Runes Disscussion....Runic Structure and Casting

[Moondragon]

Basic Runic Structure


The runes most commonly are the twenty-four runes of the elder (or Germanic) futhark. The name "futhark" comes from the sounds of the first six runes - F (feoh), U (ur), TH (thorn), A to O (os), R (rad), and K (ken.) Before

Beginning: Invocation

Before casting the runes it is recommended that you invoke guardians. A example invocation is given below but I suggest use your own words.

"Great Odin, Master of the Runes, Wise Freya, Mistress of Hidden Knowledge Guide my hands and thoughts That my questions be Answered, true and right, By the power of Fire, Earth, Air and Water. So mote it be."

It is best to develop a connection between you and your runes by either shaking or mixing them with your hands. Soon you will be able to feel a powerful bond between you and your Runes.

Casting the Runes

When casting the runes, some people draw the relevant number of runes out of their bag one at a time. (But since your bag is also your "rune cloth" on which to cast your runes, it is recommended that you spread all the runes out on another surface face down.) Then select the number of required runes and turn them over, one by one sideways (not top to bottom). Turning them over in this manner is important because reversed runes (upside down) have an additional significance. A reversed rune means that either the energy of the rune is blocked or that whatever is happening is being felt unconsciously. It is not cause for alarm.

Your Relationship With the Runes

Finally, you will have the most success with your runes if you treat them as something special; and your rune readings as an activity set apart from mundane daily life. You will want to keep your runes in a place of honor when you are not using them.

1.Yes-No Answers
2.The Three Rune Reading
3.The Runic or Celtic Cross Reading
4.The Wheel Reading (Individual)
5.The Wheel Spread (Relationship)

1. Yes-No Answers
With a "yes-no" question clearly in mind, cast all of the 24 runes onto your opened bag. Disregard those runes that fall outside the bag's parameter. Only those positioned totally on the bag are to be read. If the majority of runes are face up, the answer is "yes". If the majority are face down, the answer is "no".

2. The Three Rune Reading
This reading is very effective for answering a specific question on a specific matter. In this reading , three runes are selected unseen and placed side by side as indicated below.

Reading from left to right, the first rune provides an Overview of the situation, the second rune identifies the Challenge, and the third rune indicates the Course of Action called for.

3. The Runic or Celtic Cross Reading This spread is a very common general life reading that calls for selecting six runes arranged in the form of a runic cross illustrated in the center of your bag.

Rune 1. PAST. This represents a situation from your recent past that explains why the situation is currently like it is. This rune sheds light into your character in terms of how you've handled situations in the past.

Rune 2. YOU NOW. This rune refers to your current situation. The basic energies and happenings you are currently dealing with.

Rune 3. FUTURE. This rune indicates where the situation is taking you. What is likely to occur. It represents the best possible outcome for the situation based on how you've dealt with problems in the past.

Rune 4. FOUNDATION. This rune provides a look into the heart of the matter under consideration. The unconscious elements involved.

Rune 5. CHALLENGE. This rune represents the things you should concentrate on in order to affect positive changes. This rune can be very important in helping realign your priorities.

Rune 6. NEW SITUATION. The final rune
indicates what you can finally expect from your
question when you successfully meet your
challenges.

4. The Wheel Reading (Individual) The Wheel Reading can be experienced either individually or as in Reading #5, with another with whom you are in a relationship. It is a general-life reading used to determine future directions. The 24 runes represented on the outer edge of your bag are used as a backdrop against which your runes are placed and
interpreted.

First select an unseen rune and place it face down on Fehu (<Picture>), rune 1 on your bag. Place a second unseen rune face down on Uruz (<Picture>), rune 2 on your bag and repeat the process going clockwise until all 24 of your runes are face down. Then turn the runes over from side to side, not top to bottom and interpret each in light of the corresponding rune on which it was placed. For example, the rune Fehu (<Picture> ) represents "the individual's potential to create wealth". Were you place Kenaz (<Picture>) which is interpreted as "an individual's knowledge and capabilities" upright on Fehu, you might interpret it as performing well at work. However, had you positioned Kenaz in a reversed position on Fehu, you might interpret it as not applying yourself at work and that perhaps there is little chance for advancement at this time.

5. The Wheel Spread (Relationship) Similar to reading #4, this Wheel Reading is interpreted within the context of a relationship between any two people. For this reading to work, both partners must be present and each must have her or his own set of runes. One bag is used on which to lay the runes.

To begin, both partners select an unseen rune from their respective bags and place it on either side of Fehu . A second rune is selected by both and placed on Uruz . Repeat the process going clockwise until all 24 runes of each partner's runes are face down along the outer edge of the bag. Then turn the runes over from side to side, not top to bottom, and interpret them in light of the corresponding rune on which they've been placed.

For example, the meaning of the first rune Fehu represents "the financial prospects in the relationship and the attitude of both partners towards finance". Had the first partner drawn Gebo which represents "give and take in a relationship" and had the second partner drawn Nauthiz which represents "areas of restriction such as possessiveness", it could be deduced that the second partner sees the first as having too generous or irresponsible an attitude towards money, while the first partner may feel that the other is too restrictive with finances and too afraid to take risks.

[Moondragon]

Interpretations

THE BLANK RUNE
This rune represents the idea of the original seed of all potential. The Cause of all causes.

1. FEHU The individual's potential creative energies which can be used to create

wealth. Relationship Interpretation: The financial prospect in this relationship and the attitudes of the partners.

2. URUZ
The individual's physical strength, endurance and assertiveness. Relationship Interpretation: Endurability of the relationship.

3. THURISAZ
The strength of the individual's will and the opposing will power from the environment. Relationship Interpretation: General conflict area; battle of wills.

4. ANSUZ
Higher sources of communications from either within or outside the self. Relationship Interpretation: Interpersonal communication.

5. RAIDO
You ability to relate and connect; the amount of control you feel you can exert on your life. Relationship Interpretation: The fights of the individual within the relationship.

6. KENAZ
One's knowledge and capabilities, vision and guidance. Relationship Interpretation: Learning from each other.

7. GEBO
Your attitude towards giving and receiving. Relationship Interpretation: Give and take.

8. WUNJO
Your potential for enjoyment and her/his chances of being successful. Relationship Interpretation: Enjoyment.

9. HAGALAZ
Disruptive forces creating change in one's consciousness. Relationship Interpretation: Unconscious influences operating within the relationship. Past experiences in other relationships including projections from parents.

10. NAUTHIZ
Restrictive forces and unacknowledged needs; that which tends to hold you back. Relationship Interpretation: Areas of restriction; possessiveness and mutual needs.

11. ISA
Blockages, frustrations and any hindrances. Relationship Interpretation: Privacy. The areas in the relationship which are not shared.

12. JERA
The time factor in your development. Relationship Interpretation: Long-term influences upon each other.

13. EIWAZ
The ability to achieve one's desires. Relationship Interpretation: Idealism; expectations.

14. PERTHO
The ability of introspection and self awareness. Relationship Interpretation: Hidden aspects within the relationship.

15. ALGIZ
The ability to defend yourself and protect that which is nearest and dearest to you. Relationship Interpretation: Caring and protecting.

16. SOWULO
The source within that guides you on your path. Relationship Interpretation: Development of individuality within the relationship.

17. TEIWAZ
The ability of objective judgment and fairness; the potential for handling a conflict correctly. Relationship Interpretation: Combined strength; authority; who is the boss.

18. BERKANA
Creative abilities, nurturing and birth processes in the self. Relationship Interpretation: Fertility; children, parental projection of the self onto the children.

19. EHWAZ
Emotional responses; adaptability; subjectivity. Relationship Interpretation: Sexuality; any joint efforts; adaptability.

20. MANNAZ
The mind and intellectual objectivity. Relationship Interpretation: Intellectual compatibility and mutual understanding.

21. LAGUZ
Your intuitive faculties and the potential for sympathetic feelings. Relationship Interpretation: Affection; emotionality; flexibility.

22. INGUZ
The potential for individuation and integration. Relationship Interpretation: Parenthood; integration; cooperation; unity.

23. OTHILA
Your sense of being connected to your heritage and kin. Your awareness of your ethnic origins. Relationship Interpretation: Domesticity; property; "in-laws", social life.

24. DAGAZ
The ultimate aim of transformation of one's consciousness into whatever she or he envisions the greater whole. Relationship Interpretation: Contributions by one partner to the other's spiritual or psychological welfare.

[Moondragon]

The first layout we will cover is the simplest to lay out, and subsequently, the hardest to read. To read the runes in a random pattern spread, you must first clear an area to work. There should be plenty of space to stand or sit comfortably, and plenty of clear floor space on which to work. Lay out a circle in which you will sit or stand. This can be done with chalk, string, or by drawing in the dirt if you are outside. In front of the circle draw a line. This line should be about two feet away if you will be working seated and four to five feet away if you are standing. [ Note: it is much easier to work seated indoors, as you don't have to worry about casting your runes into the ceiling. When working outdoors, I really recommend doing this standing.] When you have your line and circle drawn as shown below, you are ready to begin.

After fixing the question in your mind and determining the significator rune, stir or shake your runes until they feel ready to answer your question. This may take some practice, but after a while you will get a feel for this. At this time, throw all the runes up and forward. Those which land closest to you are the most significant, while those which land beyond the line do not get read. The first thing to look for is a pattern or shape of some sort to the way the runes themselves are laying. Does the pattern remind you of a boat? Perhaps a journey of the spirit is indicated. Does it remind you of a specific rune? That particular rune will have a great deal to do with the answer to your question. Any picture or symbol the layout suggests must be taken into consideration, but the interpretation of that symbol should be your own. The next thing to look at are the runes closest to yourself. These have the most bearing on the answer. Interpret these first, but you must also remember to read them in the context of the runes which surround them. Keep working out toward the line, reading and interpreting, possibly updating previous notions as you discover the interrelationships of the runes in proximity to each other. If the significator is in the area being read (not over the line) keep in mind that at this time the situation is fairly fixed. If Wyrd shows up in the area being read, look to the runes around it to determine what aspects of this question are beyond your control. By the time you finish reading through each of the runes, you can have a very concise picture of the situation surrounding your question and what sort of steps may be required of you to resolve the situation.

Many teachers will tell the new student of the runes to avoid doing this sort of reading, mainly because of its complexity. It is an excellent practice exercise to gain familiarity and confidence with the runes. That is not to say that someone just new to runes can do a random pattern cast and obtain a valid reading right away, but that the new student should practice this without feeling a need to get it right the first time. As you make more casts, you will become more comfortable with the layout and in time will begin to draw very accurate, detailed readings from this method.

Seven Worlds Spread
The seven worlds spread (also called seven runes spread) is a little more involved in the layout, but the reading of the runes is made easier by the fact that the location of each rune points out its meaning in the casting. To perform this layout, you can use either the "draw" method of choosing the runes, or they can be cast. If you are going to cast, you need to first lay out the pattern shown below, in the same manner as with the first layout. Make each of the spaces about three by five inches if working seated, and about six by twelve inches if standing. If you are drawing the runes one by one, you won't need to draw the layout (unless you wish to), just lay the runes as they come to hand in the numbered order of the spaces.

When casting, the runes which fall within each space are read the same as if they had been drawn one by one and laid into the spaces. If any space is empty, that particular part of the question is either irrelevant or hidden at this time.

The meaning of each of the spaces:

1. Muspell -- That which is right, what purification you need, what the power of the fates require of you.
2. Vanaheim -- Things working in your favour, the factors of expansion, growth, fertility, and pleasure.

3. Asgard -- Factors of force and strength. If badly aspected it shows weakness. Warnings of what has not been taken into account but should have been. Conflict and strife.

4. Midgard -- The core of the question, the querent.

5. Swartalfheim -- Skill, purpose, and ability. Hopes and dreams. Indicates the drives that impel the person to ask the question or seek the goal the question implies.

6. Jotunheim -- Dangers and forces opposing the querent. Check carefully how the rune in this position relates to the rune in Asgard. In this position are the effects of greed, anger, fear, etc.

7. Niflheim -- Things which are not as they seem, the hidden factor. Fears and hidden forces at work. The querent's weaknesses. Often this is the gift demanded of the querent.

When reading the runes in this sort of layout, you can see what area of the question each rune relates to without having to carefully judge its position among all the runes. This then, leads to much easier readings which, though very accurate are not quite as in depth as readings taken from the random pattern spread can be.

Three Rune Spread
The three rune spread is perhaps the easiest of all rune castings, and can be performed with a cast by laying out the pattern as shown below, in the same manner as with the seven worlds spread above. When using the three rune spread, however, I have found the draw method to be much more accurate and less time consuming. The meaning of the three positions, laid out from right to left are very simple:

1. Urd - That which was (the past)
2. Verthandi - That which is (the present)
3. Skuld - That which is to come (the future)
The meaning of the rune should be read as it applies to the question and the querent's past, present, and recommended future course of actions. This completes the Rune Basics course. I hope it has been helpful, and possibly sparked an interest in one or two of you. To learn more I strongly suggest you get a copy of Using the Runes by D. Jason Cooper. Information such as publisher, ISBN, etc is available in the footnotes. Practice with your runes, learn their energies and vibrations, and don't let it get you down if they don't speak to you immediately. Things which are worth having are worth working for. As with dealing with people, when dealing with the runes, a gift demands a gift, usually your time and study in return for their answers. May you find your answers and grow

[mythril]

Greetings Moondragon.

I have a question, what does the blank rune mean in a casting eg what would it mean in a three rune spread?

[Moondragon]

In my expirence in rune casting the blank rune has always stood for the unknown element or an undecided. usually when I get this rune I will put off asking the question until a later time :) hope this helps!!!

[Moondragon]

Some Preconditions

For you to be successful in Rune readings, you need to become familiar with some basic methods of Runic practice. In this lesson, I am going to introduce you to two very important things: The book of ceremonials, and the establishing of your Rune realms.



The Book of Ceremonials

The book of ceremonials is a very important tool for your Runic practice in general and for Rune readings in particular. True, our times have the advantage of tapes, computers, and printed books. Yet nothing compares to your own, handwritten, documentation that your book of ceremonials will be.

There is a high symbolic significance to your setting up such a book: It is a significance that reaches well beyond simply writing down those things that you want to remember. The book of ceremonials is your own sacred book, written by yourself, and only for your own use. It contains spiritual energies which you -- consciously or not -- project into this book whenever you are writing in it and whenever you use it. Time will teach you the immense value of this book. Be aware that repeated use of a ceremonial utensil ties up energies in this utensil. These energies will then be present later when needed. All it takes is the presence of the utensil. Consequently you can then consciously focus on other things. You should consider your book of ceremonials as such a utensil.

To set up your book of ceremonials, you buy a nice looking notebook. First, you copy in it the "Runic Poem," which contains the key-triggers for the eighteen Sacred Futhork Runes. As you continue in your Runic practice, you write in your book of ceremonials the various rituals, methods, practices, and ceremonials with Runes. True, copying takes its time, but this rather small investment in your time will bear hundred fold fruit.

While copying, be aware that you are writing symbolic language. You will experience the symbolic meaning communicating itself to you with this practice of the Runes. As you continue you will penetrate the depths of the symbolic language. This will help you to increasingly gain an understanding of the hidden meanings of the poems and songs that you never may have thought to be possible.



How to Write your Book of Ceremonials

For your best benefit, and for best results, you should do the copying or writing in your book of ceremonials in an environment that is optimal for this process. It should be an environment that is quiet and free from outside interference. Remember, more is going on when you write in your book of ceremonials than mere copying! Therefore, make sure that nothing will disturb you in this very important work, and arrange your whole set-up in a ceremonial-like manner.

Before you begin to copy, set up your EPG (Welz Chi Generator) and transfer to yourself. Set it onto an alpha frequency. This will bring you into a calm state of meditation. See yourself in your inner Rune Realm. Continue to focus your whole, undivided attention on the process of writing. Visualize and feel energy flow through your hand and pen into the letters and words that you write on paper. See and feel every word that you write fill up with spiritual energy and radiating with Light and life energies. If you cannot yet focus your undivided attention to your writing, do not get unnecessarily worried. Practice will be your best teacher, and repeated use of the Book of Ceremonials, as you do when murmuring the Rune Songs, will fill it with strong spiritual energies. (You can also practice without the EPG, of course)

If you proceed as instructed, your book of ceremonials will be a powerful talisman. It connects you with the Runic Realms of Creation whenever you use it for a Runic ceremony, or reading. There is a great significance in your writing your own book of ceremonials that goes much beyond that which you may comprehend at present.



The Rune Realms

Before you begin to practice Runes, you need to establish within yourself a space in which you can work. It will also be useful to have some symbolic arrangement outside, which you can use to draw and to project Runic energies.

The arrangement outside is your OUTER RUNE REALM. The inner workspace that you establish is your INNER RUNE REALM, and the Realm from which you draw the Runic energies is the RUNE REALM OF CREATION. With your imagination, you connect those three Rune Realms. At a later point, when your capability of visualization will be sufficiently advanced, you may see the three Rune realms connected with the axis of the (multidimensional) world tree, where the distance from each Rune Realm to every other is equal. You will also become aware that the inner Rune Realm is not completely inside yourself, as little as the outer Rune Realm is completely outside. The three Realms permeate each other. With your practice, the mutual contact of the three Rune Realms increases continuously, and so will your capability to harness the energies of the Runes.



The Outer Rune Realm

You create your outer Rune Realm best with some utensils. As a future Rune Master, you need to be aware that repeated use of the same utensil allows you to set up structures of higher order energies (HOE) without the need of using your own energies. This practice frees your conscious mind for that which is most important in your action. Ceremonial utensils compare to machines on the material planes. They can be regarded as machines that have effects that reach into planes beyond the material levels. Those utensils are focal points. Needless to say, the best utensil is of such symbolic arrangement that it can be a focal point for any desired energy of a specific symbolism.

A very strong set of utensils is the symbols of the four elements. These symbols appear in three ways at least. First, they symbolize the four elements on the material planes. Second, they symbolize the four elements on all other planes. Third, they represent the four planes on which the Operator acts. We suggest, that you use the following set of utensils that symbolizes the elements. Use candles for fire, or the world of emanation and your will. Use a cup with water or wine to symbolize your emotions, the water element, and the astral world. Choose a dagger (active) and incense (passive) for the air element, your mind, and the mental spheres. Finally, use a dish with earth, bread, or a coin or special talisman such as the Hammer of Thor for the earth element, matter, your consciousness, and the material planes upon which you want to act. Be aware of the old wisdom that, when you align the four elements, you can perform anything you want to perform. In some way this is like having will, mind, emotions, and consciousness directed at one and the same goal. You can achieve this with proper direction of the will power, control of thoughts, concentration of emotions, and conscious attitude.

NOTE: An excellent help for you to align the four elements and reach Oneness with the Divine is the COURSE IN COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS by Karl Hans Welz. You may order this course from: HSCTI, P.O. Box 666 033, Marietta, GA 30066. Course Fee: $24.00

The next, very important feature is a utensil, so to say, that brings about protection. The CIRCLE is ideal for this purpose. However, for it to be very effective, your imagination needs to go beyond the mere circle that you draw or project. You need to envision a bubble at least. The circle symbolizes your duniverse, of which you are the Divine principle in the act of creation: You rule all energies in this universe.

Now let's talk about the symbolism that gives you access to the energies with which you want to practice: the Runic symbolism. You arrange one set of RUNE STAVES (you need another set for the reading) in a circle around you. You begin with FA in the North, going counterclockwise until GIBOR. If you intend a specific Runic practice, then you will do well to have the Rune(s) involved in front of you, taken out of the context of the circle. This symbolically brings you in touch with the specific Rune(s). It is important that you either make or get your set of Rune staves soon.

You may use a set of rituals (a ritual is a part of a ceremonial) to establish your outer Rune Realm. In later lessons, you will learn those specific rituals. Here we mention that such rituals include lighting of candles, charging of the elements, lighting of the incense, establishing of the protection, etc., including rules of purification of the practitioner and other participants.

[Moondragon]

The Inner Rune Realm

Once the outer Rune Realm is established, you continue to establish the inner Rune Realm. You may, of course, establish the inner Rune Realm only. To establish the outer realm you may project the Runes mentally into the space around yourself. However, the effect of this technique will be in the main on the mental planes, unless you are very well advanced. For the sole purpose of training in establishing the inner Rune Realm, of course, you need not establish the outer Rune Realm. This counts also for Rune meditations and for murmuring of a Rune Song. However, it is always useful to have at least on candle burning as a focal point: a "miniature outer Rune realm," so to say. For anything where you expect effects on the astral emotional, conscious or material planes, you will do well to set up the outer Rune Realm. All too often students complain that they can not get spectacular results. Failures of this kind may be for karmic reasons. In most cases, however, it is failure to properly establish the outer Rune Realm.

The inner Rune Realm takes shape of your visualization. You build up a space within yourself that is your working space. In this space you imagine yourself working with Runes. You know of the connection of both Rune Realms with the Realms of creation. To establish this working space, your inner Rune Realm, to its most effective shape, you need to practice a bit. You need to train yourself to a point where you can establish this inner Rune Realm spontaneously, at any time. This capability, or course, will in most cases not be learned spontaneously.

To establish your inner Rune Realm, you proceed as follows:

1. Set up your EPG and transfer the energy to yourself. Set an alpha frequency.

2. Bring yourself in a comfortable position. If you do more than practice, establish some symbolism of your outer Rune Realm.

3. Relax your body. You may use progressive relaxation, beginning from the tips of the toes and progressively relaxing up to the crown of your head.

4. Imagine yourself being in a place that you consider to be appropriate for establishing your Inner Rune Realm. You may imagine that you are in a clearing in the woods, which is very peaceful, with a brook running through, on a very sunny day. You may see yourself on a quiet beach, or on the top of a mountain, or in an old temple. Visualize whatever situation suits you, and whatever place you can imagine as being a holy place. The place that you are to establish now is the place from which you are triggering and harnessing the Runic energies. This place is your place of power. You are ruler in this place, master of your universe. For your convenience, and for easier access to the inner Rune Realm, a tape is available.

You see yourself in the middle of this space, your inner Rune Realm, and you see yourself fully protected. This protection also reaches out in your outer Rune Realm. It connects with the protective measure(s) of your outer Rune Realm. Then, you see a circle of Runes around you. Those Runes may be giant Rune stones, or wooden staves arranged around you, similar to the arrangement you would have in your outer Rune Realm. Again, the arrangement may be the 16 Runes from FA through YR around you, beginning with FA in the North, in front of you, going counterclockwise, until you reach YR again in the North. The Rune EH to you left, and GIBOR to your right. You may also visualize an altar in front of you, similar to an altar that you may have in your outer Rune Realm. Now, you see every one of the Runes around you in a glowing light, indicating that they get their charge from the Rune Realm of creation. At the same time, if your outer Rune Realm is established, this outer Rune Realm is automatically charged, and the connection to the Rune Realm of creation is established. As the Rune Master of this universe, you are aware that you are its absolute ruler.

Having established your inner Rune Realm, you may operate from there on a purely mental level. If your outer Rune Realm is also established, then you may keep the awareness of your inner Rune Realm being present, and you can now begin with the Rune rituals or ceremonials.

Practice of the inner Rune Realm is necessary for good progress in Runic practice, and for your advancement toward being a Rune Master.

[Ellegon]

It has been my experience that if one draws the blank rune in a runecasting it generally represents the unknown or unknowable. One must consider the other runes drawn in relation to the blank rune. It may also represent that which cannot not be known, or that which is not ours to know. Some questions we ask in a divinational reading are not for us to glean at the time of the reading. It may mean we must wait for a period of time to elapse before those answers can be known, and even then we may get a vague understanding of it meaning, thus the relation to other runes cast during that particular reading. It also represents the 'Odin' rune to others...when drawn it can mean a direct connection to Odin himself, that is to say his hand holds a definite relationship to the question on the table. One must then divine what it is that the Master himself is trying to imbibe into the meaning of that particular issue.

[Ellegon]

I made the set I currently use from the bark of my 'Tree Familiar'...after leaving an offering to this mighty oak for allowing me to use the bark, I then used my boleen to make 25 tiles of about the same size. Then I allowed them to sit on my altar for a full moon cycle~one full moon to the next~this also allows the wood to cure and become stable. I then places them on my rune-cloth face down and began a ritual of meditation asking Odin to guide my hand and select each tile to represent each rune in question. Then I used the tip of the boleen to inscribe the symbol on the tiles. Once completed, I then pricked the index finger on my casting hand and let 25 drops of my blood flow into a vial that had been ritually cleansed. I then took each completed tile in order as represented in the Elder Futhark, and invoked the power of Odin into each one with my blood as was done by the ancients. Note: when doing this ritual, one must be within his/her runic circle (as described by Moondragon...rather elloquently I might add!) and make sure that you are in the proper state of mind. This makes the runes themselves personal and places your energy deep within them. Once the ritual was completed, I then placed the rune-cloth on the altar and let them sit for about 24 hours, mainly to allow the blood to be absorbed into the rune tiles. Note #2: I personally use the blank rune because I feel it gives us that direct link to our Master and leaves the door open for the unknowable issues we may encounter. Please email me with any questions or for more complete details about this ritual.

[Rick]

The so-called "blank" rune was added in around 1900. It has no foundation in tradition or Lore. If you are a beginner & you have acquired a set with a blank Rune, my advice is to throw it away. It has no meaning.

Moondragon & Ellegon, I find most of your information (well, except about the blank Rune) fascinating. Who'da thought of a Runic Book of Shadows? I'd be extremely interested to hear your sources.

Rick Runesinger

[mythril]

Indeed.

[Rick]

Re: "blank Rune"- it further occurs to me that the basis of Rune magic is galdr (or galdor). Galdr involves singing or chanting either the names or phonetic sounds of the Runes to manifest their power. A "blank" Rune has neither a name or a phonetic value; how can it be sung or chanted?

Rick Runesinger

[Ellegon]

Originally posted by Rick
Re: "blank Rune"- it further occurs to me that the basis of Rune magic is galdr (or galdor). Galdr involves singing or chanting either the names or phonetic sounds of the Runes to manifest their power. A "blank" Rune has neither a name or a phonetic value; how can it be sung or chanted?

Rick Runesinger


Rick...consider the following.....

The basis of the blank rune is the unknowable or unknown in casting. Therefore, I submit for further discussion, that the blank rune would have no basis or merit in ritualistic magic, ie galdr...no sound or phonetic value would by its definition negate its use in magic....just a thought.

And I do agree that the blank rune is a new concept and the true student of the runes need not use it, however, I have found in personal readings that is has been most useful and well founded...just a thought.

This discussion is cool!

Elle )0(

[Moondragon]

Rick,
I definately see your point as for me personally I always saw the blank rune as beginnings or something not yet completely formed, as such it would be unknown to the seeker at that point in time.

I have also seen it in my personal spreads after the sheding of an old way like a habit or something no longer as usful as it used to be a symbolism of it's return to the chaos of creation to be renewed again.

Moondragon

[Rick]

Hmm... so, it would seem the blank Rune has no magical value, but may have value in divination... that may well be.

Rick Runesinger

[Ellegon]

Originally posted by Rick
Hmm... so, it would seem the blank Rune has no magical value, but may have value in divination... that may well be.

Rick Runesinger


Thats my take on the blank rune, bro...something to ponder, regardless....

Elle )0(

[Silver Venus]

This is a great thread!! :)
Maybe we could discuss some of the toipcs Moondragon brought up?
:sunny:

[Rick]

Originally posted by Silver Venus
This is a great thread!! :)
Maybe we could discuss some of the toipcs Moondragon brought up?
:sunny:

Luv, you're a moderator in this forum... you can discuss anything in any thread here! :lol:

[Lavender]

I'm curious how many people use the blank rune? I have 2 sets. The first set has the blank rune but the second set doesn't. When I use the first set, I don't think I've ever drawn that particular rune. It doesn't feel any different using either sets.

[Ellegon]

I only use the blank rune in divination...where questions or inquiries have a potential to yield results unknown to us or that we have not the ability or right to know. In regular runic magic or bindings/talismans, I do not use it.

Blessings,

Elle )0(

[Silver Venus]

Hiya,
I dont use the blank rune at all, Im not clued up on the significance of it ~ just know it wasnt introduced by Odin but at a latter stage (quite recently I think..) and stands for an a nothing.. like ~ your not supposed to know the answer to your question..It stands for the deep dark subconsious (I think..) but then dont all the runes? I just dont feel the need to use it and have it in my set... just my thoughts... :)
Maybe the blank rune isnt for you either WildChild ~ thats why it hasnt come up yet? Or maybe it is waiting till it is really needed!
:sunny:

[Silver Venus]

Originally posted by Moondragon
The Inner Rune Realm

Once the outer Rune Realm is established, you continue to establish the inner Rune Realm. You may, of course, establish the inner Rune Realm only. To establish the outer realm you may project the Runes mentally into the space around yourself. However, the effect of this technique will be in the main on the mental planes, unless you are very well advanced. For the sole purpose of training in establishing the inner Rune Realm, of course, you need not establish the outer Rune Realm. This counts also for Rune meditations and for murmuring of a Rune Song. However, it is always useful to have at least on candle burning as a focal point: a "miniature outer Rune realm," so to say. For anything where you expect effects on the astral emotional, conscious or material planes, you will do well to set up the outer Rune Realm. All too often students complain that they can not get spectacular results. Failures of this kind may be for karmic reasons. In most cases, however, it is failure to properly establish the outer Rune Realm.

The inner Rune Realm takes shape of your visualization. You build up a space within yourself that is your working space. In this space you imagine yourself working with Runes. You know of the connection of both Rune Realms with the Realms of creation. To establish this working space, your inner Rune Realm, to its most effective shape, you need to practice a bit. You need to train yourself to a point where you can establish this inner Rune Realm spontaneously, at any time. This capability, or course, will in most cases not be learned spontaneously.

To establish your inner Rune Realm, you proceed as follows:

1. Set up your EPG and transfer the energy to yourself. Set an alpha frequency.

2. Bring yourself in a comfortable position. If you do more than practice, establish some symbolism of your outer Rune Realm.

3. Relax your body. You may use progressive relaxation, beginning from the tips of the toes and progressively relaxing up to the crown of your head.

4. Imagine yourself being in a place that you consider to be appropriate for establishing your Inner Rune Realm. You may imagine that you are in a clearing in the woods, which is very peaceful, with a brook running through, on a very sunny day. You may see yourself on a quiet beach, or on the top of a mountain, or in an old temple. Visualize whatever situation suits you, and whatever place you can imagine as being a holy place. The place that you are to establish now is the place from which you are triggering and harnessing the Runic energies. This place is your place of power. You are ruler in this place, master of your universe. For your convenience, and for easier access to the inner Rune Realm, a tape is available.

You see yourself in the middle of this space, your inner Rune Realm, and you see yourself fully protected. This protection also reaches out in your outer Rune Realm. It connects with the protective measure(s) of your outer Rune Realm. Then, you see a circle of Runes around you. Those Runes may be giant Rune stones, or wooden staves arranged around you, similar to the arrangement you would have in your outer Rune Realm. Again, the arrangement may be the 16 Runes from FA through YR around you, beginning with FA in the North, in front of you, going counterclockwise, until you reach YR again in the North. The Rune EH to you left, and GIBOR to your right. You may also visualize an altar in front of you, similar to an altar that you may have in your outer Rune Realm. Now, you see every one of the Runes around you in a glowing light, indicating that they get their charge from the Rune Realm of creation. At the same time, if your outer Rune Realm is established, this outer Rune Realm is automatically charged, and the connection to the Rune Realm of creation is established. As the Rune Master of this universe, you are aware that you are its absolute ruler.

Having established your inner Rune Realm, you may operate from there on a purely mental level. If your outer Rune Realm is also established, then you may keep the awareness of your inner Rune Realm being present, and you can now begin with the Rune rituals or ceremonials.

Practice of the inner Rune Realm is necessary for good progress in Runic practice, and for your advancement toward being a Rune Master.



Going to try this when I have a spare hour or two! :)

[Flar's Freyja]

There was recently a big discussion on the blank rune on another board that I'm on, and the general agreement was that it was included only for the purpose of replacing a lost rune, and that is has no value in divination. I agree with that, since I don't agree with trying to come up with your own meaning.

Thanks for bumping this, SV......I love the rune meditation!

[Silver Venus]

Glad to be of bumping help :)

[Flar's Freyja]

I had the strangest thing happen when I did readings last night. I do three rune (past, present, future) spreads and I used to draw the runes from the bag, but a few weeks ago I started casting them. For one reading, two runes insisted on being in the past position and for the second, two runes fell in the future position. Interestingly, the double runes related to each other; Perthro and Berkana, and Tiwaz and Thurisaz.

I incorporated both into the readings. Has anyone ever had this happen before?

[Rick]

Um... I'm having a little trouble visualizing the process... are you casting all twenty four Runes at once, or do you draw three, & then cast them? How do you determine which ones fall into past, present, future?

More than one Rune falling into a certain position would give more weight to that area of the reading, ie: 'focus here'...

[Flar's Freyja]

:D And I'd have a difficult time putting it into words so I don't think I'd be very helpful, but you did answer my question! That's what I thought and you confirmed it nicely!

[Flar's Freyja]

bump

[Xeen]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge Moondragon... I admit I haven't read everything you posted yet... I'm new around these parts and I'm such a flake :)

But I copied everything to notepad and I'll be reading it carefully at a later time though.

I've got a question, that I already kind of posted here but this is directed mostly towards you and your rune technique more than in general: Is this the way that you do it because it's just the way that you do it? Do you feel called to do it this way? Have you been guided through learning what best works for you? Or is this like... the Official way of casting/translating runes? I've been terribly confused about everyone's own meanings for runes, and history and such when studying about them in the past. Thinking about it, there's a lot of beliefs that are similar, but a lot that are different.

Sorry if that confused ya any :)

Also, I've got a set of runes that I got off eBay... from what I can tell, somebody made them out of those smooth glass pebbles you can get in the store, then painted them with metallic paint and used gold foil/paper to etch the actual runes into them.

In your opinion, does it matter what my runes are made of or does it matter who made them? I have no desire, at this point in time at least, to make my own runes, mostly because I want anything I do to be perfect and nice and neat and I can't believe that I can make a set of runes for myself to my satisfaction. That and I simple don't have the patience for it. I know there are different kind of "rules" for making your own runes. When I think I'm ready, I'll definatly attempt to make my own.

Anyhow... gaw. You people make me type way too much :)

Is there a way I can personalize my runes to be "my runes"? I've had them for a couple of years, they feel like strangers, if that makes sense. I really like them, they feel great, but they can feel rather like strangers after awhile.

Thanks for any input you have. Sorry for rambling. Gotta stop that...

may your magic never falter...
-aynjelah

[Rick]

Originally posted by aynjelah

Thank you for sharing your knowledge Moondragon... I admit I haven't read everything you posted yet... I'm new around these parts and I'm such a flake :)

But I copied everything to notepad and I'll be reading it carefully at a later time though.

I've got a question, that I already kind of posted here but this is directed mostly towards you and your rune technique more than in general: Is this the way that you do it because it's just the way that you do it? Do you feel called to do it this way? Have you been guided through learning what best works for you? Or is this like... the Official way of casting/translating runes? I've been terribly confused about everyone's own meanings for runes, and history and such when studying about them in the past. Thinking about it, there's a lot of beliefs that are similar, but a lot that are different.

Sorry if that confused ya any :)
I'm not sure, but I don't think Moondragon has posted since that original post, so I'll give it a go... Hmm, an "Official Way of Casting Runes"? In a word... No. And if anyone says so, that's a big red flag... they're stuffed more full of crap than a Christmas goose (I'd express how I really feel, but this is a family oriented site). The oldest known written source recording the casting of Runes was by Tacitus, a Roman historian, in Germania. He describes the Runes as carved on 'slips of wood', & the Runesters would cast them onto a 'white linen cloth'. Is that the only way to do it? No, merely the oldest way recorded... you might call it the 'traditional' way. There are as many Rune layouts as there are tarot layouts. The only 'wrong' way that I can conceive would be in some manner that would be disrespectful to the Norse/Germanic Gods/desses... & I can't really think of a specific way to do that, either.

Also, I've got a set of runes that I got off eBay... from what I can tell, somebody made them out of those smooth glass pebbles you can get in the store, then painted them with metallic paint and used gold foil/paper to etch the actual runes into them.

In your opinion, does it matter what my runes are made of or does it matter who made them? I have no desire, at this point in time at least, to make my own runes, mostly because I want anything I do to be perfect and nice and neat and I can't believe that I can make a set of runes for myself to my satisfaction. That and I simple don't have the patience for it. I know there are different kind of "rules" for making your own runes. When I think I'm ready, I'll definatly attempt to make my own.

Anyhow... gaw. You people make me type way too much :)
We make you type too much?!? 8O No, it doesn't really matter what your Runes are made of... again, there are traditional materials, ie: the wood of a fruit-bearing tree, but if the Elders would have had Sculpy a couple thousand years ago, it would be a traditional material today. I've made a set or two from the glass fish bowl pebbles (eh, Puma?), & they work just as well as my birch set...

Is there a way I can personalize my runes to be "my runes"? I've had them for a couple of years, they feel like strangers, if that makes sense. I really like them, they feel great, but they can feel rather like strangers after awhile.

Thanks for any input you have. Sorry for rambling. Gotta stop that...

may your magic never falter...
-aynjelah
If you want to personalize them, 'stain' them... that is, put a drop of your blood on each Rune.

[Celestial Tears]

UUmm.. I could be wrong about this and it's totally possible...but...

On the second page, someone said that the blank rune doesn't have a name. Well, from what I've learned, it does. It's called "Wyrd" (pronounced weird).

I just thought I'd put that out there....

[cydira]

hmm...

Here's a thought from a linguistic perspective.

Perhaps the blank rune could be used as a space between words, as the dot was used in the past. Or at least I think it was.

I'm a bit rusty on all this.

Aside from that, it does strike me as a little redundant, when I think about it. This blank rune is a rune of mystery but there's also the rune poerdh which is also a rune of mystery.

Just a thought.

[SafeInTheWingsOfIsis]

thank you sooooo very much. this thread has been of much help. it's exactly what I was looking for. THANKS~!!!:hugz:

[RavensEye]

The so-called "blank" rune was added in around 1900. It has no foundation in tradition or Lore Ok I have heard of this before but where does this come from or where is this stated that it was added then?