Runes: Theory & Practice

7 Divination

A mongst the overwhelming majority of rune-workers today, the primary use for the runes is for divination. Divination is the casting of runes, either by throwing them down or by selecting them individually and at random, in order to read the threads of Wyrd, to unravel fate, and to bring clarity to a particular issue or issues for the person being read. This type of work has its precedent in ancient times in a variety of cultures, wherein divination was viewed as a sacred skill, one that required both aptitude and training. As early as 98 CE, Roman historian Tacitus described the casting of lots and other forms of prophetic work amongst the Germanic tribes.¹ He also notes that women gifted with “prophetic sense” were revered almost ...