OWL ~ Year 35

Week One: An Introduction to the Study of Ancient Runes

Welcome to class, OWL students! ;) During your OWL-level, we're really going to focus into the history of the Runes, learning what each of the runes means. We will be doing Readings with Runes but that will be a little later, please be patient.

Runes have been around since the Dark Ages where folks would use them to write message, inscriptions, and epitaphs. Folks would also use the runes in jewelry making, charms, divination, and performing certain magical, protective spells. Just think of all those Viking Swords and Axes, often heavily inscribed with strange, enigmatic shapes! Although the runes have been around for centuries, less folks within the Wizarding population are reading the runes, or even have the ability to decipher their meanings in plain text, let alone, using them for divination. We do however have Hermione Granger taking them which I believe made them a little more popular after the War ;)

The most well known Runes today are the - Elder Futhark, which consists of 24 Runes (or - letters, if you wish) and collectively they are known as "The Futhark." Modern rune readers have added in a 25th blank rune as a "placeholder" of kinds. Each of the runes are split into three sets of eight, each making up a group of runes, called an aett.

Bored yet? I hope not. You do have homework this week and I would like you to answer the following, in full sentences and good grammar for me.

Homework:

1. Do a little bit of light research and find one question about runes that you have right now. Try and focus on what we'll cover this year, the meaning and history of the runes, this will make homework down the line easier.

2. Without reading about it, tell me why you think modern rune readers have added a blank rune into the mix. To help you here, think of why modern Rune Readers often carry out their Readings.

3. Tell me what you expect to gain from taking this class.

Week Two: Early History and Development of Runes

Hopefully you all enjoyed your little research adventure into runes, and are ready to get started. As we discussed last week, a lot of this year we will focus on the history of runes, next year, we'll focus on the practice of reading runes. It's important to understand the history of the runic alphabet before you can understand it's practical uses. You'll see why shortly.

The word rune itself comes from the Norse word, Runa, which means secret or mystery. Although it is not known exactly how long runes have been around, they have been found in early cave markings and are even mentioned in the Bible, but researchers believe that their use in divination and consultation pre-dates their use in writing. This is most likely why folks believe that runemaster and mistresses are considered to have some magic or mystical power in their understanding of runes. They studied them, got to "know" them, and therefore, are able to use them. Hence, why we study the basics in detail this year!

You're probably wondering, the runes look like scratches to me, which in all honesty, they can seem that way. Prior to their phonetic and alphabetic use, the runes were known by the the objects, gods, animals, and people, they represented. Sometimes, the runes even represented common concepts or occurrences. It really wasn't until Runemal, the art of runic interpretation, began to spread throughout Northern Europe, that the alphabet as we know it today, emerged. At this time, the alphabet became known as the Futhark, after the names of the first six runes (Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raido, Kauno). The blank is not considered a rune because there are no symbols on it.

To this day, very little surviving Runic inscriptions remain, and most of them are in stone or metal, as the ones in wood were not able to survive the tests of time.

Homework:

This week I would like you to do a little bit of digging on Runic inscriptions (Wikipedia is a good resource). Where are some of the inscriptions found? What are some of the objects the inscriptions are made out of or found on? After you do a bit of digging, tell me about one object with runic inscriptions. It doesn't have to be too detailed, but give me an idea of its location, what it's made out of, and its significance.

Week Three: Creating Runes

Let's see, we're close to finishing up the history of runes, and for this last class, we're going to look at creating and making runes. How did the runic alphabet get it's look and feel? Well, back in the day - a long, long time ago - when the Romans were beginning their adventure into writing on parchment, Runemakers also began to put Runes down on to tangible objects. Some even suggest that some Runes take shape after Roman letters; however, there hasn't been any solid evidence.

Runemakers were often lazy and didn't have the time or energy it took to create parchment paper and they wanted something tangible so they could read the runes to another person. Therefore, they started carving runes into wood, mostly sticks they would find off trees that were thick enough to be cut using a knife. This is why many of the runic shapes avoid horizontal lines and curved shapes as it's a lot easier to cut straight lines across the grain. So when runemakers were making the runes, they would cut in straight and angled lines prior to burning the shape into the wood, so the rune would last longer and the shape wouldn't be lost in the grain of the wood.

Now you're probably wondering why some folks would use crystals, stones, and even some modern Runists use cards. They all have their reasons for this. Some folks who use stone in their casting, find them to last longer than wooden runes, and those who cast using crystals do so when they're using the runes for divinatory purposes. Depending on what you are planning to use the runes for, is the deciding factor for what type of rune material you would use. In this class, we'll be studying the ancient runes (the kind on wood), and next year, when we start casting, we'll get a bit more into types of crystals and stones one would use for divination.

Homework

Look up a bit about the types of materials runemakers would use to make runes, and find one material that particularly stands out to you. I want you to tell me the type of material, a little bit about its history in Runemaking, if the material would suit divination or just general casting, and why you feel it's important to runemaking. If, you had a choice, what different material would you make your own set of Runes with?

Week Four: Introduction to Rune Meanings

Before we head into our interim break, we're going to do a quick introduction to reading the Runes, Rune meanings, and all that good stuff. This will prepare us for our return from interim where we'll be diving into our studying of rune meanings. It's important to understand that the runes we'll be covering in this class will deal with the Elder Futhark alphabet, sometimes known as the Anglo-Friesian Futhark, due them being first used in the Friesia region of the Netherlands.

The Runes all have names that were significant to the Germanic tribes, Norseman, and Anglo-Saxon pagans who used them. As we discussed before, the Runes were named after gods, animals, plants, natural features (like lakes and hail), every day objects, and concepts (like gifts and humanity). All of these were very prominent symbols and important to the the culture at the time... we're just lucky that they translate nicely into an alphabet and are continued to be used today!

The Rune meanings are sometimes interpreted using their "location" on your rune cast. Some people will use Upright, Reverse and Converse Runes for their Readings. These are Runes that appear exactly as their written in your textbooks, reverse runes are runes that appear upside down, and converse runes are runes that appear face down. We'll dive a bit deeper into the meanings of these, just in case you want to use this way in your Readings, I personally do not believe you have to, but for now, let's do a bit of homework.

Homework

1. Why do you think Runes use prominent symbols or concepts and no specific animals or creatures or all runes? Do you think this is important to rune readers?

2. No reading forward! I want to know if you think the way the Rune is cast affects the reading of the Rune, or does it not? Why or why not?

3. The first set of runes we'll be studying are the ones used to make the name of the alphabet, or Futhark. Do you think they're more important than the other runes? Why or why not? There is no wrong answer here.

Week Five: The First Aett

As we discussed previously, an Aett is a set of ruins (in Futhark this consists of eight runic letters). There isn't a real reason for the split into sets; however, the first set of eight is where the name "Futhark" derives. Let us dive into a quick overview of the first aett, their meanings, and association with myth.

Fehu meaning cattle typically stands for prosperity, wealth, goals, and self-esteem. Some of it's magical uses include: finding a job, achieving goals, and promotion of business. There are several myths associated with Fehu like Freyr, Brisingamen, and Sigurd and the Otter's Gold. Fehu also reminds us that we must be secure in our physical situation before embarking on a spiritual journey.

Uruz meaning Aurochs (which were wild cattle similar to the modern longhorn bull that previously inhabited Europe, Asia, and North Africa before they became extinct), stands for energy, passion, vitality, fertility, irrationality, and rite of passage. In magic, it is typically used to strengthen will, increasing energy, and hunting. Associated myths also include Ullr, Loki, and Odin.

The auroch is the opposite of a fehu in as much as, a Fehu is domesticated and tame, an Auroch roams free and without regard. The energy of this rune is raw, powerful, and relatively masculine and can be associated with the fire element.

þurisaz or giant, is phonetically spoken as "th." Pronouce this - Thurisaz! It means hardship, discipline, knowledge, and focus and typically aids in study and meditation, as well as clearing out a bad situation. Forest giants and Loki are also associated myths to this rune. This is the first "obstacle" rune. Although the word obstacle has a bad connotation, it's not the case in this rune. Obstacle runes are typically placed in our paths to strengthen and teach us, therefore, they tend to be more of a learning method than a hardship.

Ansuz or Odin, is a Rune typically representing authority, mind and body balance, justice, and clairvoyance. Its magical uses include: wise decision making, success, and leadership. There is only one known myth associated with this rune: Odin. Ansuz is a balanced rune and represents a seductive power, both secular and magical. There is a certain lack of compassion and perspective in this rune.

Raido or journey, represents a quest, progress, life lessons, and change. It's used to magically protect travelers, ease or bring about change, as well as reconnecting. It is mostly associated with the myth about Sigurd's journey as well as the fates (or Norns). Raido consistently reminds us that life and change continue and we must always persevere. The journey is always continuing and raido represents how we intersect and interact with other paths.

Kenaz or torch, represents wisdom, insight, creativity, problem solving, and enlightenment. It's used for creative inspiration, aids in studying, and dispels anxiety and fear. Some of the associated myths include: Mimir and Muspellheim. This Rune is used to shed light onto our problems and show us the solution and generally comes in the form of sudden inspiration.

Gebo or gift, represents the offering, relationships, love, marriage, unexpected good fortune, and partnership. It's used to find strength in a relationship, to mark a gift or offering and to bring good luck. Gebo represents the connections between people and how our paths affect and intersect with others around us. It also shows that relationships can be strengthened by the exchange of gifts, as they are a symbol of an oath or a bond.

Wunjo or glory, represents success, reward, joy, bliss, and contentment. Its magical uses include: success in any endeavor, to motivate, and complete a task. It's most associated myths include Baldr and Asgard. Since wunjo is the last of the first aett, it both represents the end of one cycle and the preparation for the next. It's a positive, stable rune, and another obstacle to overcome in one's journey. Wunjo gives us the glimpse of what is possible, but if we reach out too soon to grab it, it will disappear as if it never existed. It gives us perspective and allows us to look back on what we've accomplished thus far, making it a rather insightful rune.

Homework

I want you to make your own 'key words' for each Rune! Troubled? Don't be! Runes are often very personal to the user. Yes, each Rune does have it's 'Official' descriptive and meaning but when you come to use them yourself, you will tend to create and form your own notions as well. This is perfectly acceptable for Reading the Runes.

Would you like a small example? Let's say we choose the first Rune - Fehu - your own keywords could be a sentence - Living off the fat of the land. For Raido, it could simply be - journey. Get it? Off you go......... I want you to start to feel familiar with your Runes!

Week Six: The Second Aett

Now as we dive into the second set of Runes, let's look into them and see if there's any patterns you can see developing. The thing about the Runic alphabet is, it's considered a journey of self discovery. This is why many rune readers use them for divinatory purposes... they tell a "True Life's Journey" story for all.

The first Rune in the second aett is Hagalaz meaning hail represents destruction, sudden loss, drastic change or testing. This rune is typically used to break a habit formed or a destructive pattern. Associated myths typically include Loki ( if you haven't noticed, he's a popular fellow), Frost Giants, and Ragnarok. Many folks who draw Hagalaz refuse to learn from its lessons as it tends to knock us out of our comfort zones. These types of events tend to get more and more severe as time goes on and the person must learn to break from the pattern. Most folks are shocked the find out that the pattern of destruction lies within themselves, and therefore, it's harder on folks to break the pattern.

Nauþiz, pronounce it - Nauthiz - means need and represents hardship, frustration, obstacle, and discontent. For its magical uses, it represents a need to be filled. The myths typically associated with this rune are Freyr & Gurd and the Otter's Gold. It is known to be the Rune of Need (whether physical, emotional, spiritual), a Norn Rune, force friction, a stress indicator, opportunity for change, urgency, a generating force for the greater good, transformation, resistance leading to strength, an evolutionary change toward a more holistic state, Fate. No matter how much you have, it is never enough, and there is an ever present desire for something more, something better.

Jera, meaning harvest or year, represents development, change productivity, and reward. It's magical uses typically revolve around bringing fertility and change to someone's life. If drawn, Jera is seen as a good change and ends the negativity that dwells in the beginning of this aett. Since this rune follows Isa, it is said that the frozen stagnancy of ice is broken by the turning of the wheel, and things are once again moving along as they should. This has been accomplished not by fighting to escape the ice or railing against the unfairness of fate, but by learning from those experiences and simply waiting for the inevitable thaw

Isa or ice, is a Rune representing blockage, stagnation, rest, withdrawl, and reflection. It's typical magical uses consist of stopping a process or representing a primal form. The legends it usually deals with are: Auðumla and Nifelheim. Isa primarily represents a period of rest before activity, and itself forms the material from which life can be created. It is immovable form acted upon the irresistible force. Isa is typically seen as feminine to fire's masculinity, but it's not known if that was it's true when it was discovered as a rune.

Eihwaz, or yew, represents a person's confrontation of fears, turning points in life and death, as well as personal transformation. It is the bringer of profound change, and magically represents the ease of a life transition. Associated myths or legends are Hel and Yggdrasil. This Rune is the turning point in the runic journey, and represents the transformation phase of the initiatory process. All rites of passage, particularly those marking the transition into adulthood must go through Eihwaz. Although, the process is a truly frightening one, but it is something we all must go through if we are to confront our deepest fears and emerge with the kind of wisdom that cannot be taught but must be experienced.

Perþ, - prounced Pertho -for simplicity's sake, means vessel... however, since it's linked to fertility, you can imagine what it truly is used for. We'll leave that up to your imagination... but most women who see this in their readings tend to be very healthy and wealthy of kiddies. *nods* Moooooving on... It means prophecy, rebirth, new beginnings, and mystery. Intrigued yet? The myths associated with it are Freya and Angrbode (if you're feeling crazy, look up those myths). The basic symbolism is that of a vessel, nurturing and giving 'birth', keeping hidden and secret all those mysteries which can be uncovered only after the initiation of death. The rune is closely tied in with the idea of fate, that the road we travel, regardless of what we choose to do along the way, is pre determined from the moment of our birth. Perþ is the beginning of this process, as well as the tool for accomplishing it. I think it is an extremely lucky Rune!!! Think - the realisation of hidden potential.

Algiz, or protection, holds divinatory meanings, such as: assistance, defense, warning, support, a mentor, and an ethical dilemma. It's magical uses typically center around protection or hunting! Some pretty interesting legends and myths surround Algiz, including: Heimdall and Gjallerhorn. Algiz shows the effect of your actions and how they intersect with other people's actions. It's a rune that represents a personal dilemma where you can no longer be simply concerned with your own personal development, but must now consider the effect of your actions on others. It's a choice of whether you want to protect or fend off....

Sowilo is the last rune in this aett. It represents the sun! When cast in divination, it represents: success, positive energy, increase, and power. Definitely a great rune to have on your side. ;) It's used more specifically to increase power in magical casts and providing strength and success. I'm sure if you're at all familiar with myths, you'd realise that the associated myth for this Rune is Sunna. The sun is held sacred by almost every religion in the world. Its light and warmth symbolize life and growth and all that is good. Sowulo marks the end of the second aett, and like wunjo represents success and glory. We have reached the end of the aett successfully, and the conclusion is a positive one, but in this case we are fully aware of the changing and transient nature of the universe.

Homework

The same as last week please. Think about the definitions of these Runes and create your own keywords. Only this time, I also want you to start and see if there are any Runes from the first Aett that you think would go hand in hand with the second Aett? Or in fact... are the complete opposite. Now once again, this is going to be a personal understanding. We are slowly building up our own understanding and what we wish to accomplish with this knowledge.

Week Seven: The Third Aett

This week is the final Aett in our Runic alphabet journey... This is the final and, possibly, the most important to the human journey. It begins with sacrifice and ends with a sense of belonging. When you're reading through the final Aett, make note of those that stand out to you as important to your own personal journey. Yes, it is going to be in your Homework!

Teiwaz, (or Tyr) represents discipline, responsibility, self-sacrifice, conflict, strength, a wound, and physicality. Magical uses for Teiwaz include protection, victory, strength, strengthening the will, and healing a wound. Myths associated with this rune are Tyr and the Fenris Wolf and Odin's ordeals. Unlike hail and how it represents the sacrifice of those that are not vital to our development, teiwaz, represents a voluntary sacrifice, made by someone who understands exactly what they are giving up and why. This Rune definitely focuses your attention and demands discipline in those who draw it. It's a trial that all must learn, but you must be willing to learn from it in order to benefit.

Berkana, or birch, meaning health, new beginnings, conception, plenty, and, well, fertility. It's magical uses include healing infections, conceiving, and making fresh starts where you need them. Myths typically associated with this rune are Frigg and Idunna. The birch tree is fundamentally a symbol of fertility and folk tradition says that placing a twig of a birch tree under your pillow will encourage conception. It's definitely representative of the mother and healer, so men don't really benefit from drawing this is rune in a reading, however, it is significant of life passage! Berkana is abundant and all providing, and heals through nourishment, cleansing and empathy.

Ehwaz is a horse. Not a physical horse, as such but it represents transportation, motion, power, communication, will, and recklessness, but add loyalty to these definitions. Magical uses usually include transportation, "sending" a spell, and aiding in communication. Some myths that are associated are: Sleipnir and Freya's feathered cloak. Horses are known for travelling long distances and going beyond our normal strength. They are hard to domesticate and are extremely powerful animals, making this Rune extremely powerful. If used correctly, a person will get all their heart desires, but if you don't proceed with caution and go about with reckless abandon, you can end up causing more pain to yourself and those around you.

PS~ this is my very most personal favourite Rune of all!

Mannaz, or humankind, means self, family community, social concerns, or relationships. Magically used to represent a group of people or person, it is strongly utilized to establish social relationships. It's a Rune that you'll want to draw if you're looking at meeting new people or having family troubles. A couple of myths are associated with Mannaz, including: Ask and Embla and Midgard. Mannaz is a constant reminder of the relationships with have with other people, and that in nature, we are essentially social creatures. Past and present, white and black, self and others - all opposites are joined here at mannaz, and therefore, made whole. Think - Kinship - with this Rune!

Laguz, or water, means fears, emotions, hidden things, revelation, and intuition. Magical uses are plentiful, and include: enhancing your psychic abilities, stabilizing emotions, uncovering things that are hidden, and confronting your fears. Njord and Midgard Serpent are some of the myths that are associated with laguz. When most people think of water, they generally think of its more pleasant associations - peacefulness, love, compassion, intuition, and the emotions in general. However, to the Norse people of which these runes come from, the water meant the terrifying sea and, therefore, it was full of unsuspecting surprise. Laguz, then, should be thought of in terms of the lighter and the darker sides of the element of water. It speaks to our primal fears of the dark, the cold, and all those terrifying things hidden deep within our subconscious minds. But do not forget........magical workings and personal growth!

Inguz, or Ing and is often pronounced - Ingwaz -is work, productivity, balance, and a Rune that is used to connect you to the land. It's very much used to grow crops, farm, general health, and balance in your life. Several myths are associated with this rune, including: the Vanir, Thor, Nerthus, and Freyr/Ing. This is quite literally a grounding rune, and by reintroducing us to the earth, it reconnects our bodies, our minds and our spirits. Since most individuals have lost touch with the earth and all it's bounty, this rune helps us reconnect with our metaphorical roots and see the field as it's meant to be seen rather than having us attempt to continue to control the uncontrollable. This is one Rune that you may find is shown two diferent ways, sometimes it looks like this -

ðagaz, say Dagaz, stands for happiness, success, activity and satisfaction. It's basic, and really only, use is to bring a positive outcome. There are several associated myths, including: Sunna, Baldr, Nerthus, and Yggdrasil. The shape of the Rune itself denotes this kind of interconnection. It is a bringing together of all six cardinal points - the four compass directions, the celestial realm above us where the gods are thought to dwell; and that which is below - all the spirits of the earth and of nature. All of these things are balanced and integrated through ðagaz and brought into our daily lives. My own key words are - Light of day, total enlightenment.

And the last and final rune we'll be discussing is Oþila, (say - Othala) or property, and stands for land, inheritance, home, and sense of belonging. Which is why it's fit to be the last and final Rune in the final Aett. It's used to acquire land or property, complete a project, and strengthen family ties. The associated myth is the nine worlds of Yggdrasil. This Rune is really representative of a legacy that can be passed on, and will remain the definition of who we are and where we are. It will always remain our home and stable.

Homework

Yes, you guessed it! Once again....... let's have your own key words. But what does Professor Mini have in store for me this week, as well...... you may be thinking, you may not, but never mind I DO have something more for you to do!

..... I want you to study up for your Exam next week! These lessons WILL be hidden. Don't worry, we do have the list of definitions here and I know you have been learning your own key words! By this time, some of you may have even attempted and achieved making your own Set. Let me know if you have, or ineed, already had a Set, I am interested!

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To try and encompass this subject in just a few lessons is quite hard. It is a vast subject with many aspects to it. With these Owl Lessons, we have really covered the basics, if you have any questions about the subject, please feel free to contact me.