Bone Divination/Bone Throwing

Bone reading, also called bone casting or bone throwing is an ancient form of divination found in many cultures around the world, used to seek answers and advice from the spiritual realms.

It is the act of taking a handful of sacred bones and items, tossing like like dice, then reading as if they were tarot cards.

 Seeking advice from the bones is nothing new to humanity. In fact it is one of the oldest rituals in the world dating back to neolithic times.

West Africa, Asia and the Americas all have variations of bone reading within their indigenous cultures. The ancient Chinese used turtle shells and bones to predict the outcome of crops, advise military leaders on battle strategy and assist the royal family on matters of the national policy. Slaves brought over their bone reading traditions from West Africa to the Americas, most commonly using chicken and possum bones to tell fortunes. Still to this day bone casting is widely practiced in Africa.

 Throughout the Old Testament, a number of Biblical characters used bone divination as a means to predict the future and advise patrons on matters ranging from the ordinary to issues of communal or tribal importance.

 Today, we do not find bone casting as prominent as it was in the ancient world but there are still a few seers and healers practicing this ancient technique.

Traditionally, bone sets are built with the ancestors in mind. Bones are collected over time by the owner and sometimes other items such as small rocks, seashells, charms and buttons.

 Every item is special and sacred to the seer, brought to them by the universe 

 Many can think of these items as a deck of tarot cards. They allow the seer to feel and view a story, and for each person although the items are the same, it is a different story. Each item means something different to the seer and within each story these meanings can change.

 In many cultures it is believed that the bones still contain the spiritual essence of the body it once possessed. Behind this belief is the ancient concept of 'Animism'. Animism is the belief that all things contain a spiritual essence, therefore, this essence can be contacted for situations on the mortal plane.

 The way bone casting is performed varies in traditions but all have the same basics. 

 Divine energy is usually called upon or what is considered a sacred space and many spirits are invited in. Rattling and drumming may accompany this part of the ceremony to welcome the spirits. Typically, the ancestors of the participant and reader are called upon. It is often believed they are the ones who are speaking through the bones and the reader is the interpreter. 

A question is usually ask and the bones are shaken. After requesting assistance from the spirits the bones are tossed on a sacred hide or mat.

 It is then left up to the seer to feel the story the bones are telling. They will speak to the situation at hand and give advice in how to approach the next stage. Bone readings can be used for any situation. Everything from relationship and life issues to asking about the weather.

 There is a lot of room for interpretation and personalization in bone reading. No two bone sets will be exactly the same, though there may be similarities.

 Having a strong intuitive ability is important for the reader or seer. Unlike tarot cards, there is no book of meanings, and it is up to the reader/seer to see situation at hand.

This ancient form of bone reading, although rare, can still be found today. 

 If you are intrested in learning how to do bone reading yourself or request a personal reading visit our scheduling here