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CONTENTS

1. RUNES
   1. General notes on the Runes
   2. Gebo
   3. Jera
2. Tarot
3. Ogham
4. Geomancy

RUNES - GENERAL NOTES

References:

1. Mysteries of the Runes Michael Howard, pub Capall Bann, 1994
2. The Book of Runes Ralph Blum, pub Angus & Robertson, 1984
3. Helrunar Jan Fries, pub M.F.Barnwell, 1993
4. Rune Magic Donald Tyson, pub Llewellyn, 1988
5. Norse Magic D.J.Conway, pub Llewellyn, 1990
6. Magical Alphabets Nigel Pennick, pub Weiser, 1992

The runes were a magical alphabet, only later used to write ordinary messages. As they were carved on wood, stone or metal, there are few curved lines. they were often painted red, to embody magical power. The old Germanic word, 'run' means 'to make red' and also ' to endow with magic power', in old Norse, 'run' meant 'secret lore', in old English, 'run' meant ' mystery'.

Early Runes.

Initiation on the world-tree reflects a shamanic custom that has been used for millennia. The Tree of Life (Yggdrasil, human spine with chakra centres, Cabalistic Tree of Life) connects all worlds and all dimensions. The shaman climbs this world-tree to receive a personal vision between the worlds of heaven and earth. The exhaustion and pain undergone during this magic initiation are but technical aids to achieve an altered state of consciousness (not as mortification of the sinful flesh as in Christianity).

Futhorc is the common name for the rune alphabets. the word is made up of the first six rune signs which are the only ones to occur in the same order in all rune alphabets.

The original futhorc was invented north of the Alps in the first centuries of the Christian era. This system, called the Elder Futhorc, consisted of twenty four runes, but was repeatedly modified - in Britain there were up to 33 runes, in Scandinavia, 16 only.

The Elder Futhorc is grouped into three families of 'eights' ("Aettir"). The first Aettir is attributed to Frey and Freya, deities of growth and abundance; the second to Odin in his shamanic and outdoor, wandering capacities, or else the World tree (Hagal); and the third to Tyr, the primal bisexual god and patron of fair play and courage.

To use the runes for divination, paint or etch each rune on one side of a small flat stone, collected by you and purified in an initial ritual. Keep them in a leather bag.

Hold the bag in your hands, and say:

Stir the runestones with your hand and say:

(These are the names of the three Norns, or Fates - Past, Present and Future)

Draw out three stones, and cast them onto a square piece of cloth or fur. The past is the one closest to the caster, the present the centre and the future is the furthest away. If the future is unclear, then draw three more runes to make it clearer.

GEBO or GYFU

gyfu (old Norse - gifa; Old German - geban) means giving.

Partnership, A Gift
Shape of the modern symbol of a kiss!

The giving of a gift placed a responsibility on both giver and receiver of gifts in the Norse lands. It was seen as an essential act marking friendship and love, or the joining of two people, families or tribes. A chief would support the young warriors who followed him with gifts of horses, weapons and lavish feasts. relations between tribes were always conducted with the exchange of costly presents. Tacitus wrote in his Germania:

Generosity was the virtue of great chiefs. The covetous were despised. Gyfu would generally mean something of personal value, freely and willingly given away. It might be a life sacrifice - forsaking present happiness for future joy.

Originally, the act of giving the giving of oneself, the only thing one can be free to give.

Magically, it is a sign of Initiation. What must be given up in order to gain wisdom and spiritual power. No advance is possible without pain and loss.

A gift was regarded as unpaid if another gift of equal or more value was not given in return. A gift for a gift. Odin says: "A gift always demands repayment. It is better not to send at all than to offer too much".

The rune can be applied to another person as the bringer of gifts, or unfavourably as the causer of sacrifice.

The rune warns the seeker there will always be a price to pay for knowledge and wisdom. It emphasises the Law of Threefold Return. Whatever energy we send out will eventually return!

No reverse - it signifies the gift of freedom from which flow all other gifts.
Reverse - Separation. End of a relationship or partnership.
- Sadness caused by someone close.

Partnership is at hand.
A gift of shared love, cementing friendship, marriage
An obligation to return a favour.
Realisation of union with the Higher self, and the immanence of the Divine.
Gift, award, bequest, inheritance, legacy, offering, promotion, windfall.
Sacrifice, obligation, toll, privation.
Exchange of force or power between gods and humans.

Correspondences

The rune posture, often used to release excess power, symbolises a person who spreads and opens up. Posture: Legs apart, arms raised as a V.

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JERA

This is the Rune of the Harvest and fertile seasons. However be aware that the beneficial outcome requires patience; usually a span of one year is required, so continue to persevere.

It is more properly seen as a rune of cycles, and a transition from one season to another. The shape suggests this whirling energy, a vortex of active forces.

Magically, it brings about an inversion of circumstance, causing events to come full circle. It can actualise desire by making inner vision into physical reality.

It is associated with cycles, change for the better, reaping rewards, and a period of waiting. Reversed it brings troubles with the law and harsh words, a change for the worse.

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