“…..They, more than anyone, attend
to omens and divination. Their custom with regards to divination
is simple: They cut down a branch from a fruit-bearing tree
and chop it into twigs; they mark these with certain signs
and sprinkle them randomly upon a white cloth. Thereupon,
the priest of the community, if it is a public matter, or
the head of the household, if it is a private one, having
called upon the gods, looks up to the sky and takes up three
of the twigs, one after another and interprets them according
to the signs previously carved on them”
Germania, chapter 10 by Tacitus, AD
98
Runes do not predict the future in the “fortune
telling” sense, but it is an Oracle which gives counsel
to the reader, offering an analysis to the problem, as well
as possible outcomes and solutions on one’s spiritual
path. As each Rune can have several meanings, which can easily
appear cryptic and too broad, it is best to be specific in
asking questions, using your intuition to let the Runes speak
to you. Having a basic understanding of each Rune is imperative
(not memorization, but perhaps reading a little about each
Rune each day), and of course, the more one uses them, the
more one is likely to have better understanding from the readings.
Keeping a “Rune Journal” to record your readings
can also be a huge help, as this will encourage you to listen
to your instincts more, which as mentioned before is the key
to reading the Runes. To make things easier, simply note down
the following at every reading:
- The date, time and method of casting
- The question/ questions you had
- The order and position of the runes that
came up (face up, face down or neither – see Yes /
No cast)
- The meanings you got from them (or what you
think it meant!)
- Your general impressions and feelings from
the reading
Don’t worry if you are not sure of your
interpretations. There is no right and wrong here, and even
the most accomplished Rune casters sometimes have doubts themselves.
Sometimes the Runes speak out to you with astonishing clarity,
other times it takes a little more effort on your part to
pick up on the clues and the underlying meaning. There are
also times when the Runes seem to say nothing pertinent to
your questions at all, and there is nothing to do but do try
again another time. Anyway you look at it, it is a highly
personal exercise, which requires a fair amount of instinctive
work and understanding.
Here are some simple methods used by Rune casters.
These are to be used with the traditional 24 Runes, or Elder
Futhark. Experiment to see what method works best for you,
feeling free to creating your own technique or incorporating
your individual style to the methods below. For more complex
casting methods, see our Resources links.
Before you begin, find a suitable place where
you will not be disturbed. Centering yourself and your thoughts
for a few minutes, perhaps by some breathing exercises or
a simple meditation will help for a good reading. Some Rune
casters also advise facing the North, the direction of the
gods in Norse Mythology.
The Yes / No Cast
Used For: Questions that require a simple Yes
or No answer.
Method: Take a moment to concentrate and ask
your question as your left hand mixes the Runes inside (if
you are left-handed, use your right). Pick a Rune out of the
bag, turn it over immediately (so that it does not read inverted).
If it is upright, the answer is a “Yes”, and reversed,
means “No”.
Note: There are 8 Runes that read the same,
whichever way they are turned. In this case, you may repeat
the process up to three times to draw another rune which may
be reversed. If you still keep on drawing one of these 8,
it is simply not the time to receive the answer you seek.
Let it be, and ask the question again at a different time.
Odin’s Rune or the One Rune Cast
Used for: This is a quick and easy way to get
an answer to a specific question or a general picture of the
situation. Some Rune casters also use this is as a daily meditation
and inspiration, before beginning their day or at bedtime.
Method: Concentrate for a minute and ask the
question. Then take a Rune out of the bag and place it on
your cloth, any surface or in your hand.
The Three Rune Cast or “Norns”
Cast
Used For: Seeking advice and understanding of
a current problem or situation from three angles: You, The
Challenge and the Best Outcome. This is also called the “Norns”
method.
Method: Concentrate on the question or situation
at hand for a moment, and draw out three Runes, one at a time
forming a horizontal line. Read the Runes from left to right,
using the interpretation as follows:
You: The first rune represents you and past
decisions and feelings that have lead up to the situation.
The Challenge: This rune refers to what you are facing now,
usually in terms of the choice or decisions there are to be
made.
The Possible Outcome: This rune signifies the outcome of the
situation, but the interpretation could be of many probable
results, from the best possible (should you make wise choices),
to what would be if the situation remains unchanged or one
of other possible outcomes. Like we said before, intuition
is the key here, and what you derive out of the meaning here
depends on how well you understand the runes and your hunches.
The Roman Method Cast
Use: This is the earliest known method of Rune
casting as described by the Roman Tacitus in “Germania”,
A.D. 98. It is similar to the “Norns” casting
mentioned above, except for a few ritualistic details, which
you can use for true authenticity. These are a white cloth
on which to cast the Runes, and the use of runes from a fruit-
bearing tree, carved fresh for the particular reading. Invoking
the gods, such as Odin, is also incorporated in the ritual,
done before scattering the runes for the reading.
Method: Lay out the white cloth and say a little
prayer, invoking the gods. Take the runes into your hands,
and scatter them unto the cloth. Pick three randomly without
looking at the runes, setting these aside. You may now interpret
these as a group or in the same way as the Three Rune Method
illustrated above.
The Nine Rune Cast
Use: Nine is a magical number in Norse Mythology, and this method gives more of a detailed analysis
of the situation or problems facing the reader, and clarity
in understanding the options open to them, as well as possible
outcomes. However, this technique is better suited to those
who have a sizeable understanding of the Runes as this method
is highly flexible in nature, meaning the way you read the
positions is entirely up to you in terms of relevance. It
would help to create some of your own rules for this type
of reading (nothing too rigid though, as Rune readings are
innately variable), which you can stick to every time you
use this casting technique, for simplicity’s sake. Consistency
is paramount.
Method: Concentrate on the situation or question
you face, and feel the runes in the bag, choosing the nine
Runes that feel right to you. Now, scatter the nine runes
on a cloth, table, or whatever casting ground you are using.
The Runes that appear “face up” are to be read
first, as these signify the present circumstances and the
dynamics that lead up to it. Generally, the runes that are
in the center are of primary importance, while the ones in
the edges could be influencing factors. But like we said,
this is a personal technique, and rune casters have their
own varying interpretations of this, which can change with
every reading. This is a good time to get your journal out
and note the first runes that came up, to avoid confusion.
Next, start turning the rest of the Runes around, also taking
note of each as they are read. These could signify the outside
influences, the choices one has and the possible outcomes.
Again, the pattern and order in which to interpret these Runes
is up to you, but keep in mind that runes that are close together
are usually associated with each other or connected in meaning.
The Runic Cross Cast
Use: Using six runes for this method, it utilizes
a pattern to follow in which to read the Runes, similar to
the cross technique in tarot card divination. The analysis
is constituted of: You in the present, the Past, the Future,
the present situation’s foundation, the challenge you
face and the possible outcome.
Method: After concentrating on the situation
or problem you face, draw 6 runes from the bag, placing them
down in the following order:
- The first Rune – Placed at the center,
this rune represents You, and your underlying feelings in
the present.
- The Second Rune – Placed to the left of the first rune.
This represents your past, and the factors that contributed
to your current situation.
- The Third Rune – Placed to the right of the first rune.
This reveals your future or destiny, of what could be ahead
when the present situation has passed.
- The Fourth Rune – Placed beneath the first rune. This
rune explains the source of the situation or problem, and
the underlying dynamics that created it.
- The Fifth Rune – Placed above the first rune. This represents
the challenge you are faced with, and the choices available
that could affect the outcome.
- The Sixth Rune – Placed above the fifth rune. This rune
brings to light the best outcome possible. Sometimes, this
position may reveal a rune which may not seem like an ideal
situation, but it is often blessing in disguise, something
that will bring greater satisfaction in the larger sense.
The Three Incarnations Cast
Use: In the Runic belief that all things are
interconnected, the relevance of past and future incarnations
provide an insight in learning how and why our present circumstances
came in to being. Finding the wisdom there is to gain from
the understanding of this can greatly help us in following
our spiritual path.
This technique involving 5 Runes, allows insight into the
following areas which are relevant to the advice you seek
on the present situation or problem:
Birth and early childhood, the Present, your Destiny or Future
in this incarnation, your Past Life, and your Future incarnation.
Method: Concentrate on your query or situation,
then pick 5 Runes, placing them down in the following order,
and interpreting them accordingly:
The First Rune: Place this on the right side
of your casting ground. This represents the circumstances
in early childhood and birth.
The Second Rune: Place this on the left of the first rune.
This signifies your present situation.
The Third Rune: Place this on the left of the second rune.
This rune reveals the possible outcome or future in your present
life.
The Fourth Rune: Place this under the second rune. This represents
a past life, one which is significant to the present situation
you face today
The Fifth Rune: Place this above the second rune. This signifies
a future incarnation, one that has relevance to your present
situation. |
