Ian Parkin is the author of this post.

Rune Readings For Insight, Self Reflection, And Decision-Making

What Is A Rune Reading?
  • Rune readings are a form of divination that use symbols from ancient alphabets, most commonly the Elder Futhark, which are inscribed on stones, wood, or similar materials. Each rune has a name, a sound, and symbolic meanings that represent concepts such as strength, journey, or disruption. These readings are offer insight, self reflection, and spiritual guidance. I have long used my rune stones as a tool for connecting with my inner wisdom when I need help making decisions.

Runes originated with the Germanic tribes around the 2nd century CE. The most widely used runic alphabet in modern rune readings is the Elder Futhark, which consists of 24 runes. While the runes originally served as a writing system, they also carried sacred or magical significance and were often carved into objects like weapons, tools, and amulets for symbolic or protective purposes.

Runes were used throughout Scandinavia, Germany, and Anglo-Saxon England. In addition to their role in communication, they played a part in spiritual rituals and were believed to possess magical properties. Norse mythology links the discovery of the runes to Odin, the chief god, who hung from the World Tree, Yggdrasil, for nine days and nights in a sacrificial quest to gain knowledge of the runes.

Rune Readings
Rune Readings

Rune readings are primarily a means of introspection and spiritual insight rather than a form of fortune-telling. They work by bringing subconscious thoughts and feelings into conscious awareness, helping you gain clarity about your circumstances. Each rune has a name, a symbolic shape, traditional meanings (both literal and spiritual), and associations with particular themes such as wealth, transformation, or communication. The interpretation of runes involves both an understanding of their traditional meanings and your own intuitive impressions. Context plays a crucial role, and even challenging or seemingly negative runes often point to important areas for growth and self-awareness.

Conducting Your Own Rune Readings

To perform a rune reading, begin by preparing your space. Choose a quiet, comfortable location where you won’t be disturbed. You may wish to light a candle or burn incense to create a sacred atmosphere. Gather your rune stones, a journal, and perhaps a cloth for casting them on. Once settled, take a few deep breaths to center yourself. You can meditate briefly or speak a short invocation, such as “I seek truth and guidance from the runes. May clarity come through.” Then, focus on your question. It should be clear and open-ended—for example, “What do I need to know about this situation?” or “Where should I focus my energy right now?”

my first set of runes

Modern Runes consist of 24 rectangular tiles, with the ancient runic symbols, and some rune sets include one blank tile which represents fate, our spiritual journey, or the “Path of Karma”.

I still have my first set of runes that came with Ralf Blum's Book of Runes. Although I have had these for a long time now you can still find some on Amazon.

There are several ways to draw runes. You can pull them blindly from a bag, cast them onto a surface and read the ones that land face-up, or lay them out face-down and choose intuitively. Once you've selected your runes, begin your interpretation. Use the rune reference guide below to understand each rune’s traditional meaning and reflect on how it applies to your question. Listen to your intuition and consider the runes’ positions if using a spread. Some traditions also include reversed runes, which may suggest blocked or inverted meanings. Write everything down in a journal - your question, the runes you drew, their meanings, and any insights that came up. To close, thank the runes or your spiritual guidance and store your tools respectfully.

Example: Three Rune Reading

Suppose you ask the question, “What energy should I focus on this month?” You draw three runes: Hagalaz, Eiwaz, and Sowilo. Hagalaz, representing disruption and uncontrolled forces, may indicate that you’ve recently experienced a chaotic or unexpected period. Eiwaz, symbolizing transformation and resilience, suggests you’re currently undergoing a process of personal growth or transition. Sowilo, associated with success and illumination, points to a bright outcome ahead if you stay aligned with your path. Together, this reading suggests a journey from upheaval to strength, culminating in clarity and achievement.

Tips for Developing Your Practice

To build a strong rune reading practice, start by learning each rune one at a time - perhaps studying one per day or week. Keep a rune journal to record your interpretations, readings, dreams, and any personal associations that emerge. You can also combine rune reading with other spiritual practices like tarot, dreamwork, or meditation for deeper insight. Over time, you’ll find that the meanings of the runes grow and evolve with your own experiences, helping you form a personal relationship with them. Trust your intuition and allow your connection to the runes to deepen naturally.

Rune Reference Guide

Rune Reference Guide

ᛗ: Rune Name Mannaz - Means Man/Humanity. Keywords: the self, society, interconnectedness.

ᚷ: Rune Name Gebo - Means Gift. Keywords: partnership, exchange, generosity.

ᚨ: Rune Name Ansuz - Means God/Odin. Keywords: communication, inspiration, wisdom.

ᛟ: Rune Name Othala - Means Ancestral Property. Keywords: heritage, home, legacy.

ᚢ: Rune Name Uruz - Means Aurochs/Wild Ox. Keywords: strength, vitality, raw power.

ᛈ: Rune Name Perthro - Means Mystery/Chance. Keywords: fate, secrets, the unknown.

ᚾ: Rune Name Nauthiz Means Need. Keywords: resistance, necessity, constraints.

ᛝ: Rune Name Ingwaz - Means Fertility/God. Keywords: potential, gestation, completion.

ᛇ: Rune Name Eiwaz - Means Yew Tree. Keywords: transformation, endurance, death/rebirth.

ᛉ: Rune Name Algiz - Means Elk/Protection. Keywords: protection, higher self, spiritual awakening.

ᚠ: Rune Name Fehu - Means Cattle/Wealth. Keywords: prosperity, beginnings, abundance.

ᚹ: Rune Name Wunjo - Means Joy, Keywords: harmony, success, joy.

ᛃ: Rune Name Jera - Means Year/Harvest. Keywords: cycles, rewards from effort, timing.

<: Rune Name Kenaz  - Means Torch. Keywords: illumination, creativity, revelation.

ᛏ: Rune Name Tiwaz - Means Tyr/the Sky God. Keywords: justice, honor, leadership.

ᛒ: Rune Name Berkano - Means Birch Tree. Keywords: growth, fertility, nurturing.

ᛖ: Rune Name Ehwaz - Means Horse. Keywords: partnership, movement, loyalty.

ᛚ: Rune Name Laguz - Means Water. Keywords: emotion, intuition, flow.

ᚺ: Rune Name Hagalaz Means Hail. Keywords disruption, change, testing forces.

ᚱ: Rune Name Raido - Means Ride/Journey. Keywords: movement, travel, life path.

ᚦ: Rune Name Thurisaz - Means Thorn/Giant. Keywords: challenge, defense, chaos, protection.

ᛞ: Rune Name Dagaz -  Means Day/Dawn. Keywords: breakthrough, awakening, clarity.

ᛁ: Rune Name Isa - Means Ice. Keywords: stillness, delay, introspection.

ᛋ: Rune Name Sowilo - Means Sun. Keywords: success, clarity, healing.

   A Blank Rune - Means The Divine. Keywords: unknowable, mysterious, secret.

A Guide To Mystical Runes Click Here To Get It Now

A Guide To Mystical Runes Is A Free Training Course On Understanding The Secrets Of These Ancient Symbols.

Chapter 1: The History of Runes
Chapter 2: The Power of Bind Runes
Chapter 3: Runes & Elemental Forces
Chapter 4: Casting Runes & Divination
Chapter 5: Rune Spreads
Chapter 6: Intuitive Rune Readings
Chapter 7: Runes in Magick & Spirituality
Chapter 8: Protection & Warding
Chapter 9: Runes in Healing
Chapter 10: Runic Amulets & Talismans
Chapter 11: Rune Meditations

FREE: Click Here To Get It Now

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