RUNECASTING

RUNECASTING

This is a less specific way to read the runes. There are as many variations of runecast techniques as there are runecasters. The first thing you will want to do, is choose the number of runes you’ll be casting. The number nine is closely associated with rune lore, and I have found it to be a manageable size for runecasts. Odd numbers are traditional in divination, but you may use any number you wish. In choosing the number of runes you will work with, keep in mind whether or not you will be incorporating the runes that were cast face down. Some people cast all their runes and read only the runes that fall face up, and others utilize those runes that are “hiding”. I suggest that you experiment and find the technique that you are most comfortable with.

While concentrating on your issue (or simply requesting guidance) draw nine runes (or however many you have decided on) and cup them in your hands. Shake them up and drop them onto your rune cloth (or whatever). Runecasting, it’s true, is not as defined a method as using a spread, but that very lack of structure can be a valuable asset. You may find that the “look” of the runecast lends meaning to your interpretation. If after casting the runes, for example. you notice that they have formed some sort of picture, let that picture speak to you and see how it applies to your reading. After noting the initial appearance of the runecast, read each individual pile of runes, then the runes that are face up, then one at a time flip over the runes that are face down (if you are including them). Take all the time you need to interpret the runecast. Basicly, your observations should lean towards individual rune meanings, combined meanings and the relationships the runes have with each other in terms of distance, overlapping, etc…

There are so many ways the runes can fall, I suggest you practice casting with a few pre-determined things to look for. If some of the runes appear to be in the center, for example, I usually take that to mean that those runes are the predominant issues, and runes that are away from the center may be considered outside the main issue. (Though they are in the spread and therefore have influence.) Important things to look for are: How many runes are face down, (unless you have chosen to exclude face down runes from your cast) are there more runes hidden than showing? If so, these may be elements in your life that are at work behind the scenes. They may be issues that you have not been able to focus on, or they may be hidden elements at work in your life. (Depending on the runes themselves and their placement in the casting.) How many runes are reversed, and how many upright? This will give you a feeling for whether the runecast is generally positive or negative. Runes that are touching or covering other runes are closely working together in some way. It is important to remember that each new combination of runes forms a new meaning, and each new cast will form new combinations.

Forming a more defined plan for runecasting may be accomplished by adding special features to your rune cloth, or simply figuring out something ahead of time. There is no right or wrong way to cast the runes. Each technique is as valuable as the next. Numerology, tea leaf reading, astrology, and any other form of divination can be incorporated into your runecasting techniques, so keep your eyes open for new and interesting ways to cast the runes.