A rare truth-telling instrument resembling a large compass, with thirty-six symbols around its face and four hands. Three hands are set by the user to frame a question using the symbolic meanings of the icons; the fourth hand moves independently to spell out the answer. Reading an alethiometer requires years of study and reference books - except for Lyra, who can read it intuitively through a state of conscious grace that mirrors the way Dust communicates. Only six alethiometers were ever made.