A Single Rune Reading

 

Can a single rune reading be an effective form of divination? Yes, I believe so, as do many others. It may not provide as comprehensive an answer as a multi-rune reading, especially when those readings are completed in layouts that examine the past, present and future, or specific events relating to the questions, such as obstacles or goals. But for a quick spot of guidance, a single rune can certainly give a fast answer or prompt you to think about a situation from a different perspective.

 

Ways to Do a Single Rune Reading

If you have a physical set of runes, the simplest way to do a single rune reading is to relax, get yourself in a headspace suitable for divination, and draw a rune in the way you normally would. You might pull it out of a bag, tip it from a container, or reach into a box. You can look at the rune immediately or place it face down on a mat before you reveal it. It’s up to you.

As you draw your rune, you should keep your question or problem in your mind. This allows you to connect more closely with the runes so that there’s a better chance of getting pertinent advice. If you have multiple problems running around your head, your reading might not make sense, as the rune could relate to any one of those issues.

 

Digital Rune Readings

If you don’t have a set of runes, or if you want to explore a digital option, there are some online rune generators and phone apps that allow you to draw virtual runes. Nordic Runes is a simple online platform that prompts you to enter your thoughts, chose a category, and cast the runes (or rune, in this case). Categories include:

• • General

• • Love

• • Family

• • Health

• • Finances

• • Career

• • Travel

• • Education

Another option is iFate. iFate offers a number of divination options, including tarot and I Ching as well as runes. It bills itself as the #1 site for astrology and tarot, but you’ll have to decide that for yourself! This interface is simpler, simply prompting you to think about your question and pick a rune from several which have already been cast upon a mat, face down. (We have not been paid by any of the mentioned apps)

 

Consult a Professional

If you don’t have your own runes and don’t fancy the digital options, you could always ask a professional reader. Be sure to check that the reader is trusted, either by asking around the relevant communities or consulting a trusted mentor. Online reviews are not a failsafe way to check a reader’s legitimacy. If a reader is scamming people, there’s every chance they may have purchased “positive” reviews in order to make themselves look good online.

 

Single Rune Reading: In Practice

What’s the best way to learn? By giving it a go! My runes are packed up at the moment after having all the carpets in the house changed, so for the purposes of this article, I’ve chosen iFate. My question is around using the runes themselves. I’m thinking about the best way to build a good relationship with the runes, and how I can commit myself to this better, while not abandoning other aspects of my practice.

I click a rune on the “mat”, and it turns over. I’ve chosen Hagalaz.

 

 

I already know that Hagalaz means Hail, and is generally associated with trouble, obstacles, and tough times ahead. It may represent crisis, which could refer to my difficulties balancing the various aspects of my practice. It can also mean a testing time is coming, which makes sense with any learning experience—you can’t grow without challenge, and it’s okay to both be scared of that challenge and welcome it as an opportunity for something new.

Hail is the whitest of grains. It comes down from heaven’s breeze,

the wind’s showers rolls it down, and after it becomes water.

This translation of the Hagalaz (Hægl in Old English) section of the Rune Poem comes from Dr Aaron Hostetter’s Old English Poetry Project. It is comforting to remember that the harsh blows of hail don’t last forever, and it is beautiful in its own way. The connection to grain or seeds is a hint that something good could be sown even in the harsh, wintery weather. Destruction may clear the way for something new and wonderful.

This single rune reminds me that there’s hard work ahead and no shortcuts to the challenges in front of me, but I might find joy and rewards within the tricky times.

What’s your interpretation of Hagalaz in this context? Come tell us on our socials!

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About the Author:

Mabh Savage is a Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as a freelance journalist and content creator. She’s a nature-based witch, obsessed with Irish and British Paganism and Folklore, plus she’s a massive plant nerd. She’s also a long-time Hekate devotee and a newbie Lokean. She works extensively with the UK Pagan Federation, including editing their bi-annual children’s magazine. Mabh is a passionate environmentalist and an advocate for inclusiveness and positive social transformation.

Mabh is the author of A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors,  Pagan Portals – Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways, and most recently, Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Planet Friendly Living. Search “Mabh Savage” on Spotify and @Mabherick on all socials.