Since time immemorial, wise men have looked to the stars above for the answers to life’s mysteries. The stars, being indifferent clumps of gas, didn’t provide much, but they do serve as a good motif for ciphers and code-cracking. Hopefully you’ve been studying your astrology, because it’s time to put it to use. Here’s how to solve the astrology cipher puzzle in Pentiment.
How to Solve the Astrology Cipher Puzzle in Pentiment
Not long after you begin work at the Scriptorium, you’ll notice Prior Ferenc engaged in some shady behavior. After a discussion with Sister Illuminata, you can retrieve the manuscripts Ferenc stashed in the podium, then visit his house to find the volvelle (the spinny wheel thing) that goes with them on the stand. When combined with the manuscripts, the volvelle reveals a secret message that Ferenc has hidden.
Related: Where to find Otto in Pentiment
The volvelle is broken up into four quadrants based on the four primary elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. On its surface is the astrological signs of the Zodiac, including Gemini, Tauros, Aries, and so on. If you picked Bookworm as your hobby or Heavens and Earth as your favorite subject, Andreas will automatically have some insight here, but if not, just look at the picture above. You need to spin the wheel to its four quadrants to correspond to the appropriate star sign, which in turn will reveal the correct letter on the cipher.
Spinning the Wheel
Here’s the sequence you need to spin the wheel in to spell out the message:
- Spin the wheel to yellow, then select the h.
- Spin the wheel to green, then select the i.
- Spin the wheel to red, then select the g.
- Spin the wheel to blue, then select the e.
- Spin the wheel to red, then select the r.
- Spin the wheel to yellow, then select the h.
- Spin the wheel to green, then select the a.
- Spin the wheel to green, then select the r.
- Spin the wheel to blue, then select the d.
If you did it correctly, the letters on the lower-left should spell out higerhard. Again, depending on the background elements you selected at the start of the game, Andreas may be able to suss out a potential meaning for this, but it’s not important right now. The true meaning of the message will be revealed as you proceed with the story.
I can’t say I was aware of the whole zodiac corresponding to elements thing, but I guess we can call that a free astrology lesson with your puzzle.
