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What Different Forms Do the runes Take?

The runes are one of the most versatile of divinatory tools because they can be used in several different forms. Hence everyone should be able to find a technique which suits them. Some of the most popular are rune stones/tablets, rune cards and rune dice.

Rune Stones

This is one of the most traditional ways of reading the runes and for many people the most satisfying. The runes are painted or carved onto small stones, or alternatively cut or burnt into small wooden tablets (staves). It is also possible to make tablets out of clay. Rune stones have a very natural feel to them and their solidity makes them reassuring to hold.

Rune Cards

Cards are a much more recent invention but work equally well. They do however have a different feel and as such are often preferred by those who use other card-based divination techniques such as Tarot. Cards do have a number of advantages. They are light weight and compact which makes them easy to keep with you at all times. In a briefcase or purse they will attract less attention than a drawstring back full of stones will. Also a set of illustrated cards can aid understanding of the symbolism behind the runes.

Rune Dice

In this system there are four wooden dice, each with six different runes on it. The dice are rolled, often on a sheet divided into themed sections in a similar way to a spread, and then interpreted in the usual way. Some additional aspects are considered though such as whether two dice touch.