Runecasting is a form of divination that uses runes, which are an ancient Germanic alphabet that has always been entwined with magic.
The word rune came from the Old Norse ârunaâ which can be translated as âsecretâ, âwhisperâ or âmysteryâ.
Even before people adapted runes as a writing system, their ancestors have used these symbols as talismans, carving them into weapons and shields.Â
Simultaneously, they were used for communing with the old gods and determining their will.
How many runes are there?
Twenty four. As with tarot cards, each has associated messages. Also like tarot cards, they are read with reversals, except for several of them that look the same when reversed and therefore maintain their original meanings.
Recently, people added a 25th piece. A blank one they fondly call âOdinâs runeâ. Its meaning is simply that the future is yet unwritten, and one can make any dream happen.
Which rune set should I get?
The very first ones were made of wood. In my family, we create our first set ourselves â we cut a branch into small pieces, and carve the symbols into them.
Nowadays, wooden runes have somewhat been overshadowed by runestones, which are made of crystals, because of New Agersâ belief in their powers.
Metal is another popular material. Because of its durability, this is the type I have in my charm set. For personal use, I prefer wooden ones.
Whichever set you purchase, it will come with a pouch.
Step 1:Â Invoke your higher power or higher self, then ask a question.
Step 2:Â Shuffle the runes by mixing them inside their pouch.
Step 3:Â When you feel ready, grab a handful and cast them onto a surface.
Step 4:Â Interpret each rune alone, and then together, to get your answer.
You can also draw a rune one by one, and give them positions, as in a tarot spread. I personally never do this, because runes are meant to form themselves into a message. Giving them a spread would be restricting their freedom.
Or you can simply pull a single rune, as if you are doing a daily tarot draw.
Are they better than tarot?
Given that there are only 25 runes, while there are 78 tarot cards, of course the latter can give more detailed messages.
If you are only after meditation or reflection, runes would serve you well.
I use them with tarot. This way, I can benefit from the runesâ preciseness without forgoing tarotâs specificness. This is what I do in some of my Pick a Card readings.
What does each rune mean?
As with tarot cards, runes have a wealth of meanings. But these few keywords should be enough for beginners.
areudirty
amandla
tangentwithtanner
turnnoffyourmind
stormborns
yousharknotpass
