A Beginner’s Guide To Rune Casting

Rune casting is not the most well-known form of divination. Nevertheless, once you start working with it you will discover that it is a potent and fascinating means of divining the future.

The runes are an ancient Nordic alphabet called the Futhark that existed long before the Latin alphabet was adopted in the late Middle Ages. Each of the mystical rune symbols represent a particular phonetic sound.

The history of the runes is as fascinating as the runes themselves. Believed to have been developed in Scandinavia during the time of the birth of Jesus, the runes can be used to write from left to right or from right to left, and the words are based on the sounds they represent. The shape of the runes varied widely from region to region.

It is said that runes must first be activated before it can be used in casting. There are various ways to do this energy charging or intention setting. All good quality rune sets come with an instruction booklet on how to get the most out of their use.

It has become a modern trend for runes to be read in a similar way as tarot cards, by drawing individual runes and laying it out in a formal spread. However, rune casting is traditionally done in a similar fashion as African bone casting. Similar to Tarot and the I Ching it is an intuitive art that is not limited by strict interpretive definitions and pedantic rules.

When you’re new to rune divination, it can helpful to start by choosing one or two runes to focus your intention for the reading on. Then mix all the stones by shaking the bag. When you’re ready to cast, simply drop the runes onto a cloth and randomly spread them out.

Essentially the same rune is never interpreted exactly the same way from reading to reading. Each new interpretation will depend on the traditional symbolism of the particular tune; the original intention or question; the context of the surrounding runes; as well as the reader’s unique intuitive interpretation in that moment.

They’re not a form of fortune-telling and don’t offer exact answers or give you advice – rather they offer different variables and suggest how you could behave if the event does occur ~ Rachel Newcombe

The following are some of the generic meanings of certain runes.

BERKANA. Represents feminine energy and is associated with Mother Earth. It means the power of influence and growth. It is also associated with the birch tree – the first tree to bud in spring. Harnessing its power helps us to create the life we want.

GEBO. Symbolizes compassion and generosity and the offering of gifts. It also suggests sharing your heart with others and can signify a time of hospitality and generosity. It is also associated with new romance or discovering a talent that you never knew you had.

OTHALA: Symbolizes ancestral spiritual power and divine inheritance. It is also a symbol of earthly estate and family. It may indicate problems related to money and inheritance and can be used to protect you in business and relationships. It can also help you recollect memories from your childhood. A reversed Othala is a sign of carelessness or an inability to make decisions.

LAGUZ. A powerful spiritual and emotional balance tool. It helps you stabilize your feelings and overcome negative thoughts. It keeps you calm and steady and can help you accept limitations and support you in controlling your ego. It is an excellent choice for healing, self-empowerment, and to find a way to live your best life! Using this rune as a talisman could help you achieve your goals and overcome your fears.

As with other forms of divination, such as Tarot, nothing is fixed or finalized. If you don’t like what the rune casting is telling you, change what you’re doing, and alter your prospective path ~ Patti Wigington

DAGAZ. An important and fascinating rune. It can mean several things, from a sudden increase in your income to a new relationship. It reminds us that all things are in a constant state of change and that the cycle of the seasons and the planets are in perfect proportion. It represents an increased desire to understand the world and is associated with a fresh zest for life. It promises success, completion, and the desire to overcome obstacles. It can also represent advanced thinking and the ability to transform one’s situation. It also indicates the possibility of meeting the ideal friends, colleagues and life partners – people that you will be sincerely happy with, no matter what.

KENAZ. Symbolizing fire it represents a spark of creative energy, novel idea, or new project. It denotes a blaze of divine inspiration and is associated with sacrifice and creation. It may also symbolize loss in a romantic relationship or a significant area of life. Mostly, it conveys the desire to change. Drawing this rune generally indicates that a new sense of understanding will soon arise, and the darkness of the past will be over more quickly. It also symbolizes creative expression and the desire to be free from restrictions. It is a powerful rune to draw as it represents illumination and the vast knowledge of the divine.

As you can see, we can learn so much from casting the runes. By bringing them into your life, they may help guide you in the right direction and bring positivity and empowerment into your life.