Divination has been a universal practice across cultures, from the I Ching to the Tarot, using intuitive, artistic, and often theatrical methods to explore the self, the present, and the future. The Hindu game of Līlā, a precursor to Snakes and Arrows, offers a playful yet profound approach to understanding one’s destiny. Polina Rud delves into the oracle, shedding light on Līlā’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, akin to systems like the Kabbalistic Tree of Life or the Road to Paradise, and guides players toward enlightenment. Rud shows how Līlā 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.

To be published in December 2025 by Inner Traditions

The Cosmic Game of
Snakes and Arrows