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What is the Blank Rune?

The Blank Rune is a modern edition to the standard 24 runes which form the Elder Futhark. It takes its name from the fact that it is unadorned. However it is also sometimes called "Wyrd". Wyrd is an ancient belief with some similarities to karma though it operates through a different and surprising sophisticated mechanism.

No issue probably divides the traditionalists and the "New Age" progressives who use the runes like the Blank rune does. The traditionalists point out, correctly, that the concept of Wyrd is inherent in the runes and the meanings assigned today to the Blank Rune historically belonged to Pertho (Peorth). The progressive point out, again correctly, that the runes were modified by the Saxons and other later cultures so this addition is simply the latest in a line of modifications which have been made. Between these two camps there is little common ground. The progressives assert their right to make changes. Meanwhile the traditionalists view the Blank Rune as a modern abhomination and regard anyone who uses it with distain and will probably never take seriously.

Though Ralph Blum is sometimes credited with the creation of the Blank Rune it is probably truer to say he popularised it. He writes of purchasing a set of runes including a Blank rune which represented: "The path of Karma: that which is predestined and cannot be avoided. Matters hidden by the gods". Many other authors on the runes, particularly many "New Age" ones such as Silver Ravenwolf, have adopted the Blank Rune and it is unlikely to now go away however much some may wish it.