more modern version uses dominoes in much the same manner. Different futures are determined by the combination of numbers that appear on a domino selected at random from a pile.
Divination For Beginners
Reading The Past, Present & Future
Scott Cunningham
ISBN 0-7387-0384-2
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