BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Pagan Ancient Runes

I am reading a book that states Runes are of Greek origin (this is in a fiction novel). Is that true? I thought Runes came originally from the Pagan rituals. Forgive me if I sound naive about this, but I am curious. I have in the past used the Runes for divination and still have them somewhere.

According to Wikipedia the oldest known runic inscription was found in Denmark, while Sweden has the most runic inscriptions. Scandanavian scholars seem to think that the origins were Latin.

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I think quite a few scholars would agree with you Elle that the divination aspect came later.

Phyllis, I've never heard of runes originating in Greece. What is the name of the novel? I suppose we can chalk it up to artistic license.

About 40 miles from where I live is the Runestone Museum in Alexandria, Minnesota. That area is magik with the history of the those who at one time and a few who still use the Runes. Their accuracy in devination is astounding!

I sincerely apologize, Trish! I was trying to remember what the book mentioned and thought it was Greece - I went back and checked and it did say Scandinavian, as Elle mentions. Apparently the manner of lettering is like Viking etches in stone.

The accuracy in the divination is very profound at times - but, then each person will sometimes interpret based on what they want to know and their inner desires. One has to be very open and objective. I do not use them anymore, have not for years, but I remember they were very enlightening. I lost my book that came with them and there are different formats to follow in placing the runes and how to read them, similar to tarot.

LOL... No need to apologize Phyllis. I've done that with books too. My memory isn't what it used to be. I'm glad it sparked discussion any way.

Thanks, Trish. Have you ever used the Runes or other oracle for divination?

I have used Ralph Blum's book and set, but it is very Christian oriented. That isn't bad, it just isn't what I want to learn from. I plan on getting Diana Paxson's book "Taking up the Runes" to learn and to review for the site.

I like the Ogham, a system based on the ancient Irish alphabet. I've been using "Celtic Wisdom Sticks" by Caitlin Matthews, but recently purchased a book by Erynn Rowan Laurie on the subject. I like to look at different interpretations as well as meditate with them and come up with my own.

To be honest, divination hasn't been my strong suit. I could see things about people during a massage or Reiki session though. The tools of divination I have used more for meditation and to learn truths about myself and spiritual concepts. But the Ogham seem to come to me more naturally than any other for divination which is why I want to learn more.

What about you? Do you have a favorite method of divination?

I do not use any divination tools anymore. Years ago, when I was searching for so many things in my life and inner knowledge, I used the Runes and the 'I Ching', both of which I found to be very enlightening. I reached a point in my life where mediatation and imaging/visions work better for me.