THE ALETHIOMETER GYROMANCY CHART-VERSION ONE
It would be marvelous if the alethiometer was a real, working thing. I mean, who wouldn’t want one? But it isn’t, so I reduced it to use as a gryomancy chart. I created two versions of the chart, and there are three ways you can consult them: 1.) with a spinning object, such as a top or gyroscope, 2.) with a spinning surface, such as a lazy-susan and a pointer, and 3.) with a small, home-use roulette wheel.
The first PDF is a design of the chart whose components I pulled together and composed myself, along with a page of the three meanings associated with each symbol. The design in the center circle of this chart is based on a design I have seen in one depiction of an alethiometer. It’s not the same center design as Lyra’s alethiometer in the movies, but I thought this design could be used as a convenient timing device.
The center circle design has an eight-part division; I think of this as representing the eight high holidays of the Pagan year, since they’re more or less evenly-spaced throughout the year. The small circles between the crescent moons I think of as representing the solstices and the equinoxes. The triangles under each crescent moon and the macaroni noodle shapes crowning the curved edge of the crescent, I think of as indicating the dead-center of the season (or in Pagan-speak, a Cross-Quarter Day). Even if you’re not a Pagan, it can help with placing the timing of an event.
From whatever side you’re looking at the chart, the crescent moon in front of you could be seen as the season you’re in, whereas the crescent moon at your right hand is the previous season, and the crescent moon at your left hand is the season to come. The crescent moon opposite from the crescent moon in front of you is, of course, the opposite season from the one you’re in.