Runes

[Tarot by G]

Hope this is in the right section mods.

Runes - where do I start? Where do I buy? What are the best ones? Wood? Stone?

Thanks in advance

[Siochanai]

I don't know much about runes really but I don't really see a need to buy. If you can muster a soldering iron and some wood you can easily make your own by burning the sigils into coins cut from a tree branch. If not you can find some stones from a stream that are nice and smooth and then use a file to carve the sigils into the surface and use some paint to make them stand out. I think if you make them yourself they would be much more meaningful.

[magpie9]

According to the Rune Master I study with it is important to not burn Runes into wood. He says burning cancels out magic...I don't know if I agree, but he is very firm about it. Carving or painting is fine for wood, painting or carving is fine for stone. In either case, the color should be red to symbolize blood, and some of your own blood mixed into the paint is best. It activates them and connects them to you and helps empower them magically.
He says wood or stone are both good, that originally they where wood on twigs, and later disks of wood, and even later stone was also used. If you buy a set, go over the rune with a red pen....and some of your blood.
No, really.
He's very traditional.

[Milfoil]

You've made a great start by asking right here. There are lots of members who have experience working with runes and a quick search of the Divination section will bring up lots of interesting rune threads.

There is a rune study group HERE

Making your own set is a superb way to learn about each rune as you make it and there will be a bond between you and the runes for life. I've known people who have made sets from all the different tree woods associated with each of the runes and others who have written them on cards and used those. Here is the set that I made from local beach pebbles:

http://www.tarotforum.net/attachment...chmentid=18907

Unfortunately, I just don't seem to get time to use them so often so I forget much of what I once learned. Shame really. I dare say it would all come back if I were using them regularly though.

If you're just not the crafty type and want to buy some, personally I would just say go with what feels right to you (not necessarily what is prettiest or immediately available).

Runes were used in divination, recording events and for magical/protection purposes being carved into amulets, blades, stones and more. Pre-literate societies all over the globe have a virtually universal understanding that certain sounds or words carry purpose and meaning in a magical sense. Converting these to visual forms was a highly significant act and there is a lot of belief and mythology around why blood is used to mark the runes, so if you want to know more, research everything you can, ask questions and enjoy the journey.

Have fun.

What do you feel is the right way to start?

[Tarot by G]

Magpie oooo I love that!!!

Milfoil where would I get the rocks? How would I know the symbols and meanings? Can you recommend me a book?

Thank you saochan love the idea x

[raeanne]

Hi Gilokez,
If you do a Search for threads about Runes, you will find the answer to a lot of your questions right here. There is even a thread about good books! I am a strong believer in making your own set of Runes. I have several sets - some bought and some made. While some of the purchased sets are beautiful, my favorite and most reliable set is one I made from a tree that once lived in my backyard. I had heard about "blooding" the Runes but didn't think I was going to do that. Well, as I was finishing carving (yes, carve, not burnt), I cut myself. So, I went ahead and touched each Rune to my bleeding finger. There is a connection that I have to this set that I can't explain. It is very powerful! Runes have a completely different energy from Tarot. It seems very primal and Earthy to me. Feel free to ask as many questions as you need - everyone here is always very helpful!