Following on from a previous post – What are Viking Rune Symbols as promised, here is a look into using rune staves (the individual rune pieces) for casting spells, setting intentions or seeking guidance and answers… and you all know how I love a little casting magic to bring our desires into reality.

I don’t read or use tarot cards personally. Sometimes, I will pull a few oracle cards, but I love using runes and my intuitive and psychic abilities. There is something ancient, true and undeniable about symbols and the runes. Indeed, outside of the runes and as a side note, the spirits of the universe tend to communicate using symbols and pictures, as it is a language understood by all nationalities. They will either give you a symbolic picture in your imagination or repeatedly place one in front of you during your day-to-day life.

If the rune symbols and casting were good enough for the mighty Nordic and Germanic people, including the Vikings, then I trust they are good enough for me. I resonate more deeply with older forms of divination such as the runes and the magic and history of the ancient Egyptians, but if the runes are not something you are familiar with, perhaps consider adding them into your practice, have a reading with a trusted rune reader or try a rune casting for yourself.

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What is rune casting? 

Rune casting refers to both the spread and the casting of the rune staves.

Much like tarot cards, there are numerous types of spreads and casting one can choose with runes. A common method is to throw or toss the runes onto a white cloth or piece of material specifically used for rune casting and reading. The pattern in which the staves fall is then observed, and the symbols and placement of the staves are then read. I often use this technique and a more structured form of rune casting, such as the simple Three Norn Spread. In this method, three staves, you are guided to pick from the bag, are chosen and laid out to represent the past, present and future. 

More informative and deeper spreads like the Nine World Spread are also available, and I suggest you invest in a good teacher or book to help with casting and reading further, but here are a few wonderful symbols.

Rune symbols for love

Given it is the month of love and Valentine’s Day, I want to mention rune symbols associated with love, affection and relationships. They may come up in your readings, or you may wish to carry the love stave(s) around with you, draw the symbol on your wrist or in your journal, for example... these can all offer insights or help attract the love of your life and enhance current relationships. The love runes don’t only apply to manifesting romantic love; they can also refer to self-love, family and platonic love. 

The runes symbolicaly representing love are also often used in inscriptions, rituals and ceremonies such as weddings. 

1.     Gebo (ᚷ) – The rune of partnership and love. It represents the exchange of energy between people and is often seen as a rune of relationships, generosity, and balance.

2.     Wunjo (ᚹ) – The rune of joy, emotional fulfilment and harmony. It signifies happiness in love, friendships, and social bonds.

3.     Berkana (ᛒ) – The rune of new beginnings, fertility and rebirth. It is often associated with feminine energy, motherhood, and the growth of relationships.

4.     Laguz (ᛚ) – The rune of intuition, emotions (water), flow and deep feelings. It represents the fluidity of emotions and the subconscious aspects of love.

5.     Ehwaz (ᛖ) – The rune of trust, partnership, and movement. It symbolises a strong and balanced relationship built on mutual trust.