The scent of woodsmoke and decaying leaves hangs in the air, accompanied by the creak of old bones and the whisper of the deep forest – it is I, Baba Yaga, Bony Leg, who greets you, daring soul, who has peeked into this book. Know that it has not fallen into your hands by chance. Fate has guided you, it seems, to lift the veil of mystery and discover what lies hidden within the interwoven threads of existence.
This book is not a plaything, not a toy for an idle mind. «Baba Yaga’s Book of Divination» is a mirror to the soul, reflecting the whisper of the stars, the rumble of the earth, and the currents of the River of Time. Within its pages is gathered the wisdom of ages, the secrets whispered by herbs beneath the moon, and the knowledge held by ancient stones.
But remember, traveler: knowledge is a heavy burden, and fate is a wild and unpredictable beast. Divination is merely a key to understanding possibilities, not a sentence of inevitability. Do not blindly follow the predictions, but listen to the voice of your own heart, for you alone are the smith of your own happiness.
Do not abuse the power granted to you by this book. Do not demand answers to empty and vain questions. Use it wisely and with a pure heart, and it will become your faithful advisor on life’s journey.
And if you know no fear and thirst for wisdom – turn the pages and heed my words. May your path be illuminated by the light of knowledge!
Chapter 1. Of Casting Lots and Asking Questions
This divination is based on the casting of lots, thrown six times. Any coin may serve as a lot, be it copper or silver. Before beginning the divination, determine which side of the coin will represent «one» (odd) and which will represent «two» (even). Hold the lot in your hand, imbue it with your entire question, speak it aloud or whisper it, so that your thoughts are clear and pure. The lots can be cast in various ways:
One Lot – Six Throws
Throw the coin six times in a row, remembering each result.
Two Lots – Three Throws
Throw two coins simultaneously three times.
Three Lots – Two Throws
Throw three coins simultaneously two times.
Record the results of each throw with numerals: «1» for «one» and «2» for «two.» In the end, you will have a six-digit number, which will be the key to the answer.
