Runes - The Viking Oracle - Version 1.0 I know that I hung for nine whole nights upon a windswept tree, Gasshed by a spear and given to Odin, myself given to myself, On the tree of which no man can tell from what roots it has sprung. No man served me with bread or drink; I peered down below, Took the Runes up, shrieking took them, then fell back again. Well-being I won and wisdom too. I grew and took joy in my growth: From a word to a word I was led to a word, from a deed to another deed. The Poetic Edda (ca. A.D.1200)Runic symbols are so ancient that it is next to impossible to establish their exact date of origin. They are believed to have evolved from ancient Greek, Etruscan and Roman forms of writing, with three main runic alphabets recognized: English, Scandinavian and German, the latter also known as Futhark. The Runes emerged at a time when magic was part of everyday life. They were used as amulets, that is to say, as sacred instruments for protection and divination, and had a clear ritualistic function. Because of the richness and benevolence of their symbolism, the Viking Runes are a priceless external support to establish contact with our own Wise Self, and reading them should not be confused with "fortune telling". Working with them gives us the necessary clues to become clear, take decisions and choose the most appropriate action in any situation. The information is received first through the reading itself, which in turn allows for the opening of other deeper channels: the physical, mental and emotional centers, in the form of sensations, images, associations or thoughts. We currently are in a New Age of knowledge and personal experiences in which there is a wider space and a larger freedom to act, think and feel in tune with our essence and natural heritage. Part of the magic in the Viking Runes is their great flexibility and ability to adapt to the requirements of any given moment in one's life. Unlike other oracles, there are no strict rules concerning their use and handling, as long as they are treated with respect. This in turn makes their practice amazingly easy. There are no rituals to learn or complicated techniques to memorize. It is not necessary to try to "read between lines" or guess their meanings.