Runes

A Brief History:

The word 'rune' means mystery, magic, secret or whisper. Runes are the primary alphabet (called the Futhark) used in Old Northern Europe firstly for divination and decision making, and later for writing and record keeping. Each rune has its own meaning which is woven with Norse mythology, they can be both optimistic and dark, bold and humorous.

The term 'Futhark' refers to the first 6 characters of the 24 character runic alphabet. To understand the runes you need to understand the mythology behind them. They are divided into 3 Aetts (the 24 runes divided into sets of three). Each set of 8 are ruled over by their own particular spirit or Norse God. Runes were not just used as a simple writing system, but rather as magical signs to be used as charms. Rune readings are sometimes obscure, they hint towards answers, this is when the rune casters intuition becomes paramount.

Freyia's Aett:

The first set of 8 runes represents the creation of the world and the innocence of new life. These are the oldest of the runes. The Goddess Freya represents fertility, life force and increase. The runes include> Fehu (nourishment), Uruz (strength), Thurisaz (non action), Ansuz (messenger), Raido (communication), Kenez (fire), Gebo (gift) and Wunjo (joy).

Heindall's Aett:

This is the second Aett, here destructive forces are introduced in the form of Hail, Need and Ice. In order to control these destructive forces mankind was given tools represented by the last 5 runes in this set. These runes are the most powerful and beneficial. Heindall was the watcher and keeper of the rainbow (the bridge to the heavens). This set represents fate and inner journey and includes> Hagalaz (hail), Nauthiz (pain), Isa (standstill), Jera (success), Eithwaz (foresight), Pethro (something hidden), Algiz (protection), and Sowilo (life force).

Tyr's Aett:

The final set or runes represents the connection to the spirit and others. Tyr was the war leader and the spirit of the past. Runes in this set include> Tiwaz (victory), Berkano (growth), Ehwaz (movement), Mannaz (the self), Laguz (intuition), Ingwaz (new beginnings), Dagaz (transformation) and Othala (seperation).

Rune Casting:

Runes are a great source of inspiration and a guide to life. It is a means of analysing your path you are on and a likely outcome. The future is not fixed and changes with everything we do so if you don't like the prediction change the path you are on. Sometimes the message is not clear and it requires your intuition to give you your answer. Most people find the best way to incorporate runes into divination is to ask a specific question based upon your current situation. There are many different spreads you can do to carry out this process. Here are a few of the more basic ones.

The single rune> Selecting one rune can help you focus more on the issue in question, especially if you are undecided about something.

The three rune spread> Pick three runes one at a time and place them from right to left, reading from the right. The first rune is about the situation as it is, the second rune is about the course of action needed. The third rune is about the outcome of the situation if you meet your challenges successfully.

The five rune spread> A more indepth reading. Again pick one rune at a time and place them one below the other, In descending order representing, 1) overview of the situation, 2) the challange, 3) the course of action required, 4) the choice/the challenge, 5) the new situation that evolves from this.

Rune casting is a fantastic tool for guidance, some people believe it is not random and your subconscience mind controls the selection of runes in your casting, others believe that the answers are provided by a divine power that just confirms what is already in our hearts or is maybe trying to guide us on a specific path.