🃏 Tarot & Divination −41%

The Cosmic Game of Snakes and Arrows: An Oracle for Mapping Your Destiny

✍️ Rud, Polina
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$19.99 $34.00 Save $14.01 (41%)
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Polina Rud masterfully reinterprets the ancient Indian spiritual board game, gyān caupar—the true predecessor to Snakes and Arrows—transforming it into a potent modern oracle. This volume offers a profound method for self-exploration and destiny mapping, complete with a playable three-color gameboard. By engaging with the 72 archetypal squares, players gain unique perspectives on their life's journey, identifying the emotional and behavioral currents that shape their path. It's a playful yet deeply insightful approach to understanding one's present and future, fostering personal growth through ancient wisdom.

🃏
Tarot & Divination
🏛 Destiny Books 📅 2025 📖 208 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798888502211
Fun Fact
Polina Rud's "The Cosmic Game of Snakes and Arrows" is a refreshing and deeply engaging addition to any occult library. Its strength lies in making an ancient, complex spiritual tool remarkably accessible, aided by the integrated gameboard. While those seeking a purely academic treatise on Indian spirituality might find its practical, self-help focus less exhaustive, it perfectly serves readers eager for interactive, profound self-discovery. This book elevates a familiar childhood game into a powerful oracle, bridging historical wisdom with contemporary personal growth techniques.

📝 Description: The Cosmic Game of Snakes and Arrows: An Oracle for Mapping Your Destiny

A profound and modern approach to playing the ancient board game - Offers a comprehensive guide to the traditional Hindu game gyān caupar--a predecessor to Snakes and Arrows--and includes a three-color gameboard allowing readers to play - Analyzes archetypes of consciousness with the 72 squares of gyān caupar, enriched by spiritual references to deepen the game's messages - Offers instruction for conducting personal development ceremonies and receiving guidance from the game The origins of Snakes and Arrows trace back to gyan caupar, or the "game of knowledge," a spiritual board game from ancient India. Like other forms of divination, such as the I Ching and the Tarot, the game offers a playful yet profound approach to explore the self, the present, and the future as well as understand one's destiny. Polina Rud delves into the oracle, shedding light on gyan caupar's archetypal wisdom and its power as a divinatory tool. Using a 72-square gameboard, players are invited to step back and observe their lives from above, seeing the emotional and behavioral patterns that guide their steps and, at times, lead them astray. Rud shows how the 72 squares represent different levels of human experience. Each square provides a philosophical key while practical exercises reveal the hidden beliefs and obstacles that hinder progress in the area of life that matters most to the player. The game's ascending path mirrors spiritual evolution and guides players toward enlightenment, akin to systems like the Kabbalistic Tree of Life or the Road to Paradise. Rud shows how gyan caupar symbolizes the psyche's journey, leading toward the ultimate prize: cosmic consciousness. The Cosmic Game of Snakes and Arrows offers a way to learn more deeply about who you are while fostering a connection with the divine.

📑 What's inside

  1. Level 1: The Inner Landscape
  2. 1 ▼ Janma ▼ Birth
  3. 2 ▼ Maya ▼ Illusion
  4. 3 ▼ Krodha ▼ Anger
  5. 4 ▼ Lobha ▼ Greed
  6. 5 ▼ Bhu Loka ▼ Physical Plane
  7. 6 ▼ Moha ▼ Attachments
  8. 7 ▼ Mada ▼ Vanity
  9. 8 ▼ Matsara ▼ Avidity
  10. 9 ▼ Kama Loka ▼ Desires
  11. Level 2: Engaging with Others
  12. 10 ▼ Shuddhi ▼ Purification
  13. 11 ▼ Gandharva ▼ Entertainment
  14. 12 ▼ Irasya ▼ Envy
  15. 13 ▼ Antariksha ▼ Nullity
  16. 14 ▼ Bhuvar Loka ▼ Astral Plane
  17. 15 ▼ Naga Loka ▼ Fantasy
  18. 16 ▼ Dvesha ▼ Jealousy
  19. 17 ▼ Daya ▼ Compassion
  20. 18 ▼ Harsha Loka ▼ Joy
  21. Level 3: Mirroring the Psyche
  22. 19 ▼ Karma ▼ Action
  23. 20 ▼ Dana ▼ Charity
  24. 21 ▼ Ksaman'Paap ▼ Redemption
  25. 22 ▼ Dharma ▼ Living in Harmony with Yourself
  26. 23 ▼ Swarga Loka ▼ Heaven
  27. 24 ▼ Ku Sang Loka ▼ Bad Company
  28. 25 ▼ Su Sang Loka ▼ Good Company
  29. 26 ▼ Dukha ▼ Sadness
  30. 27 ▼ Param Artha ▼ Selfless Service
  31. Level 4: Revealing Higher Intuition28 ▼ Sudharma ▼ Confidence
  32. 29 ▼ Adharma ▼ Blind Faith
  33. 30 ▼ Uttama Gati ▼ Good Tendencies
  34. 31 ▼ Yaksha Loka ▼ Sanctuary
  35. 32 ▼ Mahar Loka ▼ Balance
  36. 33 ▼ Gandha Loka ▼ Fragrance
  37. 34 ▼ Rasa Loka ▼ Taste
  38. 35 ▼ Naraka Loka ▼ Purgatory
  39. 36 ▼ Swatccha ▼ Clarity of Conscience
  40. Level 5: Managing Your Vital Energy37 ▼ Jnana ▼ Wisdom
  41. 38 ▼ Prana Loka ▼ Vital Impulse
  42. 39 ▼ Apana Loka ▼ Elimination
  43. 40 ▼ Vyana Loka ▼ Circulation
  44. 41 ▼ Jana Loka ▼ Human Plane
  45. 42 ▼ Agni Loka ▼ Fire
  46. 43 ▼ Janma ▼ Second Birth
  47. 44 ▼ Avidya ▼ Ignorance
  48. 45 ▼ Suvidya ▼ Accurate Knowledge
  49. Level 6: The Journey of Self--Navigating the Cosmic and the Earthly
  50. 46 ▼ Viveka ▼ Discernment
  51. 47 ▼ Saraswati ▼ Neutrality
  52. 48 ▼ Yamuna ▼ Solar Plane
  53. 49 ▼ Ganga ▼ Moon Plane
  54. 50 ▼ Tapa Loka ▼ Austerity
  55. 51 ▼ Prithvi ▼ The Earth
  56. 52 ▼ Himsa Loka ▼ Violence
  57. 53 ▼ Jala Loka ▼ Liquid Plane
  58. 54 ▼ Bhakti ▼ Devotion
  59. Level 7: Dancing Between Light and Darkness
  60. 55 ▼ Ahamkara ▼ Egocentrism

Showing the first 60 entries.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Polina Rud offers a compelling reinterpretation of gyān caupar, successfully merging historical Indian spirituality with modern occult utility. The three-color gameboard and archetypal depth provide genuine utility for those interested in destiny mapping. However, readers expecting standard tarot card readings or purely textual philosophical essays may feel disconnected by the board game format. It is specifically designed for those willing to engage physically with the material. While innovative, it requires an openness to gamified spirituality that might not resonate with more traditionalists of divination. Nevertheless, as a tool for identifying life patterns, it stands out as a distinctive and valuable addition to the shelf.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a tangible, interactive method for self-exploration will find profound value in this unique oracle. By engaging with the 72 archetypal squares, individuals can uncover hidden emotional and behavioral currents shaping their life path. The inclusion of a playable three-color gameboard transforms abstract spiritual concepts into a playful yet insightful experience. It is ideal for those who prefer kinesthetic learning over pure text, offering a fresh perspective on personal growth through ancient wisdom. This book appeals to anyone curious about how past patterns influence future outcomes, providing a structured yet flexible framework for navigating destiny without the rigidity of traditional fortune-telling.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
If you are a seeker of deeper self-understanding, curious about unique divinatory practices, or fascinated by the intersection of ancient wisdom and personal development, this book is for you. It offers a fresh, interactive path to exploring your inner world and destiny.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
E
Esoterica Books editorial team

Polina Rud offers a compelling reinterpretation of gyān caupar, successfully merging historical Indian spirituality with modern occult utility. The three-color gameboard and archetypal depth provide genuine utility for those interested in destiny mapping. However, readers expecting standard tarot card readings or purely textual philosophical essays may feel disconnected by the board game format. It is specifically designed for those willing to engage physically with the material. While innovative, it requires an openness to gamified spirituality that might not resonate with more traditionalists of divination. Nevertheless, as a tool for identifying life patterns, it stands out as a distinctive and valuable addition to the shelf.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While presented as a game, gyān caupar is inherently a spiritual oracle. Polina Rud provides comprehensive instruction on using it as a profound tool for self-reflection and divinatory guidance, far beyond simple entertainment.
Absolutely not. The book is designed for all levels, offering clear, accessible guidance on the game's history, spiritual context, and practical application. It serves as a perfect introduction for newcomers to these concepts.

📖 Who should read this

If you are a seeker of deeper self-understanding, curious about unique divinatory practices, or fascinated by the intersection of ancient wisdom and personal development, this book is for you. It offers a fresh, interactive path to exploring your inner world and destiny.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Ancient Wisdom Reimagined

This work meticulously unveils the spiritual depths of gyān caupar, an ancient Indian "game of knowledge." Rud bridges the gap between historical tradition and contemporary self-discovery, demonstrating how its profound teachings on karma and dharma remain relevant. Readers are invited to engage directly with this timeless oracle through the included game, making profound insights accessible.

Divination for Self-Discovery

Beyond mere gameplay, this book presents gyān caupar as a powerful divinatory tool, akin to the I Ching or Tarot. It guides participants in using the board to explore their inner landscape, current life circumstances, and future potentials. The process encourages a detached observation of one's own patterns, fostering clarity and personal growth through insightful guidance.

Mapping Consciousness Archetypes

The 72 squares of the gyān caupar board are revealed as distinct archetypes of human consciousness and experience. Rud explains how each square represents different levels of spiritual and personal development, allowing players to map their emotional and behavioral tendencies. This archetypal framework provides a rich vocabulary for understanding one's own journey and universal human patterns.

📜 Historical context

The Cosmic Game delves into the origins of gyān caupar, an ancient Indian spiritual game predating the more commonly known Snakes and Ladders. Rooted in Hindu philosophy, it was designed not for entertainment but as a tool for moral instruction and understanding the cycles of karma and dharma. This book revitalizes its original purpose as a profound method for self-reflection and spiritual insight.

📚 Glossary

gyān caupar
Oracle
Archetype

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Reflect on a recent 'snake' in your life – a setback or challenge. What emotional or behavioral pattern led you to that square on your personal board?
  2. Consider a 'ladder' you've climbed – a moment of success or growth. What inner quality, conscious choice, or external support propelled you upward?
  3. How might regularly observing your life's journey 'from above,' as the game encourages, alter your daily decisions or long-term aspirations?

🏛 Books from this publisher Destiny Books

All books from this publisher →
Creative Visualization: Using Imagery and Imagination for Self-Transformation -32%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Shone, Ronald
Creative Visualization: Using Imagery and Imagination for Self-Transformation
$14.95 $22.00
81
The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar: Solving the Oak Island Mystery -25%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Sora, Steven
The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar: Solving the Oak Island Mystery
$19.99 $27.00
78
The Healing Energy of Shared Consciousness: A Taoist Approach to Entering the Universal Mind
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Chia, Mantak
The Healing Energy of Shared Consciousness: A Taoist Approach to Entering the Universal Mind
$16.95
78
The Wisdom Teachings of Harish Johari on the Mahabharata
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Geraets, Wil
The Wisdom Teachings of Harish Johari on the Mahabharata
$16.95
86
The Zero Point Agreement: How to Be Who You Already Are
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Johnson, Julie Tallard
The Zero Point Agreement: How to Be Who You Already Are
$18.95
81
Osogbo: Speaking to the Spirits of Misfortune
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Lele, Ócha'ni
Osogbo: Speaking to the Spirits of Misfortune
$16.95
86
African Spirits Speak: A White Woman's Journey Into the Healing Tradition of the Sangoma (Original)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Arden, Nicky
African Spirits Speak: A White Woman's Journey Into the Healing Tradition of the Sangoma (Original)
$17.99
78
Cat Magic: Mews, Myths, and Mystery
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Telesco, Patricia
Cat Magic: Mews, Myths, and Mystery
$16.95
78

You might also like

See more →
Futhark Rune Mysteries: Origins of Magic and Divination in the Primal Alphabet
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Dillon, Judith
Futhark Rune Mysteries: Origins of Magic and Divination in the Primal Alphabet
$19.99
86
Astrotarot: The Astrological Key to the Arcana
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Karen Díaz, Coni Curi
Astrotarot: The Astrological Key to the Arcana
$19.99
86
Seiðr Magic: The Norse Tradition of Divination and Trance -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Kirkland, Dean
Seiðr Magic: The Norse Tradition of Divination and Trance
$19.99 $24.00
86
The Hoodoo Tarot Workbook: Rootwork, Rituals, and Divination -33%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
McQuillar, Tayannah Lee
The Hoodoo Tarot Workbook: Rootwork, Rituals, and Divination
$19.99 $30.00
86
Celtic Healing Oracle: 64 Cards and Guidebook -20%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Rosemarie Anderson, Susan Dorf
Celtic Healing Oracle: 64 Cards and Guidebook
$19.99 $25.00
86
Goddesses of Light Oracle: 45-Card Deck and Guidebook -23%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Luzia Von Sturm, Klara Morgenstern
Goddesses of Light Oracle: 45-Card Deck and Guidebook
$19.99 $26.00
86
Tarot Life Lessons: Living Wisdom from the Major Arcana -13%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Gordon-Bramer, Julia
Tarot Life Lessons: Living Wisdom from the Major Arcana
$19.99 $23.00
86
Destiny in the Palm of Your Hand: Creating Your Future Through Vedic Palmistry (Original) -59%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Ghanshyam Singh Birla, David Frawley
Destiny in the Palm of Your Hand: Creating Your Future Through Vedic Palmistry (Original)
$19.95 $49.00
86
Mystical Origins of the Tarot: From Ancient Roots to Modern Usage (Original) -13%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
2
Huson, Paul
Mystical Origins of the Tarot: From Ancient Roots to Modern Usage (Original)
$19.95 $23.00
86
The Poison Path Oracle: Plant Allies for Divination, Spirit Communication, and Trance States -29%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Michael, Coby
The Poison Path Oracle: Plant Allies for Divination, Spirit Communication, and Trance States
$18.99 $27.00
86

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist