General introduction and brief history of Runes.

Briefing discussing runes, their historical footprint as well as their versatile nature in magic. Runes are an ancient cultural system seeing a resurgence in modern magic, and have many uses.

A reader asked for more information on runes a little while back. I’ll be honest: runes are not my strong suit. This was fun because it brought me out of my comfort zone.

Runes

I know I was hanged on the windy tree For nine full nights, Stabbed by a spear, offered to Odin Sworn by myself to myself, Upon that tree that no man knows From what roots it rises.

No bread did they bear to me nor horn handed; Into the deep I gazed— I took up the runes, took them up, screaming, Then fell back again. (“Hávamál”: 138-39)

Where did they come from, and what is their purpose?

Runes are fascinating. In most instances, they were an alphabet, a written language, and a mystical system. They date back to approximately the second century CE, with some scholars arguing they date back even further.

So, what are runes? Runes are an ancient system experiencing a resurgence in the modern world of magic. There are typically anywhere from 16 to 33 runes in an alphabet. This depends on which system you are working with. Elder Futhark has 24 runes, Anglo-Saxon Futhoric has 33, and Younger Futhark has roughly 16 to 18.

Runes were used to label items, record events, and convey warnings and wishes as a form of communication. Early discoveries show that runes were inscribed on brooches, shields, spearheads, tools, and memorial stones. Each runic letter expressed a sound. While early Germanic tribes developed a system of 24 expressed sounds, Anglo-Saxons later added additional runic letters to express additional sound combinations.

As Latin became the written language of choice, runes became used more and more for the purpose of magic. They became less common, and their meanings were more shrouded in myth and power. This shift allowed runes to become more significant. This cemented each rune’s designated use and meaning in specific power sources.

Runes as a magical system

From these various sources of power came the ability to create multiple associations. These associations are necessary tools that provide avenues for application. Without these associations, the runes have meaning, but there is nowhere to go with that meaning. There is no way to use them outside placeholders for knowledge and information.

The art of divination with runes, meditation, and bind runes are three different ways to apply runes in mystical practices. Using runes is an enjoyable process; it provides a creative method of expression while still existing inside fixed boundaries. What I mean by that is no ceremonial structure is required to be applied to rune magic. Instead, each rune’s assigned meaning doesn’t shift or flex for need or convenience. Each rune has a specific meaning, physically and spiritually, but how that meaning is applied to personal needs is left to individual expression.

Runes become more personal as a mystical system when their lore is well-known. Reading myths about the runes and becoming intimate with their meaning and origins helps one better understand each rune's power and presence. Many Elder Futhark alphabet runes are linked with one of the main Norse gods. This makes them perfect for deity worship if you practice the Norse ways and work with the ancient Norse gods.

Meditation and Divination

Meditating on each rune’s meaning individually is another valuable way to understand them. The meditation process aligns the runes with the user's personality, providing an additional personal component to the progress of understanding. Each rune can be meditated on individually. Use the sound/name of each rune as a mantra to help bring you deep within your mind. The rune sound will guide you to its power source and help you internalize its meaning and use. While working with a single rune, you can add a spot to the altar where this rune is displayed. As a visual aid, the rune on the altar will help keep you connected and linked with the rune, even when not in use. As you change runes, switch out the larger symbol of the current rune on the altar.

This application of meditation with the runes transfers to the divination skill. When divining with rune stones, the stones are typically drawn one at a time or in groups of three. Using a singular rune stone is best for yes or no answers. Using three stones together provides a broader answer to the question being asked. Each stone then becomes one part of a detailed message. Whether drawing one or three, each stone’s meaning can be meditated on after being drawn to glean the implied meaning. Just as with tarot, each rune is rife with meaning and implications.

For example, the rune Fehu has a fixed meaning. Fehu is a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and new beginnings. It can also represent cattle in its literal translation because cattle used to be a primary source of wealth for the people who followed them and took care of them. Standing on its own, this rune can hint at what path is being walked or where these aspects of life are coming towards the reader. What drawing the rune Fehu means for the reader in reading is up to the readers.

Now, if Fehu is drawn in a group of three and the other two runes are, let’s say, Thurisaz and Algiz, the meaning becomes more straightforward to decipher. The other two runes provide suggested context. Thurisaz stands for conflict, protection, and transformation. Algiz symbolizes a connection to spirit, strength, and protection. With the additional context, a pull from stones like this would convey new beginnings that lead to transformation through overcoming conflict that requires spiritual strength. It would be up to the reader to add further depth to the meanings of the stones.

Diving deeper

Beyond divination and meditation, runes are used in spellwork and the creation of bind runes. Each of these methods of use offers unique advantages. Spellwork with runes provides a manual link to your spells beyond the pre-writing stages. Spells take time to prepare, phrase correctly, and implement. An example of runes in spellwork is using the rune as a symbol for the Norse god you're working with. This is quickly done by carving the rune into the candles used for the spell. If the rune is being used as an amplifier of desire, however, it serves its purpose better by being carved or drawn on the object being enchanted or into a piece of the offering being given.

When runes are used this way in spellwork, the user takes a lot of time to become intimate with the shape and the lines of the rune itself. The meaning and its connection to the user. Time is spent practicing the carving or drawing of the rune before its permanent placement. Time is focused on intention and its connection to the rune being used. Runes in spellwork is a process of devotion, creation, active implementation, and consistent use.

Bind runes are also possible, and these runes are powerful because the various powers from several runes are bound together. The various powers bound together as one amplifies the power of each rune used. Visually pleasing to look at, bind runes are alluring and unique. Becoming a creative and powerful expression of their creators

Bind runes can be created from any combination of runes. Two runes or more create a bind rune when drawn or painted, one on top of the other. The applications of them are just as limitless. A bind rune is typically created to add power to an item or place. Protection bind runes are typically found on the perimeters and doorways of property, for example. The combination of several runes of protection into one symbol amplifies and extends the reach of the rune’s power.

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Additional Source of Information and Recommended Reading

https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/havamal.html

• Source: The Elder or Poetic Edda, commonly known as Sæmund's Edda, part I: The Mythological Poems, edited and translated by Olive Bray (London: Printed for the Viking Club, 1908), pp. 61-111.

Paxson, D. L. (2005). Taking Up the Runes: A Complete Guide to Using Runes in Spells, Ritual, Divination, and Magic (1st ed., p. 575). Red Wheel/Weiser LLC.

• This book was so helpful when I was looking for reference points. I wanted to validate certain statements before incorporating them into the piece, and it was like the universe answered my subtle need.

• It also is a fantastic workbook for those interested in furthering their journey with runes. (not sponsored)