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Runes - The Viking Oracle
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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.
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