What Exactly Are Runes?

You may not know this about me, but I am a total history enthusiast. I worked for many years as an Historical Interpreter and Museum Educator. When my life finally led me to my current path, I began, as many of you probably did, to use some tools of divination. The first tool I learned was tarot cards. But, my heart has always longed to connect with runes. Every time I tell someone I use runes, most people give me a curious look and ask what exactly are runes? So… I thought today I would share a bit of history about runes and how they are used. 

First of all, let me say this is by no means the complete history, just a taste for those who might be interested in this tradition. So, there are various forms of runes with different names and with a different number of runes. Most of these runes extend from the oldest form known as the Elder Futhark Runes. This is what we will focus on today. These are the oldest known form of runes and some say that the Elder Futhark Rune meanings come from three rune poems. The poems are Norwegian, Icelandic, and Anglo-Saxon. There are 24 Runes in the Elder Futhark set, divided into three groups of eight runes each. The three groups are Frey, Hagalaz, and Tyr. Each rune in each group has its own name and meaning, just as each Tarot Card has its own grouping and meaning. 

The runes are generally made from natural materials such as wood, stone, or crystal. Each of the symbols can be carved into the runes or painted on. Modern day sets of the Elder Futhark Runes often include a blank rune. There is no historical evidence that this rune known as Wyrd, or the unknown, was traditionally used. Modern users can choose to leave this blank rune in the set and think of it as an answer of  “unknown at this time”, or they could choose to ignore it.

The runes can be used in a variety of ways for divination. First, you can draw a single rune to read to start your day. Or second, you can put down your cloth and choose to do a layout on the cloth as you think about your question, like you might do with tarot cards. Or third, you can cast your runes to your cloth as you think of your question and interpret where and how they fall. Runes can be read differently depending on how they are drawn or cast. Rather like tarot cards can be read inverted if they are upside down and it fits the reading.

I hope you have enjoyed this bit of interesting history. This form of divination is so close to my heart. If you are drawn to the runes like me, give them a try. You can easily make your own set by gathering 24 flat stones and drawing each symbol onto the stones. Red is a traditional colour to use :)

Peace and Happiness

Dagaz 💕