Courses - Tests

Lesson 13 - Tests and Reading

Comprehension Test

1. Name the three main methods by which rune glyphs are marked
2. How many would be an acceptable number of runes to produce in one day?
3. Name three materials out of which runes are made today
4. Done properly, what is rune making?
5. How can you avoid accidentally scratching your runes during the making process, yet at the same time ensure they are held tightly?
6. Give a way in which a rune glyph can be burnt into a wooden tablet
7. What should you have close to hand while making runes?
8. Which color is traditional for rune glyphs?
9. What might be the consequences of producing your glyphs freehand?
10. Name a way in which nature can directly provide material to make runes

Reading

In Bernard King's The Elements of the Runes, chapter 6, "Using the Runes for Divination", read the section entitled "Making Your Own Runes", from p 94 - 97.

Throughout this course we have drawn attention to Aswynn's strong views and biases, whilst pointing out that all rune authors show partiality. This has though not always been obvious with King who tends to write in a more detached analytical style than Aswynn does. In reading this section though, King's biases should be clear. Not only does he dismiss all purchased runes, but also handmade ones that are not from the wood of a fruit-bearing tree. This last point is traditional and in fact Aswynn says the same but King fails to give any reasons why it has to be a fruit-bearing tree which is a little unusual for such a normally thorough writer. Moreover as since traditionally runes were made out of wood or bone, and King does not mention bone, he must inevitably be suggesting that many ancient runecasters, as well as many modern ones since, were in error. As always you need to decide how you feel about his views.

Further Exercises

1. Assume for now, that you will be making a set of runes. First of all decide what raw material you will use and identify a possible source. Establish what tools you will need and draw up a set of safety guidelines and procedures. Finally write a ritual to be conducted during the making of your runes.

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Lesson 13 - Test Answers

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