What are astro dice, exactly?
Astro dice, also known as astrology dice, are a set of D12s with astrological and astronomical symbols. You’ve probably seen them as a set of three: one for the planets (astronomical), one for the signs (astrological), and one for the houses (numerical).
You can use these for any kind of astrological divination. Perhaps you want to know what energies are currently present in your life. Rolling a set of these dice is a great way to find out!
In the above, we have Sun in Scorpio in the First House. That could mean your sense of self is focused on the mysterious depths of Scorpio’s energy, or that your self-expression is seeking outlets through the taboo. Let’s say your question is, “How do I ace this job interview?” You might interpret the above roll as a suggestion to allow the parts of yourself you normally keep hidden (the depths, the shadow self) out into the light. The energy of the Sun and the First House is forward and external, whereas the energy of Scorpio is unseen and mysterious, better suited for night. Read together, you’ve got the hidden being brought into light, the unseen becoming seen. It might be a nudge to embrace your shadow side more.
If you know the houses, the planets, and the signs well, you’ll have no problem with your readings. If you don’t, that’s okay too! Just have your favorite astrology resource handy to read up on the meanings behind the different elements and how the influences combine.
Okay. So what makes your sets different?
In addition to the three standard astro dice, my sets include two astronomical dice for use with the aspects die, such as the following:
With these you can get readings like the above, Mars Sesquisquare Jupiter. The aspect die includes several minor aspects as well as the major ones, so you might find a few less familiar ones in this set. Feel free to visit the astro wiki for any aspects you may be unacquainted with.
The set also includes a moon phase die and a direct/retrograde coin. These allow you to check whether the energy in your reading is direct or retrograde and whether the dynamics in your situation are waxing, waning, full, or new.
(Note: these don’t tell you what is actually happening in the sky; they tell you what energies are present in your own life at the moment through an astrological lens. While what’s happening in your chart at that given moment may be something else on an astrological level, the archetype of Mercury in Leo in the Fifth House or Saturn Trine Uranus is the lens with which you can understand the dynamics at play regarding your question. Like tarot, the meanings depend on the context of the question.)
What else can you do with them?
You don’t have to use them only for divination! You can use them for astrology practice. Roll a few and see what you get, then test how well you remember the details for the signs, the planets, the houses, and the aspects. If you’re trying to learn astrology or how to give readings, these are a great practice tool!
Need extra help with your readings? Check out this great PDF resource for astro dice usage.
In short, whether you are a certified astrologer, a student of astrology, or someone who loves finding crafts for your altar, these handmade and unique dice make a versatile addition to your collection!
