History of the Runes:

From as early as 1300BC, pictorial symbols were used by Germanic Tribes as a form of communication. These symbols have been found on rocks, bowls, weapons and jewellery. The word ‘rune’ evolved from runa, a word meaning mysticism, implying the magical use of runes. People who read the runes were called runemasters. These people learnt how to use runes through the art of divination and also practiced rune healing and magick. It was believed that runes hold power to change and influence events and situations.

Learning from the Runes:

The runes represent energy-balancing forces from within the universe. From the runes, we can seek knowledge and wisdom whilst learning from our life lessons.

Taking Care of your Runes:

Your runes will be a reflection of your own energy. Therefore, it is important to look after them. Be respectful to your runes. When not in use, store them in a pouch in a safe place. You may also wish to purchase a cloth for when you are reading. Every time someone touches the runes, some of your own energy is drained from them. Therefore, only allow yourself to touch the runes, unless you are doing a reading. Make sure that if anyone else touches the runes, they are in a positive state of mind and they are respectful to you and the runes themselves. Before you read from the runes, you will need to cleanse them of any past energy. You can cleanse them by leaving them out in moonlight or placing them in a running stream or leaving them in a natural environment, such as a forest. You may also wish to say a prayer or blessing before you use your runes. This can be as complex as you wish.

Seeking Divination from the Runes:

 Runes will not predict the future or make decisions for you. Rather runes should be used to give advice and help to seek answers. Each rune has its own energy and vibration and this energy should be used as an initial starting point. Trust your intuition in your readings to develop what the runes are communicating to you.

Spreads:

When reading a spread, clear your mind, relax and focus on what you wish to know. The deeper your connection with the runes, the greater understanding you will have on the reading. Holding your rune bag, focus on an issue that you wish the runes to answer. Take the required number of runes from the bag and position them as directed in your chosen spread. Look up their meanings or use your own thoughts and feelings whilst interpreting the runes.

Single Rune Spread: Focus on a single issue and draw one rune from the bag to help guide you.

Three Rune Spread Draw three runes from the bag and place them like so:

    1    2    3

1= Your past life events that affected the issue 2= Your present life situation that is affecting the issue 3 = How that issue will affect the future.

The Four Element Spread: (Earth, water, fire and air) Draw the runes from the bag and place them like so:

                      1

    2                       3

                4

1= Signifies earth and shows us our physical lessons that need to be learnt 2= Signifies water and represents our emotions 3= Signifies fire and represents your destiny 4= Air and represents seeking of knowledge.

Life Spread: Draw five runes from the bag and place them like so:

                     5

       3         2         1

                  4

1= Your birth and childhood 2= Your present 3= Your future 4= Your last incarnation 5= Your next incarnation Meditating with your Runes Close your eyes and pick a rune from your bag. Hold it in your hand and allow the energy from the rune to communicate with you. Relax and focus on the energy you are receiving. Concentrate on the spot between your eyes and allow images, thoughts and feelings to enter your mind. You may see flashes of colour or pictures and images. When you have finished, thank the runes for their guidance and open our eyes. Make a note of the meanings of the rune chosen and compare your thoughts and feelings.

RUNE MEANINGS:

Feoh: Cattle Representing nourishment and fulfilment. However, do no be selfish with that you are given. Share with others so that they may benefit from your richness.
Ur: Auroch Representing passage. Death of the old and the birth of the new. You may feel that you are going through a dark period at the moment, but this will help you realise self change for the best.
Thorn: Thorn Pause before you take action. Observe and think about what is going on around you before stepping forward. Only through patience will you receive the strength and knowledge you need.
Wynn: Happiness You will not experience happiness unless you work for it. Strive for balance, truth and light in your life. This way, the darkness will disappear to leave the light and you will have the opportunity to make new plans and achieve new goals.
Hagall: Hail Be determined to face the challenges that are happening in your life. However hard it may seem to overcome obstacles, Remember that they are never as hard as they appear. The more challenging the obstacle is, the more wisdom you gain from overcoming it.
Nied: Need We all need to suffer and go through the negative to understand and appreciate our needs and desires. You always get what you need at that specific point in your life, but this does not necessarily mean that you get what you want.
Mann: Human Being You are constantly changing so look out for a major change at the moment. Be sure to keep a healthy balance in your life. Accept the bad with the good, and pain with the pleasure.
Lagu: Sea Learn to trust your intuition. Through your inner self, you can learn to harmonize with the rest of your environment. Allow yourself to go through the flow of life, without being too analytical.
Ing: Fertility There is a strong urge inside you to seek knowledge and wisdom and this urge spurs you on through your progression. You are free of doubt and confident to cope with all that lies ahead of you.
Odal: Possession Focus your energies on gaining what you desire. You have the power to manifest this. However, be careful in deciding what will have to be given up to gain this new gift. Is it worth deprivation?
Daeg: Daylight The light is shining on your path and you have no reason to believe that you will not be successful. Although it is unpredictable when success will come, believe that it will come.
Blank: By drawing this stone, you are recognising a major change in your life. A choice that means leaping into the unknown.
Is: Ice The obstacle that is in your way is there for a reason. It is preventing you to follow this path. Stop and be patient. Sacrifice this path because you do not see the hidden danger.
Ansur: Mouth The answers you require are all about you. Look for signals and signs to confirm your answers. Also look out for warnings. By seeking knowledge, you will grow in wisdom.
Rad: Cartwheel Recognise that everything is moving in cycles and to move quickly and efficiently, you should align yourself to those cycles. Attune yourself with the seasons and rely on your intuition.
Ken: Tourch Out of the fire and light comes purity and wisdom. Where you were in the dark and confused, you emerge with new light and enlightenment.
Geofu: Gift In order to receive, you must be willing to give and receive, you must accept goods, knowing that these gifts will be taken from you if you abuse them. By learning to do this, your path of giving and receiving will be balanced and should not be broken.
Jara: Harvest It is time to plant new seeds and reap awards from past efforts. Be patient for the work you have put in, when the cycle has come around full circle, you will be rewarded for all your hard work.
Eoh: Yew Tree Although it may seem that your progress has been blocked, this period of stagnation will actually help you with your progress. Be patient and allow this obstacle to be moved naturally and you will see how much you have developed.
Peorth: Dice Cup You have a chance to take control of your fate. Look inside yourself to make the right choice and you will be taking charge of your own destiny.
Elhaz: Elk Now is time to make risky ventures, but do not over-react. Allow yourself to be calm and stable as you have protection around you that will keep you out of harms way.
Sigel: The Sun Allow yourself to become rejuvenated and step away from that which is stressful. This is also the opportunity to face up to some dark aspects of your life. A hidden secret maybe?
Tyr: Warrior Now is the time to put all your wisdom and skill to use to overcome new challenges that are in your path. The result will be victorious if you have faith and trust in yourself.
Beorc: Birch Tree Clear away all negativity and doubts you were having. Past lessons have been learnt and it is time to look towards the future, Reach out to those teachers around you and start learning new lessons.
Ehwaz: Horse Be confident about your success and what the future will bring. You should be proud of the things you have already achieved, but still remain modest about where you have come from.