My imagination was first captured by the runes during a trip to Iceland in 2010.  At first, I studied the runes to develop a deeper understanding and spiritual bond with my Northern European heritage.  Later, through study and practice, I fell in love with runic nuance.

Runes are an ancient Germanic alphabet used for writing, divination, and enchantment. Archeological and anthropological evidence of rune usage exists throughout northern Europe, Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Iceland from about 100 B.C.E. to 1600 C.E.

The first written documentation of the runes in use was by Roman historian Tacitus in his book “Germania”, which detailed the lands, laws, and customs of the Germanic peoples:

“To divination and casting of lots, they pay attention beyond any other people.  Their method of casting lots is a simple one: they cut a branch from a fruit-bearing tree and divide it into small pieces which they mark with certain distinctive signs and scatter at random onto a white cloth.  Then, the priest of the community if the lots are consulted publicly, or the father of the family if it is done privately, after invoking the gods and with eyes raised to heaven, picks up three pieces, one at a time, and interprets them according to the signs previously marked upon them.” – Chapter X, “Germania”

Runic divination is not fortunetelling.  No one can see the future with runes; instead, the runes give meaning to complex situations and provide a way to analyze one’s path and likely outcome.  A rune will not answer questions with a simple ‘yes’ or a ‘no’, they are used to gain guidance on a specific problem or shed light on some aspect of your personality.

Each rune has specific meanings associated with it beyond the literal definition and pronunciation and they are interpreted through their individual energies, their positions in relation to each other, and their positions in relation to the casting field.

Casting Odin’s Rune

This is a simple one rune cast representing the guidance of Odin, the wise ruler of the Old Norse gods.

To cast, state the issue aloud and draw a single rune. The rune drawn will encompass the entire matter from past to future, and action to outcome.  Casting Odin’s rune is particularly useful for matters needing immediate guidance.  This cast may also be performed to gain daily insight without asking a question.

Runes are traditionally made of wooden segments created and empowered by the caster, though any scrap of paper with the runes drawn on them will do in a pinch.

Katherine’s Rune Casting “Cheat Sheet”

Name	Rune	Summary of the Rune’s Upright Meaning in Divination
Fehu		Financial strength and material wealth in the present and near future.  Abundance.  Liquid assets.
Uruz		Physical power and force.  Steadfast.  Fearless.  Healing and good mental and physical health.
Thurisaz		Chaos and transformation.  Survival of difficulties. Pure action, primal might, and barbed defense.
Ansuz		Communication, advice, and answers.  Insight and knowledge.  Creativity, honesty, and wisdom.
Raido		Physical or metaphysical journey.  Exploration or a quest.  Cross roads, direction, and reunion.
Kenaz		Increasing of all abilities. Cleansing fire.  Passion.  Great potential.  Creative inspiration.  Illumination.
Gebo		Gifts and generosity. Joint efforts.  Exchanges, romantic relationships, unity, sharing, and sacrifice.
Wunjo		Bliss, joy, peace, and pure love.  Harmony.  Success and esteem.  Serenity, prosperity, and fulfillment.
Hagalaz		Uncontrollable forces.  Opportunity for change.  Hidden blessings.  Unexpected delay.  Destruction.
Nauthiz		Reduction through necessity.  Hard work and endurance. Patience and lessons learned. Oppression.
Isa		Blocks in thought or action.  Hidden danger.  Solitude.  Impassive.  Willpower.  Stagnation.  Solidness.
Jera		Constancy.  Cycles.  Reaping what was sown. Reward for hard work.  Yearly seasons.  Natural order.
Eihwaz		Stamina, inner strength, survival, and defense.  Mortality and the inevitable.  Transition.  Spirituality.
Perthro		Luck.  Mysteries.  Fate.  Revealing the truth.  Chance.  Uncertainty.  Secrets.  Unexpected gains.
Algiz		Protection for yourself and others. Offensive/defensive balance. Guardians, trust, and allies.
Sowilo		Vital life force. Victory and vigor. Guiding light, well-being, and empowerment.  Destroys stagnancy.
Tiwaz		Warrior, honor and self-sacrifice.  Victory and focus. Guidance, law, justice, leadership and authority.
Berkano		New beginnings.  Inspiration, transformation and growth.  Fertility, renewal, and feminine power.
Ehwaz		Loyal companionship.  Trust, progress, quick movement, and confidence. Dependability and unity.
Mannaz		The human condition. Belonging in society. Intellect and human nature.  Structure.  Community.
Laguz		Emotions and intuition.  Imagination and psychic acuity.  Memory and change.  Flowing and depth.
Inguz		Male fertility, growth and completion. Soothing relief.  Prosperity, well-being, family, and offspring.
Othila		Inheritance. Homestead. Personal property. Heritage, culture, ancestry, legacy, loyalty, and values.
Dagaz		Awakening.  Hope in darkness. Polarity. Enlightenment.  Deliverance.  Change.  Dawn of a new day.