#TuesdayRunes – Introduction

Published on by Jan Sikes

Welcome to a brand new series where we will explore the mysteries and magic of the runes!

I want to start with a brief history of and introduction to the runes.

To most, the various symbols that make up what we call “the runes” may be seen simply as archaic remnants of a primitive and long-abandoned alphabet. While this is true to some degree, those who work with these mystical symbols in divination know they are far more.

Although the runes have not been in widespread use for several centuries, the past few decades have seen quite a revival of interest in runic magic and divination. If you are a fan of J.R.R. Tolkein, you’re bound to be familiar with some of these symbols, which appeared in The Hobbitt, and inspired the invented “runic” alphabet in The Lord of the Rings.

In the academic sense, the runes are known as the characters in a group of alphabets used to write in various languages spoken by the Germanic peoples of Europe during a period starting roughly in the first century B.C.E. (before The Common Era) and ending several hundred years later.

However, unlike our modern letters, the runic symbols had been in use for magical purposes long before they were fashioned into a writing system. The runes carried deep meanings for the people who used them, and for this reason they never disappeared completely, even though they were once banned by the Christian church.

The English word rune, comes from the Norse word runa, which means “a secret” or “to whisper.” The Norse runa is also the root for the English word we use to identify a very magical tree, the rowan. Found throughout Northern Europe, the rowan tree has long been sacred to various magical traditions and is used widely for protection. It is known by many folk names, including “rune tree” and “whisper tree.”

The oldest written record of the runes comes from the Nordic region. Throughout Nordic literature, the runes are portrayed as powerful and even potentially dangerous magical tools

The runes most widely used today in divination and magic practices are known as the Elder Futhark (footh-ark), the oldest known runic script.

And that is the script that we will be exploring throughout this series.

There is a total of 24 runic symbols and one blank in each set.

Another important aspect of a rune set is the pouch in which you keep them. When I was studying them as part of a psychic development class in Denver, many years ago, we were instructed to make our own set of runes plus a personal pouch. The bag I made is the one on the left below and I keep my wooden set of runes inside it. On the right is a silk bag in which I store a set of opalescent rune stones which I purchased.

The runes I made at that time, are the runes I will mostly be using throughout this series. There was something magical in that process. I found myself often in a meditative state.

I will do much like I did with the #TarotTuesday series in that we will explore each rune symbol, then I will do some three rune and five rune readings. So, settle in and I hope you will enjoy this journey with me as together, we learn more about this ancient method of divination!

**Also, on a side note: If you are interested in making your own set of runes, this is the guide I highly recommend.**

PURCHASE LINK

51 thoughts on “#TuesdayRunes – Introduction”

  1. Love the Runes Jan! Colleen got me into them a few years ago and wouldn’t be without them. Looking so forward to this new series! And I loveeeeeeeeeeee the opalescent runes! 🙂 x

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  4. Hi,
    I’m late getting around this week, but I am bogged down with lots to do in preparation for my own book. Living in Germany, I know there are a lot of myths etc in Northern Germany. I have been there several times, especially in the small villages and cities that border the country of Denmark. I’m looking forward to following you on the series.
    Shalom aleichem

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    1. I know how much work it is putting out a book, and I am anxious for yours, Pat! I’m happy you are interested in learning more about runes. You are in the perfect location to find out even more. Thank you for stopping by!

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  5. Jan, I’m already hooked and ready to learn about rune stones! I had no idea the word means a secret!! I loved their use in the Hobbit and Lords of the Rings, they were so magical. Your pouch is so cute and made with love and care. Look forward to the next in the series!

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  6. I enjoyed learning the history, Jan. I like that you made your own. I don’t know a lot about runes, so I’m looking forward to learning.

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  7. I’m so excited for this series! I’ve always wanted to learn more about runes. Not only did I love them in LOTR, but I fell in love with them again in Cassandra Claire’s Shadowhunters series. And now, I’m watching a series that uses the runes as well (The Magicians). 🙂

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  10. Oooh, I love this, Jan. I enjoyed your Tarot Tuesdays, but runes are my go-to oracle. I have a set that I’ve used for about 40 years and their wisdom has never led me wrong. Thanks for the bit of history too. I’m excited for your picks!

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  12. That’s exciting, Jan! I cannot wait for the first rune you introduce us to. I joined a shamanic weekend course, many years ago and the runes were touched too. But only touched… hehe. Looking forward to your explanations, Jan!

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      1. To me it feels like you introducing me to something I want to have a deeper insight. I mean, really learning to read and use them. Again, I cannot wait for your series to start!!

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  17. Jan, this is so interesting. I heard of runes quite a while ago but never knew much about them or their purpose. I’m really excited that you’re doing this. I’ll get an education and perhaps make my own set of runes. Great idea, sister.

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    1. Good morning, sister! How awesome that you are coming along on this rune journey. 🙂 Making your own set of runes would be so much fun and you’ll have to share a picture of them if you do. Thank you for coming along for this journey and we’ll all learn more together! Love you!

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