What are Runes?
Runes are a set of Norse symbols. The most commonly used set is the Elder Futhark (pictured above). Runes are not typically used to predict the future, but rather to determine issues and correct courses of actions to resolve issues.
There are many versions of the runic alphabets. Each has variations in names, shapes, esoteric meanings and magical uses. One should not mix futharks, or the intent or meaning becomes confused. The Elder Futhark, the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, and the Younger (or Scandinavian) Futhark are the most frequently seen versions of the runic alphabets in use today.
The runes are broken into three sections or groups of eight, called aett (aettir, plural).
The runes have many different meanings, but here are some:
Fehu - the rune of Thankfulness/Treasures
Uruz - the rune of Strength
Thurisaz - the rune of Reflection
Ansuz - the rune of Awareness
Raido - the rune of Journey
Kano - the rune of Continuation
Gebo - the rune of Partnerships
Wanjo - the rune of Joy
Hagalaz - the rune of (overcoming) Unsettlement
Nauthiz - the rune of (overcoming) Restriction.
Isu - the rune of standstill
Jera - the rune of Harvest
Eihwaz - the rune of Defence
Perth - the rune of Action
Alguz - the rune of Protection
Sowulo - the rune of Wholeness
Teiwaz - the rune of Fighter
Berkara - the rune of Growth
Ehwas - the rune of Movement
Mannaz - the rune of the self and honesty
Laguz - the rune of Cycle
Inguz - the rune of Fruition
Orthala - the rune of Separating (from toxic things)
Dagaz - the rune of breakthrough
Some sets contain a blank rune that means fate or destiny. There's little reason to have a blank rune, but you can have one if you want to. The instructions I provide below require 25 stones/discs, but you can have 24 if you want to.
You can find more meanings here: www.sunnyway.com/runes/meanings.html
History of Runes
It's fairly common knowledge that runes were the written language of all pre-Christian, Germanic speaking people, ranging from the Balkans (eastern Europe), through to parts of North America.
The Elder Futhark came first, and can be found on bronze and stone artefacts dating 2BC - 13AD. It can be assumed that the use of runes for these peoples goes back much further, when they carved on wood (things that would not be preserved).
There were, of course, other runic alphabets, such as Younger Futhark and Futhorc; alphabets that were used at different times, and in places, other than Scandinavia.
The word "rune" translates as secret, or mystery. Each rune is the key to unlocking, understanding, and influencing a guiding force in the cosmos.
Each rune contains its own spirit, distinct and individual from the rest. It is only by learning to work with these spirits that one can truly know the full power of the runes.
In ancient times, those that worked with runes, most commonly Disir (wise women), and nornir (witches) were feared and revered in equal measure. The runes have not lost their potency with time. Runes were used for divination. In fact, many scholars believe that runes were the progenitors of the major arcana in tarot.
They were also commonly used in magic. Runes would often be carved above hearth stones, and on the hilt of swords, promising safety and prosperity, or success in battle.
Even now, once the aspiring vitki (student of runes) has mastered working with them, powerful sigils, incantations and inscriptions can be employed.
YOU ARE READING
The Book of Shadows of a Broom Closet Dweller *EDITING*
SpiritualTips & Tricks to Survive the Broom Closet: Those who hide their true magickal identities from friends & family are known as dwellers in "the broom closet". Many who work with magick and witchcraft feel the need to constantly hide their practices, of...
