Their origin is uncertain but runic inscriptions have been found dating from 3BCE.  The original meaning of the word “rune” has been traced back to its ancient roots to mean either “mystery”, “secret” or “whisper”. Each Rune consists of three components; a specific sound vibration, a symbol and a specific energy. Often there is confusion regarding the term ‘Rune staves’.

'Stave' can refer to the actual Runic symbol on a Rune stone or to the method of casting nine, straight short twigs and examining the shapes they make for Runic symbols. Rune “stones” can be made of clay, glass, pebbles, wood, polished gemstones and a variety of other materials. 

There are twenty-four Runes which are divided into three Aettir (groups). There are as many forms and variations of the Runes as there are nations and tribes that utilised them. The most prominent set that survived are referred to as the ‘Elder Futhark’. The name refers to a type of alphabetical order that they have been placed in and the sequence has stood the test of time throughout history.

The same set of Elder Futhark Runes has both Germanic and Old English names. Rune symbols are energy contained in physical form. Runes hold immense power. The Rune pouch containing the Runes is symbolic of the entire Universe. Therefore they are to be respected and are not to be used in magickal work lightly or by inexperienced practitioners. 

There is often a twenty-fifth “blank” Rune added to the Elder Futhark set to represent fate or Wyrd. However, this rune was only added later, after the Christians re-wrote and edited some of the ancient texts which related to the use and meanings of the Runes. This was an attempt to manipulate what was considered an “evil” Pagan practice.  The editing changed the meanings of two of the Runes that dealt with fate to mean something else. As a result, there was no fate reference.

The texts have been re-translated and examined from the two remaining original sources on Rune lore, the ‘Voluspa’ and ‘the Eddas’. Pertho and Nauthiz are linked to fate and therefore there is no need for a blank rune.  Throughout Europe, Shamans existed who evolved a complex and deep spiritual tradition of which the Runes were an intrinsic part and Rune Masters and Rune Mistresses were held in high esteem. They knew how to use them in magickal and healing work and how to practice divination with the Runes. The mystery of the runes is not a mystery at all.

It is simply a path towards greater learning that anyone can tread, a path that seeks knowledge and wisdom.  According to Norse mythology, Odin obtained the knowledge of the Runes when he hung upside down on Yggdrasil (the World Tree) for 9 days and nights without food or drink. On the ninth night he saw the Runes deep in the tree’s roots where he caught them up and then fell from the tree. This is similar to the Shamanic practice of vision questing, perhaps under a sacred tree, where Odin could have obtained enlightenment from a vision regarding knowledge of the Runes. 

Through the Runes an experienced Rune-worker can tune into an individual’s Web of Wyrd. The term Wyrd refers to the unseen web of synchronicity and cause and effect throughout the cosmos. Fate is not an inevitable tide it is a stream of choices. The web is an integral whole and actions can change the pattern of the web at any moment. One can glean information concerning a specific aspect of the web by consulting the Runes.  Rune casting works deeply with the subconscious.

As one poses a question, ones entire conscious and unconscious mind is focused toward that question. The result being the Runes are selected by one’s Higher or Divine Self. What presents in a reading are; current influences, support, guidance, possibilities available to the questioner and a probable outcome. Some aspects of the situation may not be revealed as knowledge of them could impede the Questioner’s soul growth. This however occurs in all forms of readings.  

Once the information has been acquired, it is up to the Questioner to cause change in his/her circumstances. Either by taking advice the Runes have offered or changing perspective on the issue at hand. We all have Free Will and nothing is cast in stone. It is important to remember the more specific your question, the more precise your answer. Thus it is better to ask the Runes to comment on the situation or issue or to provide guidance, rather than phrasing a “yes/no” question. Runes go straight to the core of an issue, their commentary is clear cut and to the point.                          

Copyright 2009 Stella Seaspirit. All rights reserved.