Rooted in Norse and Germanic traditions,
Runes and rune stones are used to this day for divination and magic.
The word rune means whisper or secret,
And runes are used for divination and answers to questions being asked.
Credited with discovering runes is the Norse god Odin,
Who is also referred to as the All-Father because he is known for being an avid seeker of wisdom.
In fact,
It was his pursuit of knowledge that led him to the runes,
The power they symbolize and the magic they possess.
According to Norse mythology,
Odin suspended himself upside down from the world tree for nine days and nine nights in order to attain the wisdom of the runes by demonstrating his fearlessness and fervor.
In doing so,
He faced the well of Erd,
Or the well of fate,
Where he was eventually able to perceive shapes in the depths of the water,
The runes.
Far more than just symbols,
Runes are filled with wisdom and magic.
Many Neopagans today regard runes or runestones as powerful tools for divination.
Contemporary runes are symbols etched on wood or stone pieces.
They are often cast similarly to dice,
And their messages interpreted much like the practice of reading tarot or oracle cards.
Sometimes only one rune will be used for interpretation,
While other readers will cast several of them at once.
They are also used in spell work and meditation.
Many practitioners will begin working with them by selecting a single rune each day to become familiar with each of the symbols.
Casting or selecting a single rune each day is akin to what is known as a daily draw or daily card in tarot,
Where the practitioner is seeking insight or advice for the coming day.
The original Elder Futhark runes consisted of 24 symbols,
Each with its own name,
Meaning,
And message.
The Younger Futhark runes are a later variation of the earlier runic alphabet,
And grew in popularity across Denmark,
Norway,
And Sweden,
Before eventually becoming phased out,
So to speak,
By the Latin alphabet.
To work with runes,
Begin with a single question and concentrate on it,
While either drawing or casting a rune or multiple runes from either your hands or a container you have for them.
A single rune is easiest for a beginner seeking a quick answer.
Casting three runes is a common practice for a past-present-future reading,
And more in-depth interpretations can be sought by casting more than three.
You needn't be of Norse descent or an Odin-dedicant to work with and enjoy runes.
A desire for knowledge is helpful,
But it certainly doesn't have to match the level of Odin's.
As with any other tool in the practice of the craft,
Runes are just that,
Tools.
The foundational magical component is always you and your intentions.
