Bone Divination with Coyote Foot Bones: A Beginner's Guide

Welcome, curious souls! Whether you're brand new to bone divination or just looking for a fresh way to connect with spirit, our Coyote Foot Bone Divination Set offers a unique, hands-on way to seek guidance from the natural world. At Cast a Stone, we believe in blending ancient wisdom with modern practice. Always with a respect for the tools we use and the spirits we honor.

Bone divination, sometimes called osteomancy or “casting the bones”, is one of the oldest forms of divination on Earth. It is tactile, intuitive, and deeply personal. In this guide, we’ll explore the history of bone casting, the symbolism of Coyote, beginner-friendly casting techniques, and tips to care for your new set. By the end, you’ll feel ready to start your own practice of listening to the stories told through the bones.

What is Bone Divination?

Bone divination is the art of throwing bones or other small objects such as stones, shells, charms, or beads and interpreting how they fall. Unlike tarot, which uses structured imagery, or pendulums, which often answer with yes/no, bone casting is fluid and symbolic.

Each piece in your set represents a meaning you assign. When cast, their positions, groupings, and orientations reveal patterns, answers, and insight. Some practitioners read bones in sacred circles or on dedicated cloths, while others simply cast them onto the earth and interpret what they see.

Bone casting is found across cultures:

• African traditions use bones, shells, and curios for ancestral communication and spiritual guidance.

• Indigenous North American tribes have their own bone practices, often rooted in honoring animal spirits.

• Asian traditions have used bones for divination, especially in ancient China where oracle bones were inscribed and heated to reveal messages.

• European witchcraft sometimes incorporated bones and animal remains in folk magic.

While methods vary, the common thread is this: bones are storytellers. They bridge the physical and spiritual realms.

Why Work with Coyote Bones?

The coyote is a powerful symbol in folklore and spirituality. Known as the trickster, teacher, and shape-shifter, Coyote carries lessons of adaptability, cleverness, and transformation.

In Native American traditions, Coyote is both humorous and wise, often revealing truths through mischief and unexpected twists. In modern spiritual practice, Coyote encourages us to stay flexible, laugh at life’s surprises, and embrace transformation.

Specifically, foot bones represent:

• Movement – progress, direction, travel.

• Grounding – staying connected to your path.

• Choice – every step is a decision forward.

By working with coyote foot bones, you’re connecting to energies of guidance, adaptability, and forward motion. Perfect for divination and spiritual exploration.

What’s Included in the Coyote Foot Bone Divination Set?

Our Coyote Bone Divination Set of 7 ($19.99) includes:

• 🦴 7 Ethically Sourced Coyote Foot Bones – Each carefully cleansed for sacred use.

• 🧪 Glass Vial with Cork Top – Stylish and practical for storage, altar work, or travel.

• 📜 Instruction Card – With beginner-friendly tips and a QR code linking to this full guide.

Every bone is ethically and responsibly sourced. No animals are harmed or hunted for these sets; each is prepared with respect, honoring the spirit of the creature.

How to Get Started

1. Prepare Your Space

Choose a quiet spot. You may light a candle, burn incense, or simply take a deep breath to center yourself. Many practitioners use a special casting cloth or surface, but a clean table works too.

2. Assign Meanings

This is YOUR set. Assign a meaning to each bone. This step personalizes your set. You can assign meanings such as:

• Love ❤️
• Health 🌿
• Money 💰
• Home 🏠
• Spirit ✨
• Creativity 🎨
• Protection 🛡️

Ways to assign meaning:

• Paint or mark each bone with symbols.
• Keep a notebook with assigned meanings.
• Let meanings evolve naturally over time.

3. Ask a Question

Sit quietly and think of a clear question or issue. Hold the bones in your hands and concentrate on what you want to know. Open-ended questions work well, like these examples:

• “What energy surrounds me today?”

• “How can I best move forward in this situation?”

• “What message do my ancestors or guides have for me?”

4. Cast the Bones

Gently shake the bones in your hand or vial and toss them onto a cloth or table. Let them fall naturally.

5. Interpret the Pattern

Look at:

• Where each bone landed

• Which bones are grouped together

• Which ones are face-up or face-down

• Shapes or patterns they form

Use your assigned meanings and trust your intuition. The bones are telling a story—one only you can read. Over time, your interpretations will grow more confident and layered.

Beginner Casting Layouts & Spreads

Here are a few simple ways to start:

Three-Bone Spread (Past / Present / Future)

• Cast three bones.

• The first represents past influences.

• The second shows the present situation.

• The third reveals possible outcomes.

Circle Casting (Inner / Outer Influences)

• Draw a circle on your cloth.

• Cast all 7 bones inside.

• Bones within the circle = inner guidance.

• Bones outside = external forces or challenges.

Path Spread

• Lay out a line or “path” with string or chalk.

• Cast bones onto the path.

• Bones closest to the beginning = where you’ve been.

• Bones in the middle = current challenges.

• Bones near the end = where you’re heading.

How Bone Casting Compares to Other Divination Tools

Bone casting combines the fluidity of intuition with the depth of symbolism, making it one of the most customizable forms of divination.

Caring for Your Bones

• Cleanliness: Your bones arrive cleaned and energetically cleansed.

• Charging: You can charge them under the moon, smudge them, or simply hold them with intent.
  

• Respect: Store them in the included vial or in a special pouch. Treat them like the sacred tools they are.

FAQ: Bone Divination Basics

Is it ethical to use animal bones in divination?
Yes. Our bones are ethically sourced from naturally passed animals, never hunted. We prepare them with care and respect.

What is osteomancy?
Osteomancy is the ancient practice of divination using bones. It spans cultures worldwide, from Africa to Asia to Europe.

Do I need to be psychic to read bones?
No! Anyone can learn. Bone casting develops intuition over time, much like tarot.

Can I mix bones with other items?
Absolutely. Many practitioners add shells, crystals, charms, or coins for more layered readings.

Are bone readings accurate?
Accuracy grows with practice. Think of it as a conversation with spirit—the more you listen, the clearer it becomes.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Bone divination is not about rigid rules—it’s about creating a personal language of symbols and intuition. With our Coyote Foot Bone Divination Set, you’ll have everything you need to start: ethically sourced bones, a ritual-ready vial, and beginner guidance.

👉 Shop the Coyote Foot Bone Divination Set here for $19.99

May your readings bring clarity, transformation, and a touch of Coyote’s clever magic.

Cast a Stone | Handcrafted Gifts, Ethical Tools, and Magical Living
Abington, MA
Over 20 years of experience in spiritual crafts and ethically sourced stones & bones.