Runes
Runes are an alphabetic script used by the peoples of Northern Europe from the first century until well into the Middle Ages. In addition to their use as a written alphabet, the runes also served as a system of symbols used for magic and divination. Runes went into disuse as the Roman alphabets became the preferred script of most of Europe, but their forms and meanings were preserved in inscriptions and manuscripts. The primary characteristic which distinguishes a runic alphabet from other alphabets is that each letter, or rune, has a meaning. Runes also have magical and religious significance as well, thus transforming the simple process of writing into a magical act. They are also used for divinatory readings and to create magical spells. Today, runes have been rediscovered as a symbolic system and have gained immense popularity as a means of divination. They provide a key to understanding the life beliefs of the ancient people who created them, and have much to teach us about a way of life that was perhaps more inimately connected to the natural world, and to the realm of spirit, than our own.

Casting The Runes
Fehu	Uruz	Thurisaz	Ansuz	Raidho	Kaono	Gebo	Wunjo
Hagalaz	Nauthiz	Isa	Jera	Eihwaz	Pertho	Algiz	Sowulo
Tiwaz	Berkana	Ehwaz	Mannaz	Laguz	Inguz	Othila	Daegaz
There is a 25th rune known as Odin's Rune which is blank. When this rune is drawn, take heart, for it is letting you know you are progressing along the path, inner-self is growing and strengthening. This rune brings to the surface your deepest fears. Failure, abandonment, loss, all the upsetting things in your life. Assess these fears, confront them, for Odin's Rune also holds all your possibilities and fertile dreams ans plans in its blankness. This Rune can be described as being akin to Karma. It represents the sum total of all that has gone before, what you are now and can be in the future. But remember that the debts of Karma can shift and evolve as you do. Odin's Rune is a happy reminder that you are not alone in your struggle. You are being watched-over and guided.