|
The rune alphabet known as Elder Futhark is an old Germanic language form used by the tribes of northern Europe. It was first chronicled by Roman historians around 100 B.C.E. and was still in common use through the sixteenth century Common Era. Inscriptions in runic Futhark have been discovered as far away as North America and lends proof that Viking explorers had traveled there long before Christopher Columbus made his epic voyages to the West Indies.
The old Germanic people realized that words have power and the symbols of their alphabet were capable of being used in a number of oracular and talismanic ways. The language as written could be placed right to left or left to right. Some forms included both orientations within the same text on alternating lines. Each character as well as being incorporated into the words of their language had a specific meaning and history.
'Rune' itself translates as 'mystery' or 'secret'. Each separate rune has its own conceptual history and story that pertains to natural or mental forces and has a relationship to one of the Norse Gods. With this association linked to the symbol, the Nordic Runes could be used individually to draw on the aspecting power of their divinities as charms. Inscribed on personal items they would imbue it with the God's influence.
For oracular purposes, either the branch of a fruit tree would be cut into flat sections or small flat stones could be collected. The futhark runes were all created with straight lines to facilitate their application to the media of the casting markers. The runes would be carved or inscribed on one side and upon the ritual of seeking to find the influences affecting a particular event, would be cast onto a white cloth. Then three of the rune markers would be randomly chosen and interpreted as to their associations and meanings in relation to the question.
The language and the runic alphabet that symbolized it evolved along with the people who used it. While the original Germanic runes contained twenty-four characters, it had been reduced to a mere sixteen by the time it found its way into Scandinavia. When the three major branches of the Germanic tribes known as the Jutes, Saxons and Angles invaded and settled in the British isles their runic language again underwent changes to encompass added 'foreign' words. By the time it had finished this evolution, the runic alphabet contained thirty-three characters and is known as Anglo-Saxon Futhorc.
To properly understand and interpret these Runes one is required to have a good knowledge of Nordic mythology, theology, history and culture as it is so inextricably entwined in the oracular and magical meanings of the runic symbology. It is the underlying basis for what can be learned through rune casting. One final note on runes is that there was no such thing as a 'blank' rune. The 'blank', often referred to as 'wyrd', is a modern day invention that was created to add a New Age touch to this ancient art.
As well as writing and researching on the paranormal and occult phenomena that intersect our reality, Douglas Mefford can also be found helping spread literature to the world at Bell, Book & Candle Publications or hanging out at his bungalow in Greenwoods Village.
|
