Runecrafting

Tacitus, on describing a form of divination used by Germanic tribes, noted in his 'Germania':

"To divination and casting of lots, they pay attention beyond any other people. Their method of casting lots is a simple one: they cut a branch from a fruit-bearing tree and divide it into small pieces which they mark with certain distinctive signs and scatter at random onto a white cloth. Then, the priest of the community if the lots are consulted publicly, or the father of the family if it is done privately, after invoking the gods and with eyes raised to heaven, picks up three pieces, one at a time, and interprets them according to the signs previously marked upon them. "

Runes have been used since Ancient times, and predate most forms of Divination.

Creating Your Own vs. Purchasing

When faced with the choice between creating something yourself or buying it new, resist the urge to purchase always. It's tempting, living in a realm where so much is so easily available, to get the best-looking, flashiest thing that money can buy. However, fashioning anything with your own energy and hands adds a dimension of power to the tool that even the fanciest and most expensive whirlamagig can never approximate.

The watchword in magick is not form but function. An object is bound and brought to life by the will and working of its owner in the blood, sweat , and love imbued through the handcrafting of it. This is a good rule of thumb to follow for all things metaphysical. And otherwise.

Elder or Younger Futhark

An endless debate ensues as regards the merits of the Elder Futhark vs. the Younger one. The first thing one must decide is: Which calls most to you? Investigation and research of which runic alphabet is the most preferable will lead mostly to frustration - using your own inward sense and intuition to guide you is always the best option.

Charts and further synopsis of each can be found in the links below. One key point of agreement between all runemasters?

There is no blank rune.

As well, runes are living tools, so take care to ensure you are scribing them accurately.

Wood, Clay or Stone

Traditionally, runes were carved in wood, so purists will opt for the wisdom of the Fathers. What is important is the deep carving, rather than superficially marking, of runes into the material you choose.

Plastic should be avoided at all costs. Ditto glass, although it's certainly preferable to anything not found in Nature. Other key points:

• Choose branches that have freshly fallen from the same tree. Consider wood scouting directly after a summer thunderstorm or high winds.
• Branches - around an inch in diameter is a good rule of thumb.
• Good woods to consider are Ash and Elm - the two sacred trees of Asatru.
• Runes are traditionally stained crimson for a reason. Some consecrate Runes with their own blood. However, red ochre powder mixed with Linseed Oil is an acceptable alternative.
• Consecration Rituals should be considered. Sources are listed here as well as readily available through the internet.

Further Links and References:

Galdr

Irminsul Aettir

Detailed Instructions on Rune Creation

Freya Aswynn's Rune Site

The Runic Alphabet

Runes

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