A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE RUNES
by
G & A. M. Heim
A RUNECRAFT PUBLICATION
© Runecraft-UK 1991-2009
There is much argument and debate in scholarly circles concerning
the origins of the runes. From a historical and archaeological
point of view the runes first appeared in 200BC and were in usage
through to the Middle Ages. During the past 150 years the runes
have experienced a re-emergence in practice and usage.
In the recorded history of the Runes, they were in the main used for Magick and divination, by the Northern Tribes people of Ancient Europe, the Ancient Tribes people of the British Isles and the Teutons, however in the course of time and trade with neighbouring ancient civilisations, the Runes were also developed and used as a alphabet; however the use of the Runes as a mundane alphabet didn't last for very long.
By definition, a Rune is:
Any of the
letters used by the ancient Teutonic peoples, especially the Scandinavian’s,
Anglo-Saxons
and some Celtic people.
A rune can
also be any poem or riddle written in runic character's. such
as
"The
Song of The High One" from the old Norse, The Poetic Edda
(ca. AD1200.)
A rune is
any character or symbol supposed to have magical powers or significance.
Such
as on Standing Stones, Wood and Stones Henges, on talismans, ritual
wands,
swords
and shields.
The word
rune can also be used to describe or mean secret writing.
In the far past, a complete system of philosophy, magic and way of life was erected upon the symbolism of the Runes. This system was handed down from shaman to pupil by word of mouth, using the runes themselves as mnemonics. The word Rune comes from a root meaning both "‘a secret"’ and "‘to whisper’", and relates to a time before the invention of writing, when all arcane knowledge was transmitted orally.
The word Rune also means "a mystery;" but a mystery is not just something held secret by one group of people from another, it can be something which transcends mere intelligence, something which can be understood or experienced, but can not be taught because it can not be put into words.
The idea that runic lore had to be passed on by word of mouth withstood the invention of writing, and even the creation of a runic alphabet could not induce the runemasters of old to produce a thesis on runic knowledge. All that survives along these lines is a handful of poems taking the Runes as their theme. None of these poems however explain the methods for using the Runes, or the rationale behind them, so that the uninitiated are left none the wiser from having read these poems.
The Celts, Teutons, Vikings and Britons had much in common, besides the use of the Runes by their wise-persons. These ancient people preferred to rely mainly on memory for the safe transmission of their secret wisdom. Just as the Bard and Druids learned by heart the teachings of their predecessors, so too the Runic Magician was expected to memorise the meanings and uses of all the various Runes. To a point this is the way, the tradition has been handed down to the present time almost intact.
There is documentary evidence which shows that the Runes were used for both magic and divination. The methods of divination being similar to "the drawing of lots". For all ancient peoples, the casting of lots was a method of augury; and in this way the evolution of Runes as an oracle developed.
By definition an oracle is:
A divine
announcement...shrine consecrated to the worship and consultation
of a
prophetic
god; such as that of Apollo at Delphi.
The revelation
or response of a shaman, priest, or medium at such a shrine.
A prophecy
made known at such a shrine, often in the form of an enigmatic
statement
or allegory.
Any person
or agency considered to be a source of wise counsel, or prophesy;
an infallible
authority or judge.
Any pronouncement
or claim considered to be infallible.
'The Holy
of Holies’ of the ancient Jewish Temple.
And the oracle be prepared in the house within,
to set there the arc of the covenant of the Lord.
1 Kings 6:9
In essence The Runes were employed by the wise men and women of old to gain counsel and guidance from The One God or demi-gods concerning matters of import to themselves, their patron, client or village. In the present as in the past it is up to each runic practitioner address themselves to their God when seeking guidance and advice from the Watcher Within. Today as in the days of our forefathers the Runes and their usagein the manner prevails.
THE ORDER OF RUNES
There are 2 main orders of Runes in terms of their usage as an oracle or instruments for divination.
The ancient's divided the runes into 3 main groups or families of eight runes; 3 and 8 being numbers credited with special magical potency. The three groups known as "aettir" were named for the Norse gods Freyr, Hagal and Tyr. In ancient Britain, the Runic alphabet was extended to 33 runes, however when it came to enquiry the main 24 runes of the Futhark were used with the later addition of a Blank Rune know as The Wyrd Stone. The ancient order of the Futhark is as follows:
Freyr's Eight:
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Hagal's Eight:
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Tyr's Eight:
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While the old order stood intact for many hundreds of years, the demands of time inspired change, evolution, and refining of the system and practice, from which a new order has emerged.
In the new order of things the Runes are dedicated to "The One God" so that Higher guidance of God can be imparted to the practitioner; thereby making the advice pure and healing in it's source.
The manner in which the new order came about is a classic example of the way in which the Runes themselves, still hold power within themselves to teach and show what is correct; and the manner in which the Wyrd flow through them. Click Here for Ralph Blum's story
The New Runic Order:
(5) Ur |
(4) Othel |
(3) Ansur |
(2) Gyfu |
(1) Mann |
(10) Eolh |
(9) Eoh
Defence/ A Yew Tree |
(8) Ing Fertility & Rebirth |
(7) Nyd |
(6) Peorth |
| (15) Tyr Warrior Energy |
(14) Cen |
(13) Jara |
(12) Wynn |
(11) Feoh |
(20) Rad |
(19) Hagal |
(18) Lagu |
(17) E(o)h |
(16) Beorc |
(25) Wyrd
The Blank RuneGod/Fate/ Destiny/ The Unknowable |
(24) Sigel |
(23) Isa |
(22) Daeg |
(21) Thorn |
To participate in conversations on the old and new order of the runes, join me in the Forum!
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