Rune Stones: Tools for the Spiritual Warrior

Runes comprise an ancient Scandinavian alphabet, with each letter having a name and meaning. Although it isn't known exactly when runes first came into use they predate Christianity. Germanic and Scandinavian tribes used rune divination to predict all aspects of the future. Runes for fertility, love, and good fortune were carved onto stones and worn as amulets. The rune casters were honored members of the tribe.

Today we use runes in ways which reflect contemporary values. Whereas the ancient Vikings cast runes in order to see how to best win a battle we now use them as a means for understanding ourselves both in terms of our personal journeys and our relationship to the outer world.

Rune Casting

There are 24 runes (plus a blank one). Each one relates to some aspect of life: Strength, Separation, Partnership, Possessions, Wholeness, etc. There are many ways to use them.

You can pick a rune for each day and reflect on its lesson. Today I picked Movement, which in the traditional Nordic meaning, stood for the horse, and was associated with the movement of the sun, in reference to Bronze Age images of a horse pulling the sun across the sky (in a manner similar to Apollo's sun chariot).

There is a sense of transition and change, which may refer to what is already in progress, or to the need for change in order to further growth. The image of the horse pulling the sun suggests that one is being supported in whatever changes are occurring or needed.

In reading this, I think of my own recent resolution to be more receptive to sensation and feeling and more appreciative of my blessings. For me, this rune is a reminder to continue what is essentially an expansion of self, indeed, to become more sun-like.

There are also a variety of spreads which can be used to discern larger patterns.

In my experience the most comprehensive and understandable book on the runes is The Book of Runes by Ralph Blum. It contains a history of the runes, a detailed description of each rune, and explanations of a number of spreads, with some sample spreads.. There's a link for ordering this book at the end of this article.

Crystal Runes

In pre-Christian times, everything on earth was considered to be alive, and runes were carved and painted into wood and stone, in acknowledgment of their living energies. In this spirit we have chosen for Beyond the Rainbow crystal rune stones. As described below, each crystal has its own unique characteristics. Choose the set which feels best for you.

Runes are available in: Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Hematite, Aventurine, Citrine, Sodalite, and Tiger's Eye.

Sodalite Clears the mind of emotional confusion so that rational thinking can occur; very good for people who tend to be reactive and oversensitive.

Aventurine (green): Considered by many to be the best all-purpose healing stone, it is especially good for soothing the heart and emotions and for creating a feeling of balance and well-being.

Hematite (silver-gray): Helps us to separate our emotions from those of others. A grounding stone which helps with self-esteem.

Rose Quartz: Teaches us to love ourselves, thus opening us up to universal love; heals emotional wounds and gives comfort; helps us to overcome grief.

Amethyst: Opens us up to other dimensions, dispels nightmares.

Tiger's Eye: Teaches patience, focus and concentration. Helps us to materialize our dreams.