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Runes:
Stones of Fortune
In addition to being a form
of writing, Runes have been used for more than a thousand years in divination.
They are among the
most prevalent “Western” oracles, developed
in northern Europe and spreading westward with the Vikings and Celtic
peoples.
The
original set of Runes are called the Elder Futhark. Each letter
of the word is derived from the sound of the Rune as they are placed in
order:
- Feoh
- Ur
- Thorn
- Ansur
- Rad
- Ken
Originally, there were
24 symbols, plus one blank Rune called Wyrd (the Unknowable)
used in divination.
These original symbols
were modified over time adding more sounds and complexity. The Anglo-Saxon
Futhork had 33 symbols, which included additional symbols, as well
as modifications to the original Futhark.
Runes were used in
magic, as well as for divination and writing. Assembled in various
ways, called Bindrunes, they could be combined into single symbols.
In addition, when constructed
carefully, according to specific proportions, the messages spelled out
in Runes were embued with spiritual power in addition to meaning.
Using
the Stones
The
Rune stones are drawn and laid in various spreads, according to the
needs of the individual question or situation.
Stones may be laid out on a cloth and
shuffled face down or drawn one at a time from inside a bag. In either
case, as you pass your hand over the Runes, sense which of the stones
seems to – “want” to be drawn. Take such stones and put them in place.
The simplest Runecast consists of three
stones placed side by side in the order they were drawn. This spread
can be considered a single answer to a Yes/No question, considering
whether the three stones were generally positive or negative – right
side up, or upside down.
It also can indicate the Situation,
the Action suggested and the Outcome.
More complex spreads require interpretations,
not only of individual Runes, but their pairings with others. |
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