Runes: Origins, History, and Their Use Today

Those interested in pagan spirituality often use or are familiar with divination. The most widely known technique is the use of Tarot cards which can be purchased in many varied styles at just about any book store near you.

Another form of divination that is not as widely practiced is the use of runes.

Where They Came From

Runes were first developed by early Germanic tribes in northern Europe and adopted by the Scandinavians soon thereafter, though many scholars disagree as to when runes were first used. The runic alphabet is believed to have originated in the first century because the earliest artifacts containing runes can be dated to the second and third century A.D. It is accepted that they were adopted from an earlier alphabet (probably Etruscan) though this is a point of contention in the field. (NOVA online)

Runes and Their Path Through Time

Runes are the writing system of early Germanic and Scandinavian cultures. The runic alphabet is called futhark because it is based on the first six symbols of the alphabet: F, U, Th, A, R, K. There are three runic alphabets that I will discuss here: The Elder Futhark, Anglo-Saxon Futhark, and the Younger Futhark (also known as the Scandinavian Futhark). (runes: alphabet of mystery)

The Elder Futhark

The Elder Futhark is thought to be the oldest of the three, in use from the 2nd through the 8th century. It contained 24 runes arranged into three sets (or aett) of eight: Freya's eight, Hagal's eight, and Tyr's eight. According to legend, Odin, Father figure/Chief of Norse Gods, either speared himself to Yggdrasil (the world tree) or hung from Yggdrasil while his spear pierced his side. He stayed this way for nine windy days and nights in order to gain the knowledge that would give him power in the nine worlds. He then passed this knowledge, the sacred knowledge of the runes, on to his people


The Anglo-Saxon Futhark

The Anglo-Saxon Futhark is an extended alphabet for the Anglo-Saxon/Old English alphabet that began with 29 characters and grew to 33. Until there is more definitive archeological evidence, it is unknown whether the runes were introduced by the Frisians or Scandinavians into England. They were used from the 5th to the 11th century by the Angles, Saxons, Jutes, and Frisians.

The Younger Futhark

The Younger, or Scandinavian, Futhark was used sporadically in Scandinavia until the 17th century, particularly in Denmark and Sweden. It is a reduction of the Elder Futhark containing only 16 characters and corresponds with a change in the language from Proto-Norse into Old Norse. The change is also reflected in the way it is written. It is divided into short twig (Swedish and Norwegian) and long branch (Scandinavian) runes with the reason for the differences in controversy.

Runic Use
The runes were viewed as a gift from the God, Odin, and therefore sacred. This idea is supported because many the earliest known artifacts contain the name of a person and do not seem to be used for general writing. The name adorned on the artifact is probably that of a Rune Master, a skilled craftsman trained in not only the power of the runes, but also their application. Runes adorned a variety of objects from swords to chalices, their uses running from talismans to either ward off evil or harm, or to provide healing magic for the sick. They were also used in divination where one rune is carved onto a stone until the entire alphabet is available. Then they were thrown or dropped onto the ground and read according to the meaning associated with that letter.

How We Use Them Today

Runes have seen a revival of sorts, especially in Germanic Neopaganism. It can be said that many on a pagan path have used or seen runes. Wooden runes are often created from sacred trees, though they can be created on a variety of mediums ranging from stone to glass. No matter how they are created, they are still being used in much the same manner as they were 2000 years ago. For the purpose of divination.

A great place to visit on Rune divination is Bewitching Ways. The site has practical advice on different ways to cast your runes, as well as simple instructions on how to read them.


Divination has manifested in many forms throughout history in a variety of practices; working with runes is only one of these. Their ease of use and appeal has allowed them to stand the test of time. Every culture strives to learn the unknown and to touch the divine, many believe that divination allows them to do just that. Tarot Cards, Scrying, and Runes have survived for a reason. Perhaps because in the proper hands, they actually work.

Blessed Be




all information used to write this article can be found on the following pages.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/vikings/runes.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runic_alphabet#Elder_Futhark_.282nd_to_8th_c..29
http://www.sunnyway.com/runes/origins.html
http://www.uponreflection.co.uk/runes/germanic_runes_futhark.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin

Reading? Writing? Check out The Pagan and the Pen!

Are You A Writer?

There is a wonderful resource for all the pagans out there, from The Pagan and the Pen. Are you a writer that would like a review, or some exposure? The Pagan and the Pen will review your work, no matter what faith you are (or are not). So if you would like to read the works of others, or visit their websites, Visit The Pagan and the Pen.

Do You Just Enjoy Reading?

If you are not a writer, don't think that The Pagan and the Pen is not for you! Come and read some short stories or articles that are posted. They are entertaining and well written.

Are You Looking for Information?

The Pagan and the Pen also has a wealth of information from their contributing authors, my favorite of which is the Pagan Holidays Article that C. H. Scarlett writes whenever something is coming up. The Article for today covers the next three days. It includes a little history (such as in Norse Culture, today is an observance for Thor), what is observed now (like Husband's Day is observed in many parts of the world), and-here...I'll just let you check it out

On the Pagan and the Pen you can check out the authors seperately, or just visit and read the posts of the day! So pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee or herbal tea, and enjoy yourself

All information for C.H. Scarlett's article can be found here. I give full credit to the author http://thepaganandthepen.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/pagan-holidays-for-january-19-20-21-2010/

Textured Painting, Inspiration, and The Result

Inspiration and Instruction

Hello Everyone :)

I have finished (and photographed) my new art piece that was a commission for a friend. It is untitled as I don't know what to call it yet. This inspiration for my work was found by accident. As I was browsing artwork on the internet I found a few pieces that used texture that were extremely interesting. This one was found in an article on one way to create paint texture. The link will take you to the article. It is very interesting, and a good read for anyone who wants to explore creating texture.
I found it very interesting because of the finished piece, but this bare bones part of the work gave me some ideas on how I could create this myself.

Melanee Herrera and Mixed Media
This is from an artist named Melanee Herrera who creates some beautiful textured mixed media pieces that are abstract in form. Her Blog is titled Mixed Media and Folk Art, and it discusses not only what she creates, but where it can be found.
This is a closeup of the piece which can be found in her blog. I love the colors and textures, and it has a wonderful flow. It was the one which inspired me!

From Inspiration to Finished Product

Here is my finished piece. The woman who commissioned the piece wanted something strong and simple that portrayed her new spiritual identity and journey. She feels that individuals need to find their inner peace, and project love and acceptance to others, and society needs to see that and not focus on the busy surroundings that we live in.

She is very happy with the result, but I am going to work from this and see what else I can do with texture.
A New Concept in the Works

I have been very interested in "The Tree of Life" that appears in many cultures and want to do a textured mixed media painting of one. I started with a mock-up to see what I could do. On Watercolor paper I used Hot Glue, upholstery thread, and a decoupage medium with tissue paper. It is officially finished, and now belongs to my Husband because he walked in and told to me stop what I was doing-he really liked it.

As it is (for me) just a mock-up, he is welcome to it :) I wonder what he'll do with it?

Catch me on Facebook!

I have just created a fan page on Facebook, the link is here, so you can catch catch my latest blog post without leaving Facebook!

Now that everyone at home is over the flu, and winter colds (I hope), I will have plenty of time to blog, lol. That is...unless there are a lot more snow days...then I will be finding things to entertain my little one.

Oh! Just seen the time, I've got to get ready to pick little one up from school.
Hugs, see y'all soon!

Unusual Art Mediums that Create Beauty

Hi Everyone :)

I have been trying out some different art mediums lately because I have a bit of the artist's block (you know, like writers block). I have recently tried to work with Sculpey, a polymer clay, but discovered that using original Sculpey is difficult for making figurines...but I have got lots of practice in! lol. Until I buy some super sculpey or some Fimo, I was looking for something different to do. I am kind of bored with painting, and I have been trying my hand at decoupage (which I absolutely love!), and am totally out of ideas...

I have actually been in a bit of a creative slump, so I decided to check out some things online. You would not believe the wonderful artists that I found!

Monica J. Roxburgh, whose website can be found here, creates some of the most beautiful masks and artwork I've seen in a long time! In addition to her website "Goblin Art" she has a blog titled The Magpie and the Mask talks about her artwork, creativity, and juggling her work, personal projects, and being a mother. You should really check out her work...it's really amazing.

Another artist is Nives Cicin-Sain, whose website can be found here. The artwork is whimsical, surreal, and otherworldly, I think I have fallen in love with this art! From suns and moons, to people in shoes, you really have to see it to appreciate it. She also has a book out that contains tutorials for the reader to re-create the artwork for themselves! I haven't bought it yet, but it is definitely on my list.

Anyway, I will be posting pictures of my finished work soon, (hopefully before thursday, lol)

See you then!