Description
Runic script (or simply runes) is the oldest known script used by the Germanic peoples of Northern Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia, and Iceland from approximately the 3rd century to the 16th or 17th century. It consists of letters composed of mostly straight and angular lines that can easily be scratched into stone or wood, for example. When used on metal, rounded shapes were also used. The application of runes was also called "rhythms" at the time. Futhark is the name for several Old Germanic runic alphabets. The term for the scientific study of runic alphabets, runic inscriptions, and their history is runology. Runic inscriptions are known from approximately 150 to 1200 AD, and in Scandinavia for several centuries longer. In Dalekarlia (Sweden), farmers were still familiar with runes at the end of the eighteenth century. After 800 AD. On the European continent, writing gradually lost its competitive edge to the Latin alphabet, which was taught in schools. It was used for all sorts of messages, but is best known for its runestones, which serve as memorials. Runic inscriptions can be found in almost all areas where Germanic peoples (including the Vikings) have roamed. Scandinavia, in particular, has a high concentration of runic inscriptions. Many inscriptions are found on runestones, memorial stones erected along important trade routes. The Einangstein near the Slidrefjord in Norway is the oldest known runic inscription still in its original location. The stone stands near burial mounds and remains of bog iron mining. The two Jelling Runestones are perhaps the most famous stones. Near Schleswig, near the ancient town of Haithabu, five runestones can be found. These are reconstructions; the original stones are in the town's museum.
Divination with runes. The historical use of runes to gain insight into the future is one of the most poorly documented divination methods. Due to the lack of evidence, scholars assume that divination with runes was not practiced in antiquity. However, the modern application is a completely Western method comparable to the Eastern I Ching and the tarot. When casting runes, the meaning of the stones and their position are related to a question posed at that moment. In this respect, it operates on the same assumption as other divination methods: that there is a synchronicity between what is asked and the image the prediction produces. Whether it involves cards, the position of the planets, or rune stones, there is always a belief or assumption that there is a meaningful connection and simultaneity between the question posed and the answer provided through the divination method. One of the many modern methods of runic divination is as follows: Runic divination involves the use of 25 rune stones and a throwing mat. Twenty-four of these stones have runic symbols, one of which is blank. A mat is made of paper or any other material of choice. Three concentric circles are then drawn or sewn onto it. As a guideline, it is recommended to use diameters of 7.5, 17.8, and 25.4 cm for these circles, in relation to the dimensions of the stones. These three concentric circles then create four areas: the inner circle, the middle circle, the outer circle, and the space outside. The middle circle is called "skjebne"—the Norse word for "fate"—the middle circle is called "outer skjebne," and the outer circle is divided into four segments, each with its own meaning. Several alternative methods are possible when interpreting the position of the rune stones:
1. Some interpret the segments as 'health', 'domestic situation', 'wealth', and 'success'.
2. It is equally common to assign the elements Earth, Air, Fire, and Water to these four segments. In this case, the symbolism of alchemy is employed.
3. Another possibility when divining with runic signs is the assignment of astrological symbolism to the stones and their thrown position on the mat.
4. The most traditional method is a simple system in which the segments are given the names 'Feoh', 'Birca', 'Ing', and 'Lagu'. Here, the stones acquire a distinct meaning depending on their 'landing place'. In total, therefore, there are 7 possible areas where the stones can fall: the 4 segments, Skjebne, outside Skjebne, and the place outside the runic circles.
