Solstice festivals hold great significance in pagan belief systems. These festivals celebrate the changing of seasons, the cycles of the sun, and the eternal dance of light and darkness. In pagan traditions, the summer solstice, also known as Litha, is a time to honor the sun god and the power of fertility and growth. This festival is often celebrated with bonfires, dancing, and rituals that focus on harnessing and honoring the energy of the sun. In contrast, the winter solstice, known as Yule, is a time to celebrate the rebirth of the sun, the return of light, and the triumph of life over death. During Yule, pagans engage in rituals to bring light and warmth into the darkness of winter.
During Yule, pagans engage in rituals to bring light and warmth into the darkness of winter. These celebrations often center around decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and honoring the gods and goddesses of the winter season. Overall, solstice festivals play a vital role in pagan belief systems as they provide an opportunity to connect with nature, celebrate the cycles of life, and honor the ancient traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The Witches Runes
Some years ago, I purchased a Witches Runes Kit made from metal. They are nice, but I wanted to do my own kit, made from wooden discs that I wood burned. It was a quick project, and I think it turned out great! Here the result:
The Witches’ Runes (also known as Gypsy Runes) are a series of symbols that can be used in divination. While the exact age of this symbol set is unknown, it draws upon familiar images that will be instantly recognizable to the unconscious mind. Over time, Witches’ Runes have gained a reputation as an easy-to-learn, no-frills method for divining the past, present, and future. The Witches’ Runes are different from the Elder Futhark Runes in that the Witches Runes are not an alphabet. There are different versions of the Witches Runes, one uses 8 symbols, another uses 10 symbols and the one pictured here uses 13 symbols. They’ve much more in common with oracle decks, in that there’s no standardized set of symbols, but they’re generally made of stones, wood or ceramic discs, with a simple symbol on them. The Witches Runes are instead a series of symbols that can be used in divination.
The Witches’ Runes are a modern creation; that allows some wonderful flexibility in symbol choices and interpretation. Most sets that I’ve seen have fairly simple symbols, which are easy to memorize and generally lend themselves to simple, straightforward readings. Some find the 8 Runes version to be entirely too few to have a useful range of meanings, but it all depends on how you read, whether you layer meanings (the sun means one thing in a single draw, another in the future position, another in the past position, etc.). There is no particular ‘authoritative’ resource on them, though A Witch’s Runes: How to Make and Use Your Own Magick Stones by Susan Sheppard has very good reputation. This creative, crafty, and spiritual book teaches witches how to create their own stones and use them for divination or to cast spells. Looking at multiple sources and making something that is uniquely resonant to you will give you the best results.
This version of the Witches’ runes contain 13 runes – one for every moon of the year. The Symbols on these runes have been known for many years, some are from the Pictish runes dating back hundreds of years, the examples of some can still be found in museums. Both examples of these stones have been used as a method of divination. Each rune is associated to a particular time, which is incorporated into a reading to give a timescale of events. The Third Eye symbol represents the person who the reading is being done for. At the Beginning of a reading it is removed from the rest of the stones and placed in the center of the area to be used for the reading. The Person who is having the reading, should hold the stone for a few minutes whilst thinking of the question to ask. After the rune has been placed in the reading area, the remaining runes are then thrown to fall all round the Third Eye symbol revealing the influences in times and space around the individual.
Sun: The Sun is well-known symbol of good omen and protection. It is the life giver, the light that chases away the darkness and brings the new day. It’s masculine and dynamic. In the Witches’ runes, it represents the beginning of something new, or a significant change in a situation that was bleak. As a source of light, the Sun can symbolize the disclosure of secrets and the clarification of hazy situations. Just like the Earth and the other planets revolve around the Sun, this rune indicates that you’ll soon be a source of attention for some reason, or that something (or someone) will grab your attention irremediably. It often symbolizes the bestowing of an honor or award, or the acknowledgement of a good work. This rune can literally put you under the spotlight and expose you to public scrutiny. Be prepared to deal with a crowd. Traditionally, the Sun’s metal is the gold, and this also reflects in this rune – it’s a rune of material wealth and can represent very rich people. In relationship readings, this rune can indicate that one of the partners has a very strong presence, and may sometimes dominate the relationship. There’s a strong Ego whenever the Sun appears, and this can be good or bad depending the nature of the relationship. In negative readings this rune can show that one of the partners is not allowing the other to grow and shine on their own. But this is not very common – usually the Sun represents a vital and healthy relationship, even if it’s not necessarily a peaceful one.
Moon: Differently from the Sun, the Moon has more subtle powers. While it can represent changes too – after all, the moon changes it face a bit every day – these are usually much slower and long-term than the ones represented by the Sun. It’s feminine and passive. As the rules of the nighttime, the Moon often symbolizes a transition time, in which things are not yet defined or very clear. It may represents lack of information and bad timing – any action done under the influence of the Moon may not go as expected because of that. Just like the moon influences the tides of our planet, it also influences our inner water – our emotions – causing a bit of emotional instability. This often inspires us to act without pondering. The Moon works with undercurrents, it shows hidden developments or things done in the shadows. All secrets are protected by the Moon, and it its most negative manifestation this rune can stand for lies, deceit and even self-sabotage. The Moon is also associated with the female cycles, thus it may represent pregnancy, family, roots and ancestors. When the Moon appears, there’s a strong need to go back to your roots in order to find comfort and understanding. You may have to find yourself a safe place to wait, like a newborn in the womb. In relationship readings, the Moon can represent a strong sexual attraction, secret affairs, hidden and contained impulses and secrets. Although it adds strength to the attraction, it does not add speed, so the Moon can often represent that almost unbearable tension that builds between two people during a long period of time. It can also represent a certain instability in the relationship, with moments of closeness and moments of separation.
Flight: Also called “The Birds”, this is a rune of movement and communication. Emails, letters, phone calls, news, unexpected visits. All is symbolized by The Flight. While the Moon told you didn’t have enough information to act, the Flight tells you the information is coming – if it’s not here already. Now you can make informed choices and change your plans accordingly. It’s very common for this rune to represent a change in plans, especially those who happen after we get a piece information that we didn’t have. This is also a rune of synchronicity – of receiving the information you need exactly when you need it. On a physical level, the Flight can represent travel, specially by air. With the Waves rune, it can indicate a journey by water. It also represents visits, both the expected and the unexpected kind. Because of its relation to communication, it can represent discussions, exchange of ideas and team work but its negative side can stand for gossip, rumors and excessive noise. Mental tension, overstimulation, anxiety and lack of sleep are also part of the Flight’s dark side. This rune shows that the wheels are already moving, and that the situation is not longer stagnated. The Flight can symbolize a sudden freedom, a feeling of being liberated from the burdens of the past. Good ideas and solutions for problems appear. And because this rune is a fast one, it tells you to do it – and do it now. Don’t put it off till later, or you may lose the opportunity. In relationships, the Flight shows that there will be a lot of communication between the people involved. Any form of expression involving words will be at the center of this relationship. However, it can indicate some physical distance between the partners. This rune, usually when combined with the Rings rune, can represent important documents and contracts. It’s often a sign that you will receive news from (or about) the person you are interested in.
Rings: It’s important to make a distinction between the Rings and the next rune, the Romance. One is about circumstances that connect people – the other is about emotions that connect people. The Rings essentially represents the union of two elements to produce something new. Contracts, agreements, associations, long-term unions, marriage. All this is represented by the Rings rune. Whenever two or more people work together to attain a common goal, this is symbolized by this rune. While the Rings are a traditional symbol for love connection, the truth is that this rune alone does not represent this – not very strongly. Marriage for love is something fairly recent in history, after all. But it can represent the union with someone you feel that complements you (or your work) very well. When this rune appears, you have the support of a group of people (or the support of the right person). Reunions, meetings, parties, family dinners, religious gatherings are all within the scope of this rune. The Rings also represent any social groups you are a part of. But this rune can also symbolize anything that binds you, whether you like it or not. Agreements that limit you, relationships that smother you, groups that impose themselves on you. With more negative runes, the Rings can indicate a confrontation with the enemy and the people who oppose you. When the Scythe is nearby, a traumatic separation is likely. The Rings are also a kind of jewelry, thus they are connected to luxury, expensive cars, beautiful clothing, epicurean meals and opulent places. This rune can suggest that one is being seduced by the superficial, and missing the relevant, the core. On a more harmless level, this rune can represent good taste, fun and group cultural activities such as theaters, museums, shows and cinema.
Romance: The Romance rune is also a symbol of connection, just like the Rings rune. But differently from the latter, the former implies a deeper sort of connection. While in the Rings we have two (or more) people joining to reach a similar goal, here we have two people joining for reasons they can’t quite explain. Hence this rune is related to love, passion, emotional bonds, sexual chemistry and sudden attraction. Any strong bond can be symbolized by this rune, including the unconditional parental love or a very strong friendship. And it’s not limited to the emotions that sparkle between individuals – the love can be also directed to an object, a subject or even a work. It’s important to not limit this rune to the emotional field. It can be quite physical, representing sexual relations, arousal and irresistible magnetism. This rune is powerful, and often gives an extra impulse to any rune that is close it. Charismatic and seductive people are represented by the Romance rune as well. Outside from the field of romance and sex, this rune is concerned with any act of creation. If you have any ongoing projects, you can be sure an extra impulse will come and spur you on. The Romance rune can also represent the reconciliation of opposite forces or tendencies, and the resolution of conflicts. Obsessive thoughts, stubbornness in pursuing a person or a goal and lack of objectivity are the downfalls of this rune.
Woman: The first meaning of this rune is quite obvious: it represents women. Any woman that is important in the question, whether you know her or not, will be represented by this rune. Mother, sister, aunt, grandma, a female boss, friend, lover or even enemy. All can be symbolized by the appearance of this rune. In a more general sense, this rune is related to traditional female abilities and characteristics, such as giving birth, nurturing, comforting and healing. When this rune appears, you can count on the sympathy of others towards you or your situation. In its most negative aspects, the Woman rune can show over-protectiveness, a patronizing attitude or co-dependency. It often strives to maintain the status quo, refusing to change even if the situation is bad. The Woman rune is connected to nurturing – nurturing a relationship, a person or a project. Like the Moon rune, it can be related to finding a safe place to rest and heal, but while the Moon implies a solitary retreat, the Woman often shows that you need to go back to the people you trust, the people you feel safe with. Healing is another strong aspect of this symbol, as well as teaching. You can be both the patient/student or the healer/teacher when this rune appears. This rune is also connected to creativity, but in a way that is different from the Romance rune. While the latter is about the conception of a project – the initial stages of creation – the Woman is about the birth of this project. When your creation is brought out into the world, fully manifested. In relationship readings, this rune isn’t bad, but rather weak. While it can indicate subtle ties between people, these are usually so, so subtle that the partners can easily drift away from each other. It can show that one of the partners sees the other as someone who needs to be protected and healed, rather than an equal. Usually, the romance is a bit stagnated when this rune appears, or very close to becoming a friendship.
Man: First of all, this rune represents any male that can influence the situation you are asking about. Father, son, brother, uncle, male boss, friend, lover or enemy. They are all represented by the Man rune. In a general level, this rune is connected to traditionally male characteristics such as courage, impetuosity, curiosity, perseverance. It’s related to fighting, conquering, protecting and discovering new things. When the Man rune appears, you can be sure that a chaotic and dynamic energy is going to influence the situation, for good and for bad. The Man rune demands action. It’s not longer time to quietly sit and think, or to hide yourself and heal. No, it’s time to get up and fight for what you want. If things are slow or stagnated, change them. Begin something new. It’s not a moment to let things flow as they will, but to grab the reigns and gain control over the situation. Be the leader and defend your stand. While the Woman rune is about healing, this one can be about defending yourself, and, sometimes, hurting or getting hurt in the process. You may have to defend your opinions, your actions or choices against some aggressive people. This rune offers you a challenge, but is also shows that you have the resources needed to face it. Naturally, this rune has very aggressive potentials in it, and they need a good deal of discipline in order to not become sorely destructive. The Man rune also accelerates everything. Nothing stays still when it is around. The outcome of your question may happen sooner than you expected, but the result will probably be unexpected. It does not mean that all will go wrong, no – things will simply develop in unseen ways. In relationship readings, the Man rune promises a period of instability, so it’s important to not have high expectations. Under the influence of this rune, the relationship can be a stairway to Heaven or a ticket to Hell and sometimes both, in a short period of time. It promises a bumpy journey for the heart, but with a great level of intensity. The Man rune can stand for love/hate relationship, cat and rat games and obsessions, the kind of things that turns one nuts (for good and for bad). This rune is good in questions concerning sexuality.
Harvest: This is a very positive rune, related to abundance, rewards, growth and benefits. But it’s important to not mistake this rune for mere luck. While luck may help, the Harvest rune is usually related to the blessings that you have brought to yourself and to others, through your actions and investments. “Reaping what you sow” is the message of the Harvest rune, but with a positive connotation. All that you worked and fought so hard to get will finally come to you, and you’ll be able to enjoy a time of tranquility, optimism and expansion. As the obstacles that were (or still are) in the way become smaller, you have a solid ground to reach out for your dreams. Thus, the Harvest rune is a positive sign, telling you that you are in right path. However, it’s important to know that this symbol is always attached to personal responsibility. It’s what you do with your tools (whether they be mental, emotional or physical) that determines what you’ll get back in the end. Use them wisely, and luck will serve you well. On a more negative side, this rune can make one sleep on their laurels and cling to past victories. One can become too reliant on “what works” and refuse to try new things (especially if the Crossroads rune is near). The Harvest runes should inspire you to take some risks and keep evolving, and not to crystallize yourself in one position because it proved to be successful. In relationship readings, this symbol is connected to more practical aspects than emotional ones. Usually it represents couples who grow together, financially, socially and/or professionally. Security becomes an important factor when the Harvest appears. It represents the moment in which the couple begins to build their nest together, and think about starting a family. This rune tends to be very positive for all relationships, but doesn’t always inspire much passion.
Crossroads: The Crossroads most basic meaning is opposition, be it explicit or subtle. Something or someone is working against your plans and opposing your desires. It shows that your efforts and ideas are giving no results, because something is “freezing” them, in a sense. Hence, this rune is also related to stagnation. Very often this rune brings frustration for the person who draws it, because it is as if they were constantly walking into walls. One may feel inclined to change their goals or to stop seeking something all together, but the Crossroads do not tell you to give up. They tell you to change your strategy, because the path you are at right now is blocked. And there are many ways to reach the same place. Be careful to not put yourself in a victim position. When the Crossroads appear it means that you’ll need a lot of willpower to get what you want. Often you’ll have to try again and again before getting any results, and everything will appear to evolve quite slowly. You may be confronted with periods of loneliness, isolation and with lack of support. This is a true test to your inner strength and resilience. Conflicts, misunderstandings and opposition are one side of this rune. It can also represent situations that are simply beyond your control. In a more positive light, the Crossroads stand for wisdom, discipline, courage and the ability to keep going again the strongest winds. It helps you to understand losses and limitations. In relationships reading, this rune can represent a karmic link between the people involved. If the relationship is starting, it probably will not go very far, or it’ll be marked by misunderstanding and disputes. Past relationships that still linger and emotional obstacles are also represented by the Crossroads.
Star: In many cultures, the Star is a symbol of hope, dreams and destiny, and in the Witches’ runes this symbol has a similar connotation. When the Star rune appears, it’s green light for you to go after what you want. Note that the Star does not say you’ll get everything you want without any work. No. This symbol is a not about easy success, but about having faith in what you are doing – and doing it. In fact, the goals suggested by the Star are usually the highest and most significant ones – the ones that are hardest to get. It does not matter what the dream is, but its significance in your life. This symbol also represents ideals, and they can be both individual and collective ones. In a more down-to-earth way, the Star is related to revolutions, changes, risks, speculation and all things motivated by faith and ideals. It can represent a sudden spark on inspiration, a windfall, a sudden rise to fame or a promotion. Though the sudden changes brought by the Star are usually positive, they are also fast: you can get back to point zero as quickly as you rose. So don’t be afraid to jump forward when the opportunity arises. The Star urges you to take the risk, to have hope and to trust. After the staleness of Crossroads, the Universe finally begins to move again. If you believe in Higher Powers, this symbol shows that They are guiding you in this moment. The Star is a very positive rune, but in a more negative context it can represent revolution for revolution’s sake and the constant idealization of people and situations. It can also stand for excessive individualism when going after a dream. In relationship readings, this rune represents hope and an idealistic kind of love. Usually the people involved in the relationship have high expectations about the other. They easily put their partner on a pedestal, only to feel frustrated when reality strikes. The Star can also represent unrequited love, or the love for someone who is unattainable. On the other hand, this rune tells you to not give up love entirely – keep looking, because someone is coming.
Waves: This rune is deeply connected to the element of Water. Its most basic meanings are intuition, imagination, mystery and spirituality. It can also represent any journey on water. But those are just the surface meanings of this very complex symbol. This rune represents a moment in which nothing is solid under your feet. Everything moves, changes and transforms swiftly as the water does, and it may be hard for you have are surety about anything. The Waves show things that happens in the deep waters of our life. Repressed emotions and thoughts are represented by this symbol. This rune can also symbolize solitude, renounce and sacrifice. When it appears, it’s difficult to make choices due to lack of information and uncertainty. But it’s not a good time to act anyways. It’s time to save energy, and free yourself from certain ideas and habits that are no longer useful. When the Waves appear, you may be more prone to self-delusion, self-sabotage and deception. Do not believe in everything you hear and see during these times. It’s hard to be calm and rational when under the influence of the Waves. But this rune has also positive implications. It can represent a deep connection to all that is deep to the spiritual world, and to your most deep resources. When you think you have nothing else to give, nothing to hold on to, the Waves reveal a wealth of inner power that can be used to survive the complicated times. These can be the water of your rebirth, or the water that will drown you – all depends on how you react to this situation. In relationship readings, this rune can represent powerful emotions and passions, very difficult to control. One can easily feel carried away by this “flood”. There’s a strong spiritual connection behind this relationship, that can be good or bad. The Waves can also show that a relationship is being sabotaged by unclear communication and misunderstandings. Finally, it can represent a relationship in which the partners are separated for some reason, causing tears and feeding certain illusions.
Scythe: This symbol is very familiar to most of people, often associated with harvest and death. The Scythe is related to endings, sudden separations, final decisions, important changes and danger. The appearance of this symbol show that there’s something in your life you need to bring to end now, before it snowballs into something worse. Usually, the decision that the Scythe forces you to make is one you’d rather escape from. It’s a painful and difficult choice. Even though you know (or feel) it’s for the best, you’ll mourn the fact that it has to happen. Also, the Scythe is connected to sudden, swift changes that force you to alter completely your plans, strategies and sometimes the very way you see the world. The situation is no longer what it was, your modus operandi no longer works here. Your ideas no longer correspond to the reality. The information you have is no longer accurate, or useful. You need to strain those adaptation muscles and find a way to keep standing while the rug is pulled from under your feet. Although this rune can represent physical danger, such as accidents or surgeries, many time it refers to sense of foreboding. Something just isn’t right. The fear of loss looms large. Trust these feeling and proceed with caution. This rune can also relate to actual death and all related to it: burials, graveyards, inheritances, heirlooms, legacies and things connected to your ancestry. In relationship readings, the Scythe suggest caution too. It can represent sudden and irresistible attractions, the kind that inspire people to do crazy things. This rune also represent separations, divorce and conflicts, always leaving a sour aftertaste. The strong passion can quickly transform into strong resentment. In its most positive note, this rune can symbolize relationship that completely transform the people involved.
Eye: The eye has always been a powerful symbol for different cultures. Some believe that the soul resides in them, while others think it’s possible to curse a person merely by looking at them. Through our eyes we connect and express emotions and thoughts. Thus, this is one of the most powerful runes in the set, emphasizing the importance of any rune close to it. The Eye symbol is also related to “vision” is all senses, including the physical. This rune can represent our eyes and optic nerves. It can also represent activities such as research, analysis, photography and creative visualization. When it appears, there’s an urge to observe, to explore, to understand deeply what is before you. This rune is usually related to sudden realizations. Not necessarily a ‘shock’, but more related to the lifting of veils. Your eyes are suddenly open, and you see things that were unknown to you before. A change of perception and focus in life is to be expected when this rune appears. Whatever the situation is, the way you see it will be transformed. The Eye rune also says that now it’s time for you to go after what you want. Your focus is powerful right now, and everything you concentrate on can become successful. This rune often represents a lonely journey towards a goal. It suggests a calling and a connection to something bigger, a sense of purpose. Your path is clear to you now; you know which way to go, even if you don’t know where exactly it’ll take you. In a spiritual level, This rune can represent a development of one’s psychic skills, or an advancement in one’s spiritual path. As you connect yourself to a deeper source, and learn to trust, you gain wisdom and your eyes see far. A higher power seems to be guiding you in times when the Eye appears. This rune can mean that right now all eyes are on you. When the Eye appears there’s some discomfort related to such attention. It may be excessive and even unwelcome. Beware of flatterers and stalkers. The Eye cautions against obsession and the tendency to spy on other people’s affairs. In a relationship reading, the Eye can symbolize a predestined bond to another person. This does not promise a happy ending, but it says that this connection is powerful and will be very important in your life. In fact, because the Eye rune is a solitary one, it is possible that the people in the relationship cannot be together due to difficult circumstances. Still, your bond that person will transform you. In a negative way, this rune can cautions against invading your partner’s personal space or stalking them.
Reading:
- A Witch’s Runes by Susan Sheppard (2000)
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