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shrimpwizard-blog · 7 years ago

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Y’all asked for it so y’all gonna get it! I’mma start off with the barebones essentials and work my way to basic definitions. Sit down on something comfy and get yourself your warm beverage of choice and maybe grab a notebook because here goes.

What are runes?

Runic alphabets have been around since about 150 AD and used as a writing system by a lot of Germanic languages. These systems were eventually phased out, slowly but surely, with the progressive Christianisation that started around 700-1100 AD. The three most commonly known (and used?) Are the Elder Futhark, the Younger Futhark and Futhorc.

Runes aren’t, themselves, broadly meant for divination, thought there are a few passages in the Eddas that mention Odin “finding” and using them.

Alright, so which alphabet should I use?

Whichever one you want! I prefer using the Elder Futhark, because it’s the first alphabet I learned and got familiar with, but that doesn’t at all stop you from using the Younger Futhark or Futhorc. I’d heavily suggest making sure you read up on the differences in each alphabet though; Ansuz, for example, won’t look the same, mean the same or even be called the same from one alphabet to another.

Familiarize yourself with each of them if you want/can, and choose based on your own preferences and criteria. Always work with what feels best for you!

But I’m not really familiar with Germanic traditions / I’m a baby witch, should or can I use runes for divination?

This is the concept that got my goat real good the first time. You do not, in any way, shape or form, need to be experienced to cast runes. This is a notion that is outdated and perpetuated by gatekeepers and exclusionists. No one gives a flying flip how long you’ve been practicing witchcraft, or if you even practice at all!

Divination should be seen as a tool to further yourself and/or your craft. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other activities, practices or beliefs. I was 15 when I started learning about runes (dear god that was literally over ten years ago) and I had no idea what I was doing back then. I read up as much as I could about the system I was wanting to use and, once I was comfortable with it, I started doing small readings.

It shouldn’t matter how new or familiar you are to divination, rune casting or Germanic traditions. If rune casting feels right to you, you are more than free to use whatever divination method feels right to you.

What should I do before I start a reading?

As a Norse Pagan, I usually invoke my patron deities (Baldr and Loki, in this case), as well as Odin and Freyja, sometimes Gullveig/Heiðr because reasons. I have no idea whether or not this has any actual bearing on the reading itself, as mine were as accurate before I converted as they are now.

Making sure you’re in a quiet and/or comfortable space is also a good idea, even if that just means popping in some earphones and listening to something that makes you focus and feel calm.

This is also a good time to mention that cleansing your runes (stone, bone, wood or otherwise) is a very good idea. I typically do this with candles, incense, a bowl of water and a point of quartz for each element. I don’t do this nearly as often as I probably should, since most people suggest cleansing them after each reading… but, whatever, being lax with that hasn’t bitten me in the ass so far. So if you’re a spoonie, don’t worry: cleanse your runes when you feel they need to be cleansed, and that’s it.

Alright, I think I’m ready; how do I start reading?

Let me start by saying that the bullshit about never reading yourself? It’s just that. Bullshit. Do readings on yourself if you want to. Who the hell is going to stop you. Do whatever you want.

On that note, there are a few ways to cast runes, though these probably aren’t close to being the only ones:

Intuitively choosing the stones Lay the runes down on a flat surface and let your hand hover over them and pick out the ones that feel right. You can either pick them in order of the spread you’re using, or place the runes where you feel they belong on the spread.

Throwing the stones Make sure you have a large flat surface to work with (preferably the floor honestly) where you won’t drop, scatter or lose a rune. You can use a mat underneath, and read the stones that fall on the corresponding positions in the spread or circle. (You can find many of these with a quick google search, or make your own mat!) Otherwise, you can take the first stones you see facing up and lay those out according to your spread.

Picking them blindly Either you or the person you’re reading pull stones blinding out of a pouch, bag or other container, and lay them out according to the spread you’re using. Pretty straightforward.

If you can think of another method, literally nothing is stopping you from using that instead. The runes are acting as a universal translator for whatever it is you’re tapping into. They’re just a tool to receive a message. How you choose to receive that message is completely up to you!

So I’ve got my runes laid out, now what?

Now comes the fun part. I can only really give you a good run-down of the Elder Futhark, and though it’s a good starting point, I would highly advise you do your own research on whatever alphabet you want to use. Wikipedia is a great place to start, but don’t stop there: look at several different websites and lists and compare. Combine and condense the information for yourself, and get to learn the definitions and meanings for yourself!

ᚠ Fehu • catle wealth, money, hard work paying off, can represent spiritual wealth reversed: effort gone to waste, natural and/or financial loss, greed

ᚢ Uruz • ox physical strength and speed, great energy, courage, masculine reversed: physical weakness, illness, violence, misdirected aggression

ᚦ Thurisaz • thor reactive, destructive and/or defensive force, tendency towards change reversed: dangerous compulsions, betrayal and malice, lies, spite

ᚨ Ansuz • of the Æsir revelations, intuition, signs and signals, wisdom, power of words/names reversed: misunderstandings, delusions and vanity

ᚱ Raido • chariot physical/spiritual journeys, transition, seeing the bigger picture reversed: crisis, maybe due to stagnation, unwanted disruption

ᚲ Kaunan • torch creativity and inspiration, power of transformation, power of life reversed: instability, lack of creativity, false hope revealed, disillusionment

ᚷ Gebo • gift gifts in the form of sacrifice or generosity, contracts, partnerships reversed/opposed: greed, isolation and dependence, over-sacrifice

ᚹ Wunjo • joy comfort, pleasure, companionship, possibility of going over the top reversed: sorrow and alienation, growing distance, raging frenzy

ᚺ Hagalaz • hail wrath of nature, destruction for the sake of creation, natural order reversed: natural disasters, powerlessness, suffering

ᚾ Naudiz • need strength/growth from hardships, survival, determination reversed: deprivation and emotional starvation, constraints/restraints

ᛁ Isaz • ice challenges and frustration, psychological block, anticipation reversed/opposed: can oppose other runes with malice and treachery

ᛃ Jera • good year hard work is fruitful, peace, happiness and relief, breaking the cycle reversed: sudden setbacks and bad timing

ᛈ Pertho • vagina secrets, mysteries, undiscovered abilities, choosing your own path reversed: stagnation, isolation and loneliness

ᛇ E/ihwaz • yew tree strength, stability, endurance, trustworthiness, your goal is realistic reversed: confusion, dissatisfaction and weakness of the mind

ᛉ Algiz • elk shield, the instinct to protect yourself/others, connection to the gods reversed: hidden dangers, loss of link to the divine, turning away

ᛊ Suwilo • the sun success and goals achieved, you have the power you need to succeed reversed/opposed: deception, false goals, gullibility, divine wrath

ᛏ Tiwaz • tyr honour and leadership, authority, success in competitions reversed: artistic block, over-analysis and sacrifice, imbalance/conflict

ᛒ Berkana • birch tree fertility in a broad sense, personal/physical growth, new beginnings reversed: family/relationship issues, anxiety over loved ones, abandon

ᛖ Ehwaz • horse steady and gradual progress, teamwork/loyalty, relationships reversed: reckless haste and its consequences, restlessness

ᛗ Mannaz • mankind the self, the human race, your attitude toward others and vice-versa, social awareness, altruism reversed: mortality, self-deception, cunning and manipulation

ᛚ Laguz • water literal/metaphorical flow, imagination, the unknown, chance of loss reversed: confusion/uncertainty, may be making the wrong choice

ᛝ Ingwaz • probably freyr warmth and love in general, tying loose ends, relief, freedom to move reversed: moving without change, fruitless effort, helpelessness

ᛞ Dagaz • dawn breakthroughs and clarity, security, power to change and grow, the ideal reversed/opposed: endings and coming round full circle

ᛟ Othila • inheritance ancestral property, what is most important, spiritual heritage and safety reversed: slavery, homelessness, bad karma, what one is unwillingly bound to

Phew! What a list. These are just brief descriptions and meanings that I’ve been able to compile and condense over the years.

But, what does “opposed” mean?

I see where you’re coming from. As a baby diviner, I, also, was confused by this. But let me explain how I’ve come to understand it!

Sometimes, if you’re doing a set spread, you’ll have a spot for things like, “what will oppose you”, or “what you need to avoid”. Things like that. If, say, a rune like Suwilo was found in something like that, you’d want to try and keep a sharp mind to avoid deceptions or letting yourself be too gullible.

When runes don’t have a reversed form, their position in your spread will usually determine what they mean. (Though really this is true for literally any rune.)

Anything else I should know?

The best advice I can ever give anyone is to always do what you feel is right. If you find yourself wondering, “Should I do this? Is this right?” If you question yourself at all, you should probably not to the thing and go with something else.

It’s also important to mention that the names I have for the runes may not be the ones that you’ve learned to know them by; a lot of runes can go by different names depending on who you ask and where you look. Do your research, and know the runes by the names you feel are best! (And preferably historically accurate.)

As always, if you have any questions regarding runes and how to read them, please ask me! My ask box is literally always open and almost always empty.

ᚺᛖᛁᛚᛚ ∙ ᛟᚲ ∙ ᛋᛇᛚᛚ

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shrimpwizard-blog · 7 years ago

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Here is a list of herbs organized in alphabetical order. Learn about their medical uses as well as their magical uses.❤️

*Always do your own research before consuming or using any herbs. As certain herbs can interfere with medication.*

A ~ Allspice An excellent anti-inflammatory, it can also help aid in digestion. Allspice can improve circulation and help protects the heart. *Its attributes include healing properties as well as attracting money and prosperity. *

~ Angelica Root Used in the treatment of insomnia and headaches. Can also help to soothe stomach problems, digestion, and prevent acne. *Known to the herbalists and witches as dong quai, archangel root, and holy ghost root. Angelica can enhance feminine magical strength and power. It can protect against negative energy, protect children, used for purification and uncrossing spells. Use angelica in herbal baths to remove curses, hexes, or spells. Sprinkle the seeds around your home for protection. *

B ~ Basil Basil essential oil has antiviral, anti-infectious, and anti-bacterial properties. It helps heals acne, intestinal cramps, bladder problems, and heal wounds and insect bites. Best used with an oil diffuser or in small amounts in bath blends and food. *Helps to steady the mind, promotes happiness, love, and peace. It is a strong protection herb and aids with astral protection. *

~ Bay Laurel Promotes healing for chest colds and respiratory difficulties when used as a poultice. *Used for enhancing psychic awareness, healing, purification, and protection. Inhaling the scent of a freshly torn bay leaf promotes endurance, intuition, and prophetic dreams. *

~ Black Pepper Can aid in weight loss, treat sinus, and nasal congestion. It can also reduce the risk of cancer, heart, and liver ailments. *Used for protection and purification, and banishing negativity. *

C ~ Calendula Calendula flowers, medicinally, can be rubbed on a bee or wasp sting to reduce swelling and stop pain. The flowers can also be useful in treating chronic ulcers and varicose veins. *Calendula can promote prophetic dreams and aid in divinatory works. It is useful as a protection herb as it can repel evil and negative entities. *

~ Cedar Leaves Some types of cedar should not be taken internally as the plant can be poisonous. Cedar has been used to treat coughing, tuberculosis and fevers. The leaf is also useful as an anti-fungal for skin and nail fungus. *Used for purification, protection, and dispelling of negative energies. The needles, sap, and bark can be burnt for a smoke cleansing. *

~ Chamomile There are 2 types of chamomile, German and Roman. Both are equally magical and medicinal. Chamomile is popular as a relaxant. It is known to help lower anxiety and insomnia. Mostly taken as a tea to receive its benefits. * Burning chamomile can promote sleep and mediation or add it to a bath for the same result. Can also be relied on to combat curses and provide protection. *

~ Cinnamon Is great at lowering bad cholesterol. Cinnamon has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and even anti-viral properties. *Can enhance psychic awareness and attracting love and money. *

E ~ Elder Flowers The berries and leaves are both rich in vitamin C. The leaves can be made into ear drops to treat pain and inflammation. The flowers make a tea that is good for treating coughs and irritable throats. *The leaves and berries are used for protection and in breaking spells that were cast against you or to undo spells of evil intent. *

F ~ Frankincense Some types of medicinal Frankincense are considered an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It is used to treat arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammation of joints, and bronchial asthma. *When burned as incense, it helps cleanse a space and create a sense of sacredness. It is calming to mind and heart, helps raise one’s spirits, and is said to generate heightened feelings of spirituality and to communicate more readily with the divine. *

G ~ Ginger A superior aid for digestive problems. It can relieve motion sickness, nausea, and loss of appetite. Also, has strong anti-inflammatory effects. *Ginger can speed up the results of spellwork. Is used to attract love, personal power, healing and money. In China, ginger was hung over the doorways of laboring mothers for it was believed to protect mother and baby during childbirth. *

H ~ Hawthorn Can help treat heart diseases, low and high blood pressure. It can also help with high cholesterol too. *A highly magical tree, its blossoms are believed to bestow protective and visionary powers. *

~ Heather Making a strong infusion made from heather and adding it to bath water is used as a remedy for arthritis, gout, and rheumatism. A tea of the flowering shoots can help in the treatment of coughs, colds, and bladder and kidney disorders. *Magical properties include protection and luck. Carrying a charm that includes heather can repel attacks. Can also be helpful to those who shape shift or travel between worlds. It is said that keeping heather in your home will attract friendly spirits and will bring peace to the house hold. *

J ~ Jasmine Jasmine oil can act as a sedative which can help with lowering stress. Also considered an aphrodisiac, it can heighten sexual desires. Drinking jasmine tea helps with treating fevers, and liver issues. *These flowers are great for prophetic dreams, love, aura healing, and psychic protection. You can throw them in a bath, scatter them on your altar, and can be used in love spells. *

~ Juniper Berries Are great for digestion problems such as upset stomach and heartburn. Also used to treat urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder stones. The scent of Juniper Berries can help ease stress. *Used for visions, purification, spirit contact, protection, and exorcism. You can make a bracelet by stringing dried juniper berries together to create a protective amulet or charm. *

L ~ Lady’s Mantle Known to herbalist and the hedge wife as a treatment for excessive bleeding of any kind, internal or external. *Increases the working power of any type of magic spell. According to folk magic, it is used in love spells, potions and amulets. Can be carried to attract love. *

~ Lemongrass Medicinally considered a diuretic. Lemongrass promotes good digestion and when brewed with black pepper will relieve menstrual troubles and nausea. *Aids in communication with your spirit guides and can repel negative entities. An excellent herb for purification. *

~ Licorice Medicinally good for digestive disorders and with inflammatory conditions. It can help increase the immune system to fight off allergies, respiratory infections, etc. *A licorice charm can be made by tying two pieces of the root together with some red thread or yarn. This is thought to give protection against negativity injuries and negativity. *

M ~ Marjoram Helps relieve muscle strains, reduces cramps and migraine headaches. Can also help with indigestion and respiratory problems. *This herb’s magical properties include invoking love, dispels negativity, restores joy, and peace. *

~ Mistletoe Is poisonous if ingested. *Mistletoe can help to bring peace to difficult situations, aids with love and abundance, heals your mind, body, and spirit, and can be used to bless your home. Place mistletoe on your altar to ensure success in the coming year. *

~ Mugwort Can help with gas, flatulence, stomach acid, bile production, and overall digestion. It can also assist with menstrual cramps. *Its power is strongly attributed to dream magic, astral projection, psychic powers, and strength. *

N ~ Nettle Nettle is best known for their ability to cleanse toxins from the blood and clearing the body of uric acid. They also have a good reputation for reducing arthritic and joint pain and alleviating allergy symptoms. *Can be used as a protective herb. It banishes fears, strengthens one’s will and provides quick action in an emergency situation. *

~ Nutmeg Can help with diarrhea, nausea, intestinal gas, and even stomach spasms. Nutmeg can help stimulate the functions of the heart and increase the circulation of blood which makes it excellent for the cardiovascular system. *Used magically to augment psychic awareness. A whole nutmeg carried in a pocket is said to absorb negative vibrations while sending out positive vibrations. *

O ~ Oregano Can treat respiratory tract disorders, urinary tract disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. It can help with dandruff as well. *Used to promote stability in relationships and to invoke peace. *

P ~ Parsley Excellent for urinary tract infections, kidney stones, high blood pressure, and gastrointestinal disorders. Also great for anemia, gallbladder stones. *Parsley is used for money drawing, protection, and attraction. *

~ Peppermint Helps with digestion issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and nausea. (Can interact with medicines and not advised for people with gastrointestinal problems.) Can ease headaches, colds, and the flu. Its scent can have a calming effect. *Use to increase the vibrations of a space or in spells. As an incense it can promote healing and purification. Burn in a new home to clear out sickness and negative energy. *

~ Poppy Has mild sedative properties and has been used for pain relief. *Used for fertility and love. *

R ~ Red Clover Has been shown to support a healthy menopause by reducing symptoms. It also can reduce inflammation throughout the body. Can be used as a wonderful ingredient in herbal tea. *The ancient Greeks and Romans associated it with their triple Goddesses and the Celts considered it a sacred symbol of the sun. Medieval Christians believed the three leaves were connected with the trinity and the four leaves a symbol of the cross. Druids believed it could ward off evil spells and witches. *

~ Rosemary Also goes by the name of Dew of the Sea, Elf Leaf, Polar Plant, and Compass Leaf. Rosemary is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. It helps with digestion and relieves gout. It can relieve stress and provide pain relief. The smell of rosemary has been found to help improve memory! *Plant Rosemary by your garden gate to welcome its magic into your life. It has been long used to create protection against evil spirits and to prevent illness from entering the home. Sprinkle rosemary water around a sick room to promote healing. *

~ Roses (Red) The petals and fruit (rosehips) are generally used for herbal medicine. Rose petals are mildly sedative, antiseptic, and are mild laxatives. Petals can also help treat wounds, bruises, rashes, and incisions. Rosehips are a strong antioxidant and contain iron. Which helps ease pain and discomfort during one’s monthly cycle. *Associated with the energy of Aphrodite and the element of water. Are great to use in any love ritual. You can sprinkle red rose buds on a candle to help bring in loving energy. *

S ~ Saffron This plant is great at helping with asthma, cough, to loosen phlegm, and with whooping cough. It is also an antidepressant and antiseptic. *Used for enhancing spirituality and bringing happiness. *

~ Sage The leaves and flowers are made into essential oil. Can help relieve respiratory problems such as asthma, reduces night sweats, and improves digestion when eaten in small amounts. (It is sedating and toxic in large doses.) *Sage is also used to attract money, protection, wisdom, and manifest wishes. When the leaves are crushed between the fingers, the scent is believed to enhance mental agility. It is a main component for smoke cleansing. *

~ Star Anise The seed and oil are utilized to make medicine. It can help treat the flu and cough. It is also great for improving digestion, ease cramps, and reduce nausea. Can be consumed as tea to help with bloating, gas, and indigestion. But be careful, there are types of star anise that are poisonous. So be sure, if using it internally, that it is safe for consumption. *Considered a moon herb. Placing a whole star anise on your altar will increase the spiritual vibration and help spread sacred energy to your entire home. Carry it whole for luck or burn it to increase clairvoyance and psychic powers. *

~ St. John’s Wort Used by herbalists to treat nervous conditions such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. By some, it is used as a remedy for sciatica and rheumatic pain. *Used in charms to penetrate glamours or break charms and spells. As an incense, it can protect your area and help enhance fairy sight. *

~ Sunflower Known for its sunflower seeds that provides nutrients that are important for brain functions. Its petals are used in tea and tincture for they are effective in helping with sore throats, and in reducing inflammation of the windpipe and tonsils. *A symbol of the sun god because at dawn the flower turns towards the morning sun. It is also a symbol of light and fertility. It can be drank as a tea made of its leaves and its seed, stems, leaves, and petals can be eaten. They are also pretty to decorate your altar. *

T ~ Thyme It can help improve the heart, bronchitis, sore throat, stomach problems, and with diarrhea. It can also help with arthritis, and even flatulence. * Thyme is magically used for purification, increasing psychic awareness, and attracting love. Can be used as an incense for purifying the air and as a house blessing. *

~Turmeric A powerful anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant. It can help with liver problems, digestive disorders, skin diseases and wounds. *Magical uses include purification, spell-breaking, and confidence. *

~ Vanilla Because vanilla contains an active ingredient, vanillin, it can help reduce cholesterol levels in the body, and help prevent the negative effects of free radicals such as cancer. Vanilla can also reduce inflammation from arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions. *Associated with love, romance, mental flexibility, harmony, clairvoyance and sexuality. *

~ Violet Medicinally, its soothing and cooling effect helps reduce fever and inflammation. It can also help treat sinus infections, bronchitis, coughs, and sore throats. *Magically restores comfort and eases grief. Can also open the mind to psychic visions and mends the wounded heart. *

W ~ White Willow Willow bark may be the oldest herb known to treat pain and inflammation. The oldest recorded use is by Chinese physicians in 500 B.C. Herbalists use white willow much the same as aspirin; reduction of fevers, pain, and inflammation in conditions such as painful menstruation, neuralgia, and arthritis. *The willow is a guardian tree, said to protect from evil influences. All parts of the willow guard against evil and can be carried or placed in the home. Willow is the tree most associated with the moon, water, the Goddess and all that is feminine. *

~ WormWood Contains anti-inflammatory agents, it can improve digestion and stimulate the digestive system. Can also help with colds, chronic fever, heartburn, and enhances the immune system. Because of its anesthetic effect, it can help ease pain associated with arthritis, rheumatism, and menstrual cramps. *Associated with the planet Mars and the element of fire or air. The flowers and leaves can be added to magical sachets for protection against accidents. Hang your sachets in your car or carry them on your person. *

Y ~ Yarrow The plant is well known for its styptic (stops bleeding) and astringent (makes tissues contract). It makes a great plant to collect in an herbal first aid kit but as always- use with caution. *Carrying yarrow was believed to attract friends. Its flowers provide psychic protection. *

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