Runic alphabets
were used to write various Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin
alphabet. The earliest runic
inscriptions date from around AD 150. The characters were generally replaced by
the Latin alphabet as the cultures that had used runes underwent
Christianization, by approximately AD 700 in central Europe and AD 1100 in
Northern Europe. However, the use of runes persisted for specialized purposes
in Northern Europe. Until the early 20th century runes were used in rural
Sweden for decorative purposes in Dalarna and on Runic calendars. The three best-known runic alphabets are the
Elder Futhark (around AD 150–800), the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc (AD 400–1100), and
the Younger Futhark (AD 800–1100).
In runic writing, a space, a
single dot (.) or two dots (:) may break the symbols or words. Sometimes no
break was used and the rune symbols all run together. Runic writing can run
from left to right, or from right to left; sometimes even from top to bottom or
the opposite. They can also be
bind. Bindrunes consist of two or more
runes superimposed on each other, sharing a common stem.
Since ancient times, runes have
been used for divination and magic, in addition to writing. The word
"rune" actually means mystery, secret or whisper. Each rune has
esoteric meanings and properties associated with it, beyond its mundane meaning
and phonetic value. Each translates into a word or a phrase signifying concepts
important to the early peoples who used them, representing the forces of nature
and mind. Each rune has a story attached to it, a relationship to a Norse God.
Odin A, the Norse High
God of the Aesir, hung from the world tree, Yggdrasil, impaled on his own
spear, for nine days and nights in order to gain the knowledge of runes. When the runes appeared below him, he reached
down and took them up, and the runic knowledge gave him power. He later passed on this knowledge to the Vanir
Goddess Freya f. She, in turn, taught him
the magic of seidr. Heimdall x, the God who guarded the Rainbow Bridge, taught
the runes to mankind.
Runic alphabets first appeared
among German tribes in Central and Eastern Europe. Some runes symbols are
likely to have been acquired from other alphabets, such as the Greek, Etruscan,
and the Early Roman. The runes were made
of straight lines to make the characters suitable for cutting into wood or
stone. The earliest runic inscriptions
on stone are dated to the late 3rd century AD, although it is probable that
runic alphabets had been in use for some centuries before.
air
(Wind, change, wisdom, spirit)
dragon
(Destroyer, chaos, primal force)
i
(Isaz, ice, blockage, standstill) i
q
(Cweorth, action, fire, power) 
st
(Stan, stone, strength, achieve)
G Waxing
Maiden Air Moon
m New
Dark Earth Moon
M Full
Mother Fire Moon
T Waning
Crone Water Moon
All
Father Odin, the Rune Master.
Lead
me to true knowledge
of
the sacred runes.
Freya,
Mistress of Beauty,
reveal
to me the future paths.
Heimdall,
Guardian to All,
escort
me through the past.
Tyr,
Master of Justice,
guide
me to present glory.
So
may it be.
