Runes were used by the ancient Germanic peoples. They represent a primitive form of the alphabet.
Hence, they were primarily used in communication and sending messages.
However, the runes were popularly used in divination, rituals and magic.
The earliest runic inscriptions have been traced back to the 2nd century AD.
Norse runes consist of 24 símbolos. Each one has its unique name and meaning.
How to Use Runes in Divination?
Depending on how much time you have and how deep of an answer you’re looking for, you may use runes in different ways.
Single rune draw is the quickest and most concise type of runic divination.
Simply, concentrate on what you wish to understand or clear up and choose a single rune.
Then, based on your circumstances and the wider context, you may interpret the answer.
If you wish to get a spread that covers past, present and future, you may draw three runes.
Celtic Cross is the traditional spread of ten runes, which can offer deeper insight into your situation.
Combining Tarot and the Norse Runes
Though not as ancient as runes, Tarot dates back to 15th-century Italy.
It comes from the popular card game, commonly played by the nobility – called Tarocchi.
Over time, these cards became primarily used by mystics, occultists and fortune tellers.
Each card carries a specific meaning of its own, which also depends upon its position and the other cards that surround it.
As the interest in ancient heritage grew over the centuries, Tarot and runes made a smooth combination.
You Can Combine Your Tarot Divination with Runes in 3 Ways
When it comes to Runic Tarot, you have the option to use runic symbols alongside the traditional Tarot deck.
Another way, which grows more popular by the day, is to purchase a deck focused on runes rather than the traditional Tarot pictures.
For example, instead of the High Priestess, you’d get a Kaunaz rune (ᚲ).
Different other variations are possible, such as simply changing the style of the traditional deck into a Norse one.
For instance, the Six of Swords card could be Six of Shields to match the Norse aesthetic, which runes are a natural part of.
What Are the 7 Most Powerful Runes?
Thurisaz (ᚦ)
Isaz (ᛁ)
Berkanan (ᛒ)
Tiwaz (ᛏ)
Laukaz (ᛚ)
Othalan (ᛟ)
Dagaz (ᛞ)
Thurisaz: Thorn for Protection
Thurisaz is often depicted as a horned animal or a thorn, which symbolizes several things.
This rune, therefore, stands for protection, threat and danger.
Thorns are sharp and prickly, and they symbolize danger and difficulties in life.
However, horned creatures represent strength, power and leadership.
If the rune is drawn upside down, it has a reversed meaning. This meaning also has a positive and a negative side.
It can symbolize loss of protection and vulnerability.
Or, on the good side, it may symbolize the development of courage.
Thurisaz also serves as a reminder to work on your inner strength.
Isaz: Ice for Patience
Scandinavians fought cold and ice their entire lives, and that’s one of the reasons why this rune is very potent.
Isaz symbolizes ice, patience and stability.
It’s either presented as a chunk of ice or a frozen lake.
Ice represents cold and the unyielding meaning of this rune. A frozen lake, on the other hand, symbolizes clogged, frozen emotions.
The rune could be telling you to take your time. Slow down, and make calculated and wise decisions.
It also indicates that there’s no need to rush into anything. Stay calm and still.
In its reversed meaning, Isaz sends a warning of restlessness. Perhaps you need to find peace and certainty.
Berkanan: Birch Tree for Rebirth
Berkanan as well as the birch tree itself bears an uplifting meaning.
En birch tree is known for its ability to regenerate and heal itself. This speaks of transformation, healing, growth and rebirth associated with the rune.
It can indicate protection and fresh beginnings.
However, it’s also greatly connected to fertility and childbirth.
The rune may indicate a need for healing, be it physical or emotional.
And when reversed, it has a wholly negative message. Then it represents stagnation, inability to develop or grow.
Tiwaz: Tyr for Justice
The rune Tiwaz is otherwise known as Tyr, who is a prominent deity in the Norse pantheon.
Tyr is the god of war, justice, sacrifice and courage. He was the very god who sacrificed his arm so the others could bind Fenrir, the World Eater.
The symbol of this rune as well as the god Tyr is a hammer or an axe.
This rune speaks of the power of justice and the importance of putting the greater good above oneself.
Tiwaz could indicate that you need courage and determination. It reminds you to respect authority and to be fair and lawful.
It also speaks of the importance of balance in our lives.
You might also be holding onto something that doesn’t serve your growth. The rune could be suggesting you must sacrifice it for your own good.
Reversed, this rune criticizes negligence or cowardice. It suggests you might be avoiding responsibility.
Laukaz: Transformation
This rune is often depicted as a lobo. This ties it to the god Odin and his sacrifice for wisdom.
Likewise, the rune is closely related to the concept of sacrifice, transformation and liberation.
This is another rune that reminds us to let go of what’s bad for us and embrace the change.
Laukaz could indicate that you’re holding onto a toxic relationship that harms your potential for growth.
Open yourself up to change, and let go of limiting beliefs and people.
On the negative side, the message of letting go also suggests loss. The rune could be speaking of the loss of something or someone important to you.
En invertido meaning, it indicates you’re holding too tightly onto something that doesn’t serve you.
Or you’re possibly even resisting change and personal growth.
Othalan: Inheritance
Othalan is the rune that speaks not only of monetary inheritance, but spiritual heritage, roots and family.
It reminds you to connect to your own roots, to honor your ancestors and keep close to your present family.
It’s closely connected to valores familiares overall and reminds of the importance of preserving and passing on your cultural heritage.
Reversed, Othalan warns about disconnection and loss of one’s identity.
Moreover, it could be suggesting that you merely don’t feel like you belong – at home, at work or among friends.
Dagaz: Day for Awakening
Dagaz is connected to enlightening, awareness and awakening.
It’s often represented by the rising Sol.
This rune calls you to stay present in the moment. Be aware and open to new perspectives.
You might be on a good way to achieve enlightenment or even at the start of a new chapter in life.
Negative interpretations of the rune are commonly connected to disappointment with change or the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Reversed, Dagaz may indicate disorientation and resistance to change.
A little Aquarius, devoted to writing and embroidery.