The spiritual practice of rune reading

I have recently reintroduced rune reading into my daily spiritual life. I briefly dabbled in it a few years ago when I was exploring various methods of divination.

But this time, my quest became more personal due to recent events in my life, and I found myself remembering a lot of what I had learned years ago, and the decision to use Rune again proved to be a very enriching one. experience.

Since then, I have discovered that runes are a wonderful spiritual tool for deeper introspection, inner guidance, and connection to the universal spiritual principles behind these small tablets of ancient wisdom.

In ancient Germanic languages, the word “rune” itself means “secret” or “mystery,” reflecting their traditional use for a variety of purposes, including writing, divination, and magical practices. Each runic tablet or stone contains a character from the ancient alphabets of early Germanic and Scandinavian cultures, including ancient Fusak, the oldest form of the runic alphabet.

The Elder Futhark dates back to the 2nd to 8th centuries and consists of 24 runes, each with its own unique meaning and symbolism. I use the Elder Futhark, which is the most commonly used rune in divination practice, just like the Rider-Waite tarot deck is the most commonly used in card divination.

For those interested in divination, spiritual growth, and personal reflection, the ancient Fusak Runes and the Ryder-Waite Tarot are among the most popular esoteric tools in their respective traditions.

Divination tools are the translators of the universe and God, and the tools that are suitable for personal divination are the right ones~ Erin Scrugham

Arguably the most famous and widely used tarot deck, the Ryder-Waite Tarot is known for its rich symbolism and profound meaning. Fusak Sr. is equally respected in the fields of runic study and practice, valued for his historical significance and the breadth of insights he offers.

Both are great entry points for beginners and a rich source of insight and exploration for those more advanced in spiritual practice. I like to think of them as echoes of ancient wisdom that addresses the challenges of modern life.

My favorite ancient Fusak runes include:

Question(ᚠ) – Associated with wealth, abundance and prosperity. It can also represent material wealth and the energy or effort required to achieve success.

Uluz (ᚢ) – Symbolizes strength, health and vitality. It can represent physical strength, resilience, or a challenge to overcome.

tulisaz(ᚦ) – Represents thorns or giants, suggesting defense, protection, or a potentially dangerous or challenging situation that requires caution.

Ansuz(ᚨ) – Associated with communication, wisdom and the divine. It may mean a message, advice, or revelation.

redho(ᚱ) – Represents travel, movement or journey. This can be a physical journey or a metaphorical journey through life.

Kinaz(ᚲ) – Symbolizes knowledge, enlightenment and understanding. It can also represent creativity or solutions to problems.

Gebo (ᚷ) – Represents gifts, hospitality or generosity. It can mean an exchange, whether material, emotional or spiritual.

Wen Zu (ᚹ) – Associated with joy, pleasure and harmony. It implies happiness, happiness and success in hard work.

Of course, these are just a few examples, and each rune has rich meanings that may vary depending on the context in which it is used. In divination practices, runes are closely associated with themes of fate and destiny. Each rune symbolizes a different aspect of life, natural forces or human emotions. However, runes are also powerful tools for meditation, personal reflection, and inner guidance on the spiritual path.

When I used to do divination professionally, I would use tarot cards to solve human problems…and then I would use runes as tools to help me understand people’s psychological challenges~ Anne Reith

Reading Runes as a Spiritual Practice

I practice reading runes to gain insight into life’s challenges, make decisions, and explore spiritual matters. The meanings and interpretations of runes can emphasize principles such as courage, strength, perseverance, protection, and wisdom that are essential in meeting life’s challenges.

To me, runes are inherently inferior to other forms of divination. Instead, I find that runes provide more meaningful insights into the present moment, highlighting underlying dynamics and potential paths forward rather than predicting future outcomes.

This is why I love reading runes for spiritual growth. Once the seeker accepts a baseline of wisdom and understanding and stops worrying that everything will be okay in the future, runes can be used to enhance and strengthen the journey.

However, runes also emphasize spiritual principles that embody results or outcomes, e.g. Issarepresented by a straight vertical line, tells us that we must seek cover or stay put. ThursdayOn the other hand, it is a lucky charm that means being in the right place at the right time. Yuncheng is a joy rune. redho Contrary to the virtue of Isaac, we must act or take action.

You can also read the runes backwards like a tarot card. I like this technique because it provides a more intuitive depth and dimension to the reading. However, not all runes are reversible, as they are in the same position, whether upright or reversed. 10 of the 24 runes are the same whether written upright or backwards.

You can also read the runes alongside the tarot cards, either reading them side by side or drawing the tarot cards that correspond to each rune. I like the former technique because it provides a more intuitive, less structured perspective on reading.

These runes can complement your spiritual practice or daily activities in a variety of ways, providing a unique blend of introspection, guidance, and connection to ancient wisdom:

Runes are not a form of fortune telling and do not provide accurate answers or give you advice – rather, they provide different variables and suggest how you would behave if an event did occur ~ Rachel Newcomb

self discovery

Rune readings encourage deep self-reflection. As you read the runes, you are encouraged to look within and consider your current situation, your life path, and the choices you face. This process can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding, leading to personal growth.

decision making

Runes can serve as guidance tools, providing insight into possible outcomes or highlighting aspects of a situation that you may not have considered. While they don’t focus on predicting the future, they can help you reflect on your actions and choices, providing different perspectives that can aid decision-making.

Ancestral Wisdom

Runes have a long history and tradition, originating from ancient Germanic and Norse cultures. Using them in your spiritual practice creates a sense of connection to the ancients, their wisdom, and their understanding of the universe, enriching your spiritual experience through connections to the past.

meditation focus

The act of casting runes and pondering their meaning is itself a meditative practice. It promotes mindfulness and concentration, shifting your focus from the hustle and bustle of daily life to spiritual contemplation.

Ingvars An excellent rune for meditation at this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere. Its symbol is a double diagonal cross. Represents the germination of seeds sown early in the growing season, representing growth and new opportunities. We are reminded that sometimes action is in order if we have the patience of its sister rune, Issasit quietly, waiting for the flowers to bloom.

A seemingly counterintuitive lesson discovered in runes Aivaz, which appears as up and down arrows and appears to guide the inquirer back and forth. Aivaz reminds us of a passage from the Bible: “If a man does not work, he will not eat. While waiting, we must complete our daily activities of survival in order to receive our daily bread.

development of intuition

Using runes can help enhance your intuition and increase psychic awareness. As you become more familiar with these symbols and their meanings, you may find yourself using your inner knowledge and intuition to interpret them, thus strengthening these abilities.

performance practice

Rune readings can supplement one’s manifestation efforts by providing insights and affirmations that are aligned with one’s intentions and desires. When you use runes as part of the manifestation process, you tap into ancient wisdom that reveals underlying energies, potential obstacles, and helpful strategies related to your goals. This guide can help you refine your focus, clarify your intentions, and strengthen your commitment to the manifestation process.

Runecasting promotes a more intuitive and co-creative relationship with the energies that shape our reality. Additionally, the act of drawing and meditating on specific runes can serve as a powerful ritual that actively aligns your vibration with your desired results, thereby increasing the effectiveness of your manifestation efforts.

mental routine

Incorporating rune reading into your spiritual routine can add structure and ritual, creating a sacred time for reflection and connection with the spiritual realm. This regular practice can lay the foundation for your spiritual journey and provide a sense of stability and continuity.

Runes can be adapted to suit different aspects of spiritual practice. Whether you are seeking guidance, performing a ritual, or simply meditating on their esoteric meanings, runes provide a flexible tool that can be personalized to meet your spiritual needs. As with any spiritual tool, the key is to read the runes with respect, openness, and a willingness to learn from the insights they provide.