Are you interested in magic runes? Maybe you’ve seen these symbols online, or in your local New Age Shop?
Maybe you’ve often found yourself wondering: “What are they for?”.
Well, if you are intrigued by the meaning of magic runes, you’ve come to the right place!
Let’s start by defining what we mean by ‘runes’:
What are Runes?
Runes are letters that make up a series of writing systems known as the runic alphabets.
They were used by Germanic-speaking people in Scandinavia, England, and some other areas of Europe before the Latin alphabet was adopted.
Mainly made up of straight lines, each rune represented a sound- much like our modern letters today.
But unlike modern letters, each rune also holds deep symbolic meaning.
For example, the rune Fehu makes a short ‘f’ sound. But it can also be used mean cattle, wealth, and luck:
For much of their lifespan, runes were used for writing messages, marking graves, magical charms, and even graffiti!
And although they are no longer used as a writing system, some people still use these ancient symbols as a tool of divination. Properly cast, they are believed to offer guidance, answer questions, and even predict the future.
That is if you can interpret their meanings…
How old are runes?
Historians aren’t 100% sure when people began to use runes. But we do know that they have existed since at least 160 CE- that’s more than 2,000 years ago!
But, whilst the origin of runes is shrouded in mystery, there are some clues as to their roots. Some historians believe that they grew from one of the alphabets of the Mediterranean area. And their use and origin can be found in the mythological world too.
The three best-known runic alphabets are the Elder Futhark (around 150–800 AD), the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc (400–1100 AD), and the Younger Futhark (800–1100 AD).
And since both of the Futhark alphabets originate in Scandinavia, it’s no surprise that their origin story can be found in Norse mythology:
In the Norse tradition, Odin, the god of wisdom, poetry, death, and magic discovered the runic alphabet.
He did this by hanging upside-down on a tree without food or water until, eventually, the runes appeared to him.
This feat was recorded in a book called the ‘Elder Edda’. And once Odin had learned the runes, he began to use them for magical purposes.
-Poems of the Elder Edda translated by Patricia Terry
So it seems that runes have always been connected to magic. In fact, when used for divination, some people even call them ‘magic runes’!
But, what are runes used for today?
Runes as a Divination Tool
Today, runes are most often used during ‘rune readings’. In other words, they are used as a divination tool- much like tarot cards.
Also known as ‘rune casting’ or ‘reading the runes’, there are many different ways to complete a rune reading.
For example, some psychics cast their runes by gently tossing them onto a piece of white cloth. The runes that land face-side-up are then used for interpretation.
Whilst others use a series of layouts, like the 5-stone Cross and Tree of Life, during their readings.
And these layouts vary in complexity as well as style.
So, once they are cast, what happens next?
To read a rune cast, the psychic looks at which runes are drawn, and in which order. They then use a rune meaning chart to work out what is being shown.
Sounds easy enough, right?
Well, it’s not quite as simple as you might think. ..
You see, runes are less precise than some other forms of divination. And that’s because each rune stone has multiple possible meanings.
This means that runes can offer deep insights, but they rarely give straight answers!
So, instead of receiving a clear answer to their question, psychics must rely on their ability to interpret what they are shown. And this can take practice.
But once a psychic has mastered the process, runes can be used to provide detailed information about the past, present, and future.
Now, whilst divination is the most common use of runes today, it isn’t the only way these symbols are used. So, let’s take a quick look at what else runes can do:
Runes as talismans or amulets
Some people believe that runes have special powers as magical protection symbols. And that means that they can be very useful as amulets and talismans.
For example, if you were looking for protection, you might choose to wear ‘Algiz’ rune as this is believed to be the most potent protection rune symbol:
Or if you wanted a rune for luck, you might choose to wear the ‘Fehu’ rune:
OK, what else?
Rune magic spells
Because of their symbolic meanings, some followers of Wicca use runes to cast spells.
There are many different spells out there, like protection rune spells; courage rune spells; success rune spells; and even rune love spells.
But whilst it is possible to find examples of these spells online, each individual practitioner uses the rune symbols and their meanings in slightly different ways.
OK, let’s go back to the rune’s most popular use as a divination tool:
What Can We Ask the Runes?
Depending on the casting style you use, it’s possible to ask the runes about anything.
But there are a few things you should keep in mind:
– Runes are vague
This means that if you have a specific question, you might not get a clear answer.
Because of this, many psychics believe that you should ask vague questions like: “What should I know about my career?”, instead of more precise questions like: “Will I get that promotion I applied for?”.
– Runes can be misread
Because they are vague, it is possible to interpret runes incorrectly. This could mean getting the wrong answer to your question.
– The amount of information you can divine depends on the spread you use
You see, not all rune spreads offer the same level of detail. Some rune spreads, like the 9-grid layout, can tell you about the past, present, and future influences on your question.
Whilst others, like the 1-stone daily reading can only tell you about the past, present, or future- not all three.
OK, so we’ve looked at what runes can do. But when did psychics start using them? And since they’re so vague, why did they bother? Let’s take a look:
When (and why) Did Psychics Start Using Runes?
It is impossible to know when people began using runes for divination for one simple reason: we don’t know for sure how old runes are.
But, as Norse mythology mentions runes having magic powers, it’s possible that they have been in use for a very, very long time.
So, why do modern psychics like them so much? After all, runes are known for being vague and difficult to interpret.
And whilst this can be frustrating, for many psychics, it’s not actually a bad thing.
In fact, lots of psychics choose to use runes precisely because they are vague.
You see, working with a tool that provides vague meanings has two important benefits:
– It can help enhance psychic powers
Runes work in part by connecting to your energy. And by meditating on the meaning of runes, some find that their psychic powers become enhanced.
– It can lead to a more in-depth reading
Because runes have many possible meanings, a psychic can use their skills to uncover the in-depth guidance held within.
OK, so we can see why many psychics like runes so much. But can you get a rune reading online?
Where Can I Find Psychics that Work with Runes?
Getting a rune reading can be a fun and enlightening experience. But what if you don’t have many psychics near you?
Well, don’t worry, many online psychic services offer rune readings. And because they are online, you can choose from lots of different options to find the best psychic for you..
But, remember, not every online psychic is legit. So, it’s important to read reviews before you spend any money.
OK, let’s have a look at some of the most popular providers on the market:
Kasamba
Readings are available by- phone, chat, and email
Price- from $2.49 per minute (+3 free minutes with each new advisor!)
Kasamba.com is one of the most popular psychic sites on the market. And many of their psychics offer rune readings.
To find a psychic who specializes in providing rune readings, simply enter ‘rune’ into the search bar. This will bring up the profiles of psychics offering this service, allowing you to read their profiles and check out their star rating.
Oranum
Readings are available by- video
Price- from $0.99 per minute (some advisors offer 1-3 minutes free)
Oranum.com offers customers the opportunity to speak with psychics via webcam. They bill themselves as a ‘spiritual community’ and they have many advisors who offer rune readings.
To find them, simply use the search bar.
Psychic Light
Readings are available by- phone
Price- from $1.50 per minute
Psychic Light is a trusted provider of psychic readings. Some of their advisors do offer rune readings, but you may have to scroll through quite a few profiles before you find someone with this specialty.
But what if you don’t want to pay for a reading?
Well don’t worry, we have you covered!
Eye of the Psychic
Eye of the Psychic offers free readings at a click of a button.
Now, we tried this ourselves. And whilst it was less in-depth than talking directly to a psychic…it did give some interesting results.
Can I Try to Read Runes Myself?
The simple answer is yes (and we even have a guide on how to read runes to help you do just that!).
But whilst it is easy to learn how to cast runes, actually reading them can be tricky.
But don’t worry, with practice, those meanings should start to become clear.
So there we have it! Runes have a long and interesting history, and they are still well-loved today.
Have you ever had a rune reading? Or even tried to read runes yourself?
Let us know in the comments!
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