Elder Futhark Runic Script (the rune alphabet)

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The Rune Worlds

When Odin hung on Yggdrasill, he tells us that he finally 'saw' the runes 'hanging there, shining' after nine days of suffering. There's little doubt that Odin experienced a flash of insight akin to enlightenment. Perhaps the story also conveys the personal and arch typical 'aha' experience, in other words, the personal acquisition of writing skills and the socio-political transition from an oral tradition to a literate society.

In any case, we can be sure Odin was after more than an alphabet. Odin Allfather already had the reputation of knowing everything. If that were the case, what else could he want? Like the precocious child who reads encyclopedias, perhaps he lacked understanding. We know he pointedly pursued the acquisition of Wisdom. Therefore, perhaps this understanding was of a particular kind. Odin wanted to learn how things worked and more importantly, why. From his report of his experience it would seem he found more than he bargained for. This article concerns the Runes themselves and an explanation of the layout.

Each Rune represents a Rune World. That is to say, each Rune is a set of possibilities and their probable outcomes. So that if a question concerns wealth, then all of its characteristics and the consequences of its effects on the seeker and the persons surrounding the seeker become 'possibilities'. The probabilities are determined by the seeker's Fate and Necessity aspects, i.e., one's own past and present determines (narrows the probability of) the most likely outcome of the possibilities of wealth. Abstract ideas to be sure. Which is why the Runes are presented here as stories.

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The Layout

The following layout and procedure are guidelines for a simple three rune cast. This method is a reflection of the importance of the Norns and their influence on Fate and Destiny. As the keepers of the cosmos they are also keepers of the Runes.

Basically, Urd, the oldest represents the past, and is known as the Seeker's Fate. Verthandi is the youngest and she represents Necessity, the Seeker's present situation or condition. Skuld is the middle Nord and as Being her card should be read last as it represents the Seeker's future.

Time is not as linear as we would all like to think of it. While we write timelines for historical events in straight lines, and we align our calendars and schedules and itineraries in straight lined grids, the fact is: Time itself is cyclical.

Procedure

Whether you are using a deck of rune cards, a bag of marbles or chips or wands of wood, makes no difference.

Shuffle, shake or otherwise mixup the Runes

Without looking at them or searching them out, choose three Runes

Place the first on your left, the second on your right and the third in the middle. That is how they are read, as well.

Play around with these ideas for awhile. At some point a runemaler must settle down and decide on his/her own style and techniques. Consistency, then, will serve a more accurate reading over the long run, then any other material factor.

Please Note: The following links will take you out of Gypsy Hollow and away from this article. Please bookmark this page before you leave.

Read directly from the ancient writings

Voluspa,
The Song of the Sybil

The Havamal,
Words of the High One

Vafthrudnismal
The Lay of Vafthrudnir

The Runes

Freyr's Aett

	*Fehu* wealth and prosperity, complacency, apathy
	*Uruz* masculine principle, strength, virility,
	*Thurinaz* needless suffering, meaningless sacrifice
	*Ansuz* wisdom, poetry, speech,
	*Raido* travel, spiritual quest,
	*Kennaz* knowledge, inspiration,
	*Gebo* gift, or an inborne talent
	*Wunjo* joy

Hagal's Aett

	*Hagalaz* sudden loss, change, destruction
	*Nauthiz* necessity, poverty,
	*Isa* stagnation, rigid, blockage
	*Jera* season or seasonal change
	*Eihwaz* Yggdrasill, transformation,
	*Peorth* rebirth, fullness,
	*Algiz* defense, shield, warding
	*Sowulo* positive energy, success,

Tyr's Aett

	*Teiwaz* duty, responsibility, discipline,
	*Berkana* compassion, empathy, health & healing,
	*Ehwaz* communication, will, direction
	*Mannaz* all humanity
	*Laguz* intuition, revelation
	*Inguz* groundedness, blance,
	*Dagaz* satisfaction, fulfillment, morning,
	*Othila* home, homeland, the land

More Rune Work

The Riddle in the Runes is an article that outlines the thought behind these interpretations. It serves as an introduction to the ideas represented by Yggdrasill, suffering, the Norns, etc. The Rune Table arranges information in a quick to use reference that will help you to understand each rune and how to use it. In addition, a beginner's set of flashcards that is fun and easy to use while learning the runes is offered for sale in the Gypsy Hollow Shoppe.

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This web site has been developed and produced by Trina D. Schetzle d/b/a Gypsy Hollow. All material contained in "The Riddle in the Runes" is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. No part of this cyber publication may be copied, printed, photographed or in anyway reproduced or re-distributed without the written permission of the copyright holder. Copyright 2000 USA.

Last updated July 10, 2000