Runes ar e a form of divination based on the ancient runic alphabet used throughout parts of northern Europe and the British Isles from approximately 100 B.C. to 1600 A.D. Also referred to rune casting, runes can be a way of gaining insight and finding guidance.
The oldest version of the runic alphabet, known as the Elder Futhark, was believed to have first been used by Germanic people in parts of Europe and Scandinavia. With tribal migration and invasion of Britain by the Anglo-Saxons a number of extra letters were added and the alphabet evolved into the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. In the Old Germanic languages the word rune means mystery or secret. Most likely this was because runes were an important part of tribal magic and ritual.
There is only some historical evidence of runes being used for divination purposes in ancient times. Sources such as Ynglinga saga, written in the early 1200's, and Vita Ansgari give mention to the use of casting chips or lots in order to gain hidden knowledge.
As far as modern-day rune casting, much of it is based on various sources such as Egyptian Hermeticism, New Age teachings, classical Occultism and the writings of Runology expert Stephen Flowers. The runes themselves are typically made of wood, stone or clay, often in oval or rectangular shapes. Each piece contains a letter of the rune alphabet, usually in the Elder Futhark version or the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc version, and each of these letters holds a certain meaning. The person then forms a intention for the reading or asks a question, casts the runes and deciphers the meaning of the spread.
It’s important to note that runes are not a form of fortune-telling but are instead a tool for guidance. As with any type of divination, they are a way to work out a specific issue or find an answer to a question. The knowledge and answers that are gained depend much upon the willingness of the rune caster to listen to their inner wisdom, or the wisdom of the divine upon which their spiritual beliefs are based.
