Reading Runes
Posted on: January 12, 2022
- In: Art | Inspiration
- 104 Comments
I have a wonderful set of Runes, made by my potter daughter. She makes her Runes from the local clay she mines on the small island where she lives and fires them in her wood-burning kiln. I love my Runes and the more I use them, the more comfortable they become in my hands. I also love how they speak to me.
Runes are letters in the runic alphabets of Germanic-speaking peoples, written and read from at least 160 CE onwards in Scandinavia, as well as in Anglo-Saxon England, to well into the Middle Ages. They have come to represent ideas and guidance.
I’ve decided to pick a rune every so often and write about it. I’ll use the description written by the potter in the little book that comes with each set. There can be other interpretations.
Today I picked Kano – Opening.
Kano symbolizes fire, a torch, spring, knowledge, gifts, fertility, creative expression, craftsmanship, and the first light of day.
There is light peeking through the darkness and an opening within yourself to take on new opportunities. There is a way out of every circumstance. You already know the way.
This is a perfect Rune for the start of a new year, especially a year following the last two we have had to deal with. It is comforting to know there is light peeking through the darkness and that we have it within ourselves to find it.
Taking on new opportunities, gaining knowledge and utilizing creative expression are things to look forward to, however they manifest themselves.
“Not knowing when the dawn will come
I open every door.”
― Emily Dickinson, The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson
104 Responses to "Reading Runes"
January 12, 2022 at 6:14 am
I too have runes. Aren’t they wonderful!!
January 12, 2022 at 8:22 am
They are. If I’m having a bad day or feel confused, I dig into my bowl of Runes and see what comes up. Always gives me something to think about and grounds me.
January 12, 2022 at 6:18 am
I order runes for offenders at the prison I work at. Informative post!
January 12, 2022 at 6:19 am
I love to have a kiln. I’m not aware of wood burning kilns and will research on it. I did ceramic from clay and love to do it again.
I have many inspirational books for lifting up my positivity for the similar purpose. Lovely post, Darlene. I love your daughter’s clay project.
January 12, 2022 at 8:25 am
My daughter has a small wood-burning kiln for Runes and small projects. She also has a large wood-burning kiln which she built herself. Maling pottery is what she does for a living and she is very passionate about it.
January 12, 2022 at 8:38 am
I ordered one for school about $900 when I was teaching. I just looked at them on Amazon. The price went up at least three times. I still have many pieces of greenware not fired yet. The owners of the shop where I did the ceramics retired. Nowhere is doing the same thing within driving distance.
I’m glad your daughter is doing something fun for living, Darlene.
January 12, 2022 at 6:44 am
How beautiful. I love the naturalness of what your daughter created.
January 12, 2022 at 8:26 am
They are very natural and feel very earthy to the touch. The more you use the Runes, the smoother they become too.
January 12, 2022 at 6:46 am
Interesting! I’d heard of runes, but I didn’t know what they were exactly. And of course I remember your extremely talented daughter, the potter! I hope she’s doing well?
January 12, 2022 at 8:28 am
Thanks, Liz. My daughter is doing well. She has been snowed in the past while which gave her lots of time to create pottery.
January 12, 2022 at 9:52 am
You’re welcome, Darlene. I’m glad your daughter is doing well and has plenty of time to create pottery.
January 12, 2022 at 7:03 am
I always thought that runes were things that you “cast” onto the floor to be read a bit like a horoscope, but I just had a quick Google scan and found that they were a kind of alphabet pre Latin? Different tribes across Europe seemed to have their own runes. So …. What tribe are yours? 👍🕉
January 12, 2022 at 8:30 am
I wish I knew what tribe I am from. It would for sure be a Germanic tribe as that is where my ancestors hale from. But there were many.
January 12, 2022 at 7:22 am
Marcelle has a deep understanding of ancient rhythms of the earth. A uplifting post to start my day! Sending hugs!
January 12, 2022 at 11:04 pm
She certainly is. I noticed that at a very young age too. She is doing what she was meant to be doing.
January 13, 2022 at 7:06 am
Marcelle has a way of energizing the room even through a Zoom call!!!
January 12, 2022 at 7:49 am
I absolutely love these! I have never heard of them before so I learned something new today! Great way to start the year!
January 12, 2022 at 9:37 am
Nice post and I liked the quote at the end and also the part about “light peeking through the darkness.”
Light is so symbolic and overcomes darkness in my opinion.
January 12, 2022 at 9:45 am
Your daughter is very talented!
January 12, 2022 at 11:09 pm
Thanks so much, Donna. I think so too. She sells her work in Nanaimo and on Gabriola Island.
January 12, 2022 at 10:03 am
Again, what a talented daughter you have, Darlene! I do remember teaching the meaning of “runes” to students in my English classes. 😀
January 12, 2022 at 11:10 pm
Thanks, Marian. She is talented and caring. A nice combination.
January 12, 2022 at 10:34 am
Ah, I had not been sure exactly what runes were, now I shall look around locally.
January 12, 2022 at 12:28 pm
I have heard of Runes but didn’t know what they were…I love yours so natural you have a talented daughter Darlene…:)
January 12, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Beautiful. A real treasure. Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 2:11 pm
It always makes me happy to see a parent proud of an artistic offspring. I’m familiar with the idea of runes and understand how they work to some degree. I’ve never used them but use tarot in the same fashion. It’s basically your own energy and thoughts being brought to light so you can see it physically. To have a set handmade just for you gives them more focused energy. I’m looking forward to learning more about these here. I had no idea they were Germanic. So am I. 😉
January 12, 2022 at 11:15 pm
Thanks. I like how you described the use of things like tarot cards and rune stones. These being made for me by my daughter have special meaning. We are Germanic as well.
January 12, 2022 at 4:00 pm
This is fascinating, Darlene. I’ve heard of Runes, and taken a quick look at a few symbols, but I love that you’re going to write about them. I can’t wait to learn more.
January 12, 2022 at 11:16 pm
I love my runes so much, I felt I needed to share them. I will post a stone every now and again. Glad you enjoyed the post.
January 13, 2022 at 12:34 am
The first time I heard of runes was when I read Ghostly Interference by Jan Sikes. She features them in her book. I’m interested to learn you also enjoy them.
January 13, 2022 at 1:57 am
Jan has also written some blog posts about Runes. They are mentioned in a number of books, especially books about Vikings.
January 13, 2022 at 12:50 am
That is the perfect rune and sentiment for the new year. I’m trying to be hopeful that this one will be better than the previous two. Fingers and everything else crossed! 🤞
January 13, 2022 at 1:58 am
Me too. But whatever happens, we will be ready and make the most of it.
January 13, 2022 at 1:47 am
I’ve been thinking of Runes a long time, but I haven’t made a set yet.
Your Runes for today is perfect. We are gaining daylight by more than a minute a day now. The light returns.
January 13, 2022 at 2:00 am
I have noticed more daylight as I walk my dogs in the morning. The light always returns. That is why we always have hope.
January 13, 2022 at 2:54 am
Have never had a set – sound fascinating! Thanks for sharing!
January 14, 2022 at 5:12 am
Hi Darlene. I’m looking forward to future posts on runes. And once again you confirm how very talented your daughter is.
January 14, 2022 at 9:08 am
These Runes are so wonderful, Darlene. And thanks for the explanation, because I’ve always wondered. Here’s to positivity (and using your talent, like both you and your daughter do!).
January 14, 2022 at 9:23 pm
Thank you, Pam. Positivity is what has got us through a lot, especially the last two years. Hugs.
January 15, 2022 at 9:28 am
Some call me a Pollyanna but I’d rather be a Pollyanna than a sad-eyed depressed woman! Positivity has many many rewards. 🤓🙏
January 15, 2022 at 6:26 pm
I couldn´t agree more. I´ve been called a Pollyanna often and that´s OK with me. It´s what keeps us young. xo
January 14, 2022 at 10:24 am
Although I had heard of Runes before I knew nothing about them. This sounds like a good one to start the year with. Here’s hoping 2022 is far better than the two years past. Wishing you all the very best Darlene.
January 14, 2022 at 9:25 pm
Thanks, Sue. Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2022 full of family, love and positivity.
January 14, 2022 at 1:03 pm
The runes your daughter made are beautiful. I tried to work with runes many years ago but have forgotten so much. Thank you for reminding me!
January 14, 2022 at 9:26 pm
Thanks, Pat. I love the earthiness of my daughter´s runes. They feel good to the touch. Knowing the clay comes from her property makes them extra special.
January 15, 2022 at 5:05 am
A beautiful set. How lovely that your daughter made it! And a perfect choice for the new year, Darlene. 🙂
January 15, 2022 at 5:11 am
Thank you. They are extra special because they were made by my daughter. xo
January 15, 2022 at 6:07 am
I took the time to choose one after reading your post, Darlene. “Constraint” was my message. Deep Breaths! Lol. I’m ready.
January 15, 2022 at 6:10 am
A good one!
January 15, 2022 at 7:21 am
With the right attitude I suppose. Ha ha. Growth through pain. 🙂
January 15, 2022 at 10:36 am
Wonderful, Darlene. I love the “light peeking through the darkness” – very evocative. I know of runes, but nothing really about them – so this was fascinating. You must be very proud of your daughter.
January 15, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Thanks, Mike. I am very proud of her in so many ways. Runes are fascinating and part of Britain´s Viking heritage.
January 15, 2022 at 10:42 pm
Darlene, I’ll have to admit that I didn’t know a thing about runes. How enlightening! And your daughter’s workmanship is gorgeous. I’m looking forward to learning more. ~Terri
January 15, 2022 at 11:05 pm
Runes are very interesting and tied to Norse Mythology and the Germanic alphabet. There are some good books about them and they have been included in fiction as well. My daughter has studied them extensively. I love my set for many reasons but mostly because she made them.
January 15, 2022 at 11:16 pm
They look so amazing in the pictures. Didn’t know about them. Well, it raised my curiosity to learn about.
January 15, 2022 at 11:35 pm
I think you will find them quite interesting if you do some research. Thanks for commenting.
January 16, 2022 at 1:53 am
I did not know of Runes. These are quite lovely, and you picked a good one about which to write. Thank you, Darlene. I love your daughter’s pottery!
January 16, 2022 at 2:15 am
Thanks. I think it was a perfect Rune for the beginning of the year.
January 16, 2022 at 3:30 am
I love this, Darlene! It fits perfectly with my White Rune Series! Thank you for sharing. The runes your daughter made are gorgeous! Does she sell them?
January 16, 2022 at 3:47 am
I thought of you when I posted this. Yes, she does sell them. Her website is https://madmudslinger.com/ I believe she has a contact page. They are popular and she sells out quickly. xo
January 17, 2022 at 1:07 am
Hi Darlene,
do you use the older or the younger Futhark?
I edited a book about runes years ago. The author invited me and taught me the 24 meditative body postures that are connected with the older Futhark.
To combine certain meanings to one rune – either from the older or the younger Futhark – is an idea that was quite popular during the German and Scandinavian fascism and was celebrated later during the New Age.
First of all the runes have been an alphabet.
Keep well
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
January 17, 2022 at 2:03 am
I must ask my daughter that question. I know there is more than one interpretation, as there is with many such things. Yes, they were part of an alphabet first. I’m sure you know much more about these Runes than I do. Perhaps I need to do more studying.
January 17, 2022 at 3:11 am
You find a lot of references to runes in Norse literature but there is nowhere a specific reference to divination.
When I studied Norse literature, the doctrine was that the connection of runes to predictions or other magical uses goes back to an ambiguous passage in Tacitus “Germania”. It’s more a projection of the Romans than the reality in ‘Germania’.
January 18, 2022 at 9:26 am
Wow, love that your daughter made your Runes, Darlene! And nice pick up! Good reminder. I’m off to visit my Runes, it’s been awhile. Hugs xx
January 18, 2022 at 6:34 pm
My runes are extra special because my daughter made them. Now would be a good time for you to pick a Rune. Hugs. xo
January 19, 2022 at 1:52 am
Wow! What a beautiful and precious set of runes made by your daughter. I remember the podcast interview between her and Rebecca very well. She is gifted indeed! How special that you draw one out each day and give a reading. The light and sense of hope here is very welcome — here’s to opening those doors! 😀
January 19, 2022 at 1:59 am
Thanks, Annika. They are very special to me. I don’t pick a Rune every day, just every so often. It is random. But there is always a message for me. This one was perfect for the start of the year. I’ll share some more as time goes on.
January 19, 2022 at 12:02 pm
What a lovely idea, and a great rune for this time of year! The idea of the rune, and the words it symbolizes reminds me of the old saying “A kind word is like a spring day.”
January 19, 2022 at 7:31 pm
Hi Darlene, this was so interesting. I’d heard of ruins but didn’t know about having sets of them. How wonderful that your daughter made them! Toni x
January 19, 2022 at 7:38 pm
They are very interesting and not as complicated as Tarot cards. My set is extra special as my daughter made them. Hope your elbow is healing. xo
January 20, 2022 at 7:49 am
It is said “learn something new everyday “. I just learned something, thanks Darlene.
January 20, 2022 at 2:53 pm
We have need to look for opportunities and not expect them to come to us. May you be blessed this year and always. Thanks for sharing at #SeniorSalonPitStop @esmesalon
January 23, 2022 at 1:43 am
This is so interesting, Darlene. I had no idea about Runes. Thank you for sharing this. Your daughter is very talented.
January 23, 2022 at 2:01 am
I´m glad you enjoyed this post about Runes and learned something new.
40 | *Press This* Reading Runes #218 | Its good to be crazy Sometimes
January 23, 2022 at 7:48 am
[…] Posted on January 22, 2022 by itsgoodtobecrazysometimes https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/2022/01/12/reading-runes/ […]
February 7, 2022 at 4:20 pm
This is very valuable … here I also find some informative blogs related to Celtic Runes, which I am sharing with you do read. https://predictmyfuture.com/celtic-runes-everything-you-need-to-know/
March 1, 2022 at 6:19 am
Love it Darlene, thanks for introducing us to Runes!!
March 1, 2022 at 8:47 am
Thanks, Kirt. These are extra special because they are made by my talented daughter.
July 23, 2022 at 10:27 am
Aha! Now I know a little more. These are nice, Darlene!
July 24, 2022 at 6:38 pm
Although I’m descended from German speaking people, I didn’t know anything about runes. Interesting post!
July 24, 2022 at 8:17 pm
I know, me too. But they are more associated with the Nordic/Viking culture.
Darlene Foster's Blog 
January 12, 2022 at 6:12 am
I’ll take any note of positivity! Your daughter’s workmanship is beautiful, Darlene.
January 12, 2022 at 6:14 am
I thought the message was very positive. But we all know life is what we make it!
January 24, 2022 at 1:04 am
I love the idea of runes. Wisdom that opens our minds to possibilities. How much more special that they are made by your daughter from her local clay!
January 24, 2022 at 1:24 am
Runes are a feel-good message, even if in the reverse. The end result is left in your hands, as it should be. The fact that my daughter made these bring more meaning to me. Thanks, Rebecca.