Runes Part 2: How to Use Runes Today: A Practical Guide to Reading and Casting Runes

The candlelight flickers softly, casting dancing shadows across the wooden table. A quiet hum fills the air—a blend of anticipation and reverence—as a modern-day practitioner sits cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by an array of small stones etched with ancient symbols. Her fingers hover over the pouch containing her runes, feeling their cool surfaces through the fabric. She takes a deep breath, grounding herself in the moment, then draws three runes one by one, laying them out before her.

Each symbol seems to pulse with energy, as if awakening from centuries of slumber. The first is Ansuz , its elegant curves reminiscent of flowing rivers and whispered truths. Next comes Hagalaz , jagged and sharp, evoking storms and upheaval. Finally, there’s Ingwaz , a seed-like shape radiating potential and growth. Together, they form a narrative—a story written not in words but in archetypes, offering guidance for the path ahead.

This scene might feel worlds away from the frostbitten fjords of old Scandinavia, yet the essence remains unchanged. The runes continue to speak, bridging past and present, guiding those who seek clarity and connection. But how does one begin this journey into Viking rune casting? Let’s explore the art of reading runes step-by-step, making it accessible even for beginners while enriching the practice for seasoned practitioners.

How to Read Runes: A Beginner’s Guide

Reading runes is both an intuitive and structured process. While no two readers approach the runes exactly alike, certain foundational techniques can help you get started. Below, we’ll cover everything from preparing your runes to interpreting their messages.

Step 1: Choosing Your Rune Set

Before diving into divination, you’ll need a set of runes. Traditionally made of wood, stone, or bone, modern sets often include materials like ceramic or resin. Each rune should bear the symbols of either the Elder Futhark (24 runes) or Younger Futhark (16 runes), depending on your preference.

If possible, choose or create a set that resonates with you personally. Many practitioners carve their own runes, infusing them with intention during the crafting process. Alternatively, purchasing a pre-made set works just fine—what matters most is the connection you feel to your tools.

Step 2: Cleansing and Charging Your Runes

Like any sacred object, runes benefit from cleansing and charging before use. This clears away residual energies and aligns them with your purpose. Common methods include:

Smudging : Pass the runes through smoke from sage, cedar, or other purifying herbs.
Moonlight Bathing : Leave the runes under the light of a full moon overnight.
Sound Cleansing : Use bells, singing bowls, or chants to energetically reset the stones.

Once cleansed, hold the runes in your hands and visualize them filling with warm, golden light. Speak your intentions aloud, asking the runes to guide you truthfully and kindly.

Step 3: Setting Up Your Space

Create a calm, focused environment for your readings. Dim lighting, candles, incense, or soothing music can enhance the atmosphere. Lay down a cloth or mat to serve as your casting surface; traditionally, this is called a “rune cloth” and may feature colors or patterns significant to Norse symbolism (e.g., blue for water, green for earth).

Casting Techniques: Drawing Insights from the Runes

There are several ways to cast runes, each suited to different types of questions or levels of detail. Here are three popular layouts to try:

1. Single Rune Pull

Ideal for quick answers or daily guidance, this method involves drawing one rune at random. Focus on your question or intention as you reach into the pouch, trusting your intuition to select the right symbol.

Example:

Question: What energy should I focus on today?
Rune Drawn: Wunjo (Joy/Harmony)
Interpretation: Embrace positivity and collaboration. Seek joy in simple pleasures and nurture harmonious relationships.

2. Three-Rune Spread

A versatile layout offering insight into the past, present, and future—or problem, challenge, and solution. Shuffle the runes thoroughly, then draw three and place them side by side.

Example Layout:

Position 1 (Past): Hagalaz (Disruption/Storms)
Position 2 (Present): Eihwaz (Endurance/Transformation)
Position 3 (Future): Berkano (Growth/New Beginnings)
Interpretation: You’ve weathered recent challenges (Hagalaz ) and are now in a phase of transformation (Eihwaz ). Stay resilient, as new opportunities for growth (Berkano ) lie ahead.

3. Five-Rune Cross

For more complex inquiries, use this spread to gain deeper insights. Place the runes in a cross pattern:

Center: Core issue or central theme.
Above: Influences affecting the situation.
Below: Underlying factors or hidden obstacles.
Left: Past influences shaping the present.
Right: Potential outcomes or advice moving forward.

Example Layout:

Center: Fehu (Wealth/Abundance)
Above: Kenaz (Clarity/Creativity)
Below: Isa (Stillness/Stagnation)
Left: Laguz (Flow/Emotions)
Right: Tyr (Justice/Balance)
Interpretation: Your core focus revolves around abundance (Fehu ), but creative solutions (Kenaz ) are needed to break free from stagnation (Isa ). Reflect on emotional currents (Laguz ) influencing your decisions, and strive for fairness and balance (Tyr ) as you move forward.

Interpreting Rune Meanings: Beyond the Surface

Understanding the meanings of runes is both an art and a science, blending traditional interpretations with your own intuitive insights. Each rune carries layers of symbolism, connecting to ancient Norse wisdom while also resonating with personal experiences and modern contexts. Below are a few examples to give you a taste of how runes can be interpreted. For a deeper dive into the rich tapestry of each individual rune, we’ve dedicated an entire blog post to exploring their meanings in detail.

Here’s a glimpse at some key runes and their general themes:

Fehu (ᚠ): Wealth, prosperity, abundance.
- Reflection Prompt: How do you define success? What does true wealth mean to you?
- Guidance: This rune reminds us that material gains must be balanced with generosity and ethical stewardship.
Uruz (ᚢ): Strength, vitality, endurance.
- Reflection Prompt: Where do you find your inner power? What challenges have made you stronger?
- Guidance: Uruz encourages resilience and harnessing your primal energy to overcome obstacles.
Ansuz (ᚨ): Communication, wisdom, divine inspiration.
- Reflection Prompt: Are you speaking your truth? What messages or ideas feel important to share?
- Guidance: Trust your voice and remain open to receiving guidance from higher sources.
Algiz (ᛉ): Protection, sanctuary, connection to the divine.
- Reflection Prompt: What shields you from harm—physically, emotionally, spiritually?
- Guidance: Use this rune as a reminder to safeguard yourself and seek alignment with your higher purpose.
Othala (ᛟ): Heritage, legacy, roots.
- Reflection Prompt: How does your past shape who you are today? What traditions matter most to you?
- Guidance: Honor your ancestry and create a solid foundation for future generations.

For now, trust your instincts as you engage with the runes—they’ll meet you where you are, offering clarity and insight tailored to your unique journey.

Using Runes for Meditation and Personal Growth

Beyond divination, runes make powerful tools for meditation and self-reflection. Try these exercises to deepen your connection:

Daily Rune Focus: Select one rune each day and contemplate its meaning throughout your activities. Notice how its themes manifest in your life.
Runestone Journey: Hold a rune in your hand, close your eyes, and imagine stepping into its world. Explore what landscapes, emotions, or lessons arise.
Affirmation Practice: Pair a rune with a positive affirmation. For example, pair Sowilo (Sun/Victory) with “I am radiant and unstoppable.”

Whether you’re drawn to runes for their historical intrigue, spiritual depth, or practical wisdom, they offer endless possibilities for exploration. Like the ancient runemasters who carved symbols into stone beneath starlit skies, you too can tap into the timeless power of the runes.

So gather your tools, clear your mind, and let the runes guide you. After all, the stories they tell are yours to write—and theirs to illuminate.

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