Runes for Beginners

Everything You Need to Know to Interpret, Read and Cast Rune Stones

Runes are enigmatic by nature. This is because the word rune itself originates from the Old Norse word runa, which means "secret" and comes likely from either the Proto-Germanic "runo", which means "secret" or "whisper". Since they are ancient symbols, the runes mean little to the untrained eye. But with practice and a little experience with them, you can activate their magical energies to create positive, impactful change in your life.

Even so, what are runes exactly?

Runes were considered magical symbols used by spirits to communicate with humanity. Not only are runes considered a writing system, but they are engraved stones used to perform magical spells, cast divination, and even add power to conventional writing. The runic alphabet is referred to as the Futhark and consists of 24 symbols. Runic inscriptions are found all over the world, but especially in Northern Europe. The runic alphabet is broken down into three groups: The Younger Futhark (16 symbols), the Elder Futhark (24 symbols) and the Anglo-Saxon Futhark (between 26 and 33 symbols). The knowledge of runes has been passed down through the centuries, and it is an important form of divination for modern pagans.

In Runes for Beginners, best-selling author Melissa Gomes explores the history and mythology of the runes, as well as their day-to-day uses in divination, magic, and witchcraft. Runes for Beginners is completely accessible to those with no experience in Norse mythology, heathenry or paganism. It is written with an eye toward those starting on their journey into the Viking spirit. Melissa provides a basic introduction to runes and their lore, and she explains how to get in touch with them through the senses. You will emerge from this guide with a solid understanding of the Nordic runes' role in heathenry and with a firm foundation of knowledge to build your own runic practice, regardless of your religious or spiritual pagan path.

The rune symbols are central to Nordic pagans' magical systems and can be used in various ways depending upon the tradition and your intent. Each runic symbol represents a specific type of energy, and these energies can be used to achieve a multitude of goals, spanning from protection to fertility, wisdom, or love. Runes can be used as divination tools in the ordinary sense that we use tarot cards today, or in a magical sense to interpret fate.

In Runes for Beginners, you'll learn how to use runes for divination, magic, and witchcraft, including:

• History of runes and their role in Norse Magic
• The origins of rune wisdom in Norse Mythology
• An overview of the Elder Futhark runes, including their names and magical uses
• Elder Futhark rune meanings for both divination and spel...