Runes

 Probably one of the most common tools handmade by pagans would have to be a set of runes. They're much easier to make than, say Tarot cards, and the materials you can use is almost endless. 

The dollar store nearest to me had packages of small, round wooden disks in various sizes, so I bought a pack (see previous post to see what else I did with them). 

I took the smallest round disks out of the pack and drew on my own runes. Because they're all one, uniform size, it will be easier to grab a random rune should one want to do a single rune reading for themselves. 

The packaging is only temporary. I plan on holding them in a black cloth bag.

With this said, there are absolutely numerous ways one could create their own runes. In a previous post, I showed how to make them with glass gems typically used as filler in vases or on the bottom of fish tanks. In another post, I also showed how one could use clay (I moulded the clay in to rough oval shapes, then engraved the rune symbols in each one). One can use river rocks as well, so long as they are fairly uniform in shape. 

Runes: Elder Futhark

Ok...so I finally made myself some Elder Futhark runes. I used the same glass stones I used to make my Witch runes, but I bought myself a silver paint pen that I used to make these runes. It was SOOOO much easier to use this pen than it was to use the white paint. Shoulda thought of that before lol. Oh well, lesson learned.

New Divination Toys

Crossover post with Waking the Unbeaten Path

Mainly out of boredom and slightly out of curiosity, I decided I'd try making a set of Witch's Runes (not to be confused with Elder Futhark Runes). 

I bought pale blue glass stones from the dollar store (the type you use either as filler for a flower vase or to decorate the bottom of your fish tank) and painted them with none other than, white nail polish (lol). Trust me, it was NOT an easy task.

Why nail polish, you ask? Because I tried using another type of paint and it didn't work (I tried using larger flat glass pieces and the paint didn't stay). 

Anyways, I just need a pouch now, for my new "runes". I have a listing of their meanings and hope they may help me develop more intuition and make the transition into tarot a bit easier. I've always been interested in runic type divination, just never had anything to practice on. 

GIDDY WITH EXCITEMENT lol.

Divinitory Tools: The "Crystal" Ball

Many people would like to have a crystal ball to gaze in, but don't have the hundreds of dollars to buy them (if they're looking for large ones). There are other alternatives to using a crystal ball that achieve the same results.

For example. At my wedding, we had on the tables these globe bowls in which we had water with floating candles in our wedding colors. After the wedding, I had several bowls left over sitting in my cupboard going unused. Thinking about the shape of these bowls, and the shape of a "Crystal" Ball, I had a brainstorm.

I took one of these bowls, and filled it with water. Voila!! A homemade crystal ball you don't have to worry about spending lots of money on or breaking if it accidentally falls (thus wasting all that money). You can fill it  (consecrate the water if you like), set it where you like and gaze through the side of the bowl as you would if you were looking into a crystal ball.

Pro:
-Has the same effect as an actual crystal ball, but far cheaper (a bowl like that could cost roughly a couple dollars).
-Easier to store

Con:
-Possibility of spillage
-Inability to hold in hands.

Give it a try. You'd be surprised.

Divinitory Tools: Runes

"Runes" (meaning "secret" or "mystery") roughly pre-date the first century C.E. The most familiar form of runes come from the Germanic tribes and are known as the "Elder Futhark", "futhark" being derivitive of the first six letters of the runic system.

It is divided into eight sections or "Aett", and are named for the Norse Gods "Freyr", "Hagal", and "Tyr". They're typically used for finding guidance from their Higher self, but can also be worn, carried as an amulet or used for inscriptions to be charged or used in spells.

Making one's own runes is actually quite simple. To make runes, gather:

-Stones (about half the size of your palm), or modeling clay

-Paint or inscribing tool

Instructions for making runes from stones:

Simply paint the rune symbols upon your stones, using appropriate colored paint (lighter colors on darker stones, darker colors on lighter stones, etc). Allow them to dry.

Instructions for making runes from clay:

Gather a small amount of clay, and roll it into a small ball. Press it flat and smooth out any cracks that form around the edges. Take your inscribing tool and carve out the symbols in the clay. Allow the clay to air dry, or dry it according to package directions.

Once dry, paint it as you desire.

Here is a set I made for an online crafting class:

I have since painted them black and detailed the symbols in silver