Rune Stones - based on an ancient alphabet that has both a letter identity and a spiritual designation
have been used for thousands of years as a tool of divination, a way to discover hidden knowledge. There are 25 stones in the set used as an oracle, each with a different glyph marked on it, each with a unique name, sound and meaning. These marked stones were worn by ancient warriors as magickal amulets in battle and by women in protection of their homes and children.

Individuals gifted with the ability to interpret the Rune Stones' spiritual meaning have been sought to see clearly for the petitioner in his/her spiritual journey. Consulting a Rune Master for help in sorting out our thoughts and lives can be undertaken when we are too caught up in our own lives to make a balanced decision or when we need help in understanding relationships. Runes do not tell your fortune, find your lost glove or predict future events. Runes do connect the seeker with a channel to the Divine and to our own subconscious minds. When we need to see the future clearly and understand the right action needed is the time to consult the Runes.

Runes were consulted on every level of life, from the sacred to the mundane. The best surviving description of Rune casting and divination is recorded in the Roman historian Tacitus' writings concerning the Teutonic tribes of Europe around 100 A.C.E. A Rune Master would cast small pieces of bark that had been marked with glyphs onto the ground and interpret the message according to how the glyphs fell - where they were in relationship to each other and whether they were face up or not. This form of opening the channel to the Divine has survived throughout time because it is simple and effective. In other words, it works. Just as the Viking warriors consulted the Oracle of the Runes for the right action to take to assure victory in battle, we today consult the Runes for the right action to take in our daily battle of life.

When consulting the Runes, be aware that they will work with you and answer exactly what you ask. Be careful in what you ask because asking an open-ended questions can result in fuzzy answers. For example, if you are asking about a particular relationship, name the person you are asking about. If you ask the Rune Master a general question such as "What does my love life look like for the next few months?" you will receive an answer to your asked question - but not to your hidden questions about a particular person's affections. Therefore, it is always a good idea when consulting the Runes to be specific in what you are asking. If you do want a general overview of the future, however, you will get exactly that.

The time to consult the Runes is when you have tried all the logical options available to you and still are not at peace with yourself, when you are in a situation that is overwhelming to you, or when you don't have enough information to form a good conclusion. The Runes will lead you to understand what is on your mind and in your heart. Whether it is a change in your life, what is or is not a proper action to take concerning your work, where you live or to begin or end a relationship, your questions are important. Whenever you are unsure, overwhelmed or limited in information, that is the time to consult a Rune Master.

There are many different types of Rune casts, from the one rune draw to have an overview of the entire situation, to the complex seven stone cast to see the past's influences, the present situation and the future that is probable if the current path is followed. The more complex the question, the more complex the rune cast needs to be to achieve the clearest answer. The more experienced the Rune Master you consult, the more depth will be available for your answer.

Anastasia Blechschmidt, a Rune Master, has been using and studying the Runes for over 25 years. For more information, call her at 815/899-6408.