The word “rune” itself means to hold a secret, magic signs and hidden lore. The runes hold secrets and without proper knowledge about its secrets it may be dangerous. This was also revealed in the sagas. In Egil’s saga for example you will find a warning against the dangers of using runes without sufficient knowledge.
In Egil’s saga, we learn that a young girl has become ill because an infatuated suitor has carved runes on a whalebone in order to awaken her love. Egil finds the runes under the girl’s bed. He scrapes the signs away and burns the whalebone and then carves new runes which he places under the girl’s pillow, which lead her to make a recovery.
Many love using the runes today. It’s become quite popular to learn the magick of runes. But what many aren’t aware of is that the magick of runes was something that wasn’t for just anyone back then. Usually only the Völva herself. The runes themselves hold powerful magick.
They can predict the future, counteract harmful forces, provide various qualities, or they could be used in incantations, curses and magic spells. The runes can also be used for healing and protection.
To gain true knowledge about the runes craves a sacrifice. A sacrifice most really isn’t willing to make. They only want the benefits of the runes themselves. Plus it’s a bit cool to use runes for divination, isn’t it? This is a foolish attitude to have. The runes is to be respected for the powerful magick and knowledge they hold. Although they often are treated as such they are not a toy or something to be taken so lightly as they are. The proper knowledge of the runes is given to you by the gods. What makes anyone think for one second that you will receive anything from the gods unless you respect their powers? You will be able to let other people teach you their opinions on the runes. But the gods? They will stay quiet and won’t tell you shit. Why should they if you treat them lightly and as a game? Most will start arguing and say that of course they have respect for the runes and their magick. I’m not so sure about that at all. For more often than I like I see people sharing the deep secrets and magick of the runes in depths with just anyone. This is disrespectful. The magickal runes are meant for magic folk alone. Not just anyone. There is nothing wrong with knowing something about the runes and simple household divination. But the deeper, more powerful meanings and use are NOT for just anyone. Never have been nor will it ever be. To be able to hold the power of their magick you need the support from the gods. And to gain that you need to show yourself worthy. And let me tell you.. They are very choosy on who they share the deepest, most powerful magick with. For in the wrong hands it can be dangerous. That is why such a deep respect for the magickal runes is necessary.
So if people insist on continuing to treat the runes as a simple parlor trick and a game to gain respect and popularity from others they need to be ready for the punishment and sacrifice that undoubtedly WILL come when they least expect it. And if you should happen to be among that crowd you need to know you brought it on yourself.
