THE BOOK OF THE

RUNAS

A MANUAL FOR THE USE OF

AN ANCIENT ORACLE
THE VIKING RUNES

COMMENTS BY RALPH BLUM

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Give courage to virtue and passion to truth...
Dr. Samuel Johnson

CONTENT

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

1.- THE ORACLE OF BEING____________________________________________10

2.- THE RISE OF THE RUNES__________________________________15

3.- CONSULTING THE ORACLE_____________________________________20

Consulting the Runes.......................................................................................21
Appropriate issues........................................................................................22
Arbitrary rejection of the Runes.........................................................................22
Readings facing forward and inverted............................................................22
Consult two oracles
Lend your Runes................................................................................................23

4.- RUNEMAL: THE ART OF READING RUNES__________________________25

The Rune of Odin.................................................................25
The Reading of Three Runes...................................................................................26
The Reading of the Five Runes...........................................................................27
The Rune Cross...................................................................................................29
The Reading of the Three Lives..............................................................................29
The Rune Game.........................................................................................31
The Initiation Cycle.................................................................32
The Rune Diary.................................................................................................33

5.- THE RUNIC ART: THREE NEW READINGS________________________35

The Runes of Water
The Runes of Rectification.................................................................................36
The Runes of Consolation for the Afflicted...............................................................37

6.- A PROFILE OF THE DESTINATION_________________________________________38

7.- INTERPRETING THE RUNES_____________________________________44

8.- LATER WORDS: MAGIC IN THE PRESENT TIME____________72

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE.................................................................................73

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 THE VIKING RUNES
(From right to left)

URUZ OTHILA Ansuz GIFT MANNAZ

5. Force 4. Separation 3. Signs 2. Association The I
(Page 50) (Page 49) (Page 48) (Page 47) (Page 46)

ALGIZ Eiwaz INGUZ Need PERTH

Protection 9. Defense 8. Fertility 7. Restriction 6. Initiation
(Page 55) (Page 54) (Page 53) (Page 52) (Page 51)

TEIWAZ KANO JERA Joy FEHU

15. Warrior 14. Opening 13. Harvest 12. Joy 11. Possessions
(Page 60) (Page 59) (Page 58) (Page 57) (Page 56)

RAIDO HAGALAZ LAGUZ Ehwaz BERKANA

20. Trip Destruction Current 17. 16. Growth
(Page 65) (Page 64) (Page 63) Movement (Page 61)

ODIN Sowelu ISA Dawn THURISAZ

25. The Unknown 24. Totality 23. Paro 22. Transformation 21. Door
(Page 70) (Page 69) (Page 68) (Page 67) (Page 66)

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 THE VIKING RUNES
Traditional Meanings

The I The Man, The Human Race.

Association A Gift, Offerings from the Gods or from the Chiefs to the faithful followers.
Signs God, the God Loki, Mouth, Source of Divine Expressions, Mouth of
River.
Retreat Inherited Property or Possessions. Also Native Land, Home.
Force Strength, Sacrificial Animal, Aurochs or European Bison (bos primigenius)
species of Wild Ox.
Initiation Uncertain Meaning, a Secret Matter, the Rune of Mystery.
Restricción Carencia, Necesidad, Restricción, causa del Pesar Humano, Lecciones,
Poverty.
Fertility Ing, the Legendary Hero, later a God.
Defense Yew Tree, an Arch of Yew wood, Rune Magic, Powers of
Conjure, Runic Calendars or Primstaves.
Protection Defense, Protection, the Elk, the Reed
Possessions Livestock, Merchandise, the Vital Wealth of the Community.
Joy Joy, Also in the Runic Passages of Cynewulf, the Absence of
Suffering and Sadness.
Harvest Year
Opening Torch, Frigate, Sore, associated with the cult of the Goddess Nerthus.
Warrior Victory in Battle, a Planet or Guiding Star, the God Tiw.
Birch Growth, associated with Fertility Cults, Rebirth, New Life.
Horse Movement, associated with the Course of the Sun.
Current Water, Sea, a Source of Fertility (See: The Sea of Grendel in Beowulf).
Destruction Hail, Sleet, Natural Forces that Cause Damage.
Trip A Cavalcade, a Journey. It refers to the Soul after Death, the
Travel Talisman.
Door Giant, Demon, Thorn, the God Thor.
Transformation The Day, the Light of God, Prosperity and Fertility
Paro Ice, Freezing. In the Prose Edda, the Frost Giant Ymir is born
of Ice.
Totality The Sun.
The Unknowable The Runestone of Destiny.

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 PREFACE

The Runes described here are reconciling and compassionate Runes: they will not harm you at all.
Learn their language and let them speak to you. Play with the possibility that they provide you.
a mirror for the magic of our Wise Self, a way of communicating with wisdom from
our subconscious mind.
Remember that you are consulting an oracle: they are not going to 'read your fortune' for you. An oracle does not give you
instructions about what you should do and also does not predict future events. An oracle guides your
attention to those hidden motivations and fears that will shape your future with their
imperceptible presence in every moment of the present. Once observed and recognized, these
elements are absorbed in the choice domains. The oracles do not free you from the
responsibility to choose your future, rather it directs your attention towards those options
interiors that could be the most important elements in determining that future.
How can the random selection of marked stones tell you something about yourself? Perhaps the
rune interpretations are simply so evocative that each one contains some point that
it can be accepted as relevant to a part of what is happening at the borders of the
awareness at any day, at any hour, to anyone. That is the simplest possibility.
to accept from a strictly scientific point of view. However, my own handling of the
Runes have shown coincidence after coincidence, as well as an apparently 'relevance'
consistent in each reading, which is difficult to explain through the mechanism described above.
Will there be other factors that distort the expected randomness in the selection of the Runes?
providing a language through which the subconscious manifests itself and its
expectations? For my part, I keep an open mind, reminding myself that the
observations should not be dismissed simply because their underlying mechanisms have not
have not yet been explained in a satisfactory manner.
Try these Runes and find out if this oracle can reflect your subconscious process. But
remember that this bond needs to be practiced to develop. The runic interpretations
that what is offered here arose from the meditations of a gentle and reconciling mind, and it will speak to you
of Change and Growth. The only negativity you will find here is related to obstruction
of Appropriate Growth, while all positive aspects are transcendent,
transformative, and they lead us towards great advancements. The subconscious that you will find here is not
a fearsome beast that needs obedience training. It is the internal quest for truth,
which must be helped to save us from ourselves.

Dr. Martín D. Rayner

Professor of Physiology
John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii

5
THE SUPREME PRAYER

I know I hung from that tree swept by the wind,

rocking myself for nine long nights,
wounded by my own sword,
bloodied for Odin,
a offering for myself:
tied to the tree
of which no man knows
where their roots run.

No one gave me bread,

no one gave me water.
I peered into the deepest abysses
until I caught sight of the Runes.
With a roar, I took them.
to then fall, stunned and weak.

I gained well-being
and wisdom too.
I grew and rejoiced in my growth:
from word to word
I was guided towards another word,
from one action to another action.

From Old Norse

The Poetic Edda (1200 A.D.)

6
 INTRODUCTION

Very few people nowadays have even heard the word Runes. Maybe it is familiar to them
people of Scandinavian descent and those who have read Tolkien, but that might be about it.
Ancient script alphabet whose letters had an intended name and a significant sound, the
Runes were used for poetry, inscriptions, and divination, although they never
they evolved as a spoken language. Very little has been written about the Runes as an oracle.
contemporary.
Both the alphabetical order and the interpretations of the letters found in The Book of
The Runes are unconventional. The interpretations of the Runes used for divination are
unknown. While the legomonism – the transfer of wisdom through initiation –
It was practiced long ago by the Rune Masters, their secrets were not recorded, or if they were
they were, did not survive. In ancient times, the Runes and their symbols were used by the
warriors determined to conquer. I hope that the Runes in their contemporary use
serve the Spiritual Warrior: the one whose quest is to sustain battles within himself, whose
meta is the change of oneself. The Bhagavad Gita expresses it concisely in chapter 6, verse 5:

Elevate the self for the Self

and do not allow my self to languish,
well, the self is the only friend of the self,
and the self is the only enemy of the Self.

The Book of the Runes has been written as a manual for the Spiritual Warrior. Free of
anxieties, radically alone and detached from the results or consequences, the Warrior
Spiritual puts into practice absolute trust in the struggle for consciousness and is constantly
aware of the importance of having a true present. It takes a long time to grow in wisdom, without
mention the time it takes to learn to think well. The Way of the Warrior is not for
anyone, although it is available to anyone who is willing to be subjected to its challenges.
Venture down that Path means cultivating the Witness Self, the Internal Observer, that one who
you can converse profitably with the Runes.
Before starting to write, I consulted the Runes about the appropriateness of the moment to
undertake this work. The three drawn Runes were:

Inguz The Rune of Fertility and the New Principles.

Need The Rune of Need, Restriction, and Pain.

Day The Rune of Advances and Transformation.

Throughout The Book of Runes, the term 'I' is used to represent the little self, the ego, and the term 'Self' means
The Supreme I, the Inner God.

7
 The Book of Runes was conceived in a single fertile night of sleeplessness. The required Restriction
During the long hours spent editing and adapting the first half of the book, it certainly did not
it was done without pain. However, I remembered that French proverb: 'Pain is the profession that shapes'
part of the apprentice. Working with the Runes has been a source of transformation in my own life,
and through teaching them, in the lives of many others.
Throughout the entire journey since this book was started, there have been positive signs and good
omen. The last sign came when I was about to finish the Subsequent Words. Because
the last Rune Masters lived in Iceland in the 17th century, I thought it appropriate to say goodbye.
the book with an Icelandic blessing. To make sure of the correct way to write Gud blessi
thig (God bless you in Icelandic), I made a call to the Icelandic consulate in New York. The woman
What he answered confirmed the spelling. When he heard that it was about The Book of Runes, he made
a pause to later add: "My name is Sigrun, which means Runa of Victory."

***

Over the years since this book was first published, a variety of new
techniques have revealed themselves. Some of them are now included in this revised edition.
and increased from The Book of Runes.
The Reading of the Five Runes (page 27) is very helpful when you need to investigate.
I create a theme, to see it illuminated from various different perspectives. The Runes of Rectification
the Runes of Water and the Runes of Comfort for the Afflicted, presented for the first time
although in a different way in The Rune Game (St. Martin’s Press, 1985), are found
grouped here in the chapter titled The Runic Art Three New Readings (page 35). A Profile
of Destiny, 'a grid within which a human life can be shaped', is a chapter
aside (page 38). For the many people who have written asking about the
pronunciation of the ancient Germanic names of the Runes, a Guide is included
pronunciation (page 73) in this new edition.
As time goes by, other techniques and practices may be added to the original text. For
As The Book of Runes comments: "Function determines form, use confirms meaning"
and an oracle always resonates with the requirements of the moment in which it is consulted.

8
 INVOCATION

God inside me, God outside,

How can I possibly doubt?
There is no place at all that
go and do not see the face of God, and do not know
that I am the vision of God and the ears of God.
Thus, through the harvest of my years
I am The One Who Sows and The One Who is Sown,
the Being of God that manifests and that belongs to Him.

9
1. THE ORACLE OF BEING

"He was a King on a carved throne,"

in stone halls with many pillars,
with a gold roof and silver floor,
and power runes over the door.

J.R.R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring

Runes and talismans are practical formulas designed to produce

definitive results, how to get a cow out of a swamp.

-T.S. Eliot
The Music of Poetry.

The purpose of this book is to reintroduce an ancient oracle: the Runes. Older than the
New Testament, the Runes have been fallow for over 300 years. Similar in function
the Tarot and the Chinese Book of Changes, the Runes were popularly used in Iceland during the
Middle Ages. In its time, it served as the I Ching of the Vikings.
The wisdom of the Rune Masters died with them. Nothing remains, except the legends, the
remote fragments of popular runic knowledge and the Runes themselves. In his excellent book The Runes:
An introduction, Ralph W.V. Elliot writes about:

strange symbols carved on ancient tools and weapons that now lie in vain in the
showcase of a museum; names of warriors, secret spells, even bits of songs
that appear in objects as diverse as tiny silver coins or imposing crosses of
stone, scattered in the most unlikely places from Yugoslavia to Orkney, from
Greenland to Greece.*

The influence of the Runes in their times is undeniable. Elliot observes that when the high
Wise chiefs and counselors of Anglo-Saxon England gathered in conclave, calling their runes.
secret deliberations, and when Bishop Wulfila made his translation of the Bible into Gothic
the 4th century interpreted 'the mystery of the kingdom of God' from St. Mark (Mark 4:11) using the
rune word to describe mystery. Eight centuries earlier, when the Greek historian Herodotus traveled

* Ralph W.V. Elliot, Runes, An Int (Manchester, Eng.: Manchester University Press, 1959), page 1.

10
around the Black Sea, he found descendants of the Scythian tribe who were hiding under
blankets, they smoked until they were dazed (a practice still carried out in the Caucasus) and then they threw
sticks in the air and they "read" them as they fell. Although these tribes did not know how to read, their sticks probably did
they could be classified as Runes.
There is no firm agreement among scholars on the place and time when the
Runic writing first appeared in Western Europe.* Before the peoples
Germans had some form of writing; they used pictorial symbols that they carved into.
stones. Particularly common in Sweden, these prehistoric carvings in stone called
hällristningar, data from the second Bronze Age (1300 B.C.) and probably were
related to the Indo-European cults of fertility and the sun. The carvings include representations
of men and animals, parts of the human body, reasons for defense, solar symbols, swastika
and variations of circular and square shapes:

Elliot suggests a blend of two separate traditions: the alphabetical writing on one side,
symbolic content by the other... The practice of spells was cultivated both by the Italics.
from the north as by the Germanic towns, the first using letters, the second using
pictorial symbols.** Numerosashällrismingary runic stones can still be observed in the
British Isles, Germany and all over Scandinavia.
It is hard to imagine the immense powers conferred upon the few who learned to be skilled in
the handling of symbolic markers or glyphs to convey thought. Those early glyphs
they were called runes, from the Gothic runa, which means something secret, a mystery. The runic letter or
runastafr became the custodian of the intuitions, which were enriched according to
the skill of the practitioner of Runemal, the art of reading the Runes.
From the beginning, the Runes assumed a ritual function and were used to read fortunes, to
to predict and to invoke high powers that could influence the lives and fortunes of the people. The art
delRunemal concerned all aspects of life, from the most sacred to the most
practicals. There were Runes and spells to influence the weather, the tides, the harvests, love, praises.
healings; Runes for fertility, to curse and to get rid of curses, for the
birth and death. The Runes were carved on amulets, on drinking utensils, on the

Elliot writes: All we know is that in some Germanic tribe, some man had such leisure (a factor that is forgotten with
frequency) as the notable phonetic sense to grasp the 'futhark' (alphabetic writing) of a Nor-Italic model known to him in
the alpine regions during the period of 250-150 BC.

11
battle spears, on the thresholds of houses and on the prows of Viking ships.
The readers of Runes from the Teutons and Vikings wore amazing garments with which they
they were easily recognized. Honored, welcomed, feared, these shamans were familiar figures in
the tribal circles. There is evidence that a good number of rune practitioners were women.
The anonymous author of the 13th-century work, The Legend of Erik the Red, presents us with a vivid
description of a contemporary master of runic art:

He wore a cape adorned with stones along the edges. Around the neck and covering his head.
wore a hood edged with white cat fur. In one hand, he held a stake with a
a perilla at the tip, and from the belt that kept her long dress closed hung a bag of charms.

For pre-Christian eyes, the earth and all created things were alive. Sticks and stones
they were used for runic divinations, as being natural objects they held sacred powers.
Runic symbols were carved into hard wood, engraved in metal, or cut into dyed skin with
pigment often mixed with human blood with the purpose of increasing the power of the
spell. The most common runes were smooth, flat pebbles with symbols or glyphs painted on them.
one of its sides. The practitioners of Runemal shook their bag and scattered the pebbles over the
land: those who fell with the glyphs facing up were then interpreted.
The most explicit description that survives of this procedure comes from the historian.
Roman Tacitus. When writing in the year 98 A.D. about the prevailing practices among the tribes
Germanic, reports:

They pay more attention to divination and fortune-telling than other peoples. Their method for
casting luck is simple: they cut a branch from a fruit tree and divide it into small pieces, the
they mark with certain distinctive signs and scatter them randomly on a white canvas. Then
the priest of the community, if luck is publicly consulted, or the head of the family, if it is
consulted in private, after invoking the gods with his gaze turned towards the sky, he collects three
pieces, one wing at a time, and interprets them according to the previously marked signs on them.

Germany, Ch.X

In the time of Tacitus, the Runes were already beginning to be known on the Continent. They were carried by
place in place by merchants, adventurers, warriors, and eventually by Anglo missionaries
sajones. For this to be possible, a common alphabet was necessary, the alphabet that was known
comofuthark by its first six letters or glyphs:

F U TH A R K

12
 Although later the Anglo-Saxon alphabets expanded to include thirty-three
letters in England, the traditional Germanic futhark comprises twenty-four runes. These were
divided into three 'families' of eight Runes, being the three and the eight numbers credited with powers
special. The three groups, known as aettir, were named after the Norse gods Freyr,
Hagal and Tyr. The three aettir are:

The Eight of Freyr:

The Eight of Hagal:

The Eight of Tyr:

It is with these twenty-four Runes, plus a later innovation (the White Rune), that The Book of
the Runasse concerns.

13
THE RUNES OF HOSPITALITY

I saw a stranger yesterday.

I put food in the place to eat.
drink in the place to drink,
music in the place to listen.
And in the sacred names of the Trinity
the stranger blessed my house and my being,
my livestock and my loved ones.
And the lark announced with its song:
frequently, frequently
the Christ goes in disguise as a stranger.
frequently, frequently
here comes Christ in disguise as a stranger.

DelGaelic

14
2.- THE RISE OF THE RUNES
oracle, from the Latin oraculum, divine announcement... 1. among the ancient Greeks and Romans, a) the place
where or means through which the deities were consulted; b) the revelation or answer
of a priest or medium; 2. a) any person or agency that is believed to be in communication with
una deidad; b) cualquier persona de gran sabiduría o conocimiento; c) opiniones o declaraciones
of the oracle; 3. the sacred of sacreds of the ancient Jewish Temple.

New World Webster's Dictionary

And he prepared the oracle within the house, to put there the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord.

1 Kings 6:19

When I started working with the Runes, I had never seen a runic text before and therefore did not...
I knew I was breaking with the traditional sequence of Freyr, Hagal, and Tyr used by the
first practitioners of the Runemal. But function determines form, use confers the.
meaning and an oracle always resonates with the needs of the moment it is in
I had to trust that the Runes would establish their own order and instruct me about
its meanings.
The runestones I worked with had been delivered to me in England: small
brown rectangles, just bigger than a thumb nail, with the glyphs carved on the
surface. The woman who made them lived on Trindles street, in the village of Redhill, in Surrey. No
had glazed his Runes, but simply had cooked them in the oven as if they were
cookies.
Together with this set of Runes, I received two Xerox sheets that assigned the glyphs their
significado aproximado en inglés y una breve interpretación para cada Runa, según su colocación
"upright" or "reversed". An additional rune had been added to the twenty-four original runes.
Blanca, simply represented as the path of karma, that which is predestined and not
can be avoided. Issues hidden by the gods. There were no instructions regarding its use,
And after a few days, the Runes of Trindles Street ended up on a shelf.
However, I kept the Runes and took them with me back to the United States. Several
Years passed before I met them again. Being alone on my farm of
Connecticut on a warm summer night without being able to fall asleep, I went to my studio and prepared to
rearranging my books. And there, in its small suede bag, were the Runes.
As I emptied the stones onto my desk and moved them from place to place, I experienced the
the same pleasant feeling I had the first time I held them in my hands in England.
It was then that I thought to ask the Runes how they should be used. I sat down to
silence for a moment, relaxing, and I uttered a prayer. I opened my notebook and wrote
this question: "In what order would you like to be arranged?" It was 10:55 PM on June 21,
night of the summer solstice.

15
 I extended the Runes with the glyphs downwards and moved them, touching each stone. Then, one by one.
I turned them over, aligning them in front of me in three rows. It took me only a few moments. When
I had finished, I sat down to study the layout.

I remember that my first feeling was one of discouragement upon seeing the White Rune, the Rune of
Unknown, it would not have been placed in a more dramatic position instead of simply occupying.
its place among the others. And then I had a strange feeling: the woman from England had said
that the Runes could be read from right to left.* Viewed that way, the sequence
it started with the Rune of the Self, Mannaz , and it ended with the White Rune, the Rune that points out
the presence of the Divine in our lives.
It was when I was observing the Rune of the Self that the following words came to me.
me

The starting point is the self. Its essence is water. Only clarity, the will to change,
it has effect now...

The Viking Runes had begun their teaching. I worked through the night, taking each
I run between my hands, meditating with them, writing what came to me. Every now and then, at
feeling that it wasn't flowing, I consulted the I Ching and asked for a hexagram that would reveal the essence of something
A particular rune. The spirit of those readings is imprinted in the interpretations of the Runes.
Vikings. When I finished interpreting the White Rune, the sun was rising.
Since that night, I have read a lot about the Runes and their history, the controversies surrounding them.
origins, the speculations about its use. Only one thing is certain: beyond the efforts of
the scholars to encompass them, the Runes remain elusive, for they are the gift of Odin and are
sacred.
Odin is the main deity among the Norse gods. His name derives from Old Norse and
means wind and spirit. It was through his passion and his transformative sacrifice of the self that Odin
he gave us the Runes. According to legend, he hung for nine nights from Yggdrasil, the Tree of the World,
wounded by his own sword, tormented by hunger, thirst, and pain, alone and helpless, until
that before falling he could see the Runes and with one last tremendous effort, he took them.

The Runes can be oriented in any direction and read from left to right, or sometimes vertically. Even
Some inscriptions are read in boustrophedon, from the Greek bous, an ox, and strophe, to turn, which refers to the way in
that the ox moves when plowing.

16
 In addition to the gift of fire, the gift of the alphabet is the light under which we see our own revelation.
nature. In the Poetic Edda (a collection of Scandinavian literature), Odin the Great Rune Master
he speaks to us through the centuries. Listen to him:

Do you know how to cut them, how to dye them,

how to read them, how to understand?
Do you know how to evoke them, how to send them,
how to offer, how to ask?

It's better not to offer too much,

So a gift demands a gift,
better not to kill than to kill too many.
Thus spoke Odin before the earth was created,
when he got up after a while.

I know these unknown Runes for the women of the Kings

or for any man. "Help" is what it's called.
for help is your gift and you will be helped.
in sickness, care, and sorrow.

I know another one that they will need.

everyone who studies the art of leeches.
Carve them into the bark, on the trunk of the trees
whose branches bend towards the East.

I know a third one -

If my need is great in battle,
dull the swords of fatal enemies:
neither tricks nor weapons hurt me
and came out unscathed...

Thus begins the sacred story of the Runes

***

The motto of the Runes could be the same words that were carved over the door of the
Oracle of Delphi: Know yourself. The Runes are a Master. However, for some it will be
it's more comfortable to approach them with a playful spirit. The oracles are sacred games, instruments
for serious or elevated games, and the value of the game is that it frees us from the effort of learning,
it frees us to learn how children learn. The Book of Runes offers itself as a manual
for beginners in the oracle game.
From this perspective, each of us is an oracle. Consulting the Runes will put you in
contact with your own intense guide, with the part of you that knows everything you need to know for your
life at this moment.
If there is a modern prominent authority on the effectiveness of oracles, it is the psychologist.
Swiss Carl Jung, who stated that theoretical considerations of cause and effect often seem

17
 pale and dusty compared to the practical outcomes of chance.* This statement
suggests that nothing is so insignificant as to be considered an indication that guides us about the
correct and timely actions. Consulting an oracle puts you in true present time, since
what happens at any given moment possesses what Jung calls the characteristic quality of it
moment.
Experiencing a true present is something that most of us find.
particularly difficult. We waste a good part of our lives in past lamentations
and fantasies about future disasters. In my own life, when I exercise or drive large
distances, I often find myself busy reviewing ideas, sorting plans, going over options and
opportunities. Suddenly I realize that miles of field have gone unnoticed, not
I am aware of my breathing, I am not aware of the trees, the breeze, the ruts of the road.
These days I realize more often, which is already a beginning. The 'chatter on the roof'
"from my head" is gradually being replaced by a calm that keeps me in the now.
Once the momentum is broken, the habit soon withers. I just have to remember: In life
spiritual we are always at the beginning. Remembering this helps us overcome our addiction to
to stand out. Because when we experience a true present, that is where everything happens.
Consulting the Runes allows you to bypass the strictness of reason, the shackles of
conditioning and the impulse of habit.** During the brief span of time of interaction with the
Runes, you are decreeing a free zone in which your life is malleable, vulnerable, and open to
change. We live in an era of radical discontinuity. Lessons are increasingly presented
fast, while our souls and the universe push us towards new growth. The
family waters suddenly seem dangerous to us, with unexplored shallows and changing banks
arena. The old maps are obsolete and we require new navigation tools. And the
The undeniable fact is that now you are your own cartographer. Just as the Vikings used the
information provided by the Rune Masters to navigate under cloudy skies, now you
you can use the Runes to change the course of your own life. A change of direction of a few
how many degrees at the beginning of a journey will mean a completely different position offshore.
Anything that the Runes are – a bridge between the self and the Self, a link between the Self and the
Divine, an eternal navigation instrument - the energy that surrounds them is our own
wisdom. Therefore, when we begin to connect with our Wise Self, we will start to listen
messages of deep beauty and true usefulness. For like snowflakes and footprints
fingerprints, each of our oracular signatures is a unique aspect of Creation addressing
herself.

* C.G. Jung, Forward to the I Ching, Princeton University Press, 1950.

As Brugh Joy reminds us in his useful manual The Joy Way: A Map for the Transition Journey, there are three blockages
mentalities that you must let go of if you want to be truly free: judging, comparing, and asking why. The 'why' inevitably leads to
clarify as you progress on your journey.

18
 I believe

The truth is that life is hard and dangerous: that he who seeks his
one's own happiness cannot be found; that he who is weak must suffer; that he who
He who demands love will be disappointed; he who is greedy will not be.
fed; that he who seeks peace will find conflict; that the truth is
only for the brave; for joy is only for those who are not afraid to be
Only; for life is only for those who are not afraid to die.

Joyce Cary

19
3.- CONSULTING THE ORACLE

The true journey of discovery does not consist of seeking new

landscapes without having new eyes.

-Marcel Proust

Lord, grant me weak eyes for that which does not matter and
strong eyes for all Your Truth.

-Søren Kierkegaard

We walk by faith and not by sight.

Saint Paul

Once you start exploring the world of Runes, you will discover that many people have
he has developed his own way of reading them. There is a man who works on the Venice boardwalk,
California. She sits on an old sheet on which she has painted the iridescent circles of an eye.
bull. He has a bag of stones, shells, and sticks, and once you have asked your question
spreads his 'runes' and reads them. There are people who work with starfish, pieces of bone and
stones on which they have carved their own symbols.
There is also what a friend calls 'The Oracle of Noah Webster': open the dictionary at random.
and take advice from the words that his finger points to. At a certain moment while working on this
book, an attractive business opportunity presented itself to me that I felt obligated to decline. When
I did it because I was afraid I would miss out on something and I started to blame myself. Instead of consulting the Runes about the
theme, I opened a dictionary and blindly placed my finger on a page. The advice I received arrived
under the words lay off ('leave, abandon'), and contained under my finger the phrases 'set boundaries...
stop criticizing... minimize the risks.” I returned to the manuscript with a clear conscience.
Throughout the years I have met a number of people who, without having knowledge
I need to know about the oracles; they use the Bible in a similar way. It has been my habit for a long time.
a long time to consult The Daily Word* and try to live with its wisdom. It is a teacher for
me, a monthly book of daily oracles.
These contemporary oracles, although homemade, are compatible with ancient traditions - such as
the Chinese practice of reading oracle bones or the cracks that appear on turtle shells when
to put oneself on the fire - and with the very practice of the Runemal.

An excellent collection of inspiring daily readings published monthly by Unity, Unity Village, Missouri 64065.

20
 While working with the Runes, I have reflected on what essentially constitutes a Rune.
To what extent is meaning present in a sign or glyph? Have you noticed the Warrior Rune?
____ or ____ on the roads? Or the Rune of the Opening in a series of curves? The
the meaning is clearly present and implicit, but hardly of an oracular nature –a
less, of course, than you find yourself meditating on some issue, you see the symbol in
that moment and therefore contain a special message for you.
I had a curious runic encounter in California while working on this book. One afternoon in the
I was driving to the beach to attend a consultation session, I took the Las Vírgenes route,
Malibu Canyon, a beautiful walk through the mountains. As I came around a curve, I looked to the other side.
from the canyon, and there on the opposite side of the mountain someone had painted a Rune the size of a
man. There was no doubt: I was seeing Algiz , the Rune of Protection. The glyph was painted
about the rock in reverse, which is a call for caution in runic vocabulary. The artist
I had enclosed the Rune in a circle, so that it looked like this . it took me a few moments
I realized that I was looking at the symbol of the anti-war movement of the 60s. How curious.
that the protesters had chosen the Rune of Protection, probably without even knowing it.
I continued on my way wondering if in centuries to come some university enthusiast will try to
prove that the Vikings had indeed arrived in Malibu.

CONSULTING THE RUNES

There are people who dedicate a special moment of each day to reading the Runes. Others
they prefer to approach them more formally: they light a candle, perhaps a stick of incense, and take their time
a time to relax. Some find that breathing meditation helps them:
simply observe your breathing, allowing your breaths to be long, fluid and
connected. Let go of all worries, even if just for a moment. You might wish
to utter a prayer, especially if the situation you are facing is intense or turbulent.
The focus or central point is important. But even when daily activities get in the way.
You can always consult the Runes without formal preparation. Your need is what brings the
Runes in motion. And remember that you are in the realms of a sacred game. One moment
particularly appropriate for consulting the Runes is when you have exhausted your own resources and
you are facing a situation for which you have limited or incomplete information. Focus on the
clearly in your mind, reach into the bag, make contact with the Runes and take out
one. As a practitioner of Runemal explained: 'The correct Rune always adheres to my
fingers.
When reading the Runes for another person, ask them to formulate the question that concerns them.
clearly in her mind, but not to say it out loud. This eliminates any prejudice
personal unconscious in your interpretation of the Runes.

Just as when interpreting a dream one must follow the text of the dream with maximum accuracy, so when consulting the oracle one must
be aware of the way the question is posed, as this imposes a definite limit on the interpretation of the
response." C.G. Jung, op.cit., page xxxvi.

21
 If any friend who lives far away could benefit from the advice of a reading of Runes, the
your phone will be your ally: ask your friend to focus on a question and then draw a Rune from
Your bag. Rune reading works just as well 8,000 miles away as it does face to face.
If you want to consult the Runes for another person and cannot ask for their permission directly, you
It is advisable to ask the oracle if such action is timely and appropriate. Ask for a 'yes' or a 'no.'
putting your hand in your bag and taking out a Rune. Upright it means 'yes', reversed means
"no". If by chance you draw one of the nine Runes that do not have an inverted position, draw another Rune.

APPROPRIATE ISSUES

An appropriate issue is anything that relates to the timeliness of the moment and the
right decision. You may want advice on a career change, selling a business, making
an investment, moving to a new house, or ending or starting a relationship.
Note that the word 'issue' is used instead of the word 'question.' A question would be: 'Should I
end the relationship?” To express it as a question, you would say: “The question is my relationship now.” In
Instead of asking: 'Should I accept this new job?', you could say: 'The question is my job.'
This small difference is crucial. If you ask a question and the oracle gives you an answer, then
your role is passive. On the other hand, if you present a question and the oracle comments on it, this will
It allows you to extract your own answer and determine for yourself what the appropriate action to take is.
If you don't have a specific issue in mind and yet feel drawn to consult the
Runes, simply ask: 'What do I need to know for my life at this moment?' The answer
The oracle will always be beneficial.

ARBITRARY REJECTION OF THE RUNES

You will occasionally find that the advice you receive seems unrelated to the issue.
presented. When this happens, consider the possibility that the Runes have tuned in to
A more significant issue, something you may be avoiding or something you are not aware of.
Arbitrary narrowing of the Runes seems to be a fail-safe automatic device.
Similarly, if you find yourself caught between two issues and cannot decide which one to express, do not
Don't worry: the Runes will make the selection for you, addressing the most immediate matter of interest.

Readings to the Right and Inverted

Nine of the Runes are read the same regardless of how you draw them from the bag. The others
Sixteen can be read either forwards or backwards.
For example, the Rune of Movement, Ehwaz, looks like this when upright: and inverted like this: . The
reverse reading focuses on the aspects that can impede movement or the fact that
the same movement may be inappropriate at that moment.
It is important to remember that the appearance of an inverted Rune is not a cause for alarm but rather a
indication that care and attention are required for your behavior to be correct. A reading
inverted often indicates the presence of an opportunity to confront some aspect of your behavior

22
lie or some area of your life that you had not wanted to face until now.
Whether you draw a Rune upright or reversed, it's always a good idea to read both.
interpretations, as this will keep you in touch with the invisible side of their nature -
that which is currently not being expressed. Reading both aspects will help you become more
aware of the forces of darkness and light that combine to form our nature.

CONSULT TWO ORACLES

When you use the Runes for the first time, you may want to verify their accuracy with the object of
calibrate them. This can be achieved by consulting two different oracular instruments about the same
issue.
When I started working with the Runes and to check their answers with those of an old and
wise friend often asked the same question to the I Ching. Again and again I found that the
the oracles agreed, sometimes in an identical manner in their symbolic content and sometimes
complementing each other, but always with mutual enrichment.

LEND YOUR RUNES

Finally, there is the question of whether or not to lend your Runes to others. Some people would feel
uncomfortable when lending them, others are not. Lending your Runes is a personal matter. When you have doubts
Simply ask by drawing a Rune from your bag: upright means "yes", reversed means "no".
If by chance you draw one of the Runes that read the same forwards and backwards, draw another.

23
 THE GREAT INVOCATION

From the point of Light in the Mind of God,

let the light flow into the minds of men.
Let the Light descend upon the Earth.

From the point of Love in the heart of God.

May love flow into the hearts of men.
that Christ returns to Earth.

From the center where the Will of God is known,

that purpose guides the small wills of men,
the purpose that the Masters know and serve.

From the center that we call the race of men,

that the Plan of Love and Light is carried out
And it closes the door where evil dwells.

May the Light, Love, and Power

restore the Plan for the Earth.

Alice Bailey

24
4. RUNEMAL: THE ART OF READING THE RUNES

Remember, you cannot leave behind what you do not know. To go beyond yourself, you must know yourself.
to yourself.

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Like many games, both sacred and secular, the Runes are meant to be 'played'.
about a field. The field represents the world that is always coming to life and passing. Maybe
you want to use a special piece of fabric white or colored that you keep exclusively for this
purpose. The very act of unfolding the fabric can become a silent meditation. My
field, a tapestry of rainbow created by Patrick Shepherd, a weaver from the Findhorn Community
in Scotland, it measures 14 by 18 inches and is woven with twenty-two different shades of silk thread.
My first bag was a randomly found object: purple in color, with a sewn label on it.
one of its sides announcing that the original content had been a bottle of Crown whiskey
Royal. Someone else drank the whiskey and I inherited the bag. It feels like a great satisfaction to
putting my hand in a bag and choosing the stones. I like to feel the stones clashing against each other.
others and what is more, the way a Rune often seems to slip between my fingers.
However, neither the bag nor the field needs to be ornamented. As the I reminds us.
Ching: even with precarious means, the feelings of the heart can be expressed.
In ancient times, the Rune Reader sang an invocation to Odin asking for the god
was present and then scattered the stones over the ground, taking the advice of those who
they fell with the glyphs facing up. If this venerable method seems difficult for you to manage, there are
many other techniques, all of them advisable.

THE RUNE OF ODIN

This is the simplest and most practical way to use the oracle and consists of selecting a Rune with
the goal of gaining a global perspective on a situation. Drawing a single Rune can help you
to focus more clearly on your issue and provide you with a fresh perspective. What in effect
What you are doing is inviting your mind to function intuitively.
The Rune of Odin is particularly helpful in conditions of anxiety. You may find yourself
dealing with matters that require immediate action and you don't have enough information. To get to
To make a decision, all you need is your bag of Runes and, if possible, a quiet place.
A friend of mine, an executive manager, recently told me that he had suddenly been confronted.
with a crisis that was summarized in resigning from his job or taking on new responsibilities. "I addressed the
"bathroom, gripping my bag of Runes in my hands." He said. "When I left, I was in
"the path to becoming General Director." The Rune that I had drawn was Dagaz. , the Rune
of Advances and Transformation.

25
 Reading a single Rune is not only valuable in times of crisis. The technique is useful at any time.
moment when you want a global perspective on your situation. In a long walk or on your way to
the house to work, some people take their Runes with them in the seat. Read the Rune of
Odin often reveals the humor of a difficult situation. And why not? It is said that music
God's favorite is laughter.
If you are worried about someone who is far away and with whom you cannot establish contact,
focus your attention directly on that person and then draw a Rune. This practice opens a
door in your mind to the non-ordinary. Perhaps you will discover that it is indeed possible to know things from far away.
distance. Use the reading of a single Rune to honor important events in your life: birthdays,
New Year, solstices and equinoxes, the death of a friend, births, anniversaries and others
special occasions. You may want to record these readings in a Runes Journal. (See page 33).

THE READING OF THREE RUNES

The number three figures prominently in the divinatory practices of the ancients. The reading
from the Three Runes, which was already used 2,000 years ago according to Tacitus, is satisfactory for all the
occasions except for the most extensive and intricate.
Focusing clearly on a question in your mind, select three Runes, one at a time, and
place them in selection order from right to left. To avoid consciously changing the...
direction of the stones, especially if you are already familiar with their symbols, it might be better
Place them with the white side up and then flip them over.
Once you have selected the Runes, they will be presented to you as follows: Reading from
the right, the first Rune speaks to you about the situation as it is, the second Rune (in the center) tells you
suggest the required course of action, and the third Rune (to the left) indicates the new situation that
it will arise, once you successfully overcome your challenges.

NEW SITUATION ACTION SITUATION

3 2 1

The way you randomly flip the stones can alter the direction of the glyphs. Without
embargo this is also part of the process. Since only nine Runes are read the same forwards.
The inverted readings of the other sixteen will depend on how you flip the stones.

A READING AS AN EXAMPLE

A friend came to me for a Rune reading after his wife had left him.
He was feeling a lot of pain, realizing how much the relationship meant to him and
suffering a great loss. Their question was 'What will I learn from this separation?'
these are the Runes that were drawn:

26
 3 2 1

The three Runes were interpreted as follows: Reading from right to left, the
first Rune, Algiz , the Protection Rune in the inverted position refers to its
feeling of vulnerability and lack of protection. Advises being aware that only action
appropriate behavior can provide protection in such moments. You should learn and grow with
his loss. The second Rune, Kano It is the Rune of Opening. It encourages you to trust in your
process and to consider which aspects of its previous conditioning should be changed. Thirdly,
the place was Nauthiz , the Rune of Restriction and Pain. The new growth will not be free
of anguish. Yet the departure of his wife may drive him to take on serious work.
about himself. He is reminded that rectification must come before progress.
In summary, the three Runes are saying that despite feeling vulnerable and exposed, together
with pain comes the necessary clarity to continue the work of self-change. As you go on
progress, you are reminded to consider the usefulness of adversity.

THE READING OF THE FIVE RUNES

Drawing a single Rune -the Rune of Odin- will generally provide you with enough information to
allow you to proceed through the appropriate actions and the right means. However, there are
moments when the need to know goes beyond the authority of a single stone. Use the
Reading the Five Runes brings forth the distinctive traits of a situation that overwhelms you with its
complexity or uncertainty.
Start by clearly stating your question. Then take five stones from the bag, one at a time.
time, and place them vertically one under the other in descending order, allowing the Runes
they represent the following:

1 Global perspective of the situation

2 Challenge
3 Required course of action
4 Sacrifice
5 Evolved Situation

If you select five Runes and place them one under the other in front of you, the odds against
repeating that particular placement is from 607,614 to 1. On the other hand, if you decide to note the Rune that
selections to return it to the bag, you will be selecting each time from a complete bag
of Runes and the possibilities against repeating that placement especially reach the figure of
312,500,000 to 1. As you can see, the Reading of the Five Runes is highly personal and
specific.
The term sacrifice in the fourth position is intended to acknowledge the fact that life
offers you options and alternatives that often exclude each other. The concept of sacrifice
has been associated over time with pain and loss. However, in the Reading of the Five

27
In runes, the term sacrifice refers to that which must be let go, changed, discarded.
(as requested by the Runa Othila, for example) so that a new wholeness can emerge. Being
originally an amalgamation of two Latin words (sacrificium and facere), one of the main
meanings of sacrificing oneself to surrender to God.

A READING AS AN EXAMPLE

Leila had created a successful business in partnership with her husband. Basically the drive
creative, the ideas and the slow and hard work of making the company work had been hers. In
essence, the company was his "baby". Now the time had come to present the "baby" in
the public and the new investors wanted to maintain Leila's stake but not that of her
husband. All of his fears about loyalty, abandonment, risking his marriage and self-
her husband's esteem had arisen because of this situation. Therefore, Leila decided to practice the
Reading of the Five Runes. Below is what was drawn:

1 Global perspective on the situation

2 Challenge
3 Required course of action
4 Sacrifice
5 Evolved situation

Upon removing Perth , the Rune of Initiation, as the Global Perspective of the situation,
immediately her attention was diverted both from her relationship with her husband and from her business. Nothing
external matters here, except what its internal reflection shows you. These words were the key
for her. She read them over and over again until she realized that this was yet another crossroads in the process.
of the automatic transmission.
In the position of the Challenge, inverted Uruz was presented., the rune of Strength and Femininity,
indicating the need to consciously respond to the demands of such a creative moment.
It was clear to her that the right decision would be to grow at all levels, both corporate
as personal.
The Required Course of Action was occupied by inverted Wunjo , which talks about
how the process of birth is arduous and long, and about the fears that arise regarding the
security of the inner 'child'. Once again the Runes reminded him that this was a test.
The Runa of Sacrifice was inverted Nauthiz. the Rune of Restriction, Necessity and
Pain, the great teacher disguised as pain and limitations. Leila was able to see more clearly that it was
the moment to take on a new form of responsibility for what I had created: to own it,
honor her and do what was best for the company.
Leila smiled with pleasure when she took out Dagaz the Rune of Transformation and Advances,
to take the place of the New Evolved Situation. This Rune offers the assurance that already
the moment is opportune, the result is assured although it is not predictable from the present
position of advantage.
Some months after making her company public, Leila's husband started his own.
business in which their talents soon generated their own success.

28
 THE RUNIC CROSS

This reading is useful when you want a more complete picture of any situation. Inspired by the
Tarot, the scheme requires the selection of six Runes that are placed in the form of a Rune Cross or
Celtic. The outline is as follows:

New
Situa-
6 action

Challenge

Fu- Pass-
turo do
3 You
1
2 Now

4 Cimie
ntos

The first Rune represents the Past, that which you come from, that which is found.
directly behind you. The second Rune is You Now. The third Rune, the one of the Future, means
that which is in front of you, that which is taking shape. The fourth Rune provides
The foundations of the issue under consideration, the unconscious elements and the prototypical forces.
involved. The fifth Rune, the Challenge, indicates the nature of the obstacles in your path.
Finally, the sixth Rune indicates the New Situation that will arise as you successfully overcome your challenge.
Due to the fact that a considerable amount of information is obtained from the Rune Cross, this reading
often provides the incentive to delve into thought and reflection. If after
read and consider these six Runes; if you still lack clarity, place all the Runes back in the
bag and take out a single Rune. This seventh Rune, the Rune of Resolution, will help you recognize the
essence of the situation.

THE READING OF THE THREE LIVES

This reading is for those who wish to experiment with the idea of reincarnation.
Provide a three-level perspective on your journey, and it unfolds in the form of the Rune of
Fertility, Inguz .
The Runes represent: 1. Birth and the Conditions in Childhood; 2. Your Present; 3. your
Future in this life; 4. The Past Incarnation, and 5. The Future Incarnation. The Runes are placed in
the following way:

29
 Incarnation
Future

5
Birth and
Future in This Childhood
Life
Present

3 1
2

Incarnation
Past

The Reading of the Three Lives provides you with information about the unresolved aspects of your
past. Once these elements are recognized, you can change your present situation, affecting
thus your future in this life and the next cycle of your soul.

A READING AS AN EXAMPLE

The first time I read the Three Lives was mine:

The Birth and the Conditions in Childhood inform me that I came to this life to receive the
gift of Nauthiz the Rune of Restriction and Pain. Now I must learn to work with the
underdeveloped aspects of myself, the truncated areas of growth, the weaknesses that
project towards others. I was warned to expect delays or failures until
that understands the source of my suffering.

30
 MyPresent is represented by Jera , the Rune of Beneficial Outcomes, a span of
time that it takes to harvest and during which I am called to exercise patience and to cultivate with
Attention my nature.
My future in this life is represented by Sowelu , the Rune of Totality, the Force
Vital, the drive towards self-realization and regeneration, the recognition of
something that was denied for a long time and the warning should not give me airs.
Dagaz, the Rune of Transformation, is positioned in the place of Incarnation.
Past. Indicates that an important transformation comes through developing compassion towards
myself and towards others, by pointing out my own suffering and understanding its origin.
Finally, the Future Incarnation is represented by Eihwaz the Rune of Powers
of Spell and Defense. The only defense is the recourse of skills. That is, the realization
of the qualities of patience, perseverance, and determination. This is the resource of skills
that will open the door to a new life.

THE GAME OF RUNES

This game is not about winning or losing. The Rune Game focuses on any issue.
that people want to examine and continues until the moment that said issue is
clear enough for all players. If possible, each player will have their own
Runes, although one game will be enough. However, if only one bag is used, the dynamics of the
the game will be greatly altered.
Select three Runes from your pouch and place them in front of you with the glyph side down. The
the first player will flip a Rune and interpret it according to its relation to the question. The next
The player will flip another Rune, interpret it, and have the option to relate it to the previous Rune. The
The third player will turn over another Rune, interpret it, and will have the option to comment on the two Runes.
previous. Once the round is finished, the process will be repeated a second and third time. Maybe
They want to play one last round in which each person, in turn, mentions the new insights.
what they have thought in relation to the topic.
The Rune Game can be enjoyed by a group of colleagues or associates who work together.
together on a project. Let's say they are carrying out the research and development of a new
invention and the process is blocked. Three or four of you might want to take a break to
consult with the Rune Game. A variation of the three rune progression could be useful in
such situation: You Now (first round), Your Part in the Blocking (second round) and The Remedy
(third round). The game will quickly take on strategic and therapeutic allusions. Everyone will learn
Something and good humor will not be lacking along the way.
For more intimate matters, a two-handed Rune Game could be illustrative. Two
people can use this game when any issue needs to be clarified. The number
the chosen Runes will depend on you. To keep friction to a minimum if the situation is
especially sensitive, they may decide not to comment on each person's Runes until the
the game has ended.

31
 A GAME AS AN EXAMPLE

A couple whose relationship was in trouble decided to turn to the Runes Game. This is what
what happened:
She played inverted Laguz the Rune of Water, of Fluidity, That Which Conducts.
interpreted as information for her husband, so that he contacts his intuitive self if he is expecting
to come to understand her. He played Raido , the Rune of Travel, Communication, Union, and Reunion.
He saw it as evidence of his will to continue eliminating resistance, regulating excesses. In
in the second round, she played Hagalaz the Rune of the Natural Forces that Destroy, the Power
Elemental, indicating a sense of urgency for freedom, a warning that, if necessary, she
he will sacrifice his security and his relationship to grow. He played Uruz the Rune of Strength, of the
Manhood, an indication that he is also going through a transition, claiming a part of himself.
that has been living through another part. As they continued playing, they became aware.
the fact that both were in a period of accelerated self-change and needed to make a
effort to listen to each other more clearly.
Watching a game in development can be very revealing, although it is not without discomfort.
on all occasions. But anyway, true growth is never there.

THE INITIATION CYCLE

Thirteen of the twenty-five Runes focus directly on the mechanism of self-change.

It will be useful to pay attention to the Thirteen during your journey as, taken together, they comprise
an Initiation Cycle. These Runes constitute a framework of energy within the body of
rune alphabet. An armor, so to speak, that facilitates and continues the process of self-change.

The Thirteen are:

3 Ansuz Signs, the Messenger Rune
4 Othila Separation, Withdrawal, Inheritance

5 Uruz Strength, Manhood/Womanhood

6 Perth Initiation, Something Hidden

7 Need Restriction
8 Inguz Fertility, New Principles
14 Kano Opening, Fire
16 Berkana Growth, Renaissance
17 Ehwaz Movement, Progress
19 Hagalaz Destructive Natural Forces, Elemental Power
20 Raido Communication, Union, Meeting
21 Thurisaz Door, Place of No Action
22 Day Great Advances, Transformation
Whenever two or more of the Thirteen Runes of the Initiation Cycle appear together in a reading,
The potential for growth and integration is greatly intensifying.

32
 TECHNIQUE

Isolate the Thirteen Runes in their bag. Settle down in silence, aware that more than just presenting
a matter for the Runes to comment on is that you are asking your unconscious to guide you,
asking the Higher Self to advise you: What requires special attention? What aspect of your
nature, if it is cared for, modified, understood, or nourished, will lead you forward in the
journey of the self towards the Self?
Now draw a Rune to find out where you are in the Initiation Cycle. Observe if the
The meaning of the Runes about your position agrees with yours.

A READING AS AN EXAMPLE

Ansuz Signs, the Messenger Rune, indicates that this is the moment of a new life that
you unfold. You find yourself at the beginning of a new cycle. It is the time to make conscious
what is unconscious, especially realizing that self-nourishment is both possible and
opportune. You are asked to allow the self to nourish the self, for only then will you truly be able to
to find yourself in a position to feed others.
Next, draw a Rune from the twenty-five complete Runes to know how you should proceed and
What requires attention in order to recognize the signals that are timely to your nature.
The drawn rune is Thurisaz , the Door, another of the Runes of the Initiation Cycle. Recommends
to contemplate your progress to date, the quality of your journey, and the encounters that take place in
That path. If you wish, you can draw another Rune to ask for more clarity.
As your clarity increases, others will notice it and new opportunities will be granted to you.
The word is transmitted from the self to the Self, and from the Self to the Divine. Then, according to your
preparation, the answer will come. As Mother Teresa said: God loves the world through
we. By heeding the call of the Initiation Cycle, you are effectively opening yourself to the message of
Divine in your life.

THE RUNIC DIARY

As you establish your practice of working with the Runes, you may find it useful to record the
advice you receive. You may want to note the stones read and a brief interpretation in a journal.
Note the time, date, and prevailing conditions at the moment. Keeping a journal will allow you to
observe the quality of your progress.
A technique that Dr. Allan W. Anderson suggests to I Ching students is also
valid for those who work with the Runes. It is called 'the Rule of Appropriate Action'. Each
Tomorrow consult the oracle to determine your Appropriate Action Rule for that day. Take out a
Runa, write it in your diary and let it serve as your guide during the day. Sometimes, when it
You are dealing with a particularly difficult or stimulating day; perhaps you want to consult the oracle again for
The night to have an evaluation of how you have behaved. If the idea of asking a Rule
Daily seems excessive, try it once a week. Check the Runes on Monday for the Rule.
of Appropriate Weekly Action, and draw another Rune on Sunday night for your evaluation.

33
 Registering these readings in your runic diary will help you become more familiar with the Runes and their
symbolism, and as time goes by, it will allow you to judge for yourself the importance and the
accuracy of the oracle as a guide for self-change.
As you become familiar with the Runes, you will undoubtedly discover new and creative ways of
to use them. Despite being very old, the Viking Runes remain an open system.
Enjoy your Runes, play with them and let them speak to you.

A simple sentence

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let there be love.
Where there are wounds, let forgiveness be sown.
Where there are doubts, sow faith.
Where there is despair, let it sow hope.
Where there is darkness, may it sow light.
Where there is sadness, may it sow joy.

Oh, Divine Master, grant me not to seek

to be comforted rather than to comfort,
to be understood rather than to understand,
to be loved rather than to love.
Well, it is by giving that we receive.
It is by forgiving that we are forgiven,
It is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Saint Francis of Assisi

34
5. THE RUNIC ART:
THREE NEW READINGS
In our contemporary world of instant things, the following exercises invite us to
remember the cyclical nature of life and the process quality of personal growth. Whether
to take the form of cleaning, of putting things in their place in a relationship or of completing one of
the cycles of life, taking the time to recognize and make conscious what you are about to
Doing it invariably will enrich your experience.
The three exercises below are intended to help reintroduce the ritual into our
everyday life.

THE RUNES OF WATER

This exercise is linked to Laguz whose attributes are water, fluidity, the ebb and flow of
emotions, vocations, and relationships. This reading can be done at any time in
that your body comes into contact with the water. It is a ritual of cleansing and healing.
Whenever you put your hands in water, take a bath, or jump into a pool, a
lake or the sea, think or pronounce these words:

I cleanse myself of all selfishness,

resentments,
critical emotions towards my neighbor,
self-recriminations
and bad and ignorant interpretations of the experiences in my life.

Observe what comes to your mind as you repeat these words out loud or in silence. Use
This Sentence of Purpose with love and kindness, as it is not about blaming you. You are not being
blaming, but rather you are putting into words the longing to have more clarity, more Light in your
life.
However, you might prefer to transform selfishness, resentment, and self-recrimination into
light's subtitles, then repeating the Prayer of Purpose in the following way:

I bathe myself in generosity,

the appreciation
with emotions of praise towards my neighbor,
with self-acceptance
and with the enlightened understanding of the experiences of my life.

Select a Rune about the question of self-recrimination and self-acceptance one day. In some
Another day draw a Rune related to selfishness and generosity. You might want to draw another Rune.
regarding a particular experience in your life that has remained fixed in your memory for
be unpleasant, shameful or embarrassing, asking for new Light that will enhance your understanding of
the truth and the timeliness of said experience.

35
 The occasions to use the Water Runes are unlimited. There is no activity that is
less sacred than others: washing the dishes, bathing the baby, watering the garden or getting wet with the
rain.
Maybe you want to write this sentence on a piece of paper and stick it on the shower wall or over the
sink. When the words have faded and dissolved, write them again and return to
stick them. Allow the Water Runes ceremony to flow with your life.

THE RUNES OF RECTIFICATION

rectify. 1. to place or put something in the correct location: correct, amend; 2. to adjust, in
movement or in balance...

Webster's Dictionary of the American Language

This is a technique for those moments when problems arise between colleagues.
work, friends, lovers, and others who collaborate together across the boundaries of understanding and the
temperament.
When something happens that causes disagreement or blockage, come together with the intention of clarifying the
situation. Here the procedure is the reverse of the ordinary, since the reading of the Runes is
is carried out at the end of the process. The core of the process is to formulate and answer five questions:

What happened?
2. How do you feel about what happened?
3. What would you change the next time it happens?
4. What results would you like to see?
5. What have you learned from what happened?

Close the door and disconnect the phone. Make sure to allow enough time for: a) for the
participants answer all questions, b) discuss and c) the reading of the Runes to clarify further
the matter.
One person will take notes while the others talk. Each question must be answered.
by all participants before proceeding to the next. They will refrain from speaking in a manner
crusade or to respond to whoever is speaking. Inform about how I feel (hurt,
Angry, fearful) will be preferable to talking about what you did or what you did wrong, since this
will help ensure that the session does not get lost in self-justification or acrimony. During this process
they should set aside judgment in the name of better understanding. Keep it light and clear.
Finally, after everyone has expressed their feelings regarding each question,
encourage any of the participants who still need to clarify any particular issue to
pull a Rune. Some may feel disturbed or confused about the expressed feelings
In question number 2, how do you feel about what happened? There may be disagreement among the...
participants about what really happened. If so, a global perspective of the events
The main insights can be obtained by selecting a Rune for question number 1, What happened?
It will depend on each of you to address the questions that cause you dissatisfaction or doubts.

36
 When all is said and done, one of the group may wish to draw a final Rune to comment on.
about the essence of the matter in light of the rectification process.

THE RUNES OF CONSOLATION FOR THE AFFLICTED

If you have unfinished business with someone who has passed away, просто take a moment.
to visualize the person you want to remember. Use a photograph if you have one. Then do
a list of the issues you would have liked to discuss or the things you would have liked to share
and you couldn't. Draw a Rune for each matter and meditate on the answer. The letters received from
people who have worked with the Runes in this way indicate that the results invariably
they are encouraging.
A boy whose mother had recently died in a car accident wanted
to know what she would have advised him before dying. He drew Teiwaz. the Energy of the Warrior.
Be a Spiritual Warrior -That's exactly what she would have told me!
“When I was drowning in sorrow,” wrote a woman from Florida about the death of her
twin sister, "I drew a Rune about what Clara would be telling me at that moment. It was
Inguz, Fertility and New Principles. I started to laugh and laugh, as I had just
fulfill my promise to scatter their ashes over the roses.
This process should not be confused with séances or letters from the Beyond. Perhaps it
what the Runes achieve is to connect with your deep knowledge of the person, which is
finds housed in your own subconscious. When we listen to the voice of Truth,
we recognize.
The following sentence is the result of a meditation during a Rune reading in which
Day , the Rune of Great Advances and Transformation was presented:

RUNES OF CONSOLATION FOR THE AFFLICTED

I am the Life and the Light and the Way,

the earth is my garden.
Each of the souls that I plant like seeds
germinate and bloom in its time
and in each one I realize myself.
There is no cause for sadness.
when a flower disappears,
only rejoicing for the beauty it held
and praise because my Will is fulfilled
and my Plan is realized.
I am one with all creatures
and none is ever lost,
I am only restored.
well, he/it never abandoned me.
Well, what is Eternal
it cannot be separated from its Source.
I am with all of you
and each one is a channel for my Light.
Feel my Love
that surrounds you now and always.

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6. A PROFILE OF THE DESTINATION

When undertaking the work of self-change, we are asked to examine the foundations of our
life. We hear spiritual teachers from different beliefs say that we must find the
the maestro that we carry within. What we need now are useful techniques to listen to ourselves.
ourselves.
One of those techniques was designed by Dr. Allen W. Anderson to be used with the I Ching, the
Book of Chinese Changes. The Flame A profile of Destiny consists of six questions that
they constitute a framework within which a human life can be framed.
The Profile of the Destination adapts very well to the Viking Runes. However, there is a seriousness
In this reading that distinguishes it from other runic exercises. According to Dr. Anderson, the six
Destination Profile questions should be asked only once in a lifetime. This
restriction may initially seem intimidating, especially in our culture of
"to try and try again." We do not like limitations. However, the gift that we
The Destination Profile is that of the creative essence of limitation.
When asking 'What are we going to become aware of through the Destination Profile?', the Runes
they responded with Laguz the Rune of Water, Fluidity, That Which Conducts, reversed:

A warning against going too far, against excessive effort; a piece of advice against trying to
surpassing your own strength or functioning beyond the power you have acquired so far in your
life.

This reading focuses on the nature of limitation.

Maybe it's better not to read the Destination Profile until you have reflected on the
idea for some time. Think deeply about how you have lived your life until now maybe
it is appropriate before proceeding. When you are ready to start you might want to formulate the
first question, receive the answer from the oracle and then meditate on it for some time
before proceeding with the second question. Or perhaps you choose to phrase the six questions in one
session, but studying them one by one for a good amount of time. Allow the receptive side of your
Warrior Nature be your guide.
After drawing the Runes for the first question, write it down and then place it back in the
bag. Each question must be asked with a complete set of Runes. When you write down the Runes
place them in a vertical line with the first Rune at the top, and then write down your
thoughts about the oracle's response. You may want to review your Destiny Profile of
time in time, adding new insights that come to you.

WHAT IS MY NATURE?

By asking that question, you are referring to the material cause of your Nature, with what you were born with.
Well, your nature is a constellation of possibilities and is surrounded and circumscribed by numerous
impossibilities.

38
 Start by examining your limitations: you have a certain history, you have lived your life in a certain way.
In a way, you have a heart condition, you cannot have children, etc. As your limitations become clearer.
more and more, you will start to realize that many of the notions you have about yourself are not
based on the reality of your life. Although on the other hand, just as your nature is limited by what
you cannot be or do, it is also outlined by what you can do. Through this process of
limiting and specifying, your perspective of yourself will become clearer and simpler.
by simplifying you will find the power to work with your nature, with the substance with which you
destination is created.

A READING AS AN EXAMPLE

Ehwaz the Rune of Movement, Progress, reversed. Movement that seems to block,
it speaks of your inability to recognize what is and what is not suitable to your nature. Firstly
place work on yourself to strengthen your inner life. When that part is strong enough
strong, then whatever is necessary to fulfill will be clear to you. The feeling that you are missing out on
something will be replaced by the desire to avoid action until the appropriate moment. But if
if you insist on moving forward with impetuousness and without having strengthened yourself, your nature will oppose everything that
do things prematurely, for destiny cannot be deceived or influenced. There is an old saying
It says: what belongs to you will not pass you by. Or as Ehwaz expresses it: by cultivating my own
nature, everything else comes on its own.

2. WHY WAS I BORN?

This question means: What is the lack or deprivation with which I came into the world and whose
Will overcoming allow my continuous growth by following the Will of the Divine? In other words,
What is Heaven's mandate for me? By asking this question, you are preparing for
discover what is missing in your structure and that you are here to acquire patience, courage in the face of
adversity or any other underdeveloped aspect of yourself, and that acquiring it will allow you to
sailing along the ideal path through this life.

A READING AS AN EXAMPLE

Sowelu the Rune of Totality symbolizes what your nature needs. It incorporates the
impulse towards self-realization and indicates the path you should follow, not guided by motivations
futures but from the center of your individuality. It is said that the mark of the Spiritual Warrior is the
impeccability: to strive at all times to do what is appropriate. With this in mind, it is necessary
queen cares and you dominate your negative of allowing the appropriate action to flow through you.
Your quest as a Spiritual Warrior is to try to attain Wholeness in the sense of
reconcile that which needs to be unified. This Rune focuses on the ability to withdraw in the
strength. By leaving in time, you allow the Light to penetrate any part of you that has
remained in the darkness. This darkness, a result of your lack, is the divided self. The action
Appropriate and timely will lead you towards self-acceptance, self-healing, and wholeness.

39
3. WHAT IS MY VOCATION?

The term 'vocation' here does not mean what you do to earn a living. Drawing a Rune for the
Vocation will indicate how you need to walk through this life and what principles you should follow.
incorporate into your path. If you conduct yourself properly according to your Vocational calling, you will be able to satisfy the
privation, the lack described in the second question Why was I born? Through learning to
relating correctly to severe lack, you will grow in spirit. That is why St. Paul
We rejoice in our tribulations (Romans 4), for tribulations provide us
the opportunity to face deprivations with courage. During the process, your strength will increase.
will and self-awareness. The main goal of the Vocation is to reach the Self in one.
same.

A READING AS AN EXAMPLE

Ehwaz the Movement, the Progress, specifies that your Vocation requires movement in
the meaning of improving any given situation. Note that this Rune was also drawn in
Answer to the question: What is my nature? Draw Ehwaz twice in the Destiny Profile.
it emphasizes the concept that timely movement is crucial for exercising skilled means.
Expressed in a simpler way, the principle is as follows: Do not act needy, do not covet.
the results.
Learn to wait, learn to ask, learn to go alone through the world. Then your vocation ____
will agree with your Nature and all movement will be in accordance with the Will of Heaven.
There is an exercise practiced by Reverend Harry Haines that seems relevant to the work that
you are required. When called to deal with a matter in which he lacks clarity, the Reverend
put into practice four things: 'First, I consider my own needs. Then I consider the
the needs of others. Then I consult with a wiser friend. And finally, I hope for peace
What understanding brings with it. Then, and only then, do I act.

4. WHAT IS MY DESTINY?

The worddestinoa here means ideal journey through this life, your ideal possibility. There is no
"bad destiny", since your destiny is the desire of the Divine for your highest good. Your destiny is your goal.
spiritual. There is an energy that continuously drives us to change for the better rather than for the worse, and
that energy is the external work of the Divine Will in our lives.
At the same time, destiny means confinement. Destiny is crafted as an effect.
directly from the limitations of life. According to Ehwaz, there are no missed opportunities.
You simply have to recognize that not all possibilities belong to you, that not all...
possibilities are open for you. If your limitations define what you will not be able to do in the world,
They also challenge you to accept yourself and to continue with what you can do.

40
 A READING AS AN EXAMPLE

Perth the Rune of Initiation, inverted, reminds you that nothing external matters here, except
what shows you its internal reflection. Perth is associated with the Phoenix, the mystical bird that burns itself.
herself in the fire to then arise from her own ashes. Time and again, says the oracle,
you will go through the fire. Consider each obstacle in your path as a specific challenge for the
Initiation that you are currently going through. Live your life as Initiation and respond well to the
The Will of Heaven is your Destiny.

5. WHAT IS MY CROSS?

The Cross symbolizes a condition that lasts a lifetime. It is your severe test from birth.
Until death. The answer to this question reveals the pattern of adversity you must face.
submitted to enhance awareness and self-mastery. Carry your Cross voluntarily,
well, this is how you declare your will to be subjected to the pattern of adversity arranged for you by the
Will of Heaven. As your awareness grows, you will begin to recognize that certain aspects of the
Adversities are meant for you to work with them throughout your life. Many opportunities will present themselves to you.
to accept the challenges of your Cross.
The Cross is the condition for wisdom. Christ on the tree, Odin on the tree, each one of
we in the tree. The Cross symbolizes that without which wisdom cannot be obtained.

A READING AS AN EXAMPLE

Eihwaz , the Powers of Conjuring, the Defense. When tested, we consolidate the
power to conjure blockage and failure, says this Rune. At the same time, we develop in
we have an aversion to the behavior that causes tension in our lives. Learn to see the
delays and blockages as potentially beneficial, noting that through the
inconvenience and discomfort promote growth.
There is a tendency in your nature to surpass the limits inherent to that nature. This
tendency - to push beyond where the good can be obtained - requires a cross, a pattern of
adversity, being opposed every time your actions are inappropriate. All that is asked of you is
may you pass through the world well.

6. WHAT IS MY UNIFIED SELF?

When seeking the image of your Unified Self, ask about the qualities that will arise in your life.
when your intellect and your will begin to work in harmony with your physical being and your emotions.
Acting in a natural and timely manner is a sign that one is in harmony with their Self.
Unified. Seeks to discover the Inner Master, for in him you will have a reliable source for
understand the component forces you must work with to achieve your Unified Self.

41
 A READING AS AN EXAMPLE

Uruz the Force, Manhood/Womanhood. The image of the Unified Self will emerge as the
ancient ties may be cut, when that which has grown beyond its form can die, leaving
to release your energy in a new birth, a new form. Being the Rune of termination and the
new principles, Uruz exemplifies the desire to embrace change and recognize that in the life of
spirit you are always at the beginning.
In ancient times Uruz was symbolized by the European bison, the wild ox, an animal
difficult to tame. Drawing this Rune in response to the question What is my Unified Self? indicates
that to achieve the unification of the self, you must commit to 'wearing a harness' and taming the
internal beast by joining it through your compassionate understanding of its nature and its
needs. Develop your will by setting a firm intention, visualizing the way that your
I Unified will take. Over time, this form will expand, and by encompassing the image of the form
expanded will continue to evolve as self-understanding grows.

***

There is already a beginning. Once the elements of your Destination Profile have been recognized
you will start to see how they fit together. By focusing on the correlation between What is my Vocation?(the occasion
to gain strength) and Why was I born? (the lack with which you arrived in the world) you will be able to start
to relate appropriately to the underdeveloped or denied aspects of yourself. As you
the more you increase your self-knowledge, your self-acceptance will also grow and you will experience meaning and
the joy of living your life in a true present. It will be through letting go of your attachments to the past
and your expectations of the future that you will be able to experience the true present, which is the only one
moment when the auto-change can take place.
The Destination Profile is a tool to be used while you persevere in the art more
sublime of all arts: the art of self-change. Remember that self-change is never
mandatory: we will always be free to resist it. And if there is something we must have in
lie until the truth of your words calms the heart tormented by apparent failure and
the loss is the following: the new life is always better than the old one.
Finally, as you change and grow, your understanding of the six readings of your Profile of
Destiny will also change and grow. It will grow perhaps to include the appreciation that formulating
asking just once was enough.

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 THE WARRIOR'S CREED

I have no parents: I make the heavens and the earth my parents.

I have no home: I make consciousness my home.
I have no life or death: I make the tides of breathing my life and my death.
I do not have divine power: I make honesty my divine power.
I have no resources: I make understanding my resource.
I have no magical secrets: I make character my magical secret.
I have no body: I make strength my body.
I have no eyes: I make the glow of the lightning my eyes.
I have no ears: I make sensitivity my ears.
I have no limbs: I make swiftness my limbs.
I have no strategy: I make what is 'not overshadowed by thought' my strategy.
I don't have designs: I make 'seizing the opportunity' my design.
I have no miracles: I make the appropriate action my miracle.
I have no principles: I make adaptability to every circumstance my principle.
I have no tactics: I make emptiness and fullness my tactics.
I have no talents: I make ingenuity my talent.
I have no friends: I make my mind my friend.
I have no enemies: I make carelessness my enemy.
I have no armor: I make benevolence and righteousness my armor.
I have no castle: I make the immovable mind my castle.
I have no sword: I make the absence of the self my sword.

Anonymous samurai, 14th century

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7. INTERPRETING THE RUNES

The final part of this book is the only reality you need – that and your bag of Runes. Get closer.
An ancient mystery requires a renunciation. As the Sufi poet wrote: Let it be that the
beauty that we love no matter what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the
earth.
Imagine a vast and foggy field where there is a Stonehenge that did not survive. It
It is found in the view of a glacier, at the top of the mouth of a fjord. From the mist emerge some
massive stones, weathered by the elements, colored with yellow lichen. Above the whisper of
the grass, the glyph deeply carved in the center of each stone seems to beat and vibrate. In the
In the center, touched by the first rays of the sun, stands a solitary white stone.
pregnant and empty, architect of all that will be and that is dying...
These stones are the markers left by the Spiritual Warriors, the servants of the
civilization. The praying voices of the Ancients are silent. Hundreds of years have passed.
There is no doubt that those voices have whispered to others, as they now whisper to us.
We can only honor our own nature and know the Inner Silence.
With that purpose in mind, just one question, a simple prayer will always be enough:
Show me what I need to know for my life right now.

44
INTERPRETATION
OF THE
RUNAS

45
 1
MANNAZ
THE I

The point of beginning is the self, its essence is water. Only clarity and the willingness to change.
They are effective at this moment. An appropriate relationship with your self is essential. Because it is from there
that all possible and appropriate relationships with others and with the Divine flow.
Maintain your humility, it is the oracle's advice. No matter how great your merit may be, know that
condescending, dedicated, and moderate, for that is how you will obtain true guidance for your way of
life.
To be in the world but not belong to it is what is implied here. However, do not be
intolerant, closed-minded or judgmental, but remain receptive to the impulses that flow from the Divine within.
and outside. Try to live the ordinary life in an extraordinary way. Remember at all times what
What will be and what has been, and focus on what remains. Nothing less is required of you in this.
moment.
This is the moment of most important growth and rectification and, as a rule, rectification
must come before progress. The field must be plowed before planting the seed, the garden
It must be weeded before the flower blooms, and the self must know stillness before it can.
discover your true melody.
It is not the time to seek credit for achievements nor to get caught up in the results. Rather,
Take pleasure in performing your work for the work itself. This represents more of a problem for those
whose eyes are always set on the goal for those who have not forgotten how to participate
and they can find themselves more easily by doing the work for the sake of the work itself. In this
There lies the secret to experiencing a true present.
If you take the Rune of the Self and cut it in half, you will see the Rune of Joy with its image.
mirror. There is a subtle warning here against negligence. The acrobatic energy of balancing is
needs now - the I needs to balance the self. Nothing in excess was the second phrase written about the
Entrance to the Temple of Delphi. The first advice was Know thyself.

Inverted: If you feel blocked, do not turn to others. Look inside you, in silence, for the
enemy of your progress. No matter which area of your life seems to be hindered, take a break and
You will recognize the external 'enemy' as a reflection of what you have not yet been able to.
desired to be recognized as coming from within you.
Above all, do not act superior. Breaking the momentum of past habits is the challenge here: in life.
of the Spirit you are always at the beginning.

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 2
GEBO
ASSOCIATION
A GIFT

Drawing this Rune means that some form of association is nearby. However, you are
warns you not to allow yourself to lose in that union, for true union is only achieved through beings
complete and separate that retain their uniqueness even when joined. Remember to allow the
winds of Heaven dance among you.
There is another type of association that we are required to consider, as that path may lead you
to the realization of an even more important union - the union with the Higher Self, the union with the
Divine. The greatest gift of this Rune is the realization of the Divine in all things: God always.
make equitable associations.
Gebo, the Rune of Association, has no inverted position. It symbolizes the gift of freedom.
from which all other gifts flow.

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 3
ANSUZ
SIGNS
THE MESSENGER RUNE
THE GOD LOKI

The fundamental principle here is to receive: messages, signals, gifts. Even a warning to
Time can be considered as a gift. When the Messenger Rune brings wisdom with it.
sacred is a true blessing for one, as the message could be that of a new life
opening up. New lives begin with new connections, surprising links that us
they lead to new paths. Make an effort now to be particularly attentive during meetings,
visits or casual encounters, particularly with people wiser than you.
Loki is the ancient trickster among the Norse gods. He is the eheyohhahdel Indian.
North American, a mocking shadow of the creator god who brings benefits to humanity. Even the
Pillows and thieves can be bearers of wisdom. When you draw this Rune, expect the unexpected.
the message is always a call to a new life.
Ansuz is the first of the Thirteen Runes of the Initiation Cycle, the Runes that focus on
directly on the self-change mechanism, and as such it addresses your need to integrate the
unconscious motive with conscious purpose. It indicates that the link with the Divine is near.
Ansuz is a signal to explore the depths, the foundations of life, and to experience the
inexhaustible spring of the Divine in your Nature.
At the same time, you are reminded that you must first draw from the well to provide for and nourish yourself.
same. Only then will there be enough to feed others. It gives Ansuz a new meaning of
family solidarity.

Inverted: Perhaps you are concerned about what seems to be a communication failure, a
absence of clarity or consciousness either in your past history or in a current situation. Maybe you
you feel inhibited in accepting what is offered to you. Perhaps you are overwhelmed by a feeling of futility, of
wasted movement. However, remember that what is happening is on time with your
process. If the well is blocked, it is time to remove the old. Inverted Ansuz is
Saying: Consider the usefulness of adversity.

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 4
OTHILA
SEPARATION
WITHDRAWAL
INHERITANCE

It is time to part ways. The old skin must be shed, outdated relationships
They must be discarded. When this Rune appears in a reading, it is a call for detachment.
It is included in the Initiation Cycle. Othila is the Rune of radical break.
The appropriate action here is performance and most likely withdrawal: knowing how and when.
to withdraw and possess the firmness of will to carry it out.
Real estate properties are associated with Othila, as it is the Rune of Acquisition and the
Benefits. However, the benefits you receive, the inheritance, may derive from something you owe.
abandon. Such a renunciation can be especially difficult when it comes to an aspect of your
behavior or from some part of your cultural heritage. So you should closely observe what
so far you have proudly proclaimed as your birthright. Whether it is the attachment to your
social position, to the work you perform or even to your beliefs about your own nature,
The separation required at this moment will free you to become who you truly are.

Inverted: It is not the time to be tied to old conditioning, to authorities.

past. Consider not only what will benefit you but also what will benefit others, and act accordingly.
agreement with the Light that you possess in your life at this moment. Because you may be called to
to undertake a radical abandonment of the old ways, total honesty is required. From what
On the contrary, through negligence or the refusal to see clearly, you could cause pain to others and harm to yourself.
same.
Adaptability and skilled resources are the methods to cultivate at this moment. However
You must await the action of the universe. Upon receiving this Rune remember: We do without doing and everything
the rest is done.

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 5
URUZ
STRENGTH
MASCULINITY / FEMINITY
A WILD OX

The Rune of termination and new beginnings. Drawing Uruz indicates that the life you have been
living has grown more than its form. That form must die for the vital energy to be.
released in a new birth, in a new form. This is a Rune of transition and as such is
part of the Initiation Cycle.
However, growth and change could involve a step into darkness as part.
of the cycle of perpetual renewal. Like Nature, the progression consists of five parts:
death, decomposition, fertilization, gestation, and rebirth. The events that now occur well
they could drive you to suffer an internal death. Since self-change is never forced -
we are always free to resist it - keep in mind that the new form, the new life,
It is always better than the last one.
So prepare yourself for the opportunity disguised as loss. It could be the loss of someone.
or something with which there is a strong emotional bond and through which you are living a part of your
life. But that part now needs to be reclaimed so that you can live it for yourself. Somehow
The bond is in the process of being cut, a relationship is changing radically or a death.
will be experienced. Search among the ashes to discover a new perspective and a new
strength.
The original symbol of Uruz was the European bison, a wild ox. When it was domesticated -
almost impossible labor - could transport very heavy loads. Learn to adapt to the demands of
a moment so creative. Firm principles are linked to this Rune and at the same time
Humility is required, for to be able to govern it is necessary to learn to serve. This Runa warns you.
that your soul and the universe support new growths.

Inverted: Without eyes to see or ears to hear, perhaps you will not be able to take advantage of the moment.
The result could well be a missed opportunity or the weakening of your position. It can
it seems that your own strength is being used against you.
For some, reversed Uruz will serve as a warning, providing clues in the form of failures.
minors and disappointments. For those who are more deeply unconscious or are ignorant,
it could provide a strong shake-up. Inverted, this Rune demands serious reflections about
the quality of your relationship with your Self.
However, cheer up. Keep in mind the constant cycle of death and rebirth, the infinite going and
come. Everything we experience has a beginning, a middle, and an end followed by a
new beginning. Therefore, do not reject the transition into darkness: when you encounter
the water up to the neck, become a diver.

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PERTH
INITIATION
HIDDEN ALGORITHM
SECRET SUBJECT

A hieratic or mystery rune that points towards that which is beyond our fragile
manipulative powers. This Rune is on the side of Heaven, the Unknowable, and is associated with the
Phoenix, that mystical bird that consumes itself in the fire to then rise from its own ashes.
ashes. Their paths are secret and hidden.
Powerful forces of change are at play here. However, what is achieved is not shared nor
easy nor readily. After all, becoming whole - the means to do so - is a profound
secret.
On the mundane or earthly side, there could well be surprises. Unexpected gains would not be
improbables. On the side of human nature, this Rune is symbolized by the flight of the eagle:
a soaring flight, free of entanglements, that elevates you above the ebb and flow of ordinary life,
gaining a broader vision. All of this is noted here. This is the Rune of search.
One more of the Runes of the Cycle, Perth stands at the heart of the Initiation. Nothing external
import here, except for that which shows you its internal reflection. This Rune is related to the most
deep stratum of being, with the solid base upon which your destiny is founded. For some, Perth
it means experiencing a psychic death. If necessary, let go of everything without exception, without
exclusions. The renewal of the Spirit is at stake, nothing less.

Inverted: A tip against waiting too much or waiting in an ordinary manner, since the
The old way has come to an end. You simply cannot repeat the past without suffering. Gather your
disperse energies and focus on your own life at this moment, on your own needs to
growth. More importantly, Perth advises you not to focus on the results and not to tie yourself to
memory of past achievements. If you do, you will steal from yourself a true present, which is the
the only moment in which self-change can take place.
You may feel overwhelmed by the fatigue of encountering obstruction after obstruction on your path.
However, you will always have an option; you can see all that apparent negativity as 'bad'
luck,” or you may recognize it as an obstacle course, a challenge belonging to initiation by
you are currently going through. And then every defeat and every humiliation will become a
test of character. When your inner self is changing and reforming, constancy and
perseverance is necessary. Therefore, stay focused, find the good humor of the
situations and continues continuing.

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Nauthiz
RESTRICTION
NECESSITY
PAIN

The need to deal with Severe Restriction is the lesson of Nauthiz. The positive aspects
This Rune represents the limitations that we cause directly. Its negative side attracts the
limitations of those around us. Both are equally difficult to handle.
The role of Nauthiz is to identify our shadow, our dark and repressed side, the
parts where growth has been hindered, resulting in weaknesses that
we project onto others. Don't take this world personally, that's what this says.
Runa. Work with the shadow. Examine what is within you that magnetizes misfortune.
towards your life. When you can finally look at Nauthiz with a smile, you will recognize the difficulties,
defeats and denials as your teachers, guides, and allies.
The need for restriction is undeniable here. Drawing this Rune indicates that there will be delays and
reasons to reconsider your plans carefully. There is work to be done on yourself, for what
So take it with goodwill and show perseverance.
This is the time to pay old debts and to restore, if not harmony, at least the
balance. So amend, restore, correct: when fishermen cannot go out to sea, they repair.
your networks. Let the current restrictions help you organize your relationship with your
Yo. Remember that rectification comes before progress. And once again, consider the usefulness.
from adversity.

Inverted: As part of the Initiation Cycle, Nauthiz is the great master disguised as
provider of pain and limitations. It is said that only at the point of maximum darkness do we become
aware of our inner Light, with which we recognize the true creative power of being.
When something inside us is denied, it causes havoc. A cleansing is necessary here. To
carrying it out will consolidate willpower and strengthen character. Start with what is most
difficult and proceed with the easy. Or start with the easy and proceed with the difficult. Either way
Remember that suffering in its original sense simply meant to experience. Therefore, you are
you need to experiment with the dark side of your transition and bring it into the light. Control your anger,
Restrict your impulses and keep your faith strong. All of this is outlined here. Modesty and a good
Temperament is essential at a time like this.

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INGUZ
FERTILITY
NEW PRINCIPLES
ING, THE GOD-HERO

This Rune is related to the Moon, the intuitive part of our nature, and with its impulse.
to harmonize and adjust in the sphere of personal relationships. Inguz incorporates the need to
to share, the longing to be desired and a search for similarities.
Completing the principles is what Inguz requires. It could mark a moment of joyousness.
liberation, a new life, a new path. A Rune of great power, taking it out means that you
now you have the strength to achieve that completion, that resolution from which a new arises
principle. Above all, completing is crucial here. Perhaps now is the right time to
complete a project. If so, make this your top priority. Perhaps a mood
difficult may be solved, clarified, turned. Drawing this Rune indicates that you must fertilize the earth to
your own liberation.
Everything changes and we cannot live permanently among the obstacles. Inguz points to your
emergence of a state of confinement, of chrysalis. As you resolve and clarify the past
you will experience a release of tension and uncertainty.
You may need to free yourself from a routine, habit, or relationship, from something deep.
cultural or behavioral pattern or some activity that was characteristic of the self that you are leaving behind
behind. The period during or just before birth is often dangerous. The movement
It understands danger, but on the other hand, movement at the right time takes us out.
of danger. The time has come to enter the delivery room.
Being another of the Runes of the Initiation Cycle, Inguz advises preparation. Being centered and
with your feet on the ground, freeing yourself from all undesirable influences and seeing the
the kind side of situations, you will truly be preparing yourself to open up to the Will of Heaven and
you will be able to wait for your release with a calm certainty.

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Eihwaz
DEFENSE
SPELL POWERS
THE YEW TREE

As we are put to the test, we consolidate the power to conjure the blockage and defeat.
at the same time we develop within ourselves an aversion to behaviors that provoke tension in
our life.
If there seems to be an obstacle in your way, remember that even delay can be beneficial.
Don't be eager to push forward, as this is not a situation in which you can
make your influence felt. Patience is the advice that Eihwaz offers: do not agitate, do not show yourself
needing and not coveting a desired outcome. This Rune addresses the difficulties that arise when
the beginning of a new life. It often announces a waiting time – for a well to fill with water,
that a fruit ripens on the branch.
Perseverance and foresight are necessary here. The ability to foresee the consequences
Before acting is a sign of a profound being. It conjures difficulties in advance through the
appropriate action, is what this Rune says. For more than being doers, we are deciders, and a
Once the decision is clear, the fact is carried out effortlessly.
Upon receiving Eihwaz, you are warned that through inconvenience and discomfort you
promotes growth. This may be a difficult time, but it is certainly a time
significant. Just as the wood of the yew tree becomes the bow of the Spiritual Warrior,
Thus, the obstacles in your path can turn into the doorway to a new life.
Put your house in order, attend to your affairs, be clear, and serve the Will of Heaven.

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ALGIZ
PROTECTION
THE REED
A MOOSE

The control of emotions concerns you here. During times of transition and changes in the
The course of life and accelerated self-change is important not to let yourself be subjected by your emotions.
both intense and low-intensity ones. New opportunities and challenges are typical of
this Rune, and with it will come transgressions and undesirable influences.
Algiz serves as a mirror for the Spiritual Warrior, the one whose battle is always with the self. The
the protection of the Warrior is like the warning crack of the reed or the antlers of the moose, as
Both serve to keep an open space around you. Remember that the action in the
the right moment and the correct behavior are the only true protection. If you find yourself
feeling pain, observe it and stay with it. Do not try to hide or escape from life by denying it.
What is happening. You will progress, and knowing it is your protection.

Inverted: Pay attention to your health and do not increase the burdens that others carry. Observe.
carefully the associations you form at this time. If you think it is appropriate to get involved with
people who are 'using' you, stay aware of that fact and take responsibility for your
your own position. Then there will only be benefits. Regardless of whether your initiative succeeds or
Suffer, don't worry: maybe you won't win but you'll never be able to lose, since you'll always be able to
learn from what happens. Temperance and courtesy are the resources of the powers of this Rune.

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FEHU
POSSESSIONS
FOOD
HERD

Fehu is the Rune of Realization: a satisfied ambition, a fulfilled love, a reward

received. It promises food, from the most mundane to the most sacred and Divine. For if the ancient
the principle 'As above, so below' is correct, then we are also here to feed
God.
This Rune calls for a deep investigation of the meaning of profit and gains in your life.
Carefully find out if it is wealth and possessions that you need for your well-being, or if
You need self-control and the growth of willpower.
Another interest of Fehu is to preserve what has already been gained. It exhorts us to watch and be
especially attentive in times of good fortune, for it is then that we run the danger
to let ourselves be carried away by our success on one hand, or to behave recklessly on the other.
Enjoy your good fortune and remember to share it. The mark of a well-fed being is the
goodwill to feed others.

Reversed: There could be considerable frustration in your life if you draw Fehu reversed, a
broad range of dispossessions covering everything from the trivial to the serious. You fall short in your
efforts, you try to achieve something but fail, you watch helplessly as what you had already consumed.
cattle. Observe what is happening. Examine these events from an open perspective and
question: What lesson do I need to learn from this in my life?
Even if there were an opportunity for joy, do not let yourself be seduced by foolish jubilation. This Rune
inverted indicates that doubtful situations abound and present themselves in different forms and
costumes. You are being put in touch with the dark side of possessions. However, everything
this is part of what comes and what happens, and not of what remains. When dealing with the dark side of
Fehu you will have the opportunity to recognize where your true nourishment is.

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JOY
JOY
LIGHT

This Rune is a branch that bears fruit. The period of anguish has ended and you have come closer to yourself.
same in a way. The change that was due has occurred and now you will be able to receive freely
the blessings of Wunjo, in the form of either material gains, in your emotional life, or in a
increased sensation of your own well-being. It is an alchemical moment in which from
knowledge transforms into understanding. Knowledge itself was a necessary condition.
but not enough. Now you can rejoice as you have been helped to cross that chasm with the
Will of Heaven.
The joy accompanies a new energy that was previously blocked. The Light penetrates
the clouds and touches the water just at the moment when something beautiful emerges from the depths. The
the soul is illuminated from within in the meeting place of Heaven and Earth, the gathering of the waters.
There is a new clarity that may require letting go of existing plans, ambitions, or goals. It is
appropriate and timely for you to submit to this, since Wunjo is a Rune of renewal, of the
correct alignment of the self with the Self.

Inverted: Things take time to mature. The process of birth is arduous and long, and they arise
fears for the safety of the internal "child". A crisis, a difficult although perhaps brief transition,
it is close. Consideration and deliberation are necessary. Ask yourself if you possess the
virtues of seriousness, sincerity, and emptiness. Possessing them means having tranquility, which is the foundation of the
clarity, patience, and perseverance.
Seen in its true light, everything is a test. And so, by focusing on your present, being
Be sincere with others and trust in your process, you know you cannot fail.
In times of crisis, this reversed Rune is a beneficial meditation.

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JERA
HARVEST
FERTILE SEASON
A YEAR

A rune of beneficial results, Jera corresponds to any activity or endeavor you are involved in.
delivered. However, realize that you cannot expect quick results. A period of time
it is always necessary. Hence the keywords a year, symbolizing a complete cycle before the
harvest, the harvest or the liberation.
You have prepared the soil and planted the seed. Now you must cultivate it carefully. For those
whose labor takes a long season, a long term delivery, Jera offers an incentive towards the
Triumph. You must know that the result is in the hands of Providence: keep persevering.
Remember the old tale of the farmer who was so eager to help his crops that
she went out one night and pulled the new shoots. There is no way to push the river. You can't either.
hasten the harvest. Remember that patience is essential for the recognition of your own
process, which in its time leads to the harvest of the self.

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KANO
OPENING
FIRE
TORCH

This is the Rune of opening, of the renewed clarity that dispels the darkness that has been
covering some part of your life. Now you are free to receive and to know the joy of giving without
bindings.
Kano is the Rune for the beginning of activities, seriousness, clear intention and the
concentration, all of which is essential at the beginning of the work. The protection that Kano offers is this:
The more light you have, the better you will be able to distinguish what is trivial and outdated in your conditioning.
In relationships, there may now be a mutual openness. You could be the trigger, the one who marks the
time, through being aware that the Light of understanding is once again available
for both.
Realize that while on one hand you are limited and dependent, on the other you exist in the
perfect center where the harmonious and beneficial forces of the universe merge and radiate. You are
this center.
Put simply: if you have been practicing an operation in the dark,
Now there is enough light to realize that the patient on the operating table is you.
same.

Inverted: Wait for a darkening of the light in some situation or relationship. A friendship.
it could be dying, an association, a marriage or some aspect of yourself that is no longer
appropriate for the being you are now. Receiving this Rune warns you not to face that death.
Consciously it could constitute the loss of an opportunity. Kano is one of the Runes of the Cycle.
Reversed Initiation indicates the death of a way of life invalidated by growth.
This inverted Rune calls you to willingly relinquish the past and prepare to live empty for
a time. It calls you to develop internal stability, not to be seduced by the impulse of the
old ways while waiting for the new ones to be illuminated at the right moment.

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TEIWAZ
THE ENERGY OF THE WARRIOR
TIW, THE GOD OF HEAVEN

This is the Rune of the Spiritual Warrior, whose battle is always with the self. To consolidate a
will through action but detached from the results, staying attentive to that which
the only thing you can really do is to get out of your own way and let the
The Will of Heaven flows through you - these are some of the attributes of the Spiritual Warrior.
Incorporated into this Rune is the sword of discrimination that allows you to cut through.
old, the dead, the foreign. However, with Teiwaz comes the certain knowledge that the universe
always take the first step. Patience is the virtue of this Rune and it reminds us of the words of Saint
Agustín: The reward for patience is patience.
Here you are asked to look inward, to delve into the foundations of your very life. Only
by doing this you will be able to address the deeper needs of your nature and take advantage of your
deeper resources. Shaping character is the theme when Teiwaz appears in your reading.
The Sun, the masculine energy, and the active principle are associated with this Rune. The anxiety of
Conquest is prominent here. Especially the conquest of oneself, which is a pursuit.
lifelong and requires attention, tenacity, and will to carry out your transition with compassion and
absolute trust.
In matters of relationships, devotion to a cause, idea or way of conduct, the Warrior Rune
It advises perseverance, although sometimes the form of perseverance needed is patience.
Teiwaz is a Rune of courage and dedication. In ancient times, it was the glyph that warriors
they painted on their shields before battle. Nowadays the same symbol strengthens your determination
in the struggle of the self against the self.

Inverted: The danger lies in that through hasty or untimely action the force
vital spills or overflows. If an association lasts a short time, do not be distressed but realize that
has completed its course. Here are included the matters related to trust, and with it
the authenticity of your way of being in the world.
Inverted, Teiwaz calls you to examine your motives, is self-conquest what concerns you, or
Are you trying to dominate someone else? Are you coveting the results, or are you focusing on the work?
for the work itself?
You will find the answers within yourself and not in external advice. When you consult
The Runes are consulting the Self, an appropriate action of the Spiritual Warrior.

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BERKANA
GROWTH
RENAISSANCE
A BIRCH

One more of the Runes of the Initiation Cycle, Berkana denotes a form of fertility that
promotes growth both symbolically and in reality. Growth can occur in
matters of the world, of the familiar, of the relationship with the Self and with the Divine.
A Rune that leads to blooming and maturing, Berkana is related to the flow of beings towards
its new forms. Its action is gentle and penetrating.
What is required here is to delve deeply into things with care and attention. First
dissipate the resistance, then do the work. For this to happen, your will must be clear and
controlled, your motives must be the right ones. Any dark corner must be cleaned. This
must be carried out with diligence and sometimes with expert assistance. Modesty, patience, the
Justice and generosity are required here. Once the resistance has been dissipated and the
rectification carried out and upheld firmly, then flowering can occur through the
consistency and an appropriate attitude.

Inverted: Events, or more probably aspects of character, interfere with the

growth of a new life. You may feel discouraged when failing to take action
appropriate. But more than discouragement, what is required is diligence. Examine what has happened,
your part in it, your needs and the needs of others. Are you prioritizing your desires over the
needs of others? Search until you can identify the obstacles to growth in this.
situation. Then, gently penetrating, it mimics the wind.
You may need to fertilize the land once more, but through proper preparation you
ensures growth.

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Ehwaz
MOVEMENT
Progress
A HORSE

Ehwaz is a rune of transition, of physical changes, new homes, new attitudes or new
life. It also symbolizes movement in the sense of improving any situation.
This Rune is surrounded by a sense of gradual development and continuous progress, with the
subsequent notion of slow growth through numerous changes. This could apply to
growth of a business or the development of an idea. A relationship may need to go through
changes to maintain growth and life. Moral effort and consistency are required
when you draw Ehwaz, another of the Runes of the Initiation Cycle. It allows to be expressed of
In the following way: As I cultivate my own nature, everything else follows behind.
The symbol of this Rune is the horse and it relates to the inseparable bond between horse and
horse. Bronze Age artifacts show a horse pulling the sun across the sky. Here
this Rune is indicating that you have progressed enough to feel a degree of security in your
position. It is time to turn once again and face the future with confidence, ready to
sharing the good fortune that is about to come. Sharing is important, as it relates to the
power of the sun to promote life and illuminate everything with its light.

Inverted: Movement that apparently blocks. Be sure that what you are
doing or not doing is appropriate. We just have to recognize that not everything
opportunities are appropriate, that not all are open to us. The opportunity at hand
it could precisely be to avoid action. If you feel lost and are not clear about your
need to act, take into account what is appropriate for your nature and remember: what you
it belongs, it will reach you.

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Laguz
CURRENT
WATER
THAT WHICH LEADS

Invisible powers are active here, powers that nourish, that shape, that connect. The
The attributes of this Rune are water, the flow, the ebb and flow of emotions, vocations, and relationships.
Laguz fulfills your desire to immerse yourself in the experience of living without having to evaluate or understand.
Calls for the satisfaction of emotional needs, awakening the intuitive or lunar side of your
nature. For while the Sun fights for differentiation, the Moon attracts us towards unity and the
fusion.
This Rune often indicates the time to cleanse: reassess, reorganize, realign. A Rune of
deep wisdom, Laguz may call you to study spiritual matters as preparation for the
self-transformation. Success now lies in connecting with your intuitive knowledge, in harmonizing with
your own rhythms. A Rune that has to do with the self relating correctly to the Self.
Laguz symbolizes what the alchemists called the conjunctio or sacred marriage. In the tales
In fairy tales, it is the end where the hero and the heroine live very happily ever after.

Inverted: A warning against going too far, against excessive effort. A piece of advice against
exceed your own strength or act beyond the power you have consolidated to date in your life.
Inverted Laguz often indicates a delay in relying on the wisdom of instinct. As a result,
the intuitive side of your nature may be weakening, putting you out of balance. What is
What you need now is to go inward, honoring the receptive side of your Warrior Nature.

The copy is a bit illegible but it can be checked if the spelling is correct.

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Hail
ELEMENTAL FORCES THAT DESTROY
ELEMENTAL POWER
Hail

Change, freedom, invention, and liberation are all attributes of this Rune. To draw it out
indicates an urgent need within the psyche to break free from the constricting identification with
the material reality and experiencing the world of the prototypical mind.
This is the Rune of elemental destruction, of the events that seem to be completely out of
your control. Hagalaz has only one position and yet it always operates in reverse. When you take out
this Runa awaits destruction, for it is the Great Awakener, although the form it takes
waking up can be very varied. You may experience a gradual feeling of awareness, like
as if you were emerging from a long sleep. Or perhaps the assault of power is of such magnitude that
tear apart the fabric of what you previously knew as your reality, your security, the understanding
about yourself, your work, your relationships or your beliefs.
However, realize that what operates here is not fundamentally an external force.
a situation in which you are at the mercy of circumstances. Your own nature is creating it.
what happens and you do not find yourself powerless. The internal strength that you have consolidated so far in your
life is your support and guide at the moment when everything you had taken for granted is being
challenged.
The more severe the destruction in your life, the more important and timely the
requirements for your growth. Being one more of the Runes of the Initiation Cycle, the term
radical discontinuity is what best describes the most energetic action of Hagalaz. The universe and
your own soul is truly demanding that you grow.

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RAIDO
A TRIP
COMMUNICATION
UNION, REUNION

This Rune is related to communication, to the harmony of something that is composed of two.
sides, two elements, and with the most sublime gathering that arrives at the end of a journey when the above
It is connected to the one below.
The inner value increases here, and in such a moment you must remember not to set yourself
totally depend on your own power, but rather ask what is the appropriate action.
Ask through the prayer, to invoke your own wisdom, to the Witness Self, to the Inner Master. No
having the intention of movement, only be pleased to wait. And while you wait, continue
setting aside resistances. As the obstacles give way, all the remorse that arises from
trying to make it happen will disappear.
The journey is towards self-healing, self-change, and union. What concerns you here is nothing.
less than the unobstructed and perfect union. But the Union of Heaven and Earth cannot be
forced. Regulate any excess in your life. Material advantages should not weigh too heavily on
this Journey of the self towards the Self. Stay away even from others with the same opinion as yours. The
Notion. The notion of force by quantity does not apply at this moment, as this part of the journey
it cannot be shared.
One more of the Runes of the Cycle of Initiation, Raido represents the journey of the soul and contains
within itself the element of joy, for the end is in sight. No longer burdened by the
load you have left behind, the Sky above and the Earth below unite within you and support you in your
path.
A simple prayer for the journey of the soul:
I have the will to have the will to Your Will.

Reversed: Receiving this Rune reversed alerts you to be particularly attentive to

Personal relationships. At this moment, breakups are more likely than reconciliations.
Effort will be required to maintain a good mood. No matter what happens, how you respond will depend.
of you.
The requirements of your process may destroy what you had proposed. The results
expected may slip away from you. And yet what you consider deviations, inconveniences,
wreckage, obstacles, and even failures or deaths will actually be opportunities to verify the
course, having the Union and the Reunion as the only constant goals.

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THURISAZ
DOOR
THE PLACE OF NO ACTION
THE GOD THOR

With a door as its symbol, this Rune indicates that there is work to be done both inside and out.
out of yourself. The door is the border between Heaven and the mundane. Reaching it is the
recognition that you are now ready to connect with the non-material, the Divine, and illuminate your
experience so that its meaning shines through its form.
Thurisaz is a Rune of non-action and therefore the door should neither be approached nor crossed.
without contemplation. Here you are confronted with the true reflection of what is hidden within you,
of what must be exposed and examined before undertaking an action aimed at success. This
Runa strengthens your ability to wait. Now is not the time to make decisions. Deep ones.
transformational forces operate in this Rune, the penultimate of the Initiation Cycle.
Visualize yourself standing in front of a door on a hill. Your entire life stretches behind you,
downwards. Before taking a step, pause and review the past: the lessons and the joys,
the triumphs and the sorrows, everything that brought you here. Observe it all, bless it all, let it go
Well, it is by letting go of the past that you regain your power.
Cross the door now.

Inverted: Now it is indicated to accelerate your development. However, even when the process of
if growth accelerates, there will be reasons to take a break along the way, to reconsider the
past, to integrate the new. Take advantage of those stops.
If you are going through difficulties, remember: The quality of your transition depends on your attitude and
from the clarity of your intention. Make sure you are not suffering from your suffering.
Drawing the inverted Thurisaz requires contemplation on your part. Hasty decisions in this
moments could cause regrets, as you are likely to act from weakness, you
you deceive yourself about your motives and create new problems more serious than those that
You try to resolve. Impulses must be moderated by thought in order to proceed.
correctly. Do not try to surpass what you have not yet begun. Stay still, calm yourself and
wait for the Will of Heaven.

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DAGAZ
Advancement
TRANSFORMATION
THE DAY

This is the last Rune of the Initiation Cycle. Drawing Dagaz marks a change or advance.
important in the process of self-change, a complete transformation of attitude, a 180-degree turn
degrees. For some, the transition is so radical that they no longer continue living the ordinary life of
an ordinary way.
Since the moment is favorable, the result is assured, although it is not predictable from the
actual position of advantage. Within each life, there comes at least one moment that, if it is
recognized and leveraged, it forever transforms the course of that life. Then lean on the
radical trust, even if the moment asks you to jump into the void with empty hands. With this Rune
Your warrior nature is revealed.
If Dagaz is followed by the White Rune, the magnitude of the transformation could be so absolute.
that foreshadows a death, the triumphant conclusion of your transition.
This Rune often introduces an important period of achievement and prosperity. Darkness has
left behind, the daylight has arrived. As always, however, you are reminded not to get lost in the
future or behave in a careless manner in your new situation. A lot of hard work can
to be involved in a moment of transformation. Commit to carrying it out joyfully.

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ISA
PARO
THAT WHICH IMPELS
ICE

The winter of spiritual life looms over you. Perhaps you find yourself involved in a
situation in which you are blind to its implications. Perhaps you find yourself unable to do anything.
except to submit, surrender or sacrifice some long-held desire. Be patient, for this
it is the stage of gestation that precedes birth.
Positive achievements are unlikely now. There is a freeze on useful activity, all your
planes are grounded. You may be experiencing unusual wear of
energy and you wonder why. A cold wind is coming over the icebergs.
ice of old and out-of-fashion habits.
Trying to grasp it could result in a superficiality of feeling, a sense of being outside.
of contact with life. Discover what it is that you want to hold on to – and that in fact keeps you in this
Condition - and let go. Discard, release, cleanse the past. That will bring the thaw.
Usually, Isa requires a sacrifice in the personal field, of the ego. However, there is no reason
for anxiety. Submit or stay still, for what you are experiencing is not necessarily
the result of your actions or habits, but rather of the conditions of the moment, against which you cannot
You can do nothing. What has been full must be emptied, what has increased must decrease. This
It is the path of Heaven and Earth. Yielding is showing courage and wisdom.
In a moment like this, don't expect to count on help or friendly support. Proceed in your isolation.
be careful and do not stubbornly insist on imposing your will. Remember that the seed
the new is within the shell of the old, the seed of unrealized potential, the seed of
Good. Trust your own process and wait for the signs of spring.

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SOWELU
TOTALITY
VITAL FORCES
THE ENERGY OF THE SUN

This Rune symbolizes Totality, that which your nature requires. It includes the drive towards the
self-actualization and indicates the path you should follow, not guided by future reasons but from the
center of your individuality.
To seek Totality is the quest of the Spiritual Warrior. However, what you are trying
Becoming is what you already are by nature. You must become aware of your essence and give it
shape, express it in a creative way. A Rune of great power that is at your disposal.
vital force, Sowelu marks a moment of deep regeneration, even at the cellular level.
Although this Rune does not have an inverted position, there is reason for caution. Perhaps
it is wise to step away or withdraw from a pressing situation, especially if the events or
people are demanding that you expend your energy now. Such withdrawal is a withdrawal in strength and
It may indicate the need for an inward journey to center, to balance. The retreat to
Time is one of the skills of the Spiritual Warrior.
At the same time, for some, this Rune advises to open up, to allow the Light to penetrate inward.
part of your life that has remained a secret, locked away. To achieve this, it may require
deep acknowledgments, of admitting something that you have denied for a long time.
There is a prayer known as the Gayatri, which incorporates the essence of Sowelu. Turn to the
Sun this way:
You who are the source of all power,
whose rays illuminate the whole Earth,
it also illuminates my heart
so that you can also do Your Work.
When reciting the Gayatri, visualize the rays of the Sun flowing toward the Earth, penetrating your heart and
then spilling out in torrents from the center of your heart back to the Earth. This is a prayer
powerful and invigorating.
Once again there is a warning here not to get cocky. Even in moments of energy
abundant you are required to confront and overcome your reluctance to allow the appropriate action to flow
through you. Nurture this ability, as it is a sign of true humility.
Practice the art of doing without doing. Conduct yourself with honesty and then maintain your course without
manipulative efforts, for we do nothing through our own power. Even in loving, it is the
love the one who loves through us. This way of thinking and being integrates new energies and you
allows to flow towards the Totality, which is the ultimate goal of the Spiritual Warrior.

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 25
THE WHITE RUNE
THE UNKNOWABLE
THE GOD ODIN

The Void is the end, the Void is the beginning. This is the Runa of absolute trust and must be
taken as stimulating evidence of your most immediate contact with your true personal destiny
that, time and again, rises like the Phoenix from the ashes of what we call 'luck'.
The White Rune can herald a death. However, this death is usually symbolic.
and it could relate to any part of your life as you live it now. Renouncing control is the
final challenge for the Spiritual Warrior.
Here the Unknowable informs you that it is in motion within your life. A potential undiluted.
it is contained in that whiteness. Simultaneously pregnant and empty, it understands the totality of being and
everything that needs to be updated. And if there are truly 'matters hidden by the gods,' only
you will need to remember: What calls us is the creative power of the unknown.
Taking out the White Rune brings to the surface your deepest fears: Will I fail? Will I be
abandoned? Will I be stripped of everything? And yet your highest good, your most genuine
possibilities and all your fertile dreams are contained in that whiteness.
The goodwill and allowing in what this Runa requires of you, for how do you expect to exercise
control over what is still formless? The White Rune often calls for an act of courage no less
to jump into the void with nothing in hand. Taking it out is a direct test of Faith.
The White Rune represents the path of karma – the total sum of your actions and their
consequences. At the same time, this Rune teaches that the debts themselves of a past karma
They change and evolve as you change and evolve. Nothing is predestined. The obstacles
Your past can become the doors that open to new beginnings.
Whenever you take out the White Rune, take a breath: you will know that the work of self-change is
progressing in your life.

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I no longer try to change external things. They are simply a reflection. I change my perception.
inside, and the outside reveals the beauty that was so long obscured by my own attitude. I
I focus on my inner vision and find that my outer vision is transformed. I find myself
myself in harmony with the greatness of life and in unison with the perfect order of
universe.

Daily Words

THE GIFT OF THE SELF

There are no more maps, no more doctrines, no more philosophies. From now on, the directions
They come directly from the Divine. The curriculum is being revealed millisecond by millisecond.
–invisibly, intuitively, spontaneously, lovingly. Like one of the monks of
Thomas Merton describes it: "Enter your cell and your cell will teach you everything you need to know."
know”. Your cell. Yourself.

Akshara Noor

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8. SUBSEQUENT WORDS:
MAGIC IN THE PRESENT TIME

God is alive, magic is being prepared...

Leonard Cohen

In the best of us, each one is a channel through which the wisdom of God flows and
we can feel the internal guidance that provides us with the intuitive knowledge we need. But life
it can be painful and difficult and we are not always clear. The channels that we are get blocked with
fears are obstructed by self-doubt. We do not always listen to the still small voice that
we have by natural inheritance.
The Runes are available to be used as a bridge to your Wise Self. While
you contemplate a chosen Rune to illuminate a particular matter, keep clarity about a
You are not depending on the oracle to solve your problems for you. Images and
thoughts will come to your mind, image-ideas that will provide you with the necessary clues towards the
what constitutes the appropriate action. Working with the oracle in this way you will consolidate a new
sense of trust, a new kind of value.
The Viking Runes are a mirror for the magic of our Wise Self. Over time, and as
you learn to use them, you can set them aside and allow knowledge to arise without filters, just as
Some water diviners use only their empty hands to find it.
Any oracle is a reflection of the culture in which it evolves. The roots of the Tarot and the I
Ching are not Western roots. The Tarot did not emerge in Western life until when the
Runes had more than 1000 years of existence. The I Ching took 800 years to reach the West. In
the Runes present to us a symbolic system that derives from an oracle that arose within the
Western forms of thought. It is both timely and providential that the Viking Runes
They will be restored once again to serve as a western oracle.
For all those who have arrived at this place of endings and new beginnings, God bless you.
thig.

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 PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

GERMANICO

MANKIND mind
2. GEBO hello
3. ANSUZ sorrow
4. OTHILA ozila (with a Castilian Spanish pronunciation)
5. URUZ urine
6. PERTH perz (just like in Othila)
7. NAUTHIZ náuziz (same as in Othila)
8. INGUZ Ingus
9. EIHWAZ éiuas
10. ALGIZ alchis (soft ch)
11. FEHU famous
12. WUNJO uúncho (soft ch)
13. JERA soft cheese
14. KANO cano
15. TEIWAZ I am
16. BERKANA fountain
17. EHWAZ eh
18. LAGUZ light
19. HAGALAZ they will kill them
20. RAIDO radar
21. THURISAZ zúrisas (just like in Othila)
22. DAGAZ knife
23. ISA Iceland
24. SOWELU souélu
25. ODIN Odin

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