it is a kind of divination in and of itself to seek answers— it tells you that you are the kind of person who seeks answers. that you are, perhaps, enchanted by the realm of mystery, but still vexed enough by the veil to peek behind its tantalizing haze. when we ask a question, we embrace the space of void – the realm between knowing and not knowing, where a terrifying chasm of uncertainty opens up 🕳️
divination requires both the fortitude to peer into the chasm, as well as the madness to dive inside it and discover what lies at the bottom
more often than we might like to admit, we are aware of what lies at the bottom. not necessarily a conscious awareness – more subtly aware, like when you learn a new word or concept and then suddenly begin to notice it all around you. the new bite of knowledge already existed in the world around you, but it only became a part of your reality once you were made aware of it 👁️
divination will not reveal something that does not (or cannot potentially) already exist
in the same way, we might think of divination as a form of epiphany, an uncovering of that which has, until the moment of asking, remained unperceived. just because we did not seek it, does not mean it did not yet exist. it simply hadn’t been divulged unto our conscious minds yet 🌞
divination is an alerting
the word “Apocalipsis” means revelation (literally, Ancient Greek apó “away” + kalúpto “veil”). when the cover of ignorance is lifted from our mind, it can feel like an Apocalypse, in its modern connotation of catastrophe. and indeed, receiving clarity where there was once nebulous uncertainty can be a shock! the endless streams of possibilities are immolated like a forest experiencing volcanic eruption, leaving one lonely tree behind—an “answer” 🌋
it can be profound and spine-chilling to witness this devastating act of divine disclosure, especially if the answer we receive is not the one we desired
however, much like the destroyed forest, reality always, always contains the possibility of regeneration. the singular tree may drop its seeds, scattering them to the wind. we possess powerful seeds—our free will. if the single tree terrifies you, plant a new seed. tend it. water it. growing a new future takes love and care and time and patience, but be not afraid – the forest can always be regrown 🌱
i recorded this tarot pick-a-card reading back in November, but due to various mishaps and editing issues, it was in limbo for 6 months 😅 but I FINISHED IT eventually, so it’s all good
also, please excuse the kitten in the beginning–i was fostering her during the fall/winter months and she was a little cuddle monster (she has since been adopted 💖)
Welcome to the intriguing world of astrology dice!
In this guide we will outline the basics of how to use the dice, what kinds of questions you can ask, and how to interpret the symbols in the context of your questions. [This page will be updated from time to time as I refine my understanding of how to better use and explain the dice.]
How to Ask Questions: Good divination starts with asking the proper kind of question for the method you’re using. These dice are relatively simple; they can only give you 12×12×12 possible answers. [Compare this to a three card tarot spread, which has 72×71×70 possible answers if using a standard deck]. So, start off by testing simple questions at first! You can always get more complex as you get to know the dice.
What Makes a Good Question?: The best questions will be specific, timely, and immediately relevant to the life of the person asking. Try to ask about yourself and things relevant to your own life rather than asking about other people’s lives (unless of course the other person is with you, or asking about themselves). Questions around choices are often a good bet, such as in the format of “if I do [X], will I feel [Y]?”
Examples of Good Questions:
If I go to the party, will I have a good time?
Why am I having a hard time talking to my friend lately?
If I accept this job offer, will I be bored at the new workplace?
I keep seeing people dye their hair this trendy new color. Would I like it on myself?
Would I be more satisfied if I started learning how to play piano?
Examples of Iffy Questions (too broad, too vague, or just not right for the dice):
Will I ever get married?
Would my friend be happier doing a different job?
Do aliens exist?
What is the meaning of life?
Does my partner love me?
Will I ever find my purpose?
What’s the deal with airline food?
About the Dice: Your set contains three different 12-sided die: one with the symbols of the 12 core astrological planets/points, one with the 12 zodiac signs, and one simply numbered 1-12 to represent the 12 astrological houses.
How to Read the Symbols: If all the world’s a stage, Planets are the Actors in the show, Zodiac Signs are the Roles/Costumes they take on, and Houses are the Stage/Setting upon which they perform. So, read the dice response as [Planet A] in [Sign B] in [House C].
The Planets and their Symbols:
☉ = Sun (the spirit, ego, personality, purpose, life direction, consciousness, authority, individuality, control, ambition, radiance, tyranny, dominance)
☽ = Moon (the mind, habits, comfort, moods, intuition, instinct, the body, desires, drives, emotions, feelings, cravings, needs, history, wilderness)
= Pluto (image description: a full circle which is nested inside an open half-circle with a cross below it.)
The Zodiac Signs and Their Symbols:
♈︎ = Aries (initiation, action, youth, impulse, challenger, seeker, observant, courageous, contrarian, first to volunteer, crusader, stands for something, speaks up, sassy, play-fighting, butting heads, rule-breaking, forthright, blunt, brash, dissident, heretic, lighting a spark in the dark, the best defense is a good offense, first responder, creator, pioneer)
♉︎ = Taurus (reserved, steady, skeptical, tasteful, cultivating, tactile, sensory, stagnant, fragrance, perfume, comfort, investment, indulgence, equity, construction, collection, gardeners, farmers, bankers, hoarders, wine makers, curators, bodegas, beauticians, geologists, Shrek being peaceful & gross in his swamp with all his little trinkets)
♊︎ = Gemini (versatile, curious, changeable, mirroring, reflecting, collecting, mutating, multifaceted, ephemeral, hard to pin down, noncommittal, ambiguous, vague, vacillating, trivia, gossip, fun facts, journalists, orators, public relations, linguists, train conductors, bus drivers, taxi drivers, postal workers, radio hosts, Jack of All Trades)
♋︎ = Cancer (private, guarded, porous, nurturing, sentimental, reflective, nostalgic, moody, indirect, meandering, fluctuating, flowing, intuitive, compassionate, sincere, defensive, Caretakers (such as for a museum, garden, child, pet, or elder), recursive, connection, comfort, the tides, the beach, bedrooms, rivers)
♍︎ = Virgo (conceptual, curious, pondering, noticing, chaotic, keenly aware, self-contradictory, elegant, discerning, tweaking, optimizing, tunnel vision, librarian, archivist, behind-the-scenes work, the person who feeds the local stray cats, the friend who tells you when you deserve better but struggles to take their own advice)
House 1 = the Self, beginnings, birth, visibility, tangible things, the mind, personality, appearance, persona, identity, self-image, vitality, health, personal style, attitudes, mannerisms, appearance, life path, the Head, Brain, Face, Skull, Personality, General Appearance and Mannerisms
House 2 = resources, stability, security, family, self-esteem, self-worth, values & valuable things, possessions, accumulation, assimilation, talents, knowledge, personal finances, wealth, the Mouth, Voice, Throat
House 3 = friendly peers, sibling, local community, neighbors, short-distance travel or exploration, day trips, vehicles, writing, collective role-play and storytelling (LARP, TTRPGs, D&D), communication, skills, abilities, early education, daily rituals, tarot, cartomancy, dice, lunar magic, witchcraft, land-based deities, the Arms, Shoulders, Hands
House 6 = routines, chores, work, labor, unions, employees, obstacles, debts, digestion, assimilation, pets, maintenance, workplace, co-workers, lawsuits, health issues, the Digestive System, Large Intestine, Colon
House 7 = the Other, partnerships, relationships, contracts, one-on-one interactions, close friendships, commitment, projection & being projected onto, business & business partners, marriage, open enemies, exes, nemesis, exile, endings, the Lower Back, External Genitals, Renal System, Kidneys
House 8 = death, regeneration, healing, transformation, legacies, inheritances, shared resources, other people’s money, loans, the resources of a business partner or marriage partner, negotiated intimacy, negotiated sexuality, kink play, secrets, occult practices, taboos, mediums, near-death experiences, seances, alchemy, transmutation, kundalini, tantrik practices, the Pelvis, Internal Genitals/Reproductive System, Excretory System, Bladder, Anus
House 9 = knowledge, advanced education, law, philosophy, ethics, morality, long-distance travel or exploration, cross-cultural exchange, wisdom, publishing, religion, spirituality, gurus, the search for moral/ethical/spiritual authority, the search for “higher” truths, prophecy, astrology, divination, solar magic, sky-based deities, the Hips, Thighs, Knees, Buttocks
House 10 = public, reputation, achievement, recognition, dedication, determination, advancement, structure, heights, status, vocation, life’s work, maturity, expertise, experience, authority, contributions to the whole, the Skin, Bones, Hair, Cartilage, Joints
House 11 = friends, social circle, networks, allies, groups, clubs, community, luck, blessings, good fortune, hopes and wishes, long-term goals and desires, collective awareness, the Calves, Shins, Ankles, Circulatory System
Here’s where we get to the synthesis part. We get to ask a question, roll the dice, and put the three symbols together! I’m going to include multiple example questions for the same dice roll, so that we can see how our interpretation needs to change with the question.
Example Question: If I try out for the local musical, will I get the part?
Example Answer: Saturn in Leo in 2nd House
Here’s an answer that reveals to you something deeper about the question…Saturn, planet of skepticism, limits, fears, and responsibility is playing the role of Leo, the performer and dramatist, in the 2nd House of resources, self-worth, talent, and voice. We can imagine that the questioner is unsure whether their vocal abilities are good enough, whether they are experienced enough to land the role, or whether they can commit fully to the part.
However, Saturn will also help us figure out the answer–and with Saturn, the suggested method is to be objective instead of relying solely on your fearful or desired self-image. Have you ever been in a musical before? How often do you sing? Do you put in a lot of hours? If yes, then you’ve likely put in the work necessary to get you the part. Or is singing more of an occasional hobby for you? Is this your first time trying out? Are you unsure whether you can put in enough time if you do get the part? Then it might be prudent to wait until you’re better prepared and able to dedicate yourself to it!