Runes
History
of Runes
What is now known as the runic alphabet seems to have developed from two
different sources, the magical and literate. Pre-runic symbols, have been
found in various rock carvings, mostly in Sweden. These symbols are readily
identifiable in the alphabets, while others represent ideas and concepts
which were incorporated into the names of the runes (sun, horse, ...). The
exact meanings of these are now lost to us, as for their original purpose,
but they are believed to have been used for divination, and it is fairly
certain that they contributed to the magical function of the later runic
alphabets.
As everything in today worlds we have debated over these and the aspect of
the runes. There have been many cases in Latin and Greek. Several scholars
are once again arguing on both these theories. However, Strongest evidence
still seems to go toward the North Italic origin. The parallels between
these two alphabets are so close to be ignored, particularly in the use of
the letters, as well as in the direction of the writing, and symbolic
characteristics. This theory would put the original creation of futhark
sometime before the 1st. century c.e. Linguistic and phonetic analysis
points to are an even earlier date, perhaps as far back as 200 b.c.e.
When the northern tribes began integrating the alphabets into their own
symbolic system, they gave the letters names relating to the aspects of
their religious lives, transforming their simple pictographs into a alphabet
which could be used for talismans, magical inscriptions and divination and
much much more.
The runes, in the Younger form, remained in common use until well into the
17th. century. At this time, they were found on everything, and in some
places they were used and sanctioned by the Church. The people knew simple
runic, and the runes were used on matters of both public and private
interest. Unfortunately, as with most of the magical arts, they were
officially banned in 1639 as part of the Church's. The masters were either
executed or went underground. Knowledge of the runes may have died with
them. Some say that the knowledge was passed on, but it is impossible to
separate ancient traditions from more modern philosophies.
The runes fell into disfavor as a result of their association with Nazism.
They had very little was written about them until the fifties and sixties.
In the mid-eighties, with the "New Age" movement and the Pagan religions
that the runes regained their popularity as both a divinatory system and a
tool for self-awareness.
Elder Futhark
Was used by the Northern Germany, tribes of Sweden, Norway, Denmark. This
form of the runes is known as the Elder, or Germanic Futhark. 24 letters,
beginning with F and ending with O
Anglo-Saxon Futhorc
Younger Fuşark
Archaic Etruscan alphabet (7th-5th centuries BC)
WE have a lady who makes these WONDERFUL runes! She uses trees to make a
set. They are made with love and spirit. If you want to know more about them
please contact me at email ref: spirit wood worker
Want to take a class? Or set up reading in your home?
Call 706-988-2122 or Email
If party of five or more we can travel to you!
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