There is much argument and debate in scholarly
circles concerning the origins of the runes. From a historical
and archaeological point of view the runes first appeared
in 97 BC and were in usage through to the Middle Ages. During
the past 150 years the runes have experienced a re-emergence
in practice and usage.
In
the recorded history of the Runes, they were in the main used
for cross cultural communications, magick and divination,
by the Northern Tribes people of Ancient Europe, the British
Isles, Teutons, and many others. In the course of time and
trade with neighbouring ancient civilisations, the Runes were
also developed and used as a alphabet; however the use of
the Runes as a mundane alphabet didn't last for very long.
By
definition, a Rune is:
Any of the letters used by the ancient Teutonic peoples, especially
the
 Scandinavian’s,
Anglo-Saxons and some Celtic people.
A rune
can also be any poem or riddle written in runic character's.
such as
"The Song of The High One" from the old Norse, The
Poetic Edda (ca. AD1200.)
A rune
is any character or symbol supposed to have magical powers
or significance.
Such as on Standing Stones, Wood and Stones Henges, on talismans,
ritual wands,
swords and shields, etc.
The
word rune can also be used to describe or mean secret writing.
In
the far past, a complete system of philosophy, magic and way
of life was erected upon the symbolism of the Runes. This
system was handed down from shaman to pupil by word of mouth,
using the runes themselves as mnemonics. The word Rune comes
from a root meaning both "‘a secret"’ and "‘to
whisper’", and relates to a time before the invention
of writing, when all arcane knowledge was transmitted orally.
The
word Rune also means "a mystery;" but a mystery
is not just something held secret by one group of people from
another, it can be something which transcends mere intelligence,
something which can be understood or experienced, but can
not be taught because it can not be put into words.
The
idea that runic lore had to be passed on by word of mouth
withstood the invention of writing, and even the creation
of a runic alphabet could not induce the rune masters of old
to produce a thesis on runic knowledge. All that survives
along these lines is a handful of poems taking the Runes as
their theme. None of these poems however explain the methods
for using the Runes, or the rationale behind them, so that
the uninitiated are left none the wiser from having read these
poems.
The
Celts, Teutons, Vikings and Britons had much in common, besides
the use of the Runes by their wise-persons. These ancient
people preferred to rely mainly on memory for the safe transmission
of their secret wisdom. To a point this is the way, the tradition
has been handed down to the present time almost intact.
There
is documentary evidence which shows that the Runes were used
for magic and divination. Go to any museum, and you will find
swords, shield and helmets inscribed with Runes. A recent
find from the Thames in London was of a gold band (ring) inscribed
with Runes... A system of martial arts was based on the lessons,
cycle and flow of the Runes and continues to be taught in
Scandinavia and the UK. There is also a Rune based system
of exercise and meditation akin to yoga.
When
we seal out letters, text messages and emails with an 'X'
we are using the rune Gyfu, whose most rudimentary meaning
symbolises relationships, warmth of feeling and connection.
The word 'Fee' which we use in the context of money and wages
has it's root in 'Feoh' which symbolises cattle, the ancient
measure of wealth - and as any cattle farmer will tell you
- investment of time and effort needs is required in the nurturing
and care of a herd, in order to receive a monetary return.
You will see the symbol of 'Tyr' on many a road worldwide
- to indicate direction, one way streets etc.
Today
as in the days of our forefathers the Runes and their usage
prevails.
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