The information provided in the PDF (coming soon) are completely personal, and may not be the same information that is provided on other web sites. Runes are very personal, and each rune master has a different opinion when it comes to runes, it is important to keep that in mind when researching runes.
The Elder Futhark Runes are often considered the more correct version of runes. It seems more of a personal preference to which set of runic symbols you want to use. To say that there is only one kind of rune is incorrect for the name rune means “secret” or “whisper”. The term rune can be applied to any symbol that has been carved, burned, etched whatever onto an object (normally stone or wood) that has specific magical intent.
The Runes belonging to the Northern Europeans are still under debate. Many feel that some of the runes were added later, and that some of them may never have existed. It is hard to tell what is the most accurate version of runes, but for the most part all experts focus on the Elder Futhark.
However, this focus does not make it easy. Each rune-master determines how they personally view the runes…this is why runes are different than tarot because tarot cards never change meanings or interpretation, where they fall and the direction they fall in determines how the card is read and its meanings are hard and fast to the artist that created them. However, runes are not so easy!
Runes can be interpreted in many ways, and this interpretation is dependent on the person who is reviewing the cast. Now, runes do have basic meanings and some key correspondences to help us figure out at least the rudimentary meaning of the runes, but as you use the runes their meaning develops into something much deeper than the ‘textbook’ meanings.
I personally think that anyone can use runes, however once you start using runes a pull toward learning more about Northern traditions seems to be a natural progression. It does seem that some historical knowledge is required in order to understand the more deeper mysteries in the runes and this knowledge helps those that will become great rune-masters understand the runes in a much more profound way.
I don’t think that anyone just picks up runes on a whim or for no reason, they seem to seek out those that may eventually become heathen or will be heathen oriented. This does not imply that those from other traditions cannot use runes, but it just seems that the runes work better in an environment that is focused on Northern Traditions.
What I mean is that runes will not work if you try to apply them to an alternate system of gods or path …i.e. you cannot use runes if you don’t understand the gods that come with them…and yes these gods have powerful influences over the runes that will come through one way or another …those not prepared for this should not use runes at all….at least in my opinion.
If you choose to use runes (or they choose you) you will find a system of divination that is unlike all others.
For more information on runes check out the following:
Coming Soon: Funny Little Symbols (a guidebook to runes by Mist)
Coming Soon: A List of Good Rune Books
