African Guidance from Cowrie Shells

Adapted from The Book of African Divination, by Raymond Buckland and

Kathleen Binger (Inner Traditions, 1992).

Simple Solution
This simple form of guidance has been practiced for millennia by the
Yoruba people living along the coastal areas of West Africa. The
system uses sixteen cowrie shells--oval-shaped shells available in
many craft shops or found in inexpensive jewelry at places like the
Dollar Store.

Find out how these shells can help you to answer yes-or-no
questions, here:

Cowrie shells have two sides. One is flat and smooth with a
narrow serrated opening. This side is known as the
“mouth.” The other side is rounded but has been broken
with a sharp, pointed object to leave a larger opening. This
side is known as the “eye.” Your yes or no answer depends
on the number of mouths you get, according to the chart
below.

Draw a circle on the ground in front of you or on a piece of

cloth or paper placed on the table.

Take sixteen prepared cowrie shells and hold them in your

hands. Shake them in your hands while you focus on the
yes or no question you wish to have answered. Now allow
the shells to fall over the circle.

Counting only the shells that fall within the circle, see how
many “mouth” sides fell facing upward. If you get 0 to 9
mouths, simply consult the chart below. If you get ten or
more mouths, you will need to total those digits. For
example, 15 mouths would be 1 plus 5 = 6. Find the
corresponding number below for your answer.

1 Yes
Freedom, spirit, creation, take charge now

2 No
Partnership, unity, uncontrolled energy, need for
diplomacy

3 Yes
Frustration, caution, learning for happiness, hard work
4 Not Yet
Opportunities, talents, expansion, be with others

5 Yes, but use caution

Power to create or destroy, think before doing

6 Not yet
Sacrifices, compromises, caring, inner strength, victory

7 Yes, but use caution

Victory, love, women, uneasy relationships, intuition

8 Not yet
Learn to plan and communicate, think carefully

9 Yes
Very emotional, stressed out, need time to think, births

0 No
Delay necessary, absolutely no

If you are dealing with a reduced number (the 15 that

makes 1 plus 5 = 6, for example), it is a “stronger” form
than a single simple number. It therefore gives more of a
challenge, or is more strongly positive or negative. Here is
an example: in a question about love life, a simple 7 would
indicate victory in love with somewhat uneasy
relationships, but 16 reducing to 7 would indicate that a
victory might well be hard won, with some challenges
along the way. In either case, the person involved should
listen to her or his inner voice.