5 Powerful Rune Meanings & Rituals
Runes are symbols that each carry unique universal energy. These special symbols were used by Nordic and Germanic cultures in Northern Europe as forms of language, for religious purposes, and as tools of magick and divination.Runes an extremely versatile spiritual tool. You can use Runes together as a set, like an oracle card deck…
Runes are symbols that each carry unique universal energy. These special symbols were used by Nordic and Germanic cultures in Northern Europe as forms of language, for religious purposes, and as tools of magick and divination.
Runes an extremely versatile spiritual tool. You can use Runes together as a set, like an oracle card deck, learn more about using Runes in this way here. You can also hone in on the energy of specific Runes for specific purposes, that’s what I’ll be covering here.
Most Rune sets are comprised of 24 Rune characters, though this can vary some depending on the set used. I’ll be referencing five of the most frequently used Elder Futhark Runes here.
The cards shown in the images and rituals are from The Ritual Deck®, an oracle card deck I created based around rituals.
The Runes I’ll discuss today are Algiz, Fehu, Berkano, Wunjo, and Tiwaz. Keep scrolling for ways to tap into the energy of each one.
Algiz for Protection
Think of Algiz as a spirit guide or connection to your Higher Self always watching over you. This Rune is not only a symbol of protection but goes much deeper and wants to offer you guidance on your journey. Tap into the power of this Rune anytime you’re feeling lost, scared, or like you need additional protection.
Algiz Ritual
Create an Algiz wall hanging to protect you and to remind you of your connection to your Higher Self. This activity is ideally performed on the night of the dark moon, but it can be done during any moon phase. You’ll need one long stick (this will be used as the center of the Algiz symbol, so any size you’d like will do), two shorter sticks that are the same size (about half the size of the longer stick), and string. Place the two shorter sticks in a “V” shape at the center of your longer stick. The wall hanging should look similar to the Algiz symbol on the card. Wrap your string or twine around the three areas where the sticks meet until they’re stable, and then tie a knot. You can hang this symbol on your wall or place it on your altar.
If you are interested in creating another wall hanging for protection, check out this past blog post.
Fehu for Abundance
Fehu is here to shower you with abundance! This is your Rune for bringing abundance of all kinds into your life, whether it be financial or other. Fehu can also be used as a useful tool to tap into the abundance already surrounding you. If you’re having a difficult time tapping into gratitude for all of the gifts you already have Fehu can help fill your heart with gratitude for all of the abundance you already have.
Fehu Ritual
During the next waxing crescent, or any growth phase of the moon, create a Fehu carved candle. You’ll need a green candle, a toothpick, and a lighter. Using the toothpick, carve the Fehu symbol into your candle. As you carve the symbol, imagine yourself being showered with wealth, provisions and blessings. If your well is already full, think about your gratitude for all of your blessings as you carve the candle. Light your candle and gaze at it for short while, inviting the energy of Fehu into your space. Extinguish your candle when you’re done. Light this candle as often as you’d like throughout the waxing moon phase until the full moon.
Berkano for Manifesting
Bring your gifts and goals to life with the help of Berkano. This Rune is all about birthing new things into the world, this could quite literally mean birthing a child into the world or a new project. Whatever it is you’re trying to bring to fruition, Berkano is here to help bring it to light.
Berkano Ritual
To connect with the energy of Berkano, create your own Berkano charm during the next full moon. You’ll need a medallion of wood or a small stone, and paint or a permanent marker. Visualize the goal or desire you’d like to fulfill as you draw or paint the Berkano symbol on your wood medallion or stone. Once you’re done, take a few quiet moments to visualize what you’ll feel like when your goal is manifested. Place your Berkano charm somewhere you’ll see it regularly, or carry it with you.If you would like to learn more about manifesting with runes, click here to read a past post.
Wunjo for Happiness
Need more reasons to smile? The Wunjo Rune is here to help you make the decision to live in joy. This is a great Rune to use if you’re feeling down or anxious because it will help you see the good in things around you even if you’re going through a hard time.
Wunjo Ritual
Create an altar or sacred space for Wunjo as a reminder to find the joy in each day. You might find that Wunjo’s jubilant energy starts to bring more optimism into your daily thinking. This is a great ritual to perform on the day or night of the full moon. Use the Wunjo card from The Ritual Deck® or draw it on a card to place on your altar. Collect objects that bring you joy, such as pictures of happy memories, joyful flowers, or trinkets that make you happy. Other items to consider are green aventurine and a yellow candle. Get creative and have fun with this! Your Wunjo altar should make you smile anytime you gaze at it. Keep this altar up for as long as you’d like and try to make contact with it daily for one complete moon cycle.
Tiwaz for Strength
If you’re going through a challenge with another person or have a difficult decision on the horizon, Tiwaz is here to help you through it. Consider this Rune the warrior Rune. The energy of Tiwaz wants to help you find truth and justice, which is not always easy. Rely on the strength of Tiwaz for help during disagreements, legal battles, or making difficult decisions.
Tiwaz Ritual
Create a Tiwaz candle for any disagreements, difficult decisions, or legal encounters you have coming up. If you need a fresh look at the situation a white candle will serve you well. If you need momentum to help you make a difficult decision a red candle will serve you well. During the next first quarter moon or any waxing moon phase, gather your candle, a toothpick, and a match or lighter. The addition of a sodalite stone will help for speaking your truth and a tiger eye stone for energizing your solar plexus chakra. Carve the Tiwaz symbol into your candle and light the candle. Invite the just energy of Tiwaz into your situation. Sit with the lit candle as long as you like, and once you’re finished extinguish the candle. Continue to sit with the candle daily until the moon grows full, you’ve reached a decision, or your issue is resolved.
4 Candle Magick Spells + Free Printable
Think of candle magick as a powerful tool in your manifesting tool belt. It’s all about setting intentions and visualizing the outcome. Candle magick can help you do both of these things by collecting the right tools and slowing down to allow time to really embody what you’re trying to bring to life.I shared in a previous post the basics for getting started with candle magick.
Think of candle magick as a powerful tool in your manifesting tool belt. It’s all about setting intentions and visualizing the outcome. Candle magick can help you do both of these things by collecting the right tools and slowing down to allow time to really embody what you’re trying to bring to life.
I shared in a previous post the basics for getting started with candle magick. If you missed that one you can read it here. Here I’m sharing four candle magick spells to get you started on your candle journey.
Today I’ll be focusing on these topics for spellwork:
Abundance
Love
Letting Go
Intuition and Spiritual Guidance
Click here to receive your free printable cards for each of these spells. Don’t hesitate to modify and make these spells your own. Once you’ve tried a couple you’ll feel confident to start creating your own.
Abundance
Whether you’re looking for some extra spending money or a serious pay raise this spell can help.
You’ll need:
Green candle
Carving tool like a sharp point crystal, toothpick, or athame.
Tiger eye, citrine, and green aventurine. Use one or all of these stones, whatever you have access to will work.
Patchouli or frankincense oil
Coins or money
BEST MOON PHASE: First quarter moon
SPELL STEPS: Start by cleansing all of your items for the spell. This can be done by wafting cleansing herbal smoke over them or visualizing white light cleansing them. For this spell, you’ll be carving the Fehu Rune into your candle. Fehu is a powerful symbol of abundance. If you’d prefer to carve a specific dollar amount or item you’re hoping to attain you could carve this into the candle too. Anoint your candle with the oil of your choice. As you carve and anoint your candle visualize your abundance goal. Arrange your crystals, money, and candle in a place where you can leave them up for a few nights. Light your candle and meditate on the flame. Visualize your abundance goal clearly, imagine yourself reaching your goal and what it would feel like to attain it. You can continue this until the entire candle burns or snuff out the candle and continue the same ritual each night until the candle has burned completely.
Love
Finding love started with loving yourself. When you love yourself intensely you’ll become a magnet for love.
You’ll need:
Pink candle
Carving tool like a sharp point crystal, toothpick, or athame.
Rose quartz and garnet. Garnet can be harder and more expensive to come by if rose quartz is the only stone available to you that’s ok.
Jasmine essential or ylang-ylang oil
A mirror
Rose petals, rose water, or roses for realizing beauty and self-love
BEST MOON PHASE: Waxing Crescent
SPELL STEPS: Start by cleansing all of your items for the spell. This can be done by wafting cleansing herbal smoke over them or visualizing white light cleansing them. For this spell, you’ll be carving a heart symbol into your candle. Anoint your candle with the oil of choice. As you carve and anoint your candle visualize a haze of pink and green light forming around you. Arrange your crystals, other items, and candle. Light your candle and look into your mirror. Begin to say loving affirmations about yourself like: I love myself. I am beautiful. My body is perfect just as it is. I am grateful for my beautiful body. Once you’re finished continue to meditate in front of the flame visualizing the loving pink and green light around you. Continue this until your candle burns completely or snuff out your candle and return to this ritual the next night until your candle is completely burned. Keep your items up as a loving reminder as long as you’d like.
This love spell was modified from a previous blog post, The Only Three Love Spells You’ll Ever Need. Click here to check out the other two love spells!
Letting go and releasing
Whether you need help letting go of a person, habit, or item this candle magick spell can help.
You’ll need:
Black candle
Carving tool like a sharp point crystal, toothpick, or athame.
Rhodonite, smoky quartz, and red jasper. For this spell, each stone does serve a very specific purpose so it is best to have all of them.
Bergamot or geranium oil
Cauldron or fireproof dish
Pen and paper
BEST MOON PHASE: Last quarter moon
SPELL STEPS: Start by cleansing all of your items for the spell. This can be done by wafting cleansing herbal smoke over them or visualizing white light cleansing them. For this spell, you’ll be carving the name of the person, habit, or item you’re trying to let go of or release. Anoint your candle with the oil of your choice. As you carve and anoint your candle visualize yourself letting go with ease and grace. Arrange your crystals, and other items, and light your candle. Write what you’re letting go of on a small piece of paper, light it with the candle, and place it in the cauldron or fireproof dish. Meditate on the flame of the candle as you visualize what you want to let go of and how it will feel. Ask aloud to be released from what it is you’d like to let go of. You can continue this until the entire candle burns or snuff out the candle and continue the same ritual each night until the candle has burned completely.
Intuition and Spiritual Guidance
Do you have a burning question that you need guidance on or feel like your connection to spirit needs refreshing? Try this spell.You’ll need:
Purple candle
Carving tool like a sharp point crystal, toothpick, or athame.
Amethyst, selenite, and labradorite. Use one or all of these stones, whatever you have access to will work.
Myrrh, clary sage, or frankincense oil
Images of any deities, angels, or guides you work with
Pen and paper
BEST MOON PHASE: Full moon
SPELL STEPS: Start by cleansing all of your items for the spell. This can be done by wafting cleansing herbal smoke over them or visualizing white light cleansing them. For this spell, you’ll be carving the Kenaz Rune into your candle. Kenaz is a powerful symbol of intuition and clarity. Anoint your candle with the oil of your choice. As you carve and anoint your candle visualize your third eye (between your eyebrows) glowing and radiating purple as your third eye opens. Arrange your crystals, any other items, and light your candle. If you have a specific question you need clarity on, write it on the piece of paper, fold it up, and place it under the candle. Gaze at the candle and any images you have set out and imagine your third eye opening to become a vessel for new information from The Universe or from your guides. This exercise is more about opening your third eye and less about forcing answers. Your answers may come now or later. You can continue this until the entire candle burns or snuff out the candle and continue the same ritual each night until the candle has burned completely.
Don’t forget to grab your free printable with all four of these spells here. You have all of the tools you need to dive into candle magick!
Manifesting with Runes // With Free Rune Printable
Being a master manifestor is a skill that many seek. There are endless techniques and tools available when it comes to manifesting like a pro and I’m sure you’ve tried some of them. Dream boards, visualization, mantras, and crystals are a few popular manifesting tools.While there’s nothing wrong with these techniques, there’s one powerful manifesting tool that’s often overlooked, Runes.Runes are symbols that each carry unique universal energy. These special symbols were used by Nordic and Germanic cultures in Northern Europe as forms of language, for religious purposes, and as tools of magick and divination.Author Lisa Peschel explains this in her book, A Practical Guide to The Runes.
Being a master manifestor is a skill that many seek. There are endless techniques and tools available when it comes to manifesting like a pro and I’m sure you’ve tried some of them. Dream boards, visualization, mantras, and crystals are a few popular manifesting tools.
While there’s nothing wrong with these techniques, there’s one powerful manifesting tool that’s often overlooked, Runes.
Runes are symbols that each carry unique universal energy. These special symbols were used by Nordic and Germanic cultures in Northern Europe as forms of language, for religious purposes, and as tools of magick and divination.
Author Lisa Peschel explains this in her book, A Practical Guide to The Runes.
Before this time [being used as a form of language] runes were primarily a magickal system of pictographs representing the forces and objects in Nature. It was believed that by calling upon the appropriate rune one could thereby make contact with the force in Nature the symbol represented.
Each Runic symbol creates a specific type of energy and some lend themselves to manifesting more than others. Here’s a list of the most powerful manifesting Runes and what they’re most aligned with manifesting.
Search this list to identify the perfect Rune(s) to aid your current manifesting project!
The Best Runes for Manifesting
Fehu for abundance:This fast-acting Rune is perfect for helping you manifest wealth. It is great for initiating new monetary ventures and circulating abundance.
Uruz to keep you going: Employ the use of Uruz to bolster your strength and remove self-doubt during manifesting. This Rune will also help you with stamina while manifesting goals that take more time
Thurisaz for change: The original meaning of this Rune is “thorn” so it’s not surprising that the meaning of it is all about breaking through. Use this Rune when you’re working on manifesting big changes in your life and you need a powerful and directive catalyst. This Rune can also help you overcome blocks while manifesting.
Gebo for partnerships:This Rune is all about manifesting partnerships. That could be friendships, business relationships, relationships, or marriage. Gebo helps create a balance of energy and is all about equal exchanges. Use this Rune anytime you’re manifesting goals include working with others.
Wunju for happiness: Looking to manifest some more peace and harmony in your life? Wunjo is your Rune! Wunjo is a beautifully powerful Rune that’s great at helping you fulfill wishes, peace, joy, and happiness.
Jara for material objects: If you have your manifesting eye on a material object that requires specific steps to acquire Jera is your Rune. Jera is a great aid for turning dreams into tangible results.
Teiwaz to win: This Rune is all about being victorious. If you’re in the process of manifesting a specific outcome this Rune will be helpful, especially when it comes to competitions. This Rune seeks justice.
Berkana for creation: My personal favorite! Berkano is here to help you birth your big ideas into reality. Recruit Berkano to help lay the fertile ground needed while manifesting new ideas.Now that you know which Runes are your manifesting besties, here are some key ways to work them into your manifesting toolbox. These methods pair perfectly with other manifesting tools mentioned above, so don’t be afraid to mix them up. Already have a vision board for a manifesting project? Put a bird on it! Just kidding, we’ll be using Runes today ;)
Need some Runes to get going? Click here to get your free printable Rune sheet.
5 Ways to Use Runes for Manifesting
1. Put your manifesting Rune in a visible area like your altar, meditation space, bathroom mirror, or on a vision board.
2. Carve your manifesting Rune into a candle that you light regularly as a reminder of what you’re working on manifesting.
3. Wear a Rune talisman. Having a daily wearable reminder is a powerful way to not only be reminded of your manifesting goals but carry the potent power of the Runes with you.
4. Create a Runescript. Linking Runes together in a specific order can have a positive effect on your end results. Learn more about creating a Runescript here.
5. Visualize or meditate on the rune(s) that you’re working with. Hold the image of the Rune you’re using in your mind's eye and try to embody its energy as you meditate or visualize.
If you’ve been unsure about how to use Runes in the past I hope you’re feeling excited to jump in now! Put these powerful symbols to use and start manifesting.
Create Your Own Protection Rune Wall Hanging with Free Printable
With Samhain and Halloween around the corner, it is the ideal time to perform spells and divination of all kinds. The veil between the physical world and the spirit world is at its thinnest during this time.It’s also a time that communication between you and the spirit realm will be the easiest, because of this some believe that it’s an important time to build in extra protection from unwanted spirits.Using Runes can cover all of these magical bases! You can use them for spellwork, divination, and as a protective tool.
With Samhain and Halloween around the corner, it is the ideal time to perform spells and divination of all kinds. The veil between the physical world and the spirit world is at its thinnest during this time.
It’s also a time that communication between you and the spirit realm will be the easiest, because of this some believe that it’s an important time to build in extra protection from unwanted spirits.
Using Runes can cover all of these magical bases! You can use them for spellwork, divination, and as a protective tool.
What are Runes?
I’m sure you’ve seen these interesting symbols before, maybe you even know what a few of them mean, but beyond wearing them you’re not really sure what to do with Runes. While wearing them is a great way to utilize their power, their uses go far beyond that.
Their roots can be found in Old Norse, and they make up an ancient runic alphabet containing 24 symbols. Rune symbols have been found to date back as far as 150 AD. They have been discovered on spearheads, charms, and even on headstones in the form of spells! It is said that the word “rune” has come to mean “secret, something hidden,” and many people believe the symbols were used as a form of divination. Some people continue this practice today.
How to Use Runes for Spellwork & Intention Setting
Simply carrying or wearing a Rune symbol can hold great meaning. Place your Runes together though, and you’ve got a powerful magical tool. Many wear talismans like this with Runes together, but for this time of year, a banner for the home can not only serve as a meaningful reminder and spell but also a timely decoration!
Rune symbols can be placed together in different orders to mean different things, create a spell, or set an intention. Placing Runes in a particular order for magical purposes is called a Runescript. They can serve as a powerful reminder of what you need help with the most.
To use a Runescript for creating a spell banner, you simply need a basic understanding of what some of the Runes represent, appropriate ordering of your Runes, and some time to get a little crafty. I have created a free printable of Rune images for you to use to create your very own Runescript wall hanging! Click here to grab yours now.
How to Make Your Wall Hanging
To create your wall hanging you’ll need:
Printer or drawing tool
Paper (white cardstock recommended)
Scissors
String
Glue or tape
Optional: salt, herb or smoke tool of your choice for cleansing, candle, water, stick, and protective crystal or stone
1. Print Your Runes
Click here to get your free printable Rune images to use for your Runescript. Alternatively, you can draw your own if you’d like. If you’re using our free printable I suggest printing them on white cardstock.
2. Gather Your Supplies & Prepare Your Workspace
If you want to keep this a simple crafty decoration you can leave out all of the optional tools listed above. If you want to bring more magical meaning and ritual to this project, I’ll outline how you can use the salt, herb or smoke tool for cleaning, candle, and water while you create your wall hanging to bring each of the earth elements in the next step.
3. Prepare the Four Elements
Place your bowl of salt North of your workspace, your herb or smoke tool East, your candle South, and the bowl of water West. Each element coordinates with a direction, and by placing each element in its cardinal direction you invoke their protective powers as you create your Runescript hanging.
4. Select Your Runes
The number of runes in your script should also be well thought out. Runescripts are usually made of 3, 5, 7, or 9 Runes, so if one of these numbers is particularly meaningful to you that would be a good number to go with.
Creating your Runescript is a very personal act. Though you can use a pre-made script they always hold more meaning and power when you create it on your own. Use the guide below to select the Runes that you feel you need most for the kind of protection you are seeking. You can learn more about the meaning of each Rune on the website www.RuneSecrets.com or in the book A Practical Guide to The Runes by Lisa Peschel. I reference the website and the book very often and find them to be helpful resources.
That being said, If you do want to borrow my Runescript shown in the pictures you’re welcome to!
5. Order Your Runes
According to Lisa Peschel, author of A Practical Guide to The Runes, your first and last Rune placed are the most important ones.
The first rune says “this is how I want the operation to start,” the final rune says “this is how I want things to end up.” The runes in between elaborate on the subject … [it] must start out right and end up right in order to be truly effective. Making a correct choice is not really something that can be taught in a fixed sense. It must be very a personal choice based on the needs and wants of the Individual.
6. Cut Out Your Runes for Your Desired Runescript
7. Place your Runes in Order on Your String, Spacing Them Out Evenly
Your Runescript can hang simply on your string or you can use a stick or dowel rod to wrap the string around. This makes it easier to hang and adds a nice earthy element.
8. Tape or Glue the String to the Back of Your Runes
9. Incorporate the Four Elements into Your Runescript
Once your Runescript hanging is complete sprinkle a bit of salt over it, waft the smoke of your herb over it, pick it up and pass it over the top of your candle taking care to not get it too close so it doesn’t catch fire, and sprinkle a few drops of water on it.
10. You’re Ready to Hang Your Runescript!
Your Runescript is now imbued with the power of the four elements and the combination of Runes. Place it in a prominent place in your house or room as a symbol of protection. Add some extra protection to your Runescript wall hanging with a protective stone like hematite, lava stone, or smoky quartz.
Love this craft and want to create more? You can use this same set of steps to create any kind of Runescript. And I would love to see your own Runescript wall hangings, so please tag @cassieuhl on Instagram!
Closing Year Rune Ritual
Are you energetically ready for the new year? Are the happenings of this year and what’s to come in the new year swirling around your energetic field? The moment December hits I can’t help but start evaluating what went well and what didn't for the year.The closing out of one year and the beginning of a new year can cause quite the energetic upheaval for sensitive souls like you and me. Good news though, I’ve got some tools to help create meaning and ease the transition.
Are you energetically ready for the new year? Are the happenings of this year and what’s to come in the new year swirling around your energetic field? The moment December hits I can’t help but start evaluating what went well and what didn't for the year.
The closing out of one year and the beginning of a new year can cause quite the energetic upheaval for sensitive souls like you and me. Good news though, I’ve got some tools to help create meaning and ease the transition.
The first step to starting a new year off is energetically clearing out the current year.
I love to turn to rituals to help make this transition. Rituals are a powerful healing tool. I conduct rituals for almost any significant event or experience in my life. For me, rituals are a way to process emotions or feelings that are overwhelming and stressful.
Think of having a closing year ritual as a way to create an emotional container for all of your feelings around 2016 and the start of 2017.
For this closing year ritual, we’ll break out some of my favorite divination tools, Runes. If you're new to Runes, you can click here to read all about them and get a free printable. Follow the steps below to join me in a closing year ceremony to clear the slate and prepare you for the energy of the new year.
What You’ll Need
A candle in the color meaning of your choice
A sharp tool to carve into the candle
Runes(optional)
Paper and pen
Essential oil (EO) or incense (optional)
Smoke wand
Any crystals or other objects that you’re called to include in your ritual
At your altar or quiet area in your home, arrange your items in a way that feels right to you. If you have a favorite EO scent or incense that helps you get centered, then get that started.
Select Your Rune
First, you’ll need to select a Rune symbol that represents 2016 for you. Start by taking three deep breaths, then allow thoughts of 2016 to come into your mind. From here you can intuitively select your Rune if you have a Rune set, or research them and select one that you feel represents 2016 for you. I love this website for learning more about each Rune symbol.
Select Your Candle Color
Once you’ve selected your Rune, you’ll need to select your candle color. The color of your candle should energetically match the meaning of your Rune symbol. Here are quick descriptions of the meanings of each color. If you're new to candle magick, you can click here to see all our blog posts about candle magick.
Red - Strength & Passion
Yellow - Joy & Inspiration
Blue - Harmony & Communication
Green - Abundance & Acceptance
Purple - Transformation & Intuition
Orange - Creativity & Intellect
Pink - Love & Friendship
Black - Grounding & Protection
White - Unity & Healing
Carve and Light
Using a stylus or sharp object carve your Rune into your candle. Feel free to add any other words or decorations that you feel called to add to your candle carving. Create a space for your Rune candle and light it.
Honor and Release 2016
In this safe space take the time to honor and release the happenings of 2016. Here are a few ideas for honoring and releasing 2016 as you sit in the presence of your Rune candle. You can do as many or as few as you’d like.
Write a gratitude list about the events of 2016
Write a list of all the ways the meaning of your Rune showed up for you in 2016.
Meditate and be witness to what thoughts come up about 2016
Have an especially difficult year? Cry, scream, let it out.
Closing
Light your smoke wand to clear the energy of the area, thank the Universe for your experience of 2016, and blow out your Rune candle.
Like all rituals that I suggest, take what you like and leave the rest. Rituals are personal, please include anything that would bring meaning to closing out your year.
Next up on the blog, you guessed it, let’s get set up for a 2017 full of love, light, and openness.
Rune Symbols: A Beginner’s Guide to Divination
Sometimes we just need a message from the Universe to pull us through. Does this ring true for you? My grandmother relied on answers from her pendulum for big and small life questions, her open-mindedness to divination tools caught my attention at a young age and I was instantly hooked. Oracle cards, tarot, palmistry, astrology, pendulums, tea leaf readings, name a divination tool and you’ll be sure I’ve dabbled in it. Runes are new for me though, I’ve always been intrigued by their symbolism but never knew how to use them.
Sometimes we just need a message from the Universe to pull us through. Does this ring true for you? My grandmother relied on answers from her pendulum for big and small life questions, her open-mindedness to divination tools caught my attention at a young age and I was instantly hooked. Oracle cards, tarot, palmistry, astrology, pendulums, tea leaf readings, name a divination tool and you’ll be sure I’ve dabbled in it. Runes are new for me though, I’ve always been intrigued by their symbolism but never knew how to use them.
You could be wondering how to proceed in a relationship, or just looking for some guidance as you start your day. Rune symbols can remedy many of the nagging questions you might have racing through your head. Here are some basic history and tips I’ve learned for getting started.
A Brief History of Rune Symbols
Before the Latin Alphabet, rune letters were used to write German languages. Their roots can be found in Old Norse, and they make up an ancient runic alphabet containing 24 symbols. Rune symbols have been found to date back as far as 150 AD. They have been discovered on spearheads, charms, and even on headstones in the form of spells! It is said that the word “rune” has come to mean “secret, something hidden,” and many people believe the symbols were used as a form of divination. Some people continue this practice today.
3 Ways to Use Runes as a Divination Tool
There are several ancient tales that explain how to cast the symbols.
THE 3 RUNE SPREAD
Around 98 AD a book was written (The Germania) detailing Germanic tribes. In this book, a story is told of symbols being chosen from “a nut-bearing tree” in groups of three. In this version, you will draw three rune symbols to answer your question.
YNGLINGA SAGA
In an Old Norse saga (Ynglinga Saga) dating between 1869-1872 a king learns his fate when all of the “chips” are cast. This refers to a full reading casting all 24 symbols
VITA ANSGARI
A biography of Saint Ansgar written around 875 CE, recalls the lives of some of the common people during the Viking Age. In the accounts of the everyday people, Ansgari describes several situations where runes are used for divination. He refers to these instances as “drawing lots.” This describes the method where you will draw only one rune symbol at random.
The symbols should be cast East to West or facing the sun
Symbols should be cast on a white cloth
Facedown symbols shouldn’t be read
Reversed symbols take on a different meaning
Meanings of the Rune symbols vary slightly from source to source, but here’s an image that shows the simplest meanings I’ve found. In general, the reversed symbols will mean the opposite.I purchased my new set of runes at a local crystal shop, but quite a few Etsy sellers offer handmade sets, here’s one of my favorite finds. Whether you’ve had experience with using Rune’s as a divination tool or you’re just starting out I’d love to hear about your experience!