Runes were first used over 1500 years ago by the East Goths, and later appeared throughout England and Scandinavia. As Christianity took hold, the use of runic alphabets in divination became reviled as a pagan practice. The word “rune” itself comes from an early Anglo-Saxon word meaning “secret” or “mystery”, and they remain an enigma to the world at large. Runes were initially most popular among Wiccans and modern pagans, but have enjoyed unprecedented mainstream adoption in the past 30 years.
There are different kinds of Rune stones depending on which alphabet you choose to follow; Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, Cirth, Elder Futhark, Gothic Runes, Hungarian Runes, Turkic, Younger Futhork. Elder Futhark is the emerging Rune alphabet in popularity; it is also known as the alphabet with the “blank”.
What is the best way to use your runes? That is up to you. Here are some common methods of using runes:
Method #1: With your runes in their pouch close your eyes, concentrate on what you want an answer for (past situation, present situation or future situation) and chose a rune from the bag as your answer.
Method #2:Gently toss the runes from the bag onto a soft surface and the runes while thinking of what you want an answer for (past situation, present situation or future situation) and the rune(s) that stand out the most to you is your answer.
Method #3: With your eyes closed and while in a neutral state of mind draw three runes from the bag and line them up. The first rune is an answer to a past situation, the second one is an answer to a present situation and the last is an answer to a future situation.
Method #4: Lay the runes out in grid and let your hand pass over the runes slowly while concentrating on what you want an answer for (past situation, present situation or future situation). Use your left hand if you are right-handed and your right hand if you are left-handed. You will sense the rune that holds the answer to your question.
It seem that runic systems do have a significant impact on modern esoteric traditions, perhaps more then we realize.
Indeed, the shift from paganism to mainstream acceptance is quite interesting and warrants further examination.
I wonder how these ancient practices can be reconciled with contemporary beliefs in spirituality and divination.
The history of runes, if one consider it deeply, reveal much about cultural evolution and spiritual practices.
‘Methods of using runes can be subjective; however, it’s crucial to approach them with an open mind for better clarity.
‘Blank’ as a characteristic of Elder Futhark shows how ambiguity plays a role in interpretation of runes.
‘Secret’ or ‘mystery’ as meanings behind the word rune is quite fitting given their elusive nature in historical context.