Runes: what and how?

[Crimson]

I've begun seeking only a few weeks ago (of course -- otherwise I wouldn't be in this specific forum), and I've been rather confused about runes. I understand its sort of an alphabet, with each "letter" having its own sound and a special meaning. And I sort of understand that runes have their own magical meanings. But HOW are they used in magic? HOW do I learn their magical properties? In short, how should I begin learning about them? Some good websites would be appreciated -- though not very confusing, please! I've already done a little seeking -- but those sites I found just bombarded me with info! I'm a little lost... :(
Any suggestions?

[Eeluna]

You should try the Divination forum. There's lots of info about runes there--check out the stuck threads at the top. There's also a stuck thread in the Magick and Rituals forum called Practical Rune Magic. I can recommend some good books:

Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic by Edred Thorsson
Northern Mysteries and Magick by Freya Aswynn
Complete Illustrated Guide to Runes by Nigel Pennick

Maybe some of the others can recommend good websites.

[MammaStar]

Eeluna is correct. The Runemaster Rick moderates the Divination forum as well as the beautiful sisters Frejya & Silver Venus.

Here are some links to help you on your way.

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10509&highlight=Runes

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=196&highlight=Runes

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5476&highlight=Runes

[Sequoia]

I think I know just the person for you to ask. . .

*calls out* ooohhh Riiiiiiiiiick!!

I'll move you on over to Divination. :) you should be able to get more helpful information there.

[Rick]

The above-mentioned books are good places to start (I'm not familiar with that particular Pennick book, but he's a knowledgable Rune author, & his other works, such as Rune Magic, are good). You'll also want to check out The Poetic Edda. As for magical applications of Runes, drop by the Magick & Rituals forum; quite a bit of info there on the subject...

[Flar's Freyja]

And check out the stuck thread "All About Runes" if it's not one of the ones posted above. You might also have some luck doing a search on Odin and the Norns Urd, Verdandi and Skuld in the gods and goddesses forum.

[Silver Venus]

Originally posted by LdyStarlite
[B]beautiful sisters Frejya & Silver Venus.


Aww thanks Starlite :D

Crimson sounds as though your half way there to understanding about them ~ just check out the links around this forum and if you can try your hand at making a set, thats the best way to learn I think, that way with each rune you make you can learn about its properties and meanings and then after your familiar with them introduce them into your magick :)

[Crimson]

Well thanks all ya! I suppose I should have checked out the divination section first -- silly of me not to! But thanks for being PATIENT with my silliness! I'm on my way! :)