New Age Metaphysics
Rune Divination
Casting Runes
Feoh
Ur
Porn
Os
Rad
Cen
Gufu
Wyn
Hagel
Nyd
Is
Ger
Eoh
Peorth
Eolh
Sigil
Tyr
Beorc
Mannaz
Lagu
Hor
Ing
Daeg
Odal
Wyrd
Casting Runes
To cast the Runes, mix them in the Runecasters Bag, and then empty them out on to a flat surface. Only interpret those, which fall face up. If you find there are to many of these, return those that fell face up, in the Runecasters Bag, and cast them again. Again, only reading those faced up from the smaller group. If the Runes fall together, try to see how their meanings combine or affect eachother.
If you prefer to use spreads, mix the Runes in the Runecasters Bag, and then draw out the correct number, laying them down in their proper positions. One special one is the 'Cross of Thor' which uses five Runes in the following positions:
Feoh
Frey.
In ancient time this Rune signified cattle, these were commonly used as a form of hard currency among the Indo-European tribes. This Rune represents wealth, but as cattle raids between the warring tribes were frequent, it is a wealth, which can be easily won or lost. Therefore, this Rune signifies luck, success, and harmony.
Reversed: It indicates loss or stagnation and lack of harmony.
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Ur
Power.
This Rune symbolizes the auroch or wild ox, an ancient breed of European bison dating back to prehistoric times. The Ur Rune is a symbol of elemental power and masculine energy in its untamed form. Young warriors as a test of manhood undertook the ritual hunting of the auroch. Ur can be seen as representing the pioneer spirit, rugged individualism and spiritual force. Therefore, this Rune signifies creative power but also wisdom and knowledge. It stands for good fortune and opportunity but also sexuality.
Reversed: It indicates an opportunity missed, lack of development, and possible physical problems.
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Porn
Thor.
This Runic character represents a thorn but also the magical hammer of the God Thor which, is called Mjollnir. Although a thorn is tiny in size, it can still cause physical discomfort which, is increased hundredfold if thorns are encountered in large numbers. By the symbol of protection, someone may provide help or good news may come.
Reversed: It can mean bad news or vulnerability. As a thorn it denotes small but not serious danger.
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Os
Odin.
Often known as the "Divine Rune", Os is sacred to Odin the Allfather as the Supreme Bring of Norse pagan religion in it's historical period. Odin was regarded by the Romans as the northern European equivalent of Mercury or Herms. This Rune is therefore associated with communication through the written and spoken word.
Reversed: It invokes Odins trickster side. Someone causes trouble or plays tricks. Beware of advice.
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Rad
Wheel.
Rad was associated with the symbol of a wheel or wagon. The letter was a recurring motif in the Norse myth and could be either the chariot or the sun, which crosses the sky each day. The magical vehicles which transported Freyja and Frey, Thor's chariot, drawn by two giant goats of the sacred wagon of the earth goddess Nerthus. Therefore, this Rune indicates physical journeys, especially pleasant ones, or journeys that bring some positive development. It can also refer to a persons 'Spiritual' Journey.
Reversed: It indicates difficult journeys or delays. It can also refer to lessons the person must learn.
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Cen
Fire.
This Primal Rune symbolizes the element of fire. A torch or sacred fire is a universal symbol of the element found in most religions. In Nordic mythology the two primal forces responsible for creation, which brought the physical universe into display, are fire (masculine energy) and ice (feminine energy). This Rune therefore, represents the creative fire - the artistic impulse - but also sexual desire.
Reversed: It indicates a block or impediment to the person's creative energy.
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Gufu
Gift.
In tribal society, the giving of gifts had a very special significance. A wealthy person was judged by the number of frequent gifts he or she gave to those less fortunate. Personal relationships and close friendships were also judged by the exchanging of gifts, which were of small value but had a considerable symbolic meaning. Therefore, this Rune indicates a sign of gifts, generosity, and giving. People come together and friendships become deeper.
Reversed: It indicates selfishness, but also separation. Something may block or harm friendship.
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Wyn
Joy.
The meaning of this Rune is usually rendered as 'Joy' or 'Happiness', which were highlights in the lives of the inhabitants of the cold and dark northern regions. Especially near the Arctic Circle, the winters were long and darkness lasted most of the day. The coming of spring was therefore a joyous event celebrated with the worship of the life force. Therefore, this Rune indicates a sign of happiness and of harmony between people. A situation may change for the better.
Reversed:It indicates problems between people. Changes can bring unhappiness. It warns the person to look at situations that might cause trouble.
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Hagel
Air.
Translated the Rune's name means 'Hail' and it symbolizes the unexpected spring storms, which could devastate the crops. Hagel represents the delays and limitations, which can often hinder progress, either in daily life or on the spiritual path. These delays had to be seen in a positive light as a part of the natural pattern. Therefore, this Rune signifies unexpected setbacks or problems for the person, especially illness.
Reversed: It represents delays, primarily from forces or situations outside the person.
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Nyd
Need.
This Rune signifies 'Need or 'Necessity' of which a person will feel they need something so great they will go to any length to receive it. Therefore, this important Rune teaches the lesson of patience. It will not go well if the person try's to push something. Greed or simple desire can prove destructive.
Reversed: It warns the person to avoid quick decisions. They should think carefully before making any kind of commitment.
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Is
Ice.
This is the second primal Rune, the opposite of Cen. It represents the elemental power of water (spirit) which is transformed into ice (matter) to create physical reality. In the Norse creation myth it was primitive interaction between fire and ice which, triggers this process and manifested Middle Ages. Therefore, this Rune signifies the passing all obstacles in its course. By its image, it also finds coldness between people.
Reversed: It indicates, that this coldness can lead to arguments. However, the person can act positively to try to melt the ice in a more productive way.
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Ger
Earth.
The Ger Rune is a symbol of growth, rebirth, regeneration and the harvest, which ends the agricultural year. Their forms represent the wheel or cycle of the seasons which, it Nortic belief turns, at the winter solstice or Yule. The upright line, intersecting the circle signifies the two high points of the year, which are midwinter and midsummer. Therefore, this Rune refers to the cycles of nature and life. Something will come to fruitation. Effort receives reward.
Reversed: It indicates a block in the natural working order of life. Removed, matters will reach their proper conclusion.
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Eoh
Death.
The death rune is symbolized by the yew tree, which was also the best wood for carving runes. In Norse mythology, the World Tree Yggdrasil was said to be a Yew. The Yew is also a tree sacred to Odin, in his role as sacrificed god, who gathered the dead souls for their journey to Valhalla or the underworld. This Rune therefore, signifies the solemn importance of death in human life. We can interpret it as denoting the passing of old ways and habits.
Reversed:It indicates that the person hangs on to old patterns. It can also represent an emotional difficulty with regard to death.
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Peorth
Hearth.
This is an ambiguous Rune, which has been given several meanings. It has variously been translated as 'Hearth', 'Fruit Tree' and 'Chessmen'. It would appear to be connected with games and therefore the power of Wyrd. Therefore, this Rune refers to the home. Traditionally it signifies mystery. Things may not be what they seem. The person may need to look below the surface.
Reversed: It indicates that secrets are revealed and feelings openly expressed.
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Eolh
Protections.
This Rune is a protection Rune. It receives its magical name from a species of the giant elk, which used to roam the Forrest, of prehistoric Europe. It was used as a warning device to keep trespassers off private property and to protect the bearer from harm. This Rune is also a feminine sign of the Fertility Goddess. Therefore, this Rune signifies protection from danger. The person may face a temptation but will resist it. New beginnings are possible.
Reversed: It indicates some danger, of which the person must avoid. This may come from someone.
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Sigil
Sun.
This Rune signifies the sun, which was an important element of worship in the Bronze and Iron Age cultures of northern Europe. Symbolically the sun represents the life force but in the Germanic myth, it was regarded as feminine. This gender reversal probably dates back to the matrifocal of prehistoric times. Therefore, this is a rune of good health and happiness; it also denotes the creative will. It can also signify guidance.
Reversed: It indicates the danger if illness from carelessness.
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Tyr
Tiw.
Tyr, Tew or Tiw was one of the principal gods of the, divine dynasty known as the Aesir, which included Odin, known as the god of war, and Thor. He was a unity of war and gave his name to our modern 'Tuesday'. From its shape, the Tyr rune is a phallic symbol. It denotes 'Victory in Battle' and represents material values. Therefore, this rune signifies courage and energy but brining happiness.
Reversed: It indicates that conflicts drain the person. It is a mark of frustration.
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Beorc
Birth.
The Beorc Rune signifies the birth tree, which is a symbol of fertility. Beorc is also known as the 'Birth Rune' and is connected with fecundity, children and the Great Mother Goddess. Therefore, by its symbolism, this Rune can refer to an actual birth or a new marriage, but also to beginnings and growth. The start of something significant.
Reversed: It indicates stagnation or obstacles that prevent the birth of something.
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Mannaz
Man.
Kingship and bloodlines were very important to the Aryan races of northern Europe. Each individual belonged to a clan to whom they owned primary loyalty and this extended beyond this life into the next world. Each tribe constructed the mound where their kin would be buried and had to ensure they carried out the correct burial rites so the dead did not become 'Nightwalkers' hunting the living. Therefore, this Rune signifies the image of a human being suggests intelligence, memory, and culture, all the attributes that set humans apart. This Rune also refers to family matters.
Reversed: It indicates that the person seeks isolation, especially from family. Not using intelligence.
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Lagu
Water.
This is the water Rune signifying the lake or sea. The ocean is symbolically the womb of the Great Mother Goddess, which is the source of all life in the universe. The association between tides, the lunar cycle and manstration is well known. Therefore, this Rune signifies water, which symbolizes the unconscious, intuition and mystery. This Rune indicates psychic awareness but also the hidden sources of creativity.
Reversed: It indicates that the water has become storms. Someone becomes emotionally confused.
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Hor
Horse.
This Rune signifies travel and change thus a new job or a new home. It can refer to Spiritual Journeys.
Reversed: It indicates restlessness. The person wishes to travel as an escape.
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Ing
Fertility.
This unusual Rune is named after the mysterious god who was seen traveling over the water in a wagon by the East Danes. They at first thought he was the sea god Njord but he was later identified with Frey. Therefore, this Rune indicates completion, whether of projects or ideas or in the person's sense of people developing to their fullest potential.
Reversed: It indicates a block to that development. The person needs to work harder.
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Daeg
Dawn.
The name of this Rune refers to the dawn of day. This was an event welcomed in the northern lands especially after the long nights of winter. Where the sun was worshipped as a symbol of the life force, its rising was ritually greeted each day. Therefore, this Rune signifies awakening and clarity. It indicates success, wealth, and abundance in life.
Reversed: It indicates that the person needs to be careful and to converse resources.
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Odal
Home.
The Odal Rune signifies the ancestral home. The tribe or individual originated present homeland from the special place. The concept of the sacred landscape and the importance of the bloodline were essential beliefs. Therefore, this Rune signifies inheritance and property in general. It can also describe inherited abilities or family traditions.
Reversed: It indicates that there are problems with inheritance, difficulties with parents, or a break.
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Wyrd
Fate.
Often modern Runecasters use a blank rune to signify 'Wyrd' or 'Destiny'. Alternately, this rune can be used as a substitute. In a reading, it indicates something the person can not know. It also tells him or her that fate may decide the issue.