The Elder Futhark Runes are a proto-Germanic cypher that is both phonetic as well as esoteric in Nature. This means that each Rune has an associated vocal as well as Metaphysical value.
While similarities and parallels exist between the Futhark and other forms of written communication, thus is by no means evidence that any or all are derived from foreign sources.
The name FUTHARK is the combined phonetic values of the first six Runes in the first Aett. An Aett is a series of Runes in sequence. There are three Aetts of eight that comprise the Elder Futhark. Other Futharks have varying numbers of Runes based upon phonetic values within the corresponding dialect.
Since the Runes have dual value, they can be used as both a form of writing in addition to being employed as divination tools. The physical shape of the Rune itself is also linked to these meanings.
Divination practices are highly individualistic, varying greatly even within each basic framework. The two main bodies can be described as casting and pulling.
With casting Runes, there is a designated area often marked or delineated, a specific surface (such as a table or countertop), tray, large bowl, animal skin or pelt, or a casting cloth onto which the Runes are “cast” or ritually tossed onto the aforementioned space. The manner in which the Runes are positioned are then interpreted. Which Runes are facing up, their orientation in relation to the caster as well as each other, their positionin the casting area, and any number of other factors deemed pertinent by the caster are weighed in consideration of the interpretation of a given casting.
The other approaches to Runic Divination can be summed up as pulling. With pulling, you are withdrawing one or a number of Runes from the set being employed for divination.
Single Rune pulls are most common, but three, seven, nine, and other choices depending on the individual and circumstances are performed as well. Most often, the Runes are pulled directly from the bag or pouch in which they are kept. Others deposit them in some bowl or container prior to conducting their pull. Stirring or mixing them is a matter of preference that is overwhelmingly favored.
I am personally biased against multiple pulls for one main reason. Each subsequent pull is coming from an increasingly incomplete set of Runes. If you would not use an incomplete set for a single pull, why use an incomplete set on a 2nd and 3rd pull on a three Rune spread?
If someone is doing a “past-present-future” reading, I recommend doing three separate Rune pulls. One for past, one for present, and one for future. Multi-tasking in Divination is unwise from my perspective.
My personal practice is to sit before my Runes. Center myself with a short breathing exercise. Pour my Runes into my bowli (ritual vessel) and stir them three times with one hand while not looking at them. This can be done by closing one’s eyes, looking up, or away into the distance. Once they have been stirred, I pull them one by one, placing them back in my pouch without looking until the last one remains. This is the Rune for that pull.
Whatever divination method you employ is entirely up to you and the best metric for if you are doing it correctly is how intuitive and natural it does or doesn’t feel. If Whatever you are doing feels confusing or awkward, then listen to your instinct and adjust accordingly.
Hail the Folk!
Excellent. I am often confused on the use of Rune pulls, toss, spreads. I myself have stuck to Tacitus’ description. I can’t remember reading any other way described in Lore. None the less, glade there is a new post. Since leaving fb I’ve not seen your work. Missed you sir.