Hi Cowhead: About the Runes.........

[Marvin]

Hi Guy,

I gave you the short PC answer about the Gothic Runes in the deck section. If you want, I can start posting a series about the runes in general (My promise to all: No Rants!), or I can start emailing you with more information: merlin-9999@mail.com, or both depending upon interest.......
I've been into the runes since before they became cool, trendy, and New Agey. I can answer frankly and honestly questions about many aspects or runecraft. (And yes, if I don't know, I will honestly tell you that I don't know, and then Dive In and research it until I do know and can answer you (How else do I learn and grow?))
If we have enough feed back (I'm thinking of Aurora, Dominatrix and others who have an interest in the runes) we may even get Richard to open up a new forum topic page just for runes......
Personally, I think that the Frisian, Saxon, and Northumbrian Rune sets are probably more Christianized (no offense to christians meant!) than the Gothic Runes, especially when you look at many of the Hiberno-Saxon Bibles/Biblical Art: Book of Kells, Christian Statues with both Ogham and Runic Scripts on them, etc....
(By the way, whats your name? If I'm not being nosy?)

I hope this helps,

Marvin

[Cowhead]

Hey Marvin,

Thanks for the information on runes, and for the offer to expand on it. If there are other people like me (i.e. interested but clueless) it might make sense to post them here in a public setting. Or, if it looks like too big of a topic, I'm willing to start with something that has already been published. Are there any books in particular that you would recommend?

Things I'm interested in:

1) History of runes.

2) What are their uses? I know people use them for divination, but are there other uses? Meditation, for example?

3) How are they used for divination? Do you use spreads where position is significant, as in most Tarot spreads?

4) I believe you mentioned something about using them for spelling or something similar. If the word *was* spelling, do you mean using them to write words, or using them to produce magical effects (i.e. casting spells)?

5) Finally, how would you compare Runes to Tarot? It *appears* to me that Tarot is a much richer source for *visual* communication of concepts, but that may just be my misconception. What is it about the Runes that you find appealing?


Also, sorry to read about your mom's health problems. You both have my best wishes.

-- Brad (Cowhead)

[Christine]

Hi Marvin!

Good to hear your mother is doing well.

I'm a newbie to runes also. Cowhead has already listed most of my questions - so count me in on wanting to learn more. Classify me as a Pre-Pre Runes 101 student.

Thanks,
Christine

[Marvin]

Hi Everyone,

I just wrote a lengthly answer to Cowheads query. Due to a glich somewhere, I just lost all of it while trying to post it!
I'll re-do it on my word proccessor, and I'll repost it asap...

Cowhead, thanks for your kind words, and wishes.

And thanks Christine. My dad (70+!) has been complaining that it's hard to help my mom around, (she grabs his belt and pulls, to help her up!) (LOL!) I know my dad, he will grumble, he will act like Ebineezer Scroge! But he wouldn't give ANYTHING for my mom!
This tells me that shee's getting along better, and that she should be okay in a few days! (I hope!)

I'll post on the Runes soooon!

Later,

Marvin

[Marvin]

Hi Everyone,

The Runes are a complete system of magic. Different aspects of it include:

Wards & Shields. Wards are passive protection against age, fire, general decay, etc... Shields are more active forms of protection.

Enchantment. Weapons, Magical Items (talismans), tattoos, etc.. can be created using bindrunes.

Healing. There is a system of Runic Healing. I've never studied it, having studied other systems of healing.

Divination. Casting the Runes.

Spellwork. Through Bindrunes, Chanting, and other means, spells can be cast.

I hope that this is of help,

Marvin

[Marvin]

Hi Guy,

There are actually two basic methods of Runic Divination.

1) Is a complex method of casting. You take the runes in your hands, and then toss them onto a casting cloth. Then you read the Runes depending upon which way they they land: Face up Upright or Reversed. Or, Face down Upright or Reversed.

2) Is also ancient, but newer than the first. It is most like the Tarot in nature, in that you place your hand in your rune pouch, mix the disks, and then draw out any that pop into your hand. This can range from one to four runes, which are then put into place in the cast/spread. It is then read as you would a Tarot spread, with upright and reversed meanings.

There is a modern element in runic divination. It involves the Blank Rune. Traditionally, there was no blank rune. But many modern Rune Diviners use them. I include them in my sets for completeness.

I hope that this helps,

Marvin

[Marvin]

Hi Guy,

Yes, I meant both. I know many people who use the runes to write in English. They are also used to cast spells of a verbal, symbolic, or ceremonial nature.
(I have been sent messages by others in Runic English. It is also the way that I could read the decks from the Russian site that I posted to the Deck Exchange.)

(Lastly, Rune Vitki (Magicians) are very literate people, in Letters and Spells! :/} )
(I'm not a Rune Vitki, I studied in Japan, in a Monastic system, and in America, under a Medicine Man (Native American)

Lastly, I will give you a runic spell, very special, very traditional......
A-L-U (Ale) carved into a plaque and activated is placed into the Brew Hall (Area). It guards against foxed/poisoned ale/drinks.
(I'm a homebrewer) ./}

I hope that this helps,

Marvin

[Marvin]

Hi Guy,

You're right. The Tarot is much richer visually, and does convey concepts faster.
Many researchers believe that the Tarot either developed directly from the Runes, or from the same system of divination thought as the Runes.

Why do the Runes appeal to me? The Runes are primal laws, or the way to access the primal laws. In Divination, the Runes are austere, blunt, and direct. If a Rune reading says duck! DUCK! The runes are concerned with the basic things of everyday life, and they are very good at what they do.

Why does the Tarot appeal to me? They tell me why I should duck, when the time is best to duck is, and options of what to do afterwards.
The Tarot was developed for the Nobility and Aristocracy, and so has a completely different viewpoint on the same situation.

Each system has its merits, and its limitations. Each looks at the same situation, but from a different viewpoint. Each gives different insights and possibilities based upon those differing viewpoints.

I like them both, but for different reasons.

I hope this helps,

Marvin