How to Cast and Read Runes — Rune Meanings and Divination

Belinda
7 min readNov 6, 2023

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In “How to Cast and Read Runes — Rune Meanings and Divination,” you will discover the ancient art of rune casting and divination. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the basics of reading runes, including an explanation of their meanings and symbols.

You’ll also learn how to cast runes and use them to gain insight into various aspects of your life. From understanding the different types of runes to creating your own set, this article is your gateway to unlocking the power of these mystical symbols. So, grab your rune cloth and prepare for a journey into the world of divination!

How to Cast and Read Runes - Rune Meanings and Divination
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How to Cast and Read Runes

Rune Meanings and Divination

Welcome to the world of runes! In this comprehensive guide, I will show you the basics of how to read runes, explain rune meanings and symbols, and teach you how to cast them and use them for divination. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience with runes, this article will provide you with all the information you need to unlock their ancient wisdom and tap into their mystical powers.

What are Runes?

Letters of ancient Germanic alphabets

Used by Germanic and Nordic tribes

Each rune has an associated meaning and spiritual significance

Traditionally inscribed on wood, stone, and metal

Runes are the letters of ancient Germanic alphabets. They were used by Germanic and Nordic tribes of northern Europe, Scandinavia, and Britain. These alphabets were not just a means of communication but were also considered sacred and possessed deep spiritual significance. Each rune has its own unique meaning, reflecting aspects of life, nature, and the spiritual realm. Traditionally, runes were inscribed on wood, stone, and metal, which added to their mystical aura and longevity.

How to Cast and Read Runes - Rune Meanings and Divination
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What is Casting Runes?

Form of divination using rune meanings

Used to gain insight into a situation

Can tell the future, learn about the past, or gain clarity

Casting runes is a powerful form of divination that utilizes the meanings of individual runes to gain insights into various aspects of life. It has been practiced for centuries as a way to seek guidance, understand the past, make informed decisions, and gain clarity in the present moment. By casting runes, you can tap into the deep wisdom of the runic symbols and receive messages from the spiritual realm. Whether you want to know about your future, delve into your past, or seek guidance in a specific situation, casting runes can provide you with valuable revelations.

What are the Different Types of Runes?

Elder Futhark

Younger Futhark

Anglo-Saxon Futhorc

Medieval Futhork

There are several different types of runic alphabets, each with its own unique set of symbols and meanings. The main ancient runic alphabets include the Elder Futhark, Younger Futhark, Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, and Medieval Futhork. Let’s take a closer look at each of these alphabets:

Elder Futhark

The Elder Futhark is the oldest runic script and is also the most commonly used today for rune casting. It consists of 24 runes, and the first six runes spell out Futhark. The Elder Futhark is made up of three sets of eight runes, known as Aetts. Each Aett represents a different aspect of life and spirituality. Freyr’s Aett pertains to the material world, Heimdall’s Aett symbolizes growth and maturation, and Tyr’s Aett is focused on spiritual matters.

Younger Futhark

The Younger Futhark script was used from around the 8th to the 12th century CE. It differs from the Elder Futhark in terms of the number and form of its runes. The Younger Futhark consists of 16 runes and was primarily used in Scandinavia during the Viking Age. This alphabet reflects the evolution and simplification of the runic script.

Anglo-Saxon Futhorc

The Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, also known as the Anglo-Frisian Futhorc, was used from the 5th century to the 11th century CE. It is distinct from the Elder Futhark in terms of the number and form of its runes. The Anglo-Saxon Futhorc was primarily used in England and the surrounding areas during the Anglo-Saxon period.

Medieval Futhork

The Medieval Futhork script fully formed in the 13th century CE and differs from the Elder Futhark in terms of the number and form of its runes. This script was used primarily in inscriptions throughout Scandinavia and remains an important part of runic history.

How to Cast and Read Runes - Rune Meanings and Divination

What are Witch’s Runes?

Include contemporary symbols

Used for divination

Common representations or personal designs

Chart of common symbols and meanings

In addition to the ancient alphabets, runes have evolved to include contemporary symbols known as Witch’s Runes. These symbols can be common representations or personal designs created by the individual practitioner. Witch’s runes are commonly used for divination and carry their own set of meanings and interpretations. Below is a chart of some common Witch’s Rune symbols and their meanings:

(Symbol Chart for Witch’s Runes)

As you can see, Witch’s Runes add another layer of symbolism and depth to the world of runic divination. You can explore these symbols and create your own unique interpretations based on their personal significance and intuition.

Runic Cross Spread

Used for divination

Runic Cross Casting

One popular method of rune casting is the Runic Cross Spread. This spread is often used for divination and can provide valuable insights into a specific situation or question. The Runic Cross Spread involves the placement of runes in a specific pattern to interpret their meanings.

To perform a Runic Cross Spread:

  1. Find a quiet place where you can focus and relax. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and think about your question or topic of inquiry.
  2. Lay out a small cloth, known as a rune cloth, to place the runes on. Without looking, randomly pick runes from your bag and place them in a specific pattern on the rune cloth.
  3. The Runic Cross Spread involves the placement of four runes in the shape of a cross. Each position has its own significance and represents different aspects of the situation or question at hand. Interpret the meanings of the runes based on their placement and the individual meanings associated with each rune.

The Runic Cross Spread is just one of many spreads that can be used for rune casting. Feel free to explore different spreads and find the one that resonates with you the most.

With these insights into the different types of runes, their meanings, and the methods of casting them, you are well on your way to becoming a skilled rune reader. Remember to approach rune casting with an open mind and a connection to your intuition. The ancient wisdom of the runes awaits you, ready to guide and enlighten you on your spiritual journey. Happy casting!

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How to Cast and Read Runes — Rune Meanings and Divination

If you are interested in rune casting and divination, this guide will provide you with the necessary steps and meanings of each rune. Follow these steps to successfully cast and read runes:

  1. Set the intention: Before casting the runes, set your intention for the reading. This could be a specific question or an area of your life you want guidance on.
  2. Prepare the runes: Gather a set of rune stones or cards. You can either make your own set or purchase a pre-made one. Ensure that you have all 24 runes in your set.
  3. Cleanse the runes: To create a clear and focused energy, cleanse your runes before each reading. You can use a variety of methods such as smudging with sage or passing them through incense smoke.
  4. Shuffle or mix the runes: Once your runes are cleansed, shuffle them or mix them up thoroughly. This allows the energy to flow freely and ensures a random selection for your reading.
  5. Draw the runes: Take a moment to concentrate on your question or intention, then draw three runes from the set. You can either do this by reaching into a bag or spreading them out and choosing randomly.
  6. Read the runes: Each rune has its own unique meaning. Use a rune meanings guide or reference book to interpret the messages of the drawn runes. Pay attention to the symbolism, colors, and positions of the runes as they relate to your question.
  7. Reflect and interpret: Once you have interpreted the meanings of the runes, take some time to reflect on how they relate to your current situation. Consider the insights and advice provided by the runes and their potential impact on your life.

By following these steps and familiarizing yourself with the meanings of each rune, you can enhance your divination practice and gain valuable insights into various aspects of your life. Remember, practice and intuition will further deepen your understanding of the runes and their messages.

For more information on rune casting and divination, check out our How to Cast and Read Runes — Rune Meanings and Divination guide.

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