From the Editor: From our inbox to you: Tidbit from The Magical Blend Newsletter… Enjoy… :)
Runes and Runelore
This week, we are focusing on Runes. The Magical Blend’s own Matt Risk is one of our best authorities on the subject, and he has written up an excellent introduction to runes:
“The Runes are more than simply a system of writing. From their earliest incarnation, they have been associated with Mystery and Magic. In fact, the word Rune is most likely derived from the Old Norse Word Rún, which means ‘secret lore’, or ‘wisdom’. Throughout all linguistic permutations Rune retains this connotation of relating to the mysterious and to secret wisdom.
Systemic use of the runes dates back to about 50 CE, although it may be that they evolved over a longer period. Sometime around when ‘Germanic’ tribes came into contact with Rome, Runes became used to make records of events, to mark locations, and for a variety of magical and oracular uses.
Mythologically, the Norse believed that the Runes were discovered by the god Oðin as he hung from the World Tree Yggdrasil, sacrificing himself to himself for a period of nine days and nights. He suffered this ordeal in search of wisdom relating to the secrets of creation, and won the Runes as his prize. From this, we extrapolate that the Runes themselves are the secret keys to unlocking the mysteries of the universe.
Runes were used as an oracle, to understand the changes that occurred in the lives of their casters. Through the Runes one could understand the will of the Gods, and thereby know that was coming and why. Runes were also used magically, to bless weapons, armour, or other tools, to ensure victory in battle, to cure illness, to ward against danger or poison, and for a variety of other purposes.
Several Futharks (taken from the first six runes of the rune row the term Futhark refers to a ‘set’ of runes) have arisen throughout history, usually due to the phonetic needs of the different languages that have used Runes as a system of writing. The Elder Futhark contains 24 runes. The Viking, or Younger Futhark has 16, while developed concurrently, the Anglo-Saxon Futhark has 33. Each one is a complete model of the universe; however, they split the universe along different lines of demarcation.
People using the runes as a system of divination have often reported on their bluntness. There is no messing around with the Runes. There is no flowery side-stepping of the issue, but rather a wit as sharp as a spear point telling you bluntly what you need to hear, whether you want to hear it or not. Of course, this level of reading requires a certain level of investment of time and attention, but once achieved, it is as though the Runes speak right into your mind with the directness of a friend who is unafraid to tell you the truth.”
If you are interested in deepening your relationship with the Runes, check out the following books (or consult Oðin himself via your pineal gland):
Runelore – A Handbook Of Esoteric Runology ($21.95)
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by Edred Thorsson “A discussion of hidden lore, inner lore, rune worlds, runic numerology, runic psychology, runelore of the Gods, esoteric theology and more. Covers elder and Viking runes, and leads us to the contemporary runic revival.”
Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic ($20.95)
by Edred Thorsson “Runes are the ancient Norse alphabet used for communication, divination, and magical work. In Futhark, American runologist Edred Thorsson introduces readers to the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark, their definitions, and mystic properties.
The runic system of magic and mysticism is one of the most powerful forms of metaphysical thought available to the Western world. This bestselling classic book on Runes continues to be required reading for those who seek true knowledge of the mystery of the Runes.
Thorsson’s presentation of this powerful system is lucid and profound and provides a valuable tool for spiritual transformation and self-development.”
Serenity's Gift Cove (sgc) 