wiccan Runes

Technically speaking, there is no such thing as Wiccan runes. Runes are a Norse divination methodology and an alphabet. Several different types of runes were used in ancient times, but the most notable of the variants are the Futhark runes. Their role as a language can be traced back several millennia to the 5th century BCE and many of the older rune forms are thought to be connected to some of the first written western languages. No one really knows with certainty where runes originated from or when and discoveries are still being made. With all of that information we ask the question, “What is the Wiccan connection to runes?”

Connection to Wiccan Runes

wicca in an ancient faith founded in the pagan roots of Europe. A study of wiccan symbolism and beliefs quickly shows a heavy presence of cultural and religious elements from cultures such as the Norse, the Celtic, Goth and Roman. Runes were a powerful and important language tool thousands of years ago at a time when language was a much different thing. Few could read or write and those who could were considered wise and learned. The strong connection to nature that is a part of paganism leads to a system of association between the symbols of the runic alphabet and spiritual concepts in nature. This was a way of giving depth and dimension to the symbols.

Wiccan runes are used for divination and are a process of clarification and perception of the spiritual energy that is thought to underlie all of the events of our lives. For modern wiccans runes serve a twofold purpose. First they are thought to be a means of perceiving the nature of reality in a way that allows the Wiccan to gain knowledge of what is, or will likely occur, that is the divination process. Secondly Wiccans revere runes as a direct connection to the Pagan roots from which the wiccan religion springs.

Use of Wiccan Runes

The Wiccan rune use for divination purposes involves the random selection of one or more runes that are laid out on the table in a certain order. The order represents the relationship of the runes to one another and their connection to phases or elements in life. The simplest system is a single rune that is drawn in response to a single question. The symbolism of the rune, the concept, or meaning associated with the rune drawn is the key to the answer.

Another example is the fork layout. In this variation, three runes are drawn and laid out in a triangle with the point toward the subject. The rune at the point represents the question or situation and the two runes above represent the alternative futures that may occur depending on a choice that must be made. Runes are very popular and are still in use by many people today. Wiccans often rely on tools like runes to help guide them in life in a manner similar to prayer. The popularity of runes is due in part to the increasing popularity of Wicca and Pagan faiths.