REversed runes

[nia]

how does anybody here feel about reversed runes being the inverse meaning of the rune the 'right' way up?

i have heard several diiferent thoughts on this, and while i know how i regard this, i'd like to get some insight into what other rune-users think before i tell you my thoughts.

please discuss..........

[*Rain*]

The thing that bothers me about reversals is that runes are an alphabet so - why would you read it backwards or upside down?

[Rick]

When ya pick up a stick, ya pick up both ends, right? Runes mean what they mean; all aspects are contained within their layers. Reversed, inverted, merked, none of these things changes what a rune means. First & foremost, the runes are a system of magic; that they can be used for divination or to write with is secondary. A rune is not a symbol, it's the concept that the symbol represents.

[fallingwater]

I have decided to learn the runes because I have Anglo Saxon roots and I've learneed that the runes were their method of divination. I thought sence I'm connected to that ancestry maybe I would have an easier time divining with runes over tarot. I have tried tarot for over 10 years and am no better at it.
But the runes seem to work. Although I have a small booklet that only gives a 1 line meaning to eack rune.
Last night I drew the Sowillo rune and my booklet gave an upright and reversed meaning. But I didn't know which one it was as that rune looks the same whether it's right side up or upside down. It's the lightning one.
So how do you know ?

[Rick]

Sowilo isn't reversible. It's only reversed in little rune booklets. ;)

Get some good rune references. Start here: http://mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=10509

[fallingwater]

Sowilo isn't reversible. It's only reversed in little rune booklets. ;)

Get some good rune references. Start here: http://mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=10509

I keep having deja-vu today. About Heathenry topics on this site that I've read/posted. Twice at least. Like I've already dreamed these conversations. Has my life already happened?

[Rick]

That's weird...I'd swear I've been postin' these same answers before...

Wow, we're havin' the same deja vu!

Wow, we're havin' the same deja vu!

:hehehehe:

[wyrdmage]

I think reversed runes should be taken into consideration only if the question asked specifies a yes/no, light/dark, etc...
Not all reversed runes mean bad things, rather, they could simply represent a different view of what is being asked. Divination is about possibilities and what could be. Most of what we see in divination is the strongest possibility of what could happen. All the surrounding info is the other paths that are not as strong but are there nonetheless. However, our choices we make in life after the reading could change the outcome that we had previously just forseen. _wiz_

[fallingwater]

[First & foremost, the runes are a system of magic; that they can be used for divination or to write with is secondary.]

Yes Rick, that is what I have learned in my infancy of rune studies.

The very ancient ones first used it as magic, then the christains and roman/greek influence merged with the system much later and runes became an alphabet and divination tool.

the first runes were carved into the wood of a nut bearing tree and so they have not lasted through time for us to know everything. they are steeped in mystery.

just to spend a weekend with an early shaman and witness their magical rune workings!

[Rick]

just to spend a weekend with an early shaman and witness their magical rune workings!
You should come over some Saturday afternoon... :hehehehe: