Learn How to Use Runes

Runes formed the basis of a writing system used by ancient Germanic peoples particularly in Scandinavia and Britain, part of whom were Vikings. With a long history dating back to Germanic and Nordic tribes, runes are an ancient form of divination used by those seeking advice. Believed to hold magical powers, runes have inscriptions found on various objects or stone all with an individual meaning and energy.

The Story Behind the Runes

Runes are woven into Norse Pagnism and are closely associated with Norse magic (Seiðr) and skaldic poetry. The old poem Hávamál explains that Odin, Norse God of wisdom, healing, magic, and the runic alphabet (among other things). It is said he discovered the runes when he hung himself from the 'world tree' Yggdrasil in order to gain insight and learn the wisdom of the runes. The word 'rune' means 'mystery, whisper, or secret'.

Runes in Modern Times

The runes are still used today, and this practice is believed to provide insight into areas of your life by tapping into subconscious thoughts and patterns. Just like tarot cards, the runes are used to gain insight into situations in your life.

There are different typs of runic alphabets used on runes, one of the oldest being the Germanic runic system known as the 'Elder Futhark'. This is the set of runes commonly used today for runic divination. They contain a set of 24 runes, the first six of which spell out the word ‘futhark’.

As well as each rune symbol being a letter of the alphabet, they also have symbolic meanings too. Although many of these date back to traditional meanings, the intention behind each symbol still has relevance today.

How to Use the Runes

Basic Casting

Start off by putting the runes in the bag it comes with or a big enough pouch to fit your hand in. Find a quiet place, clear your mind and focus on the question you'd like to ask the runes. Call upon your spirit guides or any deities you worship to guide you in the reading. Pull a single rune from the bag or draw a few and place them on a flat surface in front of you.

Circle Casting

You can also toss them into a circle and see which ones land with the runic symbol facing upward. If any are facing downward but are still within the circle, take these into consideration too, as most runes also have a reversed meaning like tarot cards do. In rune casting, a circle is not just a visual element, but seen as a symbolic boundary and space for focused intention and energy work. It is often used to create a sacred space, protect the person casting the runes and any participants, and channel the energies for the rune reading.

Rune Grids

Rune casting grids, also called layouts or spreads, are structured arrangements of the runes used. A grid is like a framework for interpreting each rune in relating to the other runes in the reading.

Three-Rune Spread: Represents past, present, and future influences. 

Nine-Rune Grid: A 3x3 grid where each position explores challenges, opportunities, outcomes, etc. 

Runic Cross: Similar to the Celtic Cross in tarot, with positions representing the heart of the matter, challenges, past, future, and any outcomes. 

Interpreting each Rune   

Most rune sets come with a booklet that give you the basic meaning of each rune. There are books found in bookshops or online that have a more detailed meaning, or you can look them up online. Familiarise yourself with the meanings of each rune and how they relate to your question. Consider the context of your question and the other runes in the reading when interpreting the results, and always trust your intuition.

Begin with a single rune or three-rune reading before exploring the more complex casting grids to familiarise yourself. The more you practice, the more in tune you will be and a better understanding of the runes you'll have. As with tarot readings, approach the runes with an open mind, be willing to learn, and be mindful of how accurate the runes can be - just like Odin, the runes will deliver harsh truths when needed, but remember that it is for our higher good and we should let go of our ego and the outcome, and simply just in the unfolding of our fate.

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The Meaning of Each Rune

FEHU - Wealth, Abundance, Success, Security, Fertility

URUZ - Strength, Tenacity, Courage, Untamed Potential, Freedom.

THURISAZ - Reaction, Defense, Conflict, Catharsis, Regeneration, Strength.

ANSUZ - Communication, Understanding, Inspiration.

RAIDHO -Travel, Rhythm, Evolution, Decisions, Spiritual Journey or Life Path.

KENNAZ - Vision, Creativity, Inspiration, Improvement, Vitality.

GEBO - Balance, Exchange, Partnership, Generosity, Gift, Relationships.

WUNJO - Pleasure, Joy, Comfort, Harmony, Prosperity, Reward, Success.

HAGALAZ - Nature, Wrath, Being Tested, Overcoming Obstacles.

NAUDHIZ - Restriction, Conflict, Willpower, Endurance, Self-Reliance.       

ISA - Clarity, Stasis, Challenges, Introspection, Watching & Waiting.

JERA - Cycles, Completion, Changes, Harvest, Reaping Rewards.

EIHWAZ - Balance, Enlightenment, Death, The World Tree.

PERTHRO - Fate, Chance, Mystery, Destiny, Secrets.

ALGIZ - Protection, Defense, Instinct, Group Effort, Guardianship.

SOWILO - Health, Honor, Resources, Victory, Wholeness, Cleansing, the Sun

TIWAZ - Masculinity, Justice, Leadership, Logic, Battle.

BERKANO - Femininity, Fertility, Healing, Regeneration, Birth.

EHWAZ - Transportation, Movement, Progress, Trust, Change.

MANNAZ - Individuality, Friendship, Society, Cooperation, Help.

LAGUZ - Intuition, Emotions, Flow, Renewal, Dreams, Hopes & Fears.

INGWAZ - Goals, Growth, Change, Common Sense, The Hearth (Home).

OTHALA - Ancestry, Possessions, Heritage, Inheritance, Experience, Value.

DAGAZ - Awakening, Certainty, Illumination, Completion, Hope.