Lyra is given an alethiometer by the Master of Jordan College in Northern Lights / The Golden Compass. Unlike many of the so-called experts who study the alethiometer for years before understanding it, Lyra has a gift for reading the strange symbols and sequences.

The alethiometer is her guide through the worlds of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials, but she has to think of the right questions to ask – and sometimes searching for the right questions can be more difficult than looking for answers.

Here are some ideas for making your own alethiometer.

Cut two cardboard circles, one slightly smaller than the other. Pierce a small hole in the centre of each circle with a darning needle.

Draw symbols around the edge of the smaller circle. You can either choose from the same symbols used in the movie, or create your own symbols of items that have particular meaning for you. There is a list below of the symbols used in The Golden Compass movie with suggested interpretations.

Glue the smaller circle on top of the larger, overlapping the foiled edge and holding it in place.

Cut one large purple or black needle or arrow shape, and three small red needles out of cardboard.

Push a brass fastener (split pin) through the cardboard needles. Make the holes through the red needles fairly loose, and the hole through the black needle quite tight. This will allow the red needles to be moved manually and stay in their positions, while you rotate the black needle by turning the back of the fastener.

The symbols:

Thunderbolt – inspiration Bull – anger Griffin – courage Tree – fertility Horse – fidelity Crucible – alchemy Bird – soul Helmet – protection Sword – justice

Baby – the future Dolphin – playfulness Globe – politics Owl – wisdom Crocodile – greed Anchor – the present Candle – light Bee – productivity Angel – guidance

Cornucopia – wealth Camel – perseverance Compass – measurement Marionette – obedience Elephant – memory Chameleon – patience Apple – knowledge Alpha and Omega – finality Woman – feminine

Moon – mystery Bread – nourishment Flower – innocence Lute – the past Man – masculine Ant – diligence Serpent – cunning Sun – truth Hourglass – time

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The Golden Compass is the first book in His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman. It is known as Northern Lights in the UK and Australia.