The Viking Runes

In days of old, during a time long forgotten by modern man, Runes were used by the ancients to invoke higher powers that would serve to influence areas of their lives that were vital to the survival of their tribes.  They called upon the Runes to change the weather, turn the tides, heal the sick; and cast spells for love, fertility, birth and death. This practice of divination was prevalent among the Germanic tribes, however, many examples of the runic standing stones can be seen today throughout Scandinavia and the British Isles.

The art of Rune casting, known in ancient times as runemal, was  a prominent divination tool used by the Vikings of Scandinavia.  I am personally drawn to these stones as my own parentage hails from Norway and Germany.  Within the tribes of the Vikings, those who possessed the ability and the knowledge to interpret the runic symbols held great power.  These shamans were revered, honored and feared by the people of the tribe.  There is evidence today which indicates that a fair number of these powerful individuals were women, 'Witch' is no surprise to me!  Captured in the pages of a thirteenth century text entitled "Saga of Erik the Red",  is a description of a Rune Mistress who practiced the art of runecraft.