Yourself, the Oracle: Reading Your Runes

Reading runes is more than just a parlor trick. It is a way to become whole in what you're trying to do, a way to put your best efforts forward, and a way to answer the questions that weigh down your mind day after day.

There are people that set aside time each day to cast runes, while others prefer a more formal method; such as lighting candles, burning incense, or meditation beforehand. These methods are all excellent ways to clear your mind and body for an appropriate and accurate Rune reading. Slow your breathing, calm the turbulence in your heart. It's time to learn how to read your Runes, using the basic Three Rune Spread.

It's most useful to have a felt bag or some other sort of soft, easily manipulated material with which to contain your Runes. Open the bag and place it in front of you. Focus on the issue at hand clearly in your mind. Reach into the back, make contact with the stones, and draw your first rune. Place it down, and continue to do this two more times, setting the Runes to read right to left, in order of selection. When you have finished drawing them, you will have a readable Rune spread before you.

(1) (2) (3)

Action Challenge Overview

The first Rune you drew, the one on the very right, is the overview of your situation. The second Rune in the center identifies the challenge you are facing. The third rune on the far left indicates the course of action called for in your situation. Remember not to flip over any reversed Runes! Read them the way they are drawn!

Remember to always keep your mind open and peaked at it's utmost receptiveness. You might not always get an answer for the particular question you asked. The Runes might be trying to give you counsel addressing a more significant or emotional issue. Remember to keep yourself calm and collected while you read your Rune spread.

Sometimes not everyone finds the guidance and clarity they seek from a simple single or three-Rune spread. There are several more complex Rune spreads, many of which are credited with identifying more distinctive features of a situation that might otherwise overwhelm you with it's complexity.

The Five Rune Spread

Start your five Rune spread by clearing your mind and focusing on your issue. Draw five stones one at a time, and place them one below the other in a descending fashion.

1. Overview of your issue

2. Challenges you face

3. Course of recommended action

4. Something you must sacrifice

5. New situation

The five Rune spread is often referred to as the most personal spread, because it pinpoints more aspects of your personal situation more accurately then drawing three or four.

The Runic Diamond This is a basic rune spread most often used with romantic or other deeply emotional issues. Start this spread by drawing four runes, and placing them in a diamond as follows:

(1) Overview

Gain (4) (2) Sacrifice

(3) Action

The first rune represents the overview, or where you stand now in your emotional situation. The second rune is something you stand to lose. The third rune is the course of action suggested, and the fourth rune is something you have to gain. Remember to keep a keen mind when reading a runic diamond, because the runes may be illustrating something that might have slipped your conscious mind! Stay focused and faithful. Good luck!