I am a Want-to-be Runecaster. I'm not entirely sure when one switches from attempting to be, and being, so it's probably best I don't just throw around the title. I started in late August of this year. I was inspired by my dear friend Patricia, who is a Tarot Reader. She read for my wife and me, and did a spectacular job. She's insightful and intuitive. Her passion and joy for reading inspired me, and I began looking into the culture and practice earlier in the summer.
Through vetting several websites (my criteria involve active and welcoming forums, thorough essays on the topic, grounded language, and proper spelling and grammar.) I learned a lot, and was directed to a few different styles of readings. I let it go for a bit, and just let myself digest what I had learned and decide whether it was really something I should do. My wife and I were also getting ready for our wedding in early August, so that took most of my attention. It was a great wedding too. Easily the most beautiful day of my life.
After we got back from the honeymoon, we were in a book store and I looked for some books on spirituality and readings. It was a big chain store, I'm sure I don't need to name names. The selection was weak, and kind of insulting in some ways. Why is a bestiary of the dark ages sitting next to a book on zen living? However, one thing did catch my eye, a book on runecasting. I didn't think I should buy the book itself, but the concept sang to me. I ran the idea past my wife, who supported the idea. Then I talked to Patricia about it, and she thought it was a good idea too. So, encouraged thus I began to look into runes with enthusiasm. After a couple of weeks, I came to the decision that yes, I would endeavor to learn this skill, and that I would do so by making my own set.
This was so much fun, you don't even know. With my Father-in-Law's permission, I cut a branch off of the apple tree in his yard. I cut it into 30 (the alphabet is 24 letters, but best to have spares) or so round pieces of similar size, debarked and sanded them. I studied the elder futhark, the runic alphabet, the Norse and Danish runes which I felt the most connection to both personally and ancestrally. I learned their shapes and meanings, and their relationships to one another. I wrote them down, over and over again. When I was ready, and had all of the necessary tools and materials, I began carving them. One by one, I carved them and meditated on them. I poured myself into each carving, feeling the meaning of what each rune needed to be. I then stained each rune with my own blood. There are a few reasons this is done. Some say that it prevents another person from leaving their psychic mark on the runes, or taking ownership of them. For me, it represents intent. It says to myself, and the Universe that I have done this, not half-heartedly, or foolishly, but with passion and intent, intent to reach certain goals, and to always reach for a higher plateau. I'm not here for a laugh (though interestingly, my runes have a sense of humour) or to play at it and toss them aside when I've had my fun, or when it gets difficult. As a result, I have a very strong connection to my runes.
I have done readings for three people, aside from myself. Patricia was the lucky first recipient of my runecasting (not really "casting", but a layout. I'm working up to casting.) and it went well. I miss read the last rune, her future rune, which was embarrassing. The next two readings were less successful. I would say my biggest obstacle is getting over my shyness. It really impedes the reading, because I close up. It's like I have asthma of the personality. The next reading I do, I have to let go, and embrace the moment. I can't worry about what the querent thinks of me. That's what happens; I think to myself "Oh no, they're going to think I'm a big weirdo." Which is dumb, because if they really think it's weird, then they won't ask to have it done, and I do them a disservice by closing up and not doing it right. Which they will then think is weird.
There is a lot I have to learn, and I am dedicated to learning. I know I'll make mistakes (with me, it is inevitable) but I'll keep going, and actually get skilled at something for once.
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