Lessons - Tests

Lesson 19 - Tests and Reading

Comprehension Test

With respect to a client what is the most important function of the four functions of a rune?
In the three stage method of interpretation, what is the second stage?
Name three skills required by a rune reader?
As well as the runes, what should a good reader be able to read?
In the sample reading used in the lecture, what was the effect of the Isa (Is) rune on Gebo (Gyfu)?
What should be included in any interpretation as well as the rune meanings?
Which component of a rune reading is least certain?
What should a reader ask themselves in every reading?
In a reading how many sources of information about the runes does the client have access to?
Which two runes in the example reading suggested something hidden or a potential danger?

Reading

In Freya Aswynn's Principles of Runes, chapter 4, "Divination with Runes", read from "2 A Nine Fold Spread: The Nine Worlds" on p 92, to the end of the paragraph which finishes "better you will become at reading the runes".on page 99 (this extract is available for registered students only at the Student Site).

Aswynn's "Nine Worlds" illustrates why she is a controversial author in some quarters. Both in the spread design/structure and the interpretation of the reading, she utilizes modern psychological theories. Some believe that it is wrong to apply modern analytical techniques such as psychology, psychoanalysis or feminist criticism to the runes, or to make comparisons with other divinatory systems such as Tarot or magical systems such as Kabbalah. All of these were unknown to the ancient runemasters. Thus it is argued that to understand the runes we need to view them as the ancients did and should therefore concentrate our efforts on studying the historical, archaeological and literary material we have available to us to more fully comprehend their perspective on the runes. Hence modern analytical methods are viewed as an unnecessary distraction from this vital task. In contrast though others argue that if modern methods are available and can cast new light on the runes, why shouldn't we use them? Ours is a different society from that of the ancient North Europeans and hence however hard we try we can never hope to view the runes in the way they did so it is futile to try they suggest. There is some validity in both points of view and you will have to decide with which you agree.

In Ruarik Grimnisson's Rune Rede, chapter 12 "Casting and Reading the Runes", read from page 209 to the end of the paragraph which finishes ".. referring to the beginning of this chapter" on page 211.

Once again this is quite a brief introduction but the meaning and message is clear. It is thus a good example to learn with. As you become more experienced you will find that often you are able to summarise the message of the runes in one or two sentences, but that this is not the form in which you present it to the client. To offer an analogy, anyone, with the basic skills in reading, can read a book aloud. There are people though who can make the words dance, with careful intonation, passion in their voice and a deep insight into the meaning, they can bring the text to life for the listener, capturing their full attention and helping to broaden their understanding. In the same way there is a performance level to interpretation as well as mechanical level.

In the last two lessons of this course we will be looking at the means of delivery of the message of the runes, and the interaction between the reader and the client. Hence we will move beyond the purely theoretical to look at practical issues you will face in conducting readings for others. Some of these will be particular to the runes, whereas others, such as those in lesson 21, could apply to any form of divination.

Further Exercises

David has an idea for a new on-line company. Having pitched the idea he has found a potential investor but they want a 36% share of the company. Moreover, having seen so many internet start-ups fail recently, David is getting cold feet. He is losing confidence in the viability of his concept and is unsure whether his potential investor is offering a good deal. Before David gives up on his new company altogether he decides to consult the runes
- What question should he ask?
- What are the key factors with respect to his enquiry and the choice of spread?
- Which spread would you use?
David decides to use the Staves of Wyrd spread. In view of your comments above, do you think this is a good choice?

The reading produces the following result:


Past	Present	Future

What have you learned about David?
What advice would you offer him?
Should he go ahead with his company?

You have completed the exercises. Select the following link for the answers
Lesson 19 - Test Answers

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If you have any questions, comments or difficulties with the exercises and you have formally registered with the Rune School please email coursehelp@runeschool.org quoting your student ID number.