I thought the runes were letter/word symbols an early form of writing, as received in meditation hanging from the World Tree by Odin / Woden in the Norse Myths.

I have books of them somewhere, detailing how they evolved into writing from symbols.
Do you have a set of individual letter-symbols inscribed separately on stones or wood, like Scrabble letters?
Do you arrange them into ancient Norse words? Or somehow ask questions, like with the I Ching?
Or do you use them for divination (divining the will of the gods?) How? I'm fascinated!

I thought the runes were letter/word symbols an early form of writing, as received in meditation hanging from the World Tree by Odin / Woden in the Norse Myths.

I have books of them somewhere, detailing how they evolved into writing from symbols.
Do you have a set of individual letter-symbols inscribed separately on stones or wood, like Scrabble letters?
Do you arrange them into ancient Norse words? Or somehow ask questions, like with the I Ching?
Or do you use them for divination (divining the will of the gods?) How? I'm fascinated!

They are 25 small wooden tablets inscribed with the symbols. As they are still very new to me I am using the booklet that came with them. This booklet seems to have similar layouts to tarot. I used what was called the 'magic square'. This helps reveal what is hidden - unconcious motivations, desires and events. I do feel that, IMHO, it doesn't matter if you use tarot, palmistry or scrying they are just tools to enable you to 'read' the possibilities or see the past. They just help you to verbalise what your guides are saying. The booklet does say you can use the runes to ask a question. I haven't done that as yet.

Thanks for that. I need to gen up on them. I agree that there are many ways to tap into more insights than normal rational left-brained thought can provide - be it conceptualised as the individual or Collective Unconscious, Gods outside or inside ourselves, as aspects of us or personifications of qualities or facets of Spirit / faces of God, according to one's beliefs.
I had never heard of using ancient Norse letter symbols as such a 'window' of 'gateway' - but why not?

I've been attending a long, graded Tarot course of classes, workshops, discussions & 'homework' this last year with a wonderful, v educated & wise lady. Having previously been sceptical in my ignorance, I now, from experience, know it can be amazingly insightful on many levels. I'm a complete convert to Tarot as a way into my Intuition & insights into myself & others, and recognising themes, patterns & cycles in my life... even inspiring moments of Gnosis.

So, thanks to you, I'll explore runes too as another 'portal'. 🙂
Bright blessings - Starshower.

They are 25 small wooden tablets inscribed with the symbols. As they are still very new to me I am using the booklet that came with them. This booklet seems to have similar layouts to tarot. I used what was called the 'magic square'. This helps reveal what is hidden - unconcious motivations, desires and events. I do feel that, IMHO, it doesn't matter if you use tarot, palmistry or scrying they are just tools to enable you to 'read' the possibilities or see the past. They just help you to verbalise what your guides are saying. The booklet does say you can use the runes to ask a question. I haven't done that as yet.

Firstly, there should only be 24. Ditch the blank one. It's invention is attributed to Ralph Blum in the 1980s. Ralph Blum wrote "The Book of Runes", a somewhat inaccurate and very personal view of Runemal according to "[url]Oswald the Runemaker[/url]"

Next, get yourself a copy of "Northern Mysteries and Magick" by [url]Freya Aswynn[/url], which will tell you what the runes are actually about.

Welcome to the wonderful world of runelore

Firstly, there should only be 24. Ditch the blank one. It's invention is attributed to Ralph Blum in the 1980s. Ralph Blum wrote "The Book of Runes", a somewhat inaccurate and very personal view of Runemal according to "[url]Oswald the Runemaker[/url]"

Next, get yourself a copy of "Northern Mysteries and Magick" by [url]Freya Aswynn[/url], which will tell you what the runes are actually about.

Welcome to the wonderful world of runelore

Thanks for that info. As I said I'm very new to the runes so any info is very welcome. I will look out for the book you recommend.

Sounds fascinating!!! isnt there a school of thought, that if you dont get on with Tarot, then its probably because you'd be better with Runes (& vice versa)?
Keep us informed of how you get on with them, sounds like you're off to a good start!!

isnt there a school of thought, that if you dont get on with Tarot, then its probably because you'd be better with Runes (& vice versa)?

Not one that I've heard of, but that doesn't mean there isn't. For instance, I use tarot, runes and astrology which you can use either on their own or together. For instance, drawing up a full astrological chart can be viewed in far more depth if you also draw a rune or tarot card to be ascribed to each house.

What I would say though it that if you're going to work with the tarot you need to find a deck that suits you, and that can take some time. Also, if you're going to get "into" the runes, you really need to make your own set.

re: making your own set - I have a friend who made hers, from beach pebbles. Said it took a while to get ones which were same size and shape, but, they are amazing! Also know someone who made his own out of slices of wood - again, fabulous. You just cant get that feel from ones bought in a shop.

Hiya, iv'e been thinking of getting a set for a while now

Hiya, Sunr!se

Keep us informed of how you get on with them.

Iv just actually been to the beach this afternoon and picked out some beautiful smooth pebbles for making my own runes...soooo excited!! 😀 Can anyone recomend good books for guidiance on how to create and read them. Many thanks.

Next, get yourself a copy of "Northern Mysteries and Magick" by [url]Freya Aswynn[/url], which will tell you what the runes are actually about.

See above 🙂 Freya's book is very good. She gives lots of good information regarding making, consecrating and working with the runes, as well as the history or lore surrounding them.