“Symbols are miracles we have recorded into language.”
S. Kelley Harrell
Introduction
Personal rune set
“It’s written in the runes” is a modern saying suggesting an occurrence may have some additional significance, synchronicity, or might even have some pre-ordained quality or meaning. In common language, it’s generally used as an observation rather than a serious explanation of a situation…
Runes were originally the sacred alphabet of the Germanic peoples of northern Europe, including the Vikings. It is believed they were perceived as ancient symbols used for communication, divination, and “magic”. The various runic symbols literally spelt words of power and protection to be inscribed on many artifacts including burial stones, sword blades, Viking long ships etc. Mastery of these symbols was a highly respected skill and “rune masters” were seen to be of higher status than the general population, requiring a long and arduous initiation into the art.
There are many myths and legends surrounding the genesis of the runes as we know them today. Archeologically, the earliest runic inscriptions date from around AD 50. As people travelled further afield, additional traditions developed, including the integration of Icelandic and Celtic practices and beliefs. The earliest “Younger Futhark” was a set of 16 runes which increased over time to 24 – the “Elder Futhark”. Symbolic meanings developed to represent a number of additional elements including the seasons of the year, hours of the day, directions of the compass etc. to enhance deeper understanding of their symbolism and meaning. Subsequently, 9 more were added in Celtic Northern England, called the “Northumbrian Futhark”. Through the centuries, runes were generally superseded by the Latin alphabet as Christians gradually replaced their use by approximately AD 700 in Central Europe and by AD 1100 in Northern Europe.
Health warning! It should be noted that during my research, one authority suggests that the Vikings were mainly illiterate, preferring the spoken word to tell stories, speak poetry, describe history and dispense justice. The runes were therefore not so much an alphabet for them, as a means of making marks to show some form of power, rather than for written language, making “magic” or divination.
Link with Shamanism
As I’ve said before, while there are a number of common fundamental shamanic beliefs and practices worldwide, there are also a number of variations often linked with geographical location and more local traditions and cultures that have developed over the millennia. This doesn’t invalidate the core beliefs, but provides a richer tapestry of practice internationally. Our own tradition in Britain derives much from the Celtic heritage, with some Viking influence as well. Historically within these, druids and spiritual leaders often used runes in divination rituals i.e. “the skill or act of saying or discovering what will happen in the future” (Cambridge dictionary), to seek guidance from the spirit world, and to understand the patterns of nature. It is this history that has relevance to the shamanic tradition on our shores. Today, shamanic healers use them in various ways, including divination and during healing, to “see” issues that a client may need to work on developmentally or spiritually.
“The key to all your behaviours is hidden in a box that you can’t open using normal tools: your subconscious needs a different recipe than the one you’ve been using.”
Gerard Armond Powell
Personal perspective
I was first introduced to runic readings during the second year of the shamanic healing course I attended 2013-2015. Two days immersed in the complexities of this tradition left me feeling confused and frustrated and, despite having moved on from my Christian upbringing, there remained some sense of scepticism about divination. I left the runes for other practices until the Covid lockdowns gave me the opportunity to revisit all my course practices and I had the time to think and experiment for myself. The third year of the course was much about taking whatever we’d learned and making it our own - refining and individualising personal practices to suit our own unique stage of development. Thus, I saw the runes in a new light: not so much for divination, but as a means of providing additional perspectives on whatever issue I might be working on, thus drawing on my Celtic and Viking ancestry.
"Runes do not predict the future; they reveal the patterns already woven into the fabric of existence." Anon
The Runes and their meanings
The 24 “Elder Futhark”
The 24 Elder Futhark runes are the most commonly used in modern times. Space doesn’t allow for full explanations here, but suffice it to say each has its own general, one word meaning. This can then be enhanced at more depth by including additional aspects of this perspective for deeper work. For example, the rune Mannaz is generally about Awareness but at a deeper level can also include: Harmonious connections with others * Feeling part of society by being oneself * Mind & intuition working together * Tolerance of others and of their beliefs * Review one’s own conduct before criticising others * Re-examine self, motives and aims * Take time * Consult a trusted other. It’s the combination of a number of runes that can build up a more complex interpretation of a specific question that has been intentionally asked for guidance or growth.
For interest, the internationally recognised Bluetooth logo is the combination of two runes – Hagalaz and Berkano, equivalent to the letters H and B, the initials of Harald Blatand Gormisson’s name (Bluetooth in English), who was a king of Denmark during the Viking period.
Personal use
So, having re-discovered them during the Covid years, I’ve since used the runes in three ways. To emphasize: for me, this is not divination - looking into the future – but providing additional perspectives on everyday life situations and current questions I might have:
Until 2024, I’d draw a rune randomly each week to provide a “theme for the week” to heighten my consciousness of its meaning during meditations and other practices. While writing this blog I discover that I started this practice in 2017 and it’s fascinating to look back at key developmental stages, challenges and insights during this period - a kind of “Growth Log”.
In 2024 I started following the Runic calendar where each rune relates to a fortnight during the year. At the beginning of each fortnight I consider its meaning for the coming period and at the end of the fortnight complete a pictorial log and summary of significant events, insights and feelings (see below).
The third method is once a month, at full moon which is considered an auspicious time, I use a set of Viking-related oracle cards, asking myself a significant question in relation to my growth and development. Drawing nine cards at random provides a number of interrelated perspectives that in most cases provide me with sound insights into what it is I’m seeking. In this set, the runes are complemented by 21 Viking Gods and myths to connect with my Viking heritage.
"To read the runes is to listen to the echoes of the universe, guiding us toward clarity."
Link to photography
As elsewhere in this series, the challenge is how to express these ideas and concepts photographically. For this subject In one way it’s relatively easy: simply go out into nature and look for shapes that emulate any of the 24 runes and create images around them. However, the challenge at this time of year is finding them – particularly as winter is now long gone and most trees are blossoming and burgeoning with life, and branches and twigs are much less discernable. Nonetheless, here are three examples of recent images taken that reflect three runes discovered in a recent walk at Chalice Well in Glastonbury, a local oasis of peace and tranquility. For each, I offer their relevant dates and core meanings. Remember, I personally use these are for higher perception awareness, not foretelling the future.
ISA: 28th November - 12th December
Core meaning: In the moment
Connection to the still point inside * Focus and intent in harmony * Integrated will * Ability for good concentration * Slow things down * Glacial patience * Blocked ambitions become disguised blessings * Calmness induces contemplation * Respite from cluttered thinking * Break from creative work to recharge
GEBO: 28th September - 12th October
Core meaning: Giving and receiving
Inner male/female harmony * Understanding personal truth * Bringing together what one needs for harmony in life * Relationships to the fore * Open heart * Not over-indulging
ALGIZ: 29th January - 13th February
Core meaning: Healthy boundaries
Feeling secure in self * Alignment to higher self * Knowing true purpose in life * Freedom * Healing & protection * Make time for yourself * Creative ventures * Pursue fascinating subjects * Meditation & illumination
After each period I reflect on those meanings that have particularly resonated with during various meditations, activities, and reflections which I then show in bold, reinforcing the process for me.
Conclusion
I’ve described the history of the runes with their original meaning, reflected on their various uses in different cultures, and their potential to connect us to ancient wisdom. I’ve also described their link with the shamanic tradition and how I’ve personally connected with them after initial scepticism, integrating them into my own practices and meditations. This is yet another subject that one has some diffidence in sharing, knowing how removed from modern life this might appear to be. However, surprisingly for me, they have become a valuable part of my spiritual journey: not just for themselves but as a direct link to my ancestors. I’ll leave it to you, dear reader, to make of this what you may….
“There is an alchemical process occurring in this deep, compassionate exploration of all that we are: there is a transformation of energy.”
Dhuani Ywahoo: Voices of our Ancestors