Runes

Runes are an ancient Germanic alphabet used from 100 B.C.E. to 1600 C.E. throughout Europe, Scandinavia, the British Isles and Iceland for writing, divination and magick.

Runes are generally used to offer advice. A question is asked and an answer is provided in the form of a hint. The reader interprets the meaning behind the card and offers you a choice of paths to take to seek a resolution.

The fate of your question is not in the cards, it is in the choices you make. Runes does not claim to be a fortune teller, it is a method that allows you to analyze the path you are on and helps you to realize an outcome.

Runes can be carved onto small bits of wood, clay or stone and scattered across the cloth or they can be cards much like the tarot types.

Rune Origins

The Old Germanic Runic alphabet originated with 24 runes. As the runes evolved with the times, letters were added to compensate for extra letter sounds in the alphabet known as the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. Each letter in the Runic alphabet has a meaning as well as a magical and religious significance attached to it.

Three most commonly used runic alphabets

• Elder Futhark - Oldest version of the runic alphabet
• Anglo-Saxon Futhorc – Brought to Britain in the 5th century by the Anglo-Saxons and used until the 11th century to write Anglo-Saxon/Old English.
• Younger (or Scandinavian) Futhark - Used in Scandinavia until about the 17th century.

Reading Settings

• The reader usually begins by seating themselves towards the North, in the direction of the North Gods as was believed in Norse mythology.
• A small white cloth is put down on a surface in front of the reader that sets a boundary for the cards.
• A question is asked and the runes are shuffled around in a bag or container.
• A number of runes are pulled out and placed in front of you in any type of tarot layout.

Create your own Runes

Natural mediums such as wood or stone are always the favorable choice when designing your own runes because they are connected to the earth.

• The Rune alphabet should be engraved or painted onto your choice of medium.
• Colors can either be red for the God aspects, green for the Goddess aspects or blue to represent the color of Odin who rules the Runes.
• Rune pieces should be carried in a pouch made of non-synthetic materials.