Runes are ancient symbols that were used by the Germanic peoples during the Viking Age. They were primarily used as a form of writing, but they also held religious and magical significance. There are several different types of runes, each with its own unique set of symbols and meanings. The most well-known type of rune is the Elder Futhark, which consists of 24 symbols. These runes were used by the Germanic tribes from around the 2nd to the 8th century. Each rune has a specific name and is associated with a letter of the alphabet, as well as various meanings and interpretations.
Which Runic Alphabet Should You Choose for Casting?
With all this talk about runes here, at this point you’re probably thinking you’re ready to make or buy some runes and begin casting. Well, maybe. Which runic alphabet should you choose for casting, exactly? Elder Futhark? Younger Futhark? Anglo Saxon? Danish runes? Norwegian-Swedish runes? Something else?
Okay, maybe you have heard that there are different versions of the runes. But which one will you use to cast? Let’s talk about them and see which makes sense for you to use.
Each rune has a specific name and is associated with a letter of the alphabet, as well as various meanings and interpretations. Another type of rune is the Younger Futhark, which was used by the Norse people from the 9th to the 11th century. The Younger Futhark is a simplified version of the Elder Futhark, consisting of only 16 symbols.
The Elder Futhark
The Elder Futhark are the oldest runes we know about, having been around between 150 and 800 CE or AD. These runes were first used by Germanic tribes in Northern Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Called the Elder Futhark because the first letters of the alphabet are F U TH A R and K. (There’s your answer for Trival Pursuit, Norse Style. You’re welcome.)
Not surprisingly, these are the runes we see the most of when it comes to rune sets. A lot has been written on divination with Elder Futhark runes. These are the runes I use to cast, mainly because they are the ones I was first introduced to.
These runes were used primarily for writing, but they also had magical and divinatory uses. The Anglo-Saxon Futhorc is another type of rune, used by the Anglo-Saxons in England. This rune set is similar to the Elder Futhark but has some additional symbols and variations. The Anglo-Saxon Futhorc was used from the 5th to the 11th century and had both writing and divinatory purposes. In addition to these three main types of runes, there are also several other lesser-known types. These include the Gothic runes, the Scandinavian Dalecarlian runes, and the Staveless runes. These types of runes have their own unique set of symbols and uses, though they are less commonly known and studied compared to the Elder and Younger Futhark. Overall, the study of runes is a fascinating field that offers insight into the beliefs, culture, and language of the ancient Germanic peoples. By examining the different types of runes and their symbols, we can gain a deeper understanding of the rich history and traditions of these ancient civilizations..
Reviews for "The symbolism of the Ansuz rune in ancient Germanic traditions"
1. John - 1/5 - I found "Types of runes" to be incredibly boring and lacking any kind of meaningful information. The author seemed to just be rambling on about different types of runes without providing any context or explanation. The examples given were too vague and I didn't feel like I learned anything useful from reading this book. Overall, I was extremely disappointed and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide on runes.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - While "Types of runes" had some interesting information, I felt like it was poorly organized and difficult to follow. The author jumps from one topic to another without providing a clear structure or flow. Additionally, the writing style was dry and uninspiring, making it hard to stay engaged. Overall, I think this book has potential but definitely needs some improvements in terms of organization and writing style.
3. Michael - 2/5 - "Types of runes" fell short of my expectations. I was hoping to learn more about the history and origins of different types of runes, but instead, the book only provided surface-level information. The author also failed to explain the significance or meanings behind each type of rune, which left me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, I was left wanting more depth and substance from this book.
4. Lisa - 1/5 - I found "Types of runes" to be incredibly repetitive and lacking any real substance. The author seemed to be saying the same things over and over again without providing any new insights or information. The book felt like a money grab rather than a genuine attempt to educate readers about runes. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this book.
5. David - 2/5 - While "Types of runes" touched on interesting topics, I was disappointed by the lack of examples and practical applications. The author provided brief descriptions of different types of runes but failed to show how they can be used in real-life scenarios or rituals. This book could have been much more useful if it included more practical advice and guidance. Overall, I found it to be a missed opportunity.