I decided to do write because of a simple matter: I felt drawn to work more closely with the runes - beyond matters of such practices of various Galdr. I have done various implements of runes for various reasons, but I felt a tug at my heartstrings telling me, "Hey, start runecasting!" Contrary to my normal inclinations, I obeyed. Well, let me say this: this is not the first time I have felt this pull to runic divination. I've felt it several times and passed it off. But this time I listened. I wanted to make my own rune set from scratch; however, I lacked the proper recourse to do so. So instead, I simply bought some glass fish-tank pebbles and painted the runes on them - mixed with some blood. I felt that was sufficient.
My description of the art of rune casting (yes, I do see it as an art in its own rights) may not be perfect, but it's how I know it in explanation. Runic divination - runecasting - is similar to that of Tarot card readings. Initially you do readings of the runes, as you would with Tarot. You take to account for readings the placement of the runes; the postions; the meanings of the runes; your own personal meanings from what you get from more-or-less intuition, meditating on, and getting to know the runes each individually; how the runes interact with each other; and the individual meanings of each placement in spreads (if using a spread.) In some instances one may take account to colour, but I see that as uncommon. There may be more to it than that. I just say it as I know it.
I'd like to take a moment to differentiate, as well as state similarities with, Tarot and Runecasting. Tarot readings used as a means of divination to find to basically get insight on a situation or even the general picture. This may account for things in concerns with the past, present, or future. In regards to the future, I do not believe either divinatory method can tell us what will happen. But merely give us a sneak peak at what could be depending upon our present state/situation(s) in life. This could be either as showing us what could be with change or what could be without change; whether it be positive or negative either way - may be both. When dealing with card readings you often see two types. Tarot and Oracle. They are both similar, yet equally different. I wish not to get too detailed about tarot so I will say that tarot are of the Major and Minor Arcana; and Oracle can be of a wide range of titles, names, depictions, subjects, etc, varying by deck that focuses on guidance. I see runes as a cross between Arcana and Oracle. Not tryings to coincide them with cards. Merely metaphorical. They can be specifically set, as well as a means of guidance. Of course they are alphabetical symbols. But they have a power all on their own that is incomparable. Tarot and Oracle uses a system for the laying of cards called "spreads." Runecasting uses what is called "layouts." In practicality they are no different, save for the names of the two methods. In which case one could effectively use a tarot/oracle spread for runes. Though it would still be called a spread and the placement meanings remain the same. With this in mind, I assume that it is just as fine to use rune layouts for tarot.
I like to think that runecasting does conjointly work with Wyrd. Thus the aspect of the past, present, and future - as prior stated. (Possibly even Orlog) The runes are universally intertwined, per say. It's not a psychic/precognitive/etc ability that people just have or can develope. With each rune pulled or cast the caster is delving into universal energies that depicts the Wyrd of the world. A giant spider web is a good way to explain. You can be set on a general topic that represents the web as a whole. Or be person specific that takes concern of that specified web that is a mere stringed connection to the whole. Tug and vibrate one string either way and the rest will vibrate as well. It's all interconnected. You cannot affect one aspect of a person or situation without affecting other people and situations; present and future. Although, it's also the past that is why the present is the way it is. And can even affect the future. Past including near, distant, and previous (former lifetime.) Future is of the same principle.
Runecasting is going to implement the three Aetts - also called Airts. The first Airt is practical and mundane in meanings - outer. The second airt is psychologically and emotionally inclined - inner. The third Airt is in relations consisting in a wide manner incorporating both the first and second Airt.
Well, on to practicals. It is suggested to place runes on a good sized bag with plenty of room for carrying the set of runes. I see no reason why you couldn't use other things such as a hat, a bowl, or some thing to have them in. It's beat to keep each rune the same size and shape so as not familiarize your self with which rune is which. You want the runes to do the picking for you; not you picking out specific runes. When runecasting it is suggested to be facing the north for better readings/castings.
Now the casting of the runes is what gets a bit complex. And by no means "simple." You can cast on a table, cloth, floor (wood/carpet), or where ever you feel like doing so. Though I've repeatedly read quite a lot that one should be casting their runes on a runecasting cloth. For one, it helps keep them in good condition. And two, the cloth acts as a boundary of a sort - I'll further explain this in a bit. This is where one goes with a cast or a layout. Before either cast or layout is done, the caster will want to remain calm and clear minded for the most part. May be good to meditate first. The reason being is because you will want to focus upon the question, situation, matter, or what-have-you alone. You don't want any thing popping in mind and focus to taint the focus and casting. As you focus it's good to stir the runes to get them mixed up.
I'll explain the layout first. As I said afore, layouts are resembling to spreads. And as the name implies, the runes are drawn individually then strategically placed according to layout mapping - generally pictured and placements labelled by number. The meanings are within each placement crossed with the meaning of the runes (meanings vary by caster despite the fact of each rune having set meanings.) In some cases the runes may be interacting with one another.
Here we have the fun, very complex way of actual runecasting. This is done by grabbing a handful of runes and doing as the name implies - cast them in front of you. The complexity begins here. And here is where the whole boundary business of a runecasting cloth is applied. Some runes might go beyond this boundary. These runes beyond the boundary can be either ignored or seen as of special significance. A personal choice really. (Forgot to say the cloth acts as a sacred space for casting.) Heed not any attention to nor determine any significant meaning to any particular shape that the runes may make. It doesn't matter and doing so may tamper with the readings in unwanted ways. After all, the meanings of these shapes would alter with each appearance. You may have two or more runes that will be close or touching. These will be in relationship. Either they effect each other directly or will represent one meaning all together. The runes close to/in the centre are kind of like the second Airt in that they are specific to the question in mind pointing at you directly. You are the centre. The outer runes general runes and may represent various details and not necessarily question specific. You can think of it this way - the outer one's are like the Minor Arcana in that they are these small detailed parts that can still hold some major play with the big picture. They may represent outer influence, other people, events, etc, not necessarily you directly. The rest is the outer. Next we have runes on opposite sides. These are seen as implied - opposite or opposing meanings of what ever manner. And finally I come to the point about inverted runes. Inversion is a debatable subject. And especially personal when it comes to their practical uses. No matter how a rune is turned it is still in its right position. What makes it inverted/reversed/murkstave is the rune being upside-down where the rune is not seen. These can either be ignored or implemented. When you apply them to a runecast reading, interpret all proper runes first. Then flip, where they lay, each reversed rune. And read them individually, as a group of only murstave or with the rest of the cast.
