Reading runes is a popular form of divination. There are many different types of rune stones depending on the alphabet you choose, but the Elder Futhark is growing the most in popularity as it is known as the alphabet with a blank. The way in which you use your runes is up to you, but some of the most common methods are shared below.
- With the runes in their pouch, concentrate with your eyes closed, on an answer you want and chose a rune from the bag to serve as an answer.
- Gently toss the runes from a bag to a soft surface while thinking of an answer you want. The rune that stands out the most is your answer.
- Lay the runes out in a grid formation and allow your hand to gently pass over them while concentrating on some answer you desire. Use your non-dominant hand to do this and continue until you sense the rune that holds the answer you seek.
- With closed eyes and a neutral mind, pull three runes from a bag and line them up. The first rune is an answer to a past situation, the second a present situation, and the third, a future situation.
Reading a Two Rune Draw
Using whichever method you choose, pick two runes, and place them side by side. The two runes will either strengthen each other or be in opposition. If they are similar they will assist each other in support of you and if they are in opposition it is a draw for most situations. In others, it may represent what is wrong and what requires fixing.
Reading Three Norns
When reading three norns you can choose three and lay them side by side. Then read in the following order:
- Far Left – Represents the past actions and situations as related to the question you ask
- Middle – Represents the future and what will likely happen based on your question
- Far Right – Represents the present and what is being influential on you in the moment
Reading Triple Rune Challenges
When reading triple runes, choose three and lay them from top to bottom. Then read as described below:
- Rune Bottom – Represents the present and what is influencing you right now
- Rune Middle – Represents upcoming challenges and what needs to be done
- Rune Top – Represents what is likely to happen as a result of the current challenge
Reading Mind, Body, and Spirit
When reading mind, body, and spirit, choose three and lay them from left to right. Then read as described below:
- Rune Left – Represents the current physical condition
- Rune Middle – Represents your current mental condition
- Rune Right – Represents the current spiritual condition
Reading Four Dwarves
When reading four dwarves, choose four runes, and lay them in a diamond pattern. Then read as shared below:
- Rune Top – Represents past desires related to your question
- Rune Right – Represents your present feelings and desires as related to your question
- Rune Left – Represents your desires and feelings of others as related to your question
- Rune Bottom – Represents your innermost secrets and desires
Reading A Five Rune Layout
When reading a five rune layout, choose five runes and lay them in a diamond pattern with one in the center. Then read as described below:
- Rune Bottom – These are the basic influences on the question
- Rune Far Left – These are problems that influence the question
- Rune Top – These are positives in the question
- Rune Far Right – These are an immediate answer to the question
- Rune Middle – These are future influences to the question
Reading Insight Layout
When reading insight layout, choose five runes, and lay them in a straight line. Then read as shared below:
- Rune Far Left – Current life position
- Rune Second to Left – Current thought process
- Rune Center – Current heart’s desire
- Rune Right of Center – Current life focus
- Rune Far Right – Future influences
Reading Runic Cross
When reading the runic cross, choose six runes, and lay them in a cross pattern. Then read as shared below:
- Rune Far Left – Represents past situations
- Rune Beneath Center – Represents present situations
- Rune Far Right – Represents future situations
- Rune Bottom – Represents influences on the question
- Rune Center – Represents the influences that have a positive outcome
- Rune Top – Represents the most likely outcome
Reading A Seven Rune Layout
When reading a seven rune layout, choose seven runes, and lay them in a line with one below. Then read as shared below:
- Runes First and Second – Illustrates the problem
- Runes Third and Fourth – Demonstrates past influences that contribute to the present
- Runes Fifth and Sixth – Shows rune guidance
- Rune Seven – Represents the possible outcome, related to all others
Reading Ve Layout
When reading Ve layout, choose seven runes, and lay them in a V pattern. Then read as shared below as based on your question:
- Rune Top Left – Past influences
- Rune Second From Top Left – Present influences
- Rune Third From Top Left – Future actions
- Rune Center Bottom – Action to be taken for best possible outcome
- Rune Right of Center at Bottom – Feeling sand emotions
- Rune Second From Top Right – Potential problems
- Rune Top Right – Future outcome
Reading Nine Grid Layout
When reading a nine grid layout, choose nine runes, and lay them in a 3 x 3 box pattern. Then read as shared below as based on your question:
- Runes Bottom Three – Shows the past
- Runes Center Three – Shows the present
- Runes Top Three – Shows the future
Reading Tree of Life
When reading the tree of life layout, choose nine runes, and lay them in a tree of life pattern. Then read as shared below as based on your question:
- Rune Top – Most positive influences and accomplishments
- Runes Second Row – (Read left to right) Physical and mental feelings and current energy levels
- Runes Third Row – (Read left to right) Recent accomplishments and moral code
- Rune Fourth Row – Health or health concerns
- Runes Fifth Row – (Read left to right) Creative influences and mind and love influences and concerns
- Rune Sixth Row – Imagination and direction
- Rune Seventh Row – Present influences that affect your home
Reading Futhark Layout
This reading is used most often on New Year’s Day as a way to create an entire year’s worth of answers so make sure to record it for references. Choose eight runes for each of three rows, 24 total. Read from top to bottom, left to right as follows:
First Row
- First – How you will achieve prosperity
- Second – How you will achieve health and inner strength
- Third – How you will achieve defense or destruction
- Fourth – How you will achieve inspiration and wisdom
- Fifth – Life path direction
- Sixth – Future wisdom
- Seventh – Gifts granted and skills to be achieved
- Eighth – How you will achieve happiness and peace of mind
Second Row
- First – Future life changes
- Second – What you need to reach your goals
- Third – Obstacles
- Fourth – Achievements and successes
- Fifth – Challenges and choices to be made
- Sixth – Inner skills that are to come
- Seventh – Life and death situations
- Eighth – Guiding energy
Third Row
- First – Legal affairs
- Second – How you will achieve growth
- Third – Relationships and friendships
- Fourth – Social status
- Fifth – Emotional status
- Sixth – Sexual influences, situations, and emotions
- Seventh – How you will achieve balance
- Eighth – Gain of assets and wisdom
“Ultimately, the effectiveness of rune readings likely hinges on personal belief systems and experiences, which this piece overlooks somewhat.”
“A diverse approach to rune reading is essential, yet not every method seems equally valid or accessible for beginners as stated here.”
The article provides methods but fails to address the significance behind each rune. Understanding individual runes could vastly improve one’s reading experience.
“Rune meanings are often steeped in mythology; acknowledging these layers would enrich readers’ understanding and application of their readings.”
Indeed, the lack of emphasis on the personal interpretation aspect is notable. Each reader might derive different meanings based on their unique contexts.
While the content does cover various methods of rune reading, it appears to miss the depth of interpretations that can be involved with such practices.
The information present in this article is quite intriguing, however, it lacks clarity in some of its methodologies that are suggested for rune readings.
One might wonder about the historical context behind the Elder Futhark and how it became the most popular; a brief exploration could enhance this discussion.
“I find it interesting that multiple layouts are presented without much differentiation between them; a clearer distinction would help guide novices better.”
“Moreover, practical examples or case studies would greatly aid in illustrating how these methods play out in real-life scenarios.”