rune magic

The runic alphabet - similar to hieroglyphics, pictographs, and even the Native American petroglyphs - represent specific elements, animals, or gods. 

Runes had specialized purposes and were used to write Germanic languages before the Latin alphabet was adopted. A rune is a letter in a set of related alphabets known as runic alphabets native to the Germanic peoples. 

our personal set of runes made out of horn

Little is known about the origins of the runic alphabet - traditionally known as futhark after the first six letters. Runes are used by ancients for many purposes - with different interpretations and dynamics over time. Runes consist of 24 Nordic letters.

Old sagas record evidence that runic inscriptions hold magical powers. Runes are believed to predict the future, protect a person against misfortune, imbue objects with different qualities. They can be employed for conjurations, curses, hexes, and spells. 

Runic writing on from Maes Howe burial mount on Orkney

Generally, runes are a form of an ancient oracle that is used by people for seeking advice. They were first recorded in Germanic and Nordic tribes - the inscription on them usually Anglo Saxon.

There is no standardized runic alphabet - variations have increased since 700 CE when a divergence can be noted. From the previous fairly uniform Elder Futhark to the reduced-character Younger Futhark in Scandinavia. 

Rök Runestone in Sweden

This later developed into Medieval Futhork which evolved into the more elaborate Anglo-Saxon Futhorc across Britain and Frisia.

Rune meanings can differ in many ways. Knowledge of these magic runes and what are they used for do offer a deeper look into their origins and application.

Vimose Comb, found in Denmark

Rune meanings are subjective and often interpreted in different ways depending on the reader. Each rune contains three aspects: 

• The symbol itself - what the shape represents.  
• The name and what the word means - along with its letter value and sound.  
• The energy and spirit embodied by the rune.

AM 28 8vo, known as Codex Runicus

wonder | wander | women have loved our runes from early on. They have been a consistent and formative helping and healing tool in our lives. We value and appreciate the clarity and direction they render. 

Try meditating on a rune and reading into each what it means to you. Pick one for each day, week, or month to see what unfolds. Have fun and enjoy what this can bring.