Divination: Runes

Runes are letters of alphabets of the early Germanic tribes, that were used before the adoption of the Latin alphabet, heavily influenced by the Holy Roman Empire. The word 'rune', which spread far across Europe, corresponds to an early Germanic root meaning 'whisper', a Celtic root meaning 'secret', a Baltic root meaning 'speech', and the Finish word for rune meaning 'scratched letter'.

The origins of runic alphabets date back to 150 CE and are thought to be modeled after Old Italic scripts. They were commonly used until around 700 CE in Central Europe and 1100 CE in Northern Europe, after which time they were used for divination and decoration. Artifacts, such as jewelry, weaponry, monoliths and tablets, bearing runic inscriptions have been uncovered from every century across the common era.

[http://www.deviantart.com/art/Elder-Futhark-Abalone-Shells-Runeset-299796196]

Modern rune stones are a small collection of stones inscribed, most often, with the Elder Futhark alphabet, that dates back to the 2nd century CE. The name 'futhark' comes from the alphabet's beginning letters, F, U, Th, A, R, K. This alphabet consists of 24 letters, and modern divining stones also include a blank stone, known as the Odin, named for the patriarchal god attributed with granting his people with the wisdom of language. Runes can also be inscribed or emblazoned on any number of materials such as wood, shells, clay, glass, or metal.

Like Tarot, Runes can be used for divination. Although many people prefer Runes to Tarot, since Tarot decks consist of 78 cards and have different meanings depending on whether they're upright or reversed. With far less verbosity though, Runes require a long-lasting practice, so that you may uncover the deeper, personal explanations of the stones, which then you can share with others. A rune stone reading generally consists of mixing the stones in a bag or container, and grabbing them blindly, singularly or to form a spread. Below is a chart, that you can click to enlarge, to read symbolic meanings for the Runes.

A great activity for yourself, and for kids, is to go to a nearby creek and collect 25 smooth pebbles. Take them home and create your own runes with permanent markers!

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