In the most mundane sense, runes are an alphabet much as our own
alphabet and others such as the Greek and Cyrillic alphabets. Each
rune represents a sound and was/is used to write words with.
But that is in the most MUNDANE of senses.
Runes were used long before the concept of writing was around. Each rune
is an archetype of a force. People had concepts for such things as
Fire, Honour, Birth, et.al. and each of these concepts were given
names to make them easier for us to comprehend. In this way, runes
are very similar to the Hebrew alphabet. Each 'letter' not only has a
sound and a name, but is a complete word with all associated concepts.
This similarity with Hebrew extends even farther. Each hebrew word is
made of several Hebrew letters, therefore each Hebrew word is made of
several Hebrew words. The initial letters of several words in a
sentence, or of the first letters of each sentence or paragraph may
be gathered to form a new word that is used to help explain and
expand upon what is already written. The same can be done with runes.
Runes lend themselves readily to numerology. The Runic alphabet is
properly shown as three rows of eight letters. Therefore each letter
can be identified by row:column number. Additionally, each rune has
it's sequential number identified by it's placement in the alphabet.
Much like us numbering A as 1, B as 2, ... , and Z as 26.
Each rune can be placed in position on a tree pattern much like the
traditional Qabbalah. They may represent the different worlds or
paths of the tree and can be expanded and expounded upon as much as
the Qabbalah itself is. In fact, Runic Qabbalah is quite intriguing
and does contain a life of study (as do all other facets of
Runework). Runes can be used for fortunetelling. They can be drawn
and placed and read much like tarot cards. The can be cast or strewn
and the relationship of groupings, distance and angles and patterns
formed will tell the caster what he wishes to know.
Runes are also entities in and of themselves. Much like the angels,
princes, demons, sylphs, undines and watchtowers of the ceremonial magician.
Each rune can be invoked or evoked and the power harnessed to work
ones will to enlighten the intellect. They are a fantastic meditation
tool and will always increase ones knowledge.
Much as the primal elements of Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Spirit, each
rune also has it's part in the manifestation of all things
manifested. Chaos, grass, people, sunlight, honour, dragons, hopes,
and sex are all replete with runes are could not ever exist without
the runic force that creates, shapes, releases, destroys and changes them.
I have equated runes to many other branches of esoteric, occult,
phsycological and intellectual pursuits. This is in the hopes that if
you are already familiar or interested in one of these, you will
realize that runes are already familiar to you or that you are
already interested in them and don't yet realize it.
May you approach the Well of Wyrd and may your sip there only increase your thirst.
Lokrien @ The Sacred Grove
(206) 634-1980 (WA)
Last amended June 11, 1989