RUNES
I OVERVIEW
II HISTORY
III DESCRIPTIONS & MEANINGS

A. Mannaz B. Gebo C. Ansuz D. Othila
E. Uruz F. Perth G. Nauthiz H. Inguz
I. Eihwaz J. Algiz K. Fehu L. Wunjo
M. Jera N. Kano O. Teiwaz P. Berkana
Q. Ehwaz R. Laguz S. Hagalaz T. Raido
U. Thurisaz V. Dagaz W. Isa X. Sowelu
Y. Odin

IV. Layouts used for divination

A. Odin's Rune
B. Three Rune Spread
C. Runic Cross
D. Three Life Spread

I. Overview
Runes are a method of divination similar to the Tarot or the I Ching. The dif ference is that Runes are a set of 25 stones instead of 78 cards or a set of sticks with patterns. As with the Tarot, most of the Runes may be rightside up, or up side down, the meaning differing with the case. There are also some Runes that can not appear up side down. In practice, the Runes may be made of any material; ceramic, stones, sticks, or drawn on cards. (If anyone followsthese directions, and begins to use Runes, please leave me a message
on this BBS as to your success/failure.)

II. History
Before the Germanic peoples of ancient Western Europe possessed a true
alpha bet, they used pictorial symbols to carve into stones their ideas and thoughts. The earliest of these pictorial writings date from about
1300 BC.They were probably linked to Sun and Fertility cults. Among the signs were parts of the human body, weapons, animals and variations on the circle, square, and swastika. These pictoglyphs later evolved into the more abstract glyphs that were composed of lines resembling no particular objects. That there was power endowed to those who were adept at the use
of these glyphs is indicated by the name given to the glyphs
themselves. These glyphs were called Runes, from the Gothic Runa, meaning
'a secret thing, a mystery.' The Runic letter or Runastafr was use to foretell the future by Runemal, or thecasting of the Runes. The Runes were inscribed into tools, weapons, rocks, alters, and other personal items.
Runes were also used by the clergy as an alternative to the Latin alphabet.
It is believed that Runes were derived from a northern Etruscan alphabet
used among Italic tribes in the Eastern Alps.They may have been developed
by people living in the area of Bohemia.

From the beginning Runes were used for the casting of lots, for divination and to evoke higher powers that might influence the 'luck' of man. There
were Runes that influenced the weather, the harvest, curses, the tides, love, and healing.

The Practicianer of Runemal was easily recognizable by the very clothing
they wore. As the 13th century author of the 'Saga of Erik the Red' said, "She wore a cloak set with stones along the hem. Around her neck and
covering her head she wore a hood lined with white catskins. In one hand
she carried a staff with a knob on the end and her belt, holding together
her long dress, hung a charm pouch." As you can also see from this passage, many of the Rune Masters were women. As time wore on, the Runes themselves became standardized through out Europe. Although in some places the Runes numbered as many as 36 oras few as 16. Twenty-four of these were the basic Runes, or futhark. The name futhark comes from the first 6 Runes. There were 3 families of 8 Runes each, named after the Norse Gods Freyr, Hagal and Tyr.

These three aettir, as they were called, were:

Freyr's Eight: Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raido,Kano, Gebo, Wunjo;
Hagal's Eight: Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Perth, Algiz, Sowelu;
Tyr's Eight: Teiwaz, Berkana, Ehwaz, Mannaz, Laguz, Inguz, Othila, Dagaz.

The Anglo-Saxons are credited with spreading Runes and Runecraft through out Europe. It is unfortunate that more than 300 years ago the last of the Rune Masters died taking with them the true art of Rune casting.

In recent years people such as Ralph Blum have tired to revive the ancient
art of Rune Casting through books, casting Runes, and through research into ancient books and manuscripts for references to Runes.

III Descriptions and Meanings

A. Mannaz: Two vertical lines with a horizontal 'X' connecting
the top of the two lines so that it appears like a golf flag and
its mirror image. Essence is water. Clarity, willingness
to change is effective now. Become right with yourself,
then you can be right with others. Be yielding, devoted and
moderate. Only then will you have a true direction.
Inverted: If there is blockage now, it comes from within.
Look to yourself, not to others at this time. Stop and
reconsider. The outer enemy is but a reflection of yourself.

B. Gebo: An 'X'. A union is at hand. However, do not
make this a total union, keep yourself. Let the
winds of Heaven blow between you and your partner.

Inverted: There is no inverse.

C. Ansuz: An 'F' with the arms pointing downward. There is a
new life unfolding. Be aware during meetings with others.
A connection with the Divine may be at hand. Draw from the
well for yourself first, then you will have the strength to
draw from the well for others.

Inverted: Failed communication may seem to be a block.

Remember, what happens now is timely to your development.
If the well is clogged, then clean it out.

D. Othila: A diamond shape with the two lower sides extended
beyond the point at which they meet to form legs. A shedding
of old skins is called for. You may receive benefits, but it
may require you to give up something else. This may be
difficult to do because part of what you may have to give up
is a portion of your background. Do not be bound by old conditionings.
You may be called upon to take a radical departure from old ways.
Be totally honest with yourself now. Flow is the proper attitude
at this time.

E. Uruz: A tall vertical line on the left, a shorter
vertical line on the right, connected on top by diagonal line.
Similar to a 'squared' small letter 'n'. The life you have been
living is at an end. However, this is not a Rune of ending,
it is instead a Rune of new beginnings. There may be darkness
of a tunnel leading to the new life, but the light will be
brighter at the end. Prepare for the opportunity disguised as a
loss.

Inverted: You may fail to take advantage of the moment. It
is possible that your strength may seem to be used against
you. The seeming failure may come as a minor or major jolt
depending on your awareness. Remember, life is a cycle and you
will again reach this point to again have this choice.

F. Perth: A vertical line on the left with an elongated 'v'
connected to the top from the right, and an elongated inverted
'V' connected to the bottom from the right. Inner changes are
taking place. Surprises may be in store. Nothing external
matters here, except as it shows you your inner self.
Inverted: Do not expect too much now. If you repeat the old,
expect to suffer. Do not focus on the past or you will neglect
the true now. You may have 'bad luck' or recognize a specific
block, or challenge. It depends on your point of view.

G. Nauthiz: A vertical line with a diagonal line crossing it.
The diagonal line runs from the upper left to the lower right.
There is a definite need for restraint. There will be holdups,
and the need to reconsider your plans carefully. If you can not
restore harmony at this time, restore balance at least.
consider the uses of adversity.

Inverted: Here is the great teacher disguised as the bringer of
pain and limitation. Only at the darkest hour do we see just how
bright the light is within ourselves. Cleansing is needed to
strengthen the character. Only after great darkness will we
know and see the true light.

H. Inguz: Two 'X's stacked on top of each other and touching.
Now is the time of great strength when completions can be
finished and as a result new beginnings started.
Difficulties can be resolved and clarified. The butterfly now
emerges from the cocoon. Movement may cause you to free
yourself from a rut in your life. There is danger, but like
the King on a chess board, the movement takes you out of check
and danger.

Inverted: There is no inverse.

I. Eihwaz: A vertical line with a short diagonal line running
from the top towards the lower right, and a short diagonal
line running from the bottom towards the upper left. There may
be blockages, but even they help our progress. You may seem to
be powerless at this point in time. Patience and waiting are
called for. Growth is promoted through inconvenience and
discomfort. Wait on the will of the Heavens.
Inverted: There is no inverse.

J. Algiz: A cross with both ends of the horizontal bar pointing
upward. Control of the emotions is called for. Correct actions
are the only true protection you have. If you are in pain, or
turbulence, do not try to hide from it, for it is only the
pain and turbulence of progress.

Inverted: Health and associations are to be examined now.
If persons are 'using' you, and you know it in your heart,
then know that you are the one responsible for the outcome,
not them. Only then will you benefit from it. Winning may not
be possible, but in losing there is a form of winning through
learning and the progress takes place.

K. Fehu: An 'F' with the horizontal lines pointing upward.
Clearly define what it is that you desire. Is it wealth
and possessions, or self-rule and growth of will? Enjoy
the good fortune of now but remember to share it, for the
mark of a well nourished self is the ability to nourish others.

Inverted: Your arrows repeatedly miss the target either by an
inch or a mile. Your ship has come in, but you are at
the stable awaiting a good horse. Observe the situation, and
ask, "What do I need to learn to further my progress?" You now
have the opportunity to see where your true nourishment lies.

L. Wunjo: Shaped like the letter 'P' with the rounded upper
portion being made from two straight lines like the 'greater
than' sign >. The shifts that were due are completed, the branch
now bears fruit, and you can now reap the harvest. Knowledge
transforms itself into understanding. Through new clarity
existing ambitions, goal, or plans may be seen for the limited
undesirables they are.

Inverted: The harvest is slow to mature. A difficult passage is
at hand. As seen in its true light, everything is a test.
There is light mixed with the dark, but of clarity there
is none now. Examine yourself and your motives.

M. Jera: A 'greater than' sign (>) above a 'less than' sign (<).
Beneficial outcomes apply to what ever endeavor you have
undertaken. It may take time for no quick results can be
expected. A span of time is always involved. Not even the
farmer can speed the harvest by tugging on the young shoots.
At the end of the season, rejoice in abundance.

Inverted: There is no inverse.

N. Kano: A 'less than' sign (<). This is the Rune of the
opening. Light now breaks through and dispells the clouds.
Through awareness of the light, understanding is now available
to you and you may be able to spread the light and understanding
to others. You are now the center where harmonic and beneficent
forces meet.

Inverted: Clouds are now beginning to cover the sun. A
partnership may be passing away. If so, remember that it
is then no longer appropriate or valid for you in this stage of
development. Remember however that failure to notice this
passing away will result in a missed opportunity. Give up
gladly the old so that the new can be received.

O. Teiwaz: An upward pointing arrow. Look within and delve
down to the foundations of your being. Here you will find
your deepest needs, and most powerful resources. Examine
newly formed partnerships, for there may be great works for you
both to perform together. This is a Rune of dedication and
perseverance. Patience may be called for now. Your real enemy
just might be yourself.

Inverted: Danger may arise from hasty or illtimed
actions. Associations may be short lived, but remember that
they have served their purpose. Are outcomes your goal, or
are you focused on the task for its own sake? Look within for
the answer.

P. Berkana: Shaped like the letter 'B', except the the two
rounded portions are made from straight lines, like the 'greater
than' sign >. Delve into things deeply, with care and
awareness. Resistance must be dispersed first, then work
may be begun. If you have dark corners, clean them out
now. If you need help to cleanse the corners, seek an
expert. Only then can the harvest ripen.

Inverted: There is interference with growth now. If you
feel disheartened for not taking the right action, relax. You
may have the chance to act again. Examine your motives. Are
you putting your wants before the wants of others?

Q. Ehwaz: A large capital letter 'M'. Transitions and physical
shifts are occurring now. Steady growth and development
slowly accumulate. "As I cultivate my own nature, all else
follows." Face the future with assurance.

Inverted: If movement is blocked, be sure that what you are doing
is correct action. There are no missed opportunities; we
have to recognize that not all opportunities are not for us.
What is yours will come to you.

R. Laguz: The right half of an upward pointing arrow.
Reorganize and re-align. Contact your intuitive self, and
success will follow. Relate to yourself correctly. Immerse
yourself in the experience of living without evaluating or
understanding.

Inverted: Do not over reach yourself. Excessive striving can
be damaging. Are you really drawing upon your wisdom of
instinct? Go within yourself and honor your receptive side.

S. Hagalaz: Shaped like the letter 'H', with the horizontal
bar at a slight angle slopping to the right. There is a need
to break free from constricting circumstances. There are
some things beyond your control. Though this Rune has only an
upright position, it operates through reversal. You may feel
as though you are waking from a long sleep and take some time
to come to your full senses. There may be a loss before there
is a great gain.

Inverted: There is not inverse.

T. Raido: Shaped like the letter 'R' with the rounded upper
portions made of two straight lines like the 'greater than' sign

. Communication is addressed by this Rune, especially when it

has two sides. Inner worth increases, but we must remember
that we are not intended to rely on our power alone. Ask
guidance from the Powers above, and know that in so doing,
you will be doing the right action. Waiting may be just the
right action to take. If you wait, remove resistance while
waiting.

Inverted: Personal relationships are accented now. Break-ups
may be more plentiful than unions now. Keep a sense of good
humor no matter what happens. Even failures may be re-routed
opportunities.

U. Thurisaz: A vertical line with a 'greater than' sign
attached to the middle. The line extends above and below the >
sign. There is work to be done, both within yourself and without.
You may be ready to contact the Divine. You can now see
that which is hidden insi, and know that in so doing, you
will be doing the right action. Waiting may be just the right
action to take. If you wait, remove resistance while waiting.

Inverted: Personal relationships are accented now. Break-ups
may be more plentiful than unions now. Keep a sense of good
humor no matter what happens. Even failures may be re-routed
opportunities.

U. Thurisaz: A vertical line with a 'greater than' sign
attached to the middle. The line extends above and below the >
sign. There is work to be done, both within yourself and without.
You may be ready to contact the Divine. You can now see
that which is hidden inside of you. Your life extends before
you and behind you, as though you were standing on top of a high
hill. Contemplate what you see. Observe all, bless it, and
release all of it. In letting go of the past you reclaim your
power.

Inverted: Your progress accelerates, but remember to pause
for contemplation. Integrate the new. Do not act hastily
now, or you may regret it. Impulses must be tempered by
meditation.

V. Dagaz: An elongated 'X' with both the left and right
sides being close into triangles by vertical lines. A major
breakthrough is at hand. The right outcome is inevitable, but
not predictable. Timing is correct. If followed by the blank
Rune, the transformation may be so total as to portend a
death, a successful conclusion to your passage. The dawn has
given way to full daylight. But remember not to collapse
yourself into the future, for that would be reckless.

Inverted: There is no inverse.

W. Isa: A vertical line. Winter has come upon you. You seem to
be frozen in ice and can not move. Positive accomplishment
is unlikely now. A cold wind is reaching you over the ice flows
of outmoded habits. Try to discover what it is that you are
holding onto that prevents the spring from arriving. Shed the
outdated, and the thaw will follow. It may be that you have no
control over the conditions causing the winter. In this case
remember that this is the way of Heaven and Earth; winter follows
autumn, but spring will always follow winter. Watch for signs
of spring.

Inverted: There is no inverse.

X. Sowelu: Shaped like a single vertical bolt of lightening.
What you are striving to be, you already are. This is the time
for recharging and regenerating yourself. You may have to
retreat from pressing situations, but make it a retreat
in strength, not weakness. Let the Sun illuminate the
secrets you hid even from yourself. Always remember however,
that by yourself you can do nothing. Only when you rely on
the Divine can you accomplish anything of greatness.

Inverted: There is no inverse.

Y. Odin: This is the blank Rune. The unknowable and unseen is
active in your life at this time. In the beginning there was
nothing, and in the end, nothing remains. Control can not be
used on that which does not yet exist. As with the Fool in the
Tarot, you may have to leap over the precipice into the void.
But do so empty-handed and with utter faith. What becons is the
creative power of the unknown.

Inverted: There is no inverse.


IV. Layouts Used for divinations

A. Odins Rune.
Place the Runes into a cloth pouch, and shake them up. Reach
into the pouch and draw out a single Rune. Make sure when the
Rune is pulled out, and you turn it over that you do not
accidentally do not invert the Rune. This Rune will reveal the
crux of your present situation, or the basic answer to your
question.

B. Three Rune Spread.
Place the Runes into a cloth pouch. Draw out three Runes and
place them in a horizontal line in front of you. Reading
from the left to the right, the positions represent; 1) You now,
2) the Challenge ahead of you, and 3) the Best Outcome.
Read the Runes and interpret them relative to their position.

C. Runic Cross
Place the Runes into a cloth pouch. Now draw out 6 Runes and
place them in the following order. Place the first Rune in the
center of your work area. This represents you now. The
second Rune goes to the right of the first Rune. This
represents your past. The third Rune goes to the right of the
first Rune. This Rune represents the future. The forth Rune
goes below the first Rune. This Rune reveals the foundation of
the situation. The fifth Rune is placed above the first Rune.
This Rune is the challenge ahead of you. The sixth Rune goes
above the fifth Rune. This rune represents the best outcome.

D. Three Life Spread
This spread is useful for exploring past incarnations. There are
five runes involved in this spread. Place the Runes into a cloth
pouch, and remove five of them, placing them in the following
order. The first Rune goes on the right side of you work
area. This Rune is your birth and childhood of this life. The
second Rune goes to the left of the first. This Rune represents
your present. The third Rune goes to the left of the second.
This Rune is your future in this life. The forth Rune goes
below the second Rune. This Rune reveals your past
incarnation. The fifth Rune goes above the second Rune. This
Rune is your future incarnation. Interpret the Runes relative to
their position and also relate them to what must be
gained in each incarnation.



Arlan,
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