A rune is a symbol that has been used in various Germanic languages as a form of writing, divination, and magical practice. The word "rune" itself is derived from the Old Norse word "rún," which means "secret" or "mystery." Runic writing, also known as runic alphabets, dates back to roughly the 1st century AD and was primarily used by the ancient Germanic peoples, such as the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons. The runic alphabets are made up of multiple symbols, each representing a specific sound or letter. The primary purpose of using runes was to write inscriptions on various objects, such as weapons, tools, and jewelry. These inscriptions often contained names, prayers, or magical symbols, and were believed to carry spiritual or protective powers.
It’s not hard to see why runes are so popular in culture still today. At a time when humanity was still very much grasping with making sense of the world, being able to write secrets, stories and intentions down must certainly have seemed like a certain type of magic.
Their bold, straight, visceral lines echo their era of conception: A time when life was hard and the people were harder still, a time when the distance between cultures and the individuals in them seemed larger and more unknown. Their roots in history and mythology imbue them with an ancient, fantastical sense and their use in popular culture and modern divination solidifies this further still. They just look pretty damn cool too.
Runes were used in Viking religion and magic, carved into weapons to imbue them with power and worn by many as a form of luck, faith, meaning and protection. Their bold, straight, visceral lines echo their era of conception A time when life was hard and the people were harder still, a time when the distance between cultures and the individuals in them seemed larger and more unknown.
These inscriptions often contained names, prayers, or magical symbols, and were believed to carry spiritual or protective powers. Runes were also used in divination or fortune-telling rituals, where they would be drawn or cast in order to gain insight or guidance. Each rune carries its own meaning and significance, representing different concepts or aspects of life.
Reading the Runes: The Viking Runic Alphabet - ‘Futhark’, History and Meanings
The runic alphabet has existed for thousands of years and was used to write many Germanic languages before the introduction of the Latin alphabet, including that of the Vikings.
As well as being a literal alphabet used during the Viking ages, runes were (and still are by some) believed to hold power, symbolize inherent qualities and values and be associated with magic, as well as having meanings in more modern divination and oracle reading practices too.
Today, runes have also become a common occurrence in popular culture and the fantasy genre as a whole. When exploring the origins behind them, it’s easy to see why runes still resonate with us so much still.
For example, the rune "Feoh" represents wealth and abundance, while the rune "Wunjo" symbolizes joy and harmony. When used in magical practices or spells, runes are often combined or arranged in specific ways to form bindrunes, which are believed to amplify their power or influence. In modern times, runes continue to be used by various groups and individuals who are interested in ancient Germanic lore, pagan spirituality, or the practice of divination. Many books and resources are available to learn about the meanings and interpretations of different runes, and there are even rune sets or decks created specifically for divination purposes. Using runes can be seen as a way to connect with the ancient wisdom and spirituality of the Germanic peoples..
Reviews for "The Metaphysical Properties of Runes: How Different Runes Energize and Manifest Intentions"
1. Robert - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Explain what a rune is". The book advertised itself as a comprehensive guide to understanding runes, but it fell short on its promise. The information provided was very basic and lacked depth. Additionally, the author didn't go into enough detail about the historical significance of runes, which was one of the main reasons I picked up this book. Overall, I felt that the content was lacking and didn't meet my expectations.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - While "Explain what a rune is" did give a basic explanation of what runes are, I was expecting much more from this book. The writing style was a bit dry and didn't engage me as a reader. Furthermore, I found the explanations to be quite repetitive, which made it difficult to stay engaged with the content. There are better resources out there for those who want to delve deeper into the world of runes.
3. Michael - 1 star - I regret purchasing "Explain what a rune is". The book was poorly organized and lacked a clear structure. I had difficulty following the author's train of thought and felt lost throughout most of the book. The lack of examples and practical applications of runes made it hard to connect with the content. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of runes.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I found "Explain what a rune is" to be quite underwhelming. The information provided was very basic and could easily be found with a simple internet search. The book failed to offer any new insights or unique perspectives on runes. Additionally, the formatting and layout were not visually appealing and made it difficult to read. Overall, I think there are much better resources available for those interested in learning about runes.