Runes are associated with mysterious symbolism, magic and ancient wisdom. They were originally an alphabet used by the Germanic people, but today their meaning goes far beyond written communication. Today, runes are increasingly used in esoteric and spiritual practices. What is worth knowing about modern runic magic, how to prepare your own set of runes, and what methods of practice are most popular today?

How do you become a runist(k)-? - Predisposition and preparation

Rozpoczęcie pracy z runami zaczyna się zazwyczaj od stworzenia osobistego zestawu runicznego. Tradycyjnie wykonuje się go z naturalnych materiałów – najlepiej drewna. Taki zestaw powinien zawierać 24 elementy, na których rysuje się symbole futharku starszego. Czerwona barwa używana do malowania run symbolizuje moc i siłę, choć dopuszczalne są również inne colors, jak niebieski lub zielony, związane z nordyckimi bogami Odynem i Freją.

Some experts in runic magic claim that spiritual aptitude and clairvoyance are crucial, while others are more open-minded, believing that runes are available to anyone willing to use them. Regardless of the chosen approach, knowledge of Norse mythology and rune symbolism is very helpful. Many runesmiths also stress the importance of intuition - personal experience is the best way to learn and understand runes.

Preparing your own set of runes

Making your own runic set is the first step in practicing runic magic. Wood is considered the best material, although stones can also be used or even a set of runic cards can be created. Each rune should be carved or painted with care, which is the first step to establishing a personal connection with them.

The set should be sanctified in a personal ritual. The form of the ceremony depends entirely on the practitioner's preference - it can be an intimate moment full of gratitude or an elaborate moonlight ritual with incense, candles and an invocation addressed to the Norse deities.

How to know the meaning of runes?

Istnieją dwa główne podejścia do poznania znaczenia run. Pierwsze polega na studiowaniu istniejących interpretacji, które znaleźć można w licznych publikacjach. Drugim sposobem jest intuicyjne odkrywanie znaczenia każdej runy. Popularną metodą jest codzienne losowanie jednej runy i obserwowanie, jak jej energy przejawia się w ciągu dnia. Regularne notowanie spostrzeżeń pozwala na stworzenie własnego, spersonalizowanego przewodnika po runach.

Niektórzy runiści zalecają bardziej nietypowe metody poznania run, np. przez spożywanie ciastek oznaczonych runami, co podkreśla intymność i symboliczne "wchłonięcie" ich energii. Wybór metody zależy od indywidualnych preferencji oraz stopnia zaawansowania w praktyce.

Forms of runic magic

Najbardziej popularnymi formami pracy magicznej z runami są skrypty runiczne, talizmany, bindruny (runy wiązane) oraz divinations. Skrypty runiczne to połączenie kilku run tworzących konkretne znaczenie, które mogą być używane jako protection lub do manifestacji celów. Ważne jest przestrzeganie zasad, np. nieparzysta liczba run w skrypcie czy wykonanie go w odpowiedniej fazie księżyca.

Bindruns are created by superimposing several runes on top of each other, which enhances their strength. A good example is the popular Vegvisir symbol. Another form is runic sigils, more artistic and complex symbols created from runes to enhance the effect of intentions.

Divination from runes involves drawing them and interpreting them in relation to the questions asked. There are many divination systems - from the simple drawing of a single rune (wyrd) to complex distributions, such as the runic river or the distribution of the Cosmic Tree (Yggdrasill). Interpretation is always based on the intuition of the practitioner, and divination is a guideline, not an immutable scenario of the future.

What do the runes say about ourselves?

Runic practice is first and foremost a path of personal development. Runes teach us to look deeper, listen to our intuition and make conscious decisions. Through working with runes, we discover our inner motivations, hidden emotions and the potential that lies within each of us. As a result, runes can serve as a powerful tool for self-discovery and spiritual and emotional development.

Working with runes helps to identify and work through inner blocks, fears and limitations. Through regular practice, we learn to listen to our inner wisdom and trust our intuition. The runes become a mirror of our soul, showing us both our strengths and areas that need attention or change.

It is not a practice limited by rigid rules, but a flexible path where everyone can find their own way of working with runic symbols and energy. It is worth approaching the runes with an open heart, allowing them to guide us along the fascinating path of knowledge, self-acceptance and spiritual growth.