Before the adoption of our Latin Alphabet, Runic alphabets were used for many Germanic languages. Runes are the letters contained within the Runic Alphabets. There are several different versions of the old Runic Alphabets and people who study Runology spend a lot of time working with these ancient systems of writing. The Elder Futhark alphabet from around 150 – 800 AD is the one that you will most often find on the Runes that we use for divination today. When you are looking to start reading Runes you want to look for a set that is based upon the Elder Futhark alphabet.
Runes are a form of divination a bit similar to the oracles in that it can help you to gain insight to a question that you may have. You can find so many different types of runes from stone, to wooden to shell, glass, pretty much anything. Many of you may want to try your hand at carving your own set of runes if you decide that you enjoy using them.
The Elder Futhark Rune set has 24 runes for you to work with. Each rune has a different sound and meaning. When I was taught to use the runes starting out I was taught a very simple method that I wanted to pass on to all of you today.
With your chosen set of runes to work with find a place that’s quiet. Put them all inside a bag and shake them up gently. When you are ready focus on the question that you have. Try to choose a question that is for the present. In other words you don’t want to ask if you will be a millionaire in the future. You may want to ask what you can do on your path right now to increase abundance and or prosperity in your life. Draw a rune from the bag. The rune that you have corresponds with a meaning that will help to guide you on what you need to do.
If you’re interested in learning more about them I would recommend grabbing a book or two and seeing how you feel working with them. One book that you may want to try is Taking Up The Runes: A Complete Guide to Using Runes in Spells, Divination and Ritual.
Have a magickal day!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Jasmeine Moonsong