Reading runes: tips for beginners
Hi folks! When beginners start investigating rune-reading, they typically see two things: posts reiterating that runes had no historical basis in divination and posts dictating what each rune always means.
While the former is true, it doesn't negate the power of letting the divine speak to you through channels you understand--whether you use playing cards, tarot, runes, or other signs to interpret these messages. And while runes each carry their own meaning(s), these meanings are not fixed but context-sensitive.
Step One: Sitting with the runes
Before you do too much research, I'd advise you to simply sit with the runes and listen to how they feel. Hold one in your hand, visualize one in your mind, chant one's name aloud, or some combination of those techniques. Let images, sounds, smells, and ideas come to you without analysis or critique. This is an initial "getting to know you" meditation meant to be repeated many times throughout your journey, and I'd advise revisiting these meditations even after you feel acquainted with the runes.
Step Two: Researching the runes
Research into historical and linguistic concepts behind the runes may be beneficial. I'd also recommend contemporary research--see how folks use the runes in their practice, whether in divination, creation of bind runes, or other implementations. Know that each individual will have their own relationship with runes, but keep an eye open for inspiration.
Step Three: Questioning the runes
Once you understand how you interpret the runes, it's time to take them for a spin. I advise against very detailed "yes or no" questions and suggest broader, more open-ended questions. Example: instead of "Should I take this job?" ask, "What are qualities in a job that would make me happy?" then see if the offered job reflects those values. Instead of "Does Tyr like it when I offer him a beer?" ask, "What are attributes Tyr values in a devotee?"
Step Four: Throwing the runes
As part of your research phase, I'd suggest looking up different rune spreads to see if any resonate with you. What I do is more random and case-by-case: without looking, I dig my hand into the runes and concentrate on my question. I do this until a rune pops into my hand (or out of the bag) or feels unusually heavy. I'll pull runes without looking until the remaining runes in the bag feel neutral (nothing trying to pop out)--this results in typically 3-5 runes but it varies. I typically don't organize the runes or pull with any spread in mind, but rather leave them where they fall (from the bag or my palm).
Step Five: Interpreting the runes
Sit back, take deep breaths, and remember to view the spread as a whole. Each rune is in communication with the others.
I interpret the runes' placement to indicate their relationships with one another. For example, if I throw a Berkano, Perthro, and Elhaz, but the Perthro and Elhaz are on top of each other, I'll analyze them as a pair. So I would analyze Berkano on its own, the relationship between Perthro and Elhaz, and then the larger relationship between all three. Yes, it is 100% okay to refer back to notes you've taken!
In my experience, the most important thing to remember is: reading the runes requires a great deal of self-honesty and inner reflection, bravery to hear tough answers, and humility to let the runes answer questions we didn't know we were asking.
