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Rune Stones in DivinationA Brief Look at the Runes, their Use and their History
In recent years there has been renewed interest in the magical and spiritual powers of the Runes. It is a word often heard, but many people wonder what they are.
The Runes are a sacred and magical alphabet which was used by the ancient people of Northern Europe, associated particularly with Scandinavia and Germany. Originally, Runes were used for magic spells and rituals, and runic symbols would be carved into swords and shields to increase their magical energy. Later, the runic alphabet was developed as a form of writing and although it was eventually used for practical purposes such as inscribing grave stones, the Runes were also considered potent symbols to be used for divination. The word 'Rune' is derived from the old Norse language and means 'secret' or 'enigma', which implies that the real mystery of this ancient runic system might never be fully revealed. Casting RunesMany of the old Rune masters made their Runes themselves, carving them out of wood, stones or leather. If they were consulted to give a Rune reading they spread the Rune stones on the ground; stones that landed with the runeside up were interpreted. The Runes have never lost their mystical quality. According to Norse legend, the spiritual power of the Runes comes from their mystical and magical origins. The god Odin is said to have received the symbols from divine sources after hanging upside down from a cosmic tree for nine days and nights without food or water. On the last night, as he peered down into the Underworld, he observed the Runes and snatched them up, stealing them away. Legend says that from that time on he had the power to raise the dead and could call forth the occult secrets of the underworld by carving the relevant characters. A great magician, Odin had the power to free the human mind from fear and hesitation, and presided over magic, inspiration and journeys.
Traditional Uses of Rune Stones Traditionally, Runes were used to cast spells, heal the sick, protect sacred sites and essentially, to tell the future. The secret knowledge of the symbols was passed on to Rune masters who would make their own Runes out of stone, wood or leather, staining them with magical preparations. Since that time, Runes have been consulted the whole world over by those who need to find their true direction in life.
Reading the Runes There are several ways to read the Runes; some are very simple, others involve more complex castings. Consulting the Runes by drawing one Rune a day can be a good guide for that day. A three-rune draw can incorporate past, present and future into a reading. Runes can be used to answer specific questions.
Rune Stones and Divination Rune Stones can therefore be used as amulets for protection, for attracting love, health, luck and happiness and as a form of divination and guidance in daily lives. Because they were once used by witches and sorcerers they have been regarded with superstition; now as people have become less superstitious and more aware of their potential, rune stones are a popular form of divination.
The copyright of the article Rune Stones in Divination in New Age is owned by Carole Somerville. Permission to republish Rune Stones in Divination in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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