Preparations For Rune Readings
To do readings you will need a set of Elder Futhark
rune cards, wood squares, or stones. If you choose to
make these yourself there are links to pages that can
help. Some experts feel that rune lots need to be of
the same size, shape, and material, so that you are
not able to identify them individually. This has not
been my experience, one of my favorite rune sets is
made of assorted stones collected from my local beach.
Just select a set of runes or rune cards that you feel
personally drawn to.
You need to keep your runes in a bag, pouch, box, or
other container that has a wide enough opening so that
you can put your hand inside and mix the runes easily
and completely. Because it holds the runic symbols, the
rune pouch represents the entire cosmos.
Before doing a reading, arrange the settings so that
it induces a harmonious state of mind, body, and spirit.
I suggest you clear out the area by smudging (sage and cedar)
or burning incense. You can also clean the energies of the
area by visualizing a bright royal-blue light flooding through
the space like a blue wave of water, washing everything clean.
A clean area encourages clear and concise answers to your
questions.
Physical conditions such as distracting noise, constant
interruptions, and unpleasant odors can disrupt the natural
flow of a reading. High-voltage lines, ELF's (electromagnetic
fields), and even electronic equipment can all negatively
alter rune readings; so can adverse weather. It is customary
to avoid doing rune readings when the weather is volatile,
for example, when it is raining, especially cloudy, or very
windy. This isn't always possible, especially if you live
in an area where it rains a lot or is windy most of the time,
so use your intuition and good judgment when choosing the best
time to do runecasts.
Your state of mind also greatly affects a reading. Make an
effort to calm and balance your emotions as well as to let
go of distracting thoughts. Take a few minutes and get into
a meditative state of mind. Begin by letting go of the tensions
and worries of the day by breathing deeply. Bring energy and
bright light into your body as you inhale, and let go of any
negative thoughts and feelings with your exhaling breath.
Breathe in to the count of three, hold your breath for three
counts, and then exhale completely to the count of three. Do
this three times before mixing the rune stones or cards. This
breathing exercise is useful when casting the runes: before,
to focus the energies, and afterward, to cleanse the energies
and disperse them.
Like your mind, how your body feels and your general physical
condition have an impact on readings. Do not do readings when
you feel ill or are under the weather. Again, depending upon
the situation, you may have to do a reading under adverse
circumstances, but do be aware that wrong conditions can greatly
reduce the success of a rune reading.
When doing a runecast for another person, make certain that
person is rune-friendly and genuinely curious. In addition,
make sure the people who are present during a reading are all
as harmonious as possible. In this way you can avoid a lot of
potential problems with critics, cynics, and skeptics-people
who can negate and block the energies in rune divination.
Timing also makes a difference in the divination process.
Some people feel that special days such as New Year's Day,
birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings are auspicious days for
runecasting. One practice that has been carried forward by
several traditions is doing readings on the Eight Sabbats,
which are the quarter and cross-quarter days of the year-winter
solstice, Imbolc (February 2), spring equinox, Beltane (May 1),
summer solstice, Lughnassad (the first week in August), autumnal
equinox, and Samhain (Halloween). Divination is also practiced
on the Full Moon.
Norse tradition states that a rune reading should take place
"in the face of the sun, and the eyes of the light." Again, use
your own judgment, as there may be times when you prefer to do
readings during the dark hours of the night and early morning.
The Runes
Rune Interpretations
Spiritual Runes
Divination With Runes
How To Make A Rune Cloth
Rune Reading Checklist
Rune Readings
Rune Layouts
Ceremonial Runecasting
Home
Email Me