If you have enjoyed the movie The Golden Compass, you will probably want your own alethiometer to help you navigate this world or Lyra Belacqua’s world. Originally conceived as a device to track the movement of celestial bodies, the alethiometer turned out to be a very accurate truth meter. Originally based on an unusual alloy of quasi-magnetic, rare metals, only a few alethiometers are known to exist, and only in Lyra’s world. Fortunately, modern electronics can produce a fair approximation of the original instrument, at least in this world.
It is said to be exceedingly hard to learn to read the alethiometer. This skill may take years of study and practice to perfect. However, children have a special gift for learning. Hence, Lyra was able to master the alethiometer quickly by relying on intuition and logic. Maybe you can be the next great alethiometrist!
How to Read the Alethiometer
You must express your question in terms of a combination of three alethiometer symbols, based on the symbols’ primary or secondary meanings. Once you have formulated your question and selected the appropriate symbols, calm your mind and reflect on the question for a moment. When your mind is quite still, touch the center of the dial and wait for the answers to reveal themselves through the alethiometer. With experience, you may refine your understanding of the symbols and develop a deeper, more personalized interpretation. There is no limit to the depth you can achieve!
The full version gives a variable number of answers and allows sending them through electronic mail.