An Ancient Divination System: Exploring Norse Pagan Rune Script

By admin

The Norse pagan rune script, also known as the Elder Futhark, is an ancient writing system used by the Germanic peoples of Northern Europe from around the 2nd to the 8th century. It consists of a set of 24 characters, known as runes, which were used for both writing and divination purposes. Each rune has its own name and symbolic meaning. The names of the runes are derived from various concepts such as animals, plants, natural elements, and everyday objects. For example, the rune "Fehu" represents cattle and wealth, while "Ansuz" represents the divine breath and communication. Interpreting the meanings of the runes requires an understanding of the ancient pagan beliefs and mythology of the Norse people.


If you have a rail with a centre overlap, measure the total width of the rail excluding finials, then measure the overlap and add the two measurements together.

IMPORTANT Always use a metal tape to take your measurements rather than a fabric or plastic tape, which may stretch and result in inaccurate measurements. Made from recycled post-consumer PET bottles, this luxuriously soft microfiber towel is ideal for multi-use both in the studio or gym and out in the world.

Magical textile recess

Interpreting the meanings of the runes requires an understanding of the ancient pagan beliefs and mythology of the Norse people. It is believed that the runes held magical and mystical powers and were used for casting spells, making charms, and as a means of communication with the gods. The runes were not only used for writing, but also for divination.

Combining Fabric Art With Zentangle? Believe it!

At some point, you would think that I would stop being surprised by the variety of art forms that exist. The diversity never ceases to amaze me, and that’s surely one reason that we all love art so much. For example, I’m fascinated with both art quilts and Zentangle®, but I never considered combining the two. It takes an artist with vision, like Nysha Oren Nelson, to conceive such ideas and bring them to fruition. Nysha is featured in the April/May issue of Quilting Arts Magazine.

Fabric art by Nysha Oren Nelson, studionysha.com . His work, “Zentangle Book in a Box,” is a 4″×153″ work of 18 quilted panels sewn together and housed in a hand-painted wooden box 7″×7″×11″.

Zentangle + Fabric Art = Magic by Nysha Oren Nelson

Detail from “Zentangle Book in a Box”

“Zentangle Book in Box” began with the idea of creating quilted pages held together to use as a reference and inspiration for free-motion quilting. I knew I could also use it as a teaching tool in free-motion quilting and Zentangle classes. The box housing the quilt pages was pure serendipity.

It started several years ago when my partner suggested I take the millions of quilted samples I had created since 2006 and make a larger work with them. Indeed, many were quite worthy of being seen, but I couldn’t think of a clear way to make it happen. The idea was filed into the recesses of my mind, and I moved on.

About this same time I discovered the art of bookmaking. As a book collector, the idea of creating books of my own was intriguing. I tried making several different types of books using paper. There were lots of pages to fill with sketches, patterns, and notes, yet the size was restricted to a single sheet of paper and therefore limited. I also made a few altered books, taking an existing book and modifying it with cuts and drawings. I got caught up in making niches and carving multiple pages. While I enjoyed the journey with paper, I missed quilting and fabric.

At the same time, I discovered Zentangle. I’ve always loved patterns, and working with Zentangles was a great fit. Here was a method encouraging focus in the meditative sense. In 2013, I took a course and became a certified Zentangle Teacher. I was especially excited to meet and study with Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts. At the training I saw a lot of Maria’s work up close, in which she took old items and transformed them with tangle patterns. She mentioned finding old picture frames and reworking them by adding tangles to the damaged areas. As she was talking, I couldn’t help thinking of a box that was gathering dust in my closet. When I got home, I started to sand, paint, and cover the box with tangle patterns. When done, I realized the box could store a set of quilt sandwiches. Then I thought, what if the sandwiches were stitched together into an accordion book in its own little box?! Neat!~N.O.N.

Neat, indeed! In Quilting Arts Magazine, Nysha goes on to explain exactly how he quilted the Zentangle designs for his book. The April/May issue also includes an article by Lesley Riley on how to create a fragment fabric book, a feature by Margarita Korioth on working with thick threads, and much more. Click here to start your subscription and learn endless fabric art ideas.

The Zentangle® Method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Zentangle® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc

Neat, indeed! In Quilting Arts Magazine, Nysha goes on to explain exactly how he quilted the Zentangle designs for his book. The April/May issue also includes an article by Lesley Riley on how to create a fragment fabric book, a feature by Margarita Korioth on working with thick threads, and much more. Click here to start your subscription and learn endless fabric art ideas.
Norse pagan rune script and their interpretations

This practice, known as rune casting or reading, involved drawing or casting the runes and interpreting their positions and relationships to gain insights into the past, present, and future. The interpretations of the runes can vary depending on the context and the specific question or situation. Some common interpretations include guidance on personal growth, relationships, career choices, and spiritual matters. The study and practice of Norse pagan rune script and its interpretations have seen a revival in recent years, as people seek to connect with the ancient wisdom and traditions of the Norse ancestors. Today, there are various books, courses, and online resources available that delve into the meanings and uses of the runes. In conclusion, the Norse pagan rune script is an ancient writing system that holds symbolic meanings and was used for both writing and divination by the Germanic peoples of Northern Europe. The interpretations of the runes require an understanding of the ancient pagan beliefs and mythology, and they can provide insights into various aspects of life..

Reviews for "The Art of Rune Crafting: Creating and Interpreting Norse Pagan Runes"

1. John - 2 stars
I was excited to learn about the Norse pagan rune script and its interpretations, but this book completely missed the mark for me. The explanations were convoluted and difficult to follow, making it impossible for a beginner like me to grasp the concepts. Additionally, the author's interpretations seemed far-fetched and lacked substantial evidence. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of Norse pagan rune script.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I found this book on Norse pagan rune script and their interpretations to be incredibly disappointing. The author seemed to make wild assumptions and draw conclusions without any solid evidence or historical references. It felt more like a compilation of personal opinions rather than a well-researched and informative guide. The lack of clarity and coherence in the explanations made it difficult to understand and left me frustrated. Overall, I would not recommend wasting your time with this book.
3. Michael - 2 stars
As someone who has a keen interest in Norse paganism and their rune script, I was excited to dive into this book. However, I was left thoroughly unimpressed. The author's interpretations felt forced and lacked depth. It seemed like they were trying too hard to put their own spin on things, rather than providing accurate and insightful information. Additionally, the book lacked proper organization, making it a challenge to follow along. I would advise anyone interested in Norse pagan rune script to look for a more credible and well-researched source.

The Sacred Rites of Norse Pagan Rune Script: Rituals and Practices

Translating the Language of the Ancients: Norse Pagan Rune Script Unveiled