Norse Rune Sets
The Elder Futhark is an ancient Germanic alphabet with 24 runes, used for writing and, in some traditions, for divination and magic, where casting or drawing runes can provide insights into life paths and decisions.
What is the Elder Futhark?
- Alphabet: The Elder Futhark is an ancient alphabet used by Germanic peoples, particularly for writing Proto-Norse, a precursor to the Norse language.
- Structure: It consists of 24 runes, often arranged in three groups of eight, called "ætt" (meaning "clan" or "group").
- Time Period: The Elder Futhark was used from roughly the 2nd to the 8th centuries AD.
- Example of the first 6 runes: The first six runes spell out "futhark", where the name comes from.
How are runes used in divination?
- Casting or Drawing: In some modern Pagan and spiritual traditions, runes are used for divination by casting or drawing them to gain insights into various aspects of life, such as decisions, future events, or personal growth.
- Guidance Tool: Rune casting is often seen as a tool for guidance, rather than a means of predicting the future, helping to explore potential outcomes and gain clarity.
- Interpreting the Runes: Each rune has a symbolic meaning, and the arrangement or combination of runes drawn in a reading can be analyzed to provide insights and guidance.
- Other uses: In addition to divination, runes are also used in spell work, meditation, and as talismans or amulets.
Check our our blog post with all 24 rune meanings here!
