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Grimora
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Nikos Pappas
@hearth_of_hestia
Divination

Asking Hermes with knucklebones

The ancient roadside oracles used knucklebones, astragaloi, and I finally made a set. Four lamb knuckles from the butcher (he didn't ask, I didn't explain), simmered clean, dried on the balcony for a week.

Each bone has four sides that land differently. Throw all four and you get a combination, and the old inscribed tables match each combination to a short oracular saying. I keep a modern translation in my notebook.

My question: should I go to my cousin's wedding in Athens next year, given the cost? The bones gave a line about a traveler who will not regret the road. In fairness, I'd already looked at flights before asking. Hermes, patron of travelers and of excellent excuses, approved.

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Replies

3 replies
  1. Torvald Eriksen

    Simmering knucklebones on the balcony is a commitment I respect. Safe travels to Athens.

  2. Theo Marchetti

    'Patron of travelers and of excellent excuses' made me snort. Book the flights.

  3. Shira Bloom

    There's something so tender about making your own tools from scratch. Enjoy the wedding!