View Full Version : Rune Stones or Decks?
Rhiannon
11-04-2002, 17:02
I've recently found a very nice rune deck (at least I like the artwork) http://www.wicce.com/powerunes.jpg I have never worked with runes before and I thought this might be a good way to introduce myself to them, since I'm already used to working with cards. Anyone have an opinion on this? Is it better to learn with stones or cards? I've also considered getting the Witches Runes.
Thanks for any input!
Rhiannon :)
Have been working with stones for awhile.
Runes are runes, be they carved on stone, wood, or bone.
Cards are cards.
I kinda dislike the concept of artwork in conjunction with runes. It is not what they are about.
Pick up a copy of Runecaster’s Handbook by Edred Thorsson (very basic primer) and Teutonic Magic by Kveldulf Gundarsson (Very good, should you decide Runes are right for you).
A word of caution: ANY book, deck, monograph, etc. that speaks of 25 runes (the blank rune is the key giveaway)…Stay away from…it is bogus…any book, deck, monograph, etc. that speaks of Celtic Runes, is bogus…stay away from.
(All Runestone sets come with 25 stones, just keep the blank as a spare...).
i love the witches runes. i love the artwork and the info.
i also have beautiful blue rune stones that i love.
runes are wonderful to use and i recommend you getting some......whatever sort 'speaks' to you!
in light,
jade
Malachite
12-04-2002, 04:24
The 25th Rune rule is a little strict, I think.
Granted, the original volva seers didn't use a blank rune, but that doesn't mean you can't use it if you want to.
Personally, I do have a 25th with one of my sets, but as a rune added myself, not as a blank. ( strangely enough, the symbol I use on that rune, which has been my little icon for years, and was totally original in concept, turned up reversed in a runic font i found yesterday!...weird...!)
I have never used cards as a method of runeworking. I think that if you are, then think of them of cards, as i do not think they will carry the same depth of emotion as stones or staves. However, i might be wrong.
On the other hand, they will introduced the concepts ok, and the use of pictures might help you *comprehend* the meanings of each symbol easier than texts, assuming the artist was well informed.
Keep me posted on this, I'd like to know how well they work.!
Oh, and Celtic Runes could be a mix up with the Ogam oracle, which is just as interesting, but very different in interpretation...its not fake per se, just not the same....
I think there are different 'types' of people interested in Tarot/Runes, etc... Two of the types are:
1) Those who prefer to have some imagery in front of them to read from, to inspire thought, etc... These types get on really well with Tarot. I am one of them.
2) Those who prefer to be inspired to thought through a keyword that springs to mind from a single symbol. These types get on really well with Runes, and some find Tarot not so much to their taste. (Adam, you're one of them!)
So, if you're a type 1, you'd probably get on well with the Rune cards, but if you're a type 2, you'd definitely prefer the traditional stones.
Kiama
Malachite
12-04-2002, 08:23
You've got to makes us different, haven't you!...
(thats why I'm making that deck, btw...its kind of a bridge!...)
Rhiannon
12-04-2002, 08:59
Thanks for the input guys! Kiama, I think you're right. I definitely prefer to have lots of pretty pictures with lots of key symbols (sometimes I flake ;) ) to remind me of what I'm doing.
I'll think about it for a while longer and then decide if I'm going to get any or not. Just now hubby says it's HIS turn to buy something fun and he wants a game for his new PS2 system. So I guess I'll have to wait a few weeks. :D
Rhiannon :)
WOW!!
I got huge butterflies in my stomach just watching the first card! I *got* to have this one. I even lost my breath... You think it's a sign? :p
Btw, what's the name of this deck? (So I can find it at amazon...) :)
Aeonx: You're not the only one! I found this deck quite breathtaking....
Kiama
Rhiannon: Do me a favor and let’s make a deal. I am currently working on a “monograph” to go with a rune sets.
Here’s the deal…Do not buy a deck or stones.
In two weeks (plus or minus) I will send you (free of charge) a set of stones with my monograph.
Try them for two weeks. Keep them the rest of your life. No charge, no strings. But judge them for yourself…
If it sounds like a deal, send me a mailing address to my personal folder (or e-mail).
Kewl?
i have the haindl rune oracle deck and it is a beautiful deck, the cards are very well done (got me thinking about aquiring the haindl tarot deck arghhhhh :) ) when i first started to learn about runes i decided to make my own, they're not great looking mind you but good enough...i say go with what you feel, if you want to get a deck get a deck but remember, dont treat them like tarot cards cause they are not, runes are a completely different kettle of fish! the book that came with the haindl rune deck is VERY deep and it will take me a long time to get through it :)
Malachite
12-04-2002, 11:58
Umbrae:...If you're giving out free Rune sets....*hint hint*
;-)
Just realised there were pics...
I think they capture the meanings well, especially Nauthiz, but I'm a little sceptical on Ansuz....Is that Odin borrowing Bragi's Harp and Horn, or Bragi borrowing Odin's Ravens?...hmmm...
On the whole, i think I;m sticking with my stones...
Yeah really, if you want to give away runes, I know of a poor homemaker whose husband is a college student who could use some lol, your personal symbol sounds really cool, whats it called?
Hmmmmm up to 3 now, one with international shipping...hmmmm
We shall see...Still be a couple of weeks...hmmm
Here's the real deal...Are you truly interested in runes?
Is it a lark?
Should we start a new Rune Thread?
What do you guys want?
From runes, and what can I help you with?
Rhiannon
12-04-2002, 17:24
I'm not really sure. I've never used them before. I figured I'd try them out and see how I like them. I'd probably use them in conjuction with Tarot.
Aside from the deck I posted above, these are what sort of intrigued me: http://www.awarenessshop.com/OnLineStore/Divination/cronestones.html but they aren't really Runes, per se. A woman who owns a local occult bookstore has them on her counter and you can pull a stone and see what it means by the little booklet it comes with. But, again, they aren't runes.
So, my question is.... I guess.... what SHOULD I be asking and what can Runes be used for? Divination only? I'm just not sure.
Rhiannon :)
Malachite
12-04-2002, 18:22
I ask the same thing about tarot, frequently, and often...
I think Runes can be used for anything, although, since you have 24/25 symbols, the concepts can be more *primeval*....emotions are much easier to convey with Runes, and the ideas can be much simpler...when i draw runes, i usually draw the first two together, to get a more complex idea than one rune would give....ie, Love+Need, or Conflict+Out of your hands....
On the other hand, drawing fewer runes is much easier (for me, at any rate), for giving a basic, understandable answer for a question, although that might be a matter of acquaintance...
again, emphasising the *primeval*, especially with matched stone sets....the energies are a lot stronger than mass-printed cards...
Malachite
12-04-2002, 18:32
more random thinking,,,
wow...crone stones....is it me, or does that sound like a catch-phrase?...;)
Runes can be used for Divination in the fortunetelling sense, or as a method of seeing what is going on in the present...
I use them for:
Future Divination
Solving my own Emotional difficulties...hearing it from *someone else* breaks through my usual denial problem...
Casting circles in rituals
Making Runescripts, as spells, and as protective/blessing influences...
A handy character set for writing things other people can;t read (:))
will think about more things...
Oh...a handy beginners book...mildly heretical by some standards, but useful nontheless...
" A Practical Guide to THE RUNES"....by Lisa Peschel...Llewellyn's New Age Series....ISBN 0-87542-593-3
Includes 25th, hence the hereticism, but explains them pretty well..Refers only to the runes themselves, not to their origin, other functions, or surrounding culture, which is a downside, but there are plenty of other texts and e-texts to help with that...
Umbrae:...I start rune threads every so often, but they tend to sink without trace after about 6 replies or so...I guess there just aren't enough of us here....!
(Evil laugh, evil grin)…Well there are two of us now…
But I run from your 25th rune! Heretic I say!
But that’s okay, the universe is big enough for both of us.
I use Runes in the following ways:
As an adjunct for a card reading.
A head’s up before meeting with clients (non-psychic types).
A quickie reading.
In depth readings.
Runes provide a very different outlook on things. In some ways simpler, because you only have 24 symbols (TWENTY FOUR!!! DO YOU HEAR ME…sorry).
But once you develop a relationship with them, they provide very specific advice.
I like them a lot.
All 24 of them.
He, he, he, he…
Another thought.
They are stone. Not paper.
I prefer onyx, because it works with the base chakra, (Base of Yggdrasill).
Runes were the earliest known divination method used by western man.
I am western. I just don’t relate to I-Ching, etc.
The Tarot evolved from Runes (so they say).
They make nice rattleing sounds in their bag (in case you need a rattle, yours is home and there are no tic-tac boxes about).
Well, I havent had a set of runes in years, but I was interested in them before I was interested in Tarot. I love their earthy, deep feel, and I think they often get to the point quicker than Tarot. I also really like the method of reading them that includes dumpingthebag onto the cloth and reading the face up runes, and seeing how close the runes are to each other. That gives good insight. They are also helpful in magickal workings :)
let's all remember how important exchange of energy is..........
rather than taking the runes for free............offer an exchange :) that way you are both receiving and giving. :)
love
jade
Its easy to make your own runes too... Just get 24/25 stones, and paint onto them theRunes,.... Or carve it into pieces of wood...
Kiama
Malachite
13-04-2002, 05:21
Jade: Of course, but there's no harm in trying, eh?.
;)
What could i offer in exchange?...hmm....*thinking*
Jade., Liliana, Malachite, Rhiannon, Kiama(?)…That’s my list. Exchange is not necessary. If you use them, and enjoy…Then a proper exchange is medium is already accepted. They were offered.
But It’ll still be about 2 weeks.
The pact is sealed.
I hope not in lood, blood is icky :) Tho some people swear you must feed your runes your blood. I hope you include a little paper about your personal rune :)
That is Malachite that has his personal Rune.
...I am not into blood. Intentions. Now there be the hallmark.
I’ll message the five of you in a couple of weeks for delivery instructions.
Oh no, Umbrae, I wasn't asking for a set of Runes! Thanks anyway! (I already have a set).
I'd love to know what you meant in one of your previous posts about people saying Tarot evolved from Runes though... Could you enlighten us on this theory a little, please?
Kiama
Rhiannon
14-04-2002, 16:42
I'd just like to say thank you in advance, Umbrae. This is a very generous offer. I'll be more than happy to use them and I will of course give you my honest opinion! (does a "review" count as an even trade? ;) ) Take all the time you need.
Rhiannon :)
Reveiw?
Um...I am neither an author, nor in the business, so there is nothing to review.
Just try, then enjoy.
A smile now and then.
That is payment.
Oops, gotta get back to work...
Kiama:
In Edred Thorsson's book, Futhark, a Handbook of Rune Magic, he theorizes the runes as a precursor to Tarot.
Someone also has done a lot of homework published at: http://members.aol.com/cbsunny/
...Not saying I completely agree with it, but the info and opinions are out there. There also may be some similarities...
Thanks for the link, Umbrae! I've read why there is a theory that Tarot came from Runes, an decided its pants! (IMO) Of couse there are gonna be Runes that match with the Tarot... The Runes are also based on human experience of the world around us, as is the Tarot, thus they both work on the same 'archtypes'.
Kiama
Originally posted by Umbrae
[BRunes were the earliest known divination method used by western man.
[/B]
Are you sure? I'm gonna research this a bit more...
Kiama
Cool...When I stated "Western Man", I should have said "European, excluding the Oracle of Delphi, and the innards used by the Romans".
I am specifically thinking of Northern Germanic/Celtic peoples.
Is that clear? Or am I rambling? It's early...Off to pop a bonnet and wake up.
Malachite
15-04-2002, 18:01
WElll..that narrows it down enough anyway...
its like saying that coffee was the first stimulant used by people on the island of guernsey...it doesn;t set any new order of precedence...;)
Oh man, Malachite...
It all goes back to the definition of Western Man. Some folks include the Mediterranean peoples, others do not.
Some folks thought that Europeans were primitive until the Roman Catholic Church “Educated” them, brought them out of darkness, and taught them technology.
Now they discover that the Europeans were far more advanced that previously thought, until the Romans, and/or the Roman Catholic Church “Educated” them…
Get what I’m trying to say? I can’t communicate today, and I apologize.
Check out the website and look at the layout of the migration of letters, it is very cool (posted above).
As for coffee being the first stimulant used by people on the island of Guernsey…
The Runes seem to be the oldest divination method used by Celtic/Germanic peoples ON RECORD However, we cannot deny that divination to find out the most auspicious times to do things such as hunt, harvest, etc, was very important to all peoples, and the Runes were used for writing too, which is why we have record of them. Maybe ancient man from the Germanic area used to use flat stones, or leaves, but we just don't have a record of that.
Also, I think there is an earlier method on record, used by the peoples in the Celtic lands around 1500 bce. Ancient Celtic doctors/physicians have been found buried with what appear to be copper and bronze sticks, of no medical purpose. Archaologists have decided they were used for divination with relation to medicine.
Kiama
"Ancient Celtic doctors/physicians have been found buried with what appear to be copper and bronze sticks, of no medical purpose. Archaologists have decided they were used for divination with relation to medicine."
Very cool...I wanna know more! Point me in the correct direction!
Oh gosh! I've gotta see if I've still got the TV program I saw it on recorded! There was a really good documentary on, just after the Harry Potter film came out, which busted all the myths about wizards, and explored the origins of the stereotype we see now. I'll try and find it, but I can't guarantee I've still got it! (Hope I have!)
Kiama
Malachite
16-04-2002, 11:42
Umbrae...
No worries...I;m in the same state...(hence the coffee/guernsey analogy...not good)...
Definitions like 'western' are difficult because they are temporary and new...A thousand years ago they were strong...two thousand years ago the ancestors of half the eastern europeans lived in China. Three thousand years ago, the Greeks had not emigrated into Greece.
Six thousand years ago, the ancestors of the Basques and Irish were the native peoples of Europe, and everyone else's Europeans still lived in Kazakhstan....
But I think, people used things like Bird flights, Rainfall, Spirit Guides, and the Entrails of animals all the way back to the First Migration....Rune and Ogam staves have been recorded in use since 100BCE, and presumably go a little farther back than that...
On the other hand, it is one of the old Methods...not much younger than I Ching, and over a thousand older that Tarot, and probably crystallomancy (not including water work...)
*finding himself miles off topic, and short of water...*
I have been wanting the Power of The Runes deck for a little while. I personally love working with the runes, be it stones, wood or cards.
Hey, sorry this is a bit off topic now, I only just found the thread -
(nasty lecturers are making me do essays and keeping me from posting at aeclectic! What are they thinking? I'm behind on all the discusssions!)
Anyway, back on page three Umbrae said that all his previous rune threads sunk without trace, but maybe that's because noone here knows enough about runes to contribute properly?
It doesn't mean we don't want to learn new things!
Would Umbrae or Malachite or anyone else here with lots of runic knowledge consider running a short study course? Or perhaps posting some rune basics up sometime? I know it'd be a lot of work, but I'm sure everyone here would really appreciate it, and you might find some more folk to post with!
Bright blessings
Mermaid
PS - pretty please ... maybe as a Samhein/Beltane gift? ;-)
Malachite
18-04-2002, 12:11
I reckon we could whip something up between us...
Umbrae..what do you think?...(btw..you have mail!)
I'd also love to have you guys as teachers. I have some runes somewhere in a drawer, unused, never even looked at for lack of some good advice. It would be great to get them out and make friends with them.
Hey, I' be willing to help Malachite and Umbrae with this. Granted, I don't use the Runes on a regular basis anymore, but there was a time when I did, and they're like old friends now!
Kiama
Yipee, I can't wait!
BB
Mermaid
if you guys would inform us on how using runes, i would be very interested.
gonna make meself a set, so count me in :)
kaz
Malachite, Kiama, and Umbrae are working diligently on providing an informative and comprehensive study group on Runes.
We thank you for your interest. Designing a study session is a daunting task for us. At the core of our efforts is a desire to provide you with tools, which you can use, to enrich your lives, and help you on your path, (and serve as a wonderful adjunct to the tarot).
Stay tuned.
I cant wait, how wonderful it will be to not only have a set of runes made just for me, but an entire group ofwise people to teach me how to use them
:THP
I wonder if Solandia would let us make a set of rune icons for use like the Tarot ones ;)
MystiqueMoonlight
23-04-2002, 23:31
Umbrae, what do you make you runes on? I kinda got lost in all the hoo har. It is very difficult to obtain runes carved into stones/crystal here in Australia.
I would love to have a study group based on runes. Count me in!!
bump
in light,
the moderator chick!
(that's jade by the way no malachite LOL)