Free Online Runes Readings
It is likely that Runes originally came from a north Etruscan alphabet. Around the second or first century BC they became the national script of the Teutonic people. Gradually as these mainly Scandinavian races converted to Christianity the Latin alphabet took the place of the runic. In some Scandinavian areas however the runic alphabet persisted into the 17th Century.
Runes were used in England between about 500ad and 1000ad until the Anglo-Saxons adopted the Irish style of the Roman alphabet. Interestingly they added some Runes to this alphabet. These included the thorn, which sounds as 'th' and the wyn which sounds as 'w'. The wyn was not used beyond the 13th century but the thorn persisted until the 17th century and in some areas even later. Towards the end of its usage it was written like a 'y'.
The old Germanic runic alphabet is called the Elder Futhark because the first six Runes spell out the word 'futhark'. Originally there were 24 Runes in this alphabet but gradually over time as the Runes spread to northern Scandinavia the number reduced to 16. When the Saxons and various other Teutonic tribes invaded Britain they brought their alphabet with them and as the language changed the alphabet grew to 33 symbols. This alphabet became known as the 'Anglo-Saxon Futhark'. After the Romans invaded and occupied Britain the Latin alphabet, more or less as we use it today, was widely adopted. Runes were not used for everyday writing and their usage gradually changed. Runes became associated with divination. The phrase 'reading the Runes' entered into the language.
Rune casting is not a form of fortune telling which relies on the concept of a fixed destiny. Rather it works with the questioner who in choosing Runelots delves into their subconscious mind to make the choice. A specific question is posed relating to a problem or event in the life of the subject. What the Runecaster does through the reading of the Runes is to look at the causes and effects of the situation and then to indicate what the most likely outcome will be. This presents the person who is having the reading with a future which he or she can change by altering their actions now.
Runes used for divination are carved onto stones or pieces of wood, each one representing a different symbol of the elder futhark. The 24 Runes are divided into three groups of eight, each group being known as a Aettir.
The First Aettir - This represents the meeting of ice, fire, chaos and order. This is said to bestow the gift of the gods. This set of eight is also known as Freya's Aett.
The Second Aettir - This represents all stages of consciousness from the most basic to complex intellectual reasoning. It also applies to anything that is capable of fulfilling self- improvement.
The Third Aettir - This represents change. It depicts the progression of human kind from its beginning to end at Ragnarok (the end of the world) also know as the 'Twilight of the Gods'.
Runes are usually made out of wood, ceramic or stone. Each Rune has a different meaning and in some cases the material out of which they are made has a specific meaning.
Jade - Runes made from this precious stone are used for readings concerning relationships.
Gold - Gold Runes are used appropriately enough for readings about property, jobs and all things pertaining to business.
Ice- For readings about conflict and the attainment of goals.
Spirit - These Runes are used for readings concerning religion, mysticism and all things spiritual.
Stone - Runes fashioned from stone are used for readings about the natural world and forces which man cannot control.