The Spiritual Aspects of Crafting Your Own Runes

Crafting Your Own Set of Elder Futhark Runes

Creating your own set of runes is a deeply personal and spiritual journey. Beyond the physical act of carving or painting symbols onto materials, rune crafting connects you to ancient wisdom traditions and your own intuitive power. Historically, runes were used for bookkeeping by farmers and other kinds of recordkeeping, and they were also used for magical purposes. 

When it comes to working with the Elder Futhark runes, I feel that it’s important to understand some of the historical context of the tradition but to also allow the runes to tell us how they would like to show up in our lives today. I am happy to explore the historical components of the runes in another post, but for today, we're exploring the practice of runecrafting in a modern context.

If you’re interested in creating your first set of runes or have already done so and are perhaps trying to deepen your connection to them via another set, here are some aspects I feel are important when crafting your own set of runes.

There's No "Wrong" Way to Craft Your Runes

One of the most beautiful aspects of creating your own rune set is that the process is inherently personal. While traditional methods of carving runes into stone or wood exist, your spiritual connection to the runes is what truly matters. Whether you choose to paint runes on river stones, carve them into wood, or even create digital representations, what matters is your dedication and reverence for the process.

Trust your intuition. Some practitioners (or rune magicians) feel drawn to specific materials or techniques that may differ from historical methods. This is perfectly acceptable - the runes will respond to your unique energy and intentions.

Seeking Permission from the Natural World

If you choose to work with natural materials like wood, antler, or bone, approach with reverence by asking permission from the plant or animal spirit. This practice acknowledges that all elements of nature possess their own essence and consciousness. 

Before collecting materials:

• Sit in meditation with the tree or source material
• Silently or verbally ask if you may use a piece of it for sacred purposes
• Leave an offering (I suggest energy or biodegradable items)
• Pay attention to feelings or signs indicating whether permission is granted
• Express gratitude regardless of the outcome

This step establishes a relationship of mutual respect between you and the materials that will carry your runes, and it maintains the relationship of sacred reciprocity with Spirit.

Your Intention Creates Powerful Magic

The energy and intention you bring to rune crafting significantly impacts the power of your finished set. Before beginning the creative process, clarify your purpose:

• Are these runes for divination?
• Will they support specific magical workings?
• Are they for personal growth and introspection?
• Will they be used for healing purposes?
• Are they primarily to be used in ceremony (blót)?

As you craft each rune, hold its meaning and energy in your mind. Consider researching each symbol's traditional significance, but also note any personal associations that arise. This intentional focus creates a deeper bond between you and your runes, enhancing their effectiveness in future workings.

The Meaning and Frequency of Runes

As a sound healing practitioner, I tend to “see” energy in terms of frequency. Every plant, animal, or person resonates on a specific frequency. To me, the runes are no different. I believe that each rune carries its own unique energetic signature or "frequency" that transcends its historical or literal meaning. While we can study traditional associations – Fehu with wealth, Ansuz with communication, Hagalaz with great disruption – the runes speak to each practitioner differently based on their personal awareness and spiritual development.

When working with runes, understand that:

• Each rune resonates at a specific energetic frequency that you can attune to through meditation and practice
• As your consciousness evolves, your understanding of each rune will deepen and transform
• The messages you receive from a particular rune may differ from traditional interpretations, and that's perfectly valid
• Runes communicate not just through their symbolic meaning but through feelings, images, and intuitive knowing

To tune into a rune's frequency:

1. Select a single rune to connect through via meditation
2. Notice any sensations, emotions, or images that arise
3. Allow yourself to receive information without judging or analyzing it
4. Record your experiences for future reflection
5. Return to the same rune periodically to track how your relationship evolves

Remember that runes are living teachers rather than static symbols. Some people may even refer to runes as a type of “light language.” While our ancestors would not have known that term, I don’t believe that it’s entirely inappropriate. This is because the runes meet you where you are in your spiritual journey and reveal deeper layers of wisdom as you grow. Trust that the runes will share exactly what you need to know at your current level of awareness.

Ceremonial Openings and Closings

Framing your rune crafting within ceremony creates sacred space and deepens your connection to the process. Consider these ceremonial elements:

Before Crafting:

• Cleanse your workspace with incense, sound, or visualization
• Cast a circle or create boundaries for your sacred space
• Invoke deities or energies associated with wisdom, crafting, or divination (Odin and Freyja would be my go-tos, but you can decide for yourself)
• Meditate on your intentions for the rune set

After Completion:

• Hold a dedication ceremony for your new runes
• Introduce them to the elements (earth, air, fire, water)
• Spend time in meditation with the completed set
• Express gratitude to all beings and energies that supported the process
• Consider a small feast to celebrate this creation

These ceremonies mark the significance of your work and help transition your runes from simple objects to powerful spiritual tools.

Holding My Own Runecrafting Ceremony

I had an incredibly positive experience with the last set of runes that I made from deer antlers. After securing the antler pieces, I held a ceremony for the deer. In the ceremony, I celebrated its life and its connection to the weave (web of life). I thanked it for the life it led here and asked for permission to create a set of runes with its antlers. In addition to holding the ceremony, I gave an offering of healing energy to the deer’s spirit as a way to say “thank you” and “I honor you.”

That night, the spirit of the deer came to my bedside. It was a beautiful buck that had such a wise and gentle energy. He didn’t say anything to me, he simply nodded gently, bowing his head at me, which I took as a sign of approval.

Continuing Your Relationship with Your Set of Runes

Creating your runes marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship. Deepen your connection through:

Working with them regularly:

• Daily or weekly draws to build familiarity
• Journaling about your interpretations and insights
• Using them in seasonal rituals
• Carrying specific runes that resonate with your current needs

Dreaming with your runes:

• Place them under your pillow to invite runic wisdom into your dreams
• Keep a dream journal to record insights
• Select specific runes before sleep to explore their energies in dreamtime
• Notice synchronicities between your dreams and waking life rune work

Remember that your understanding of each rune will evolve over time. The relationship is dynamic and grows as you do.

By honoring these spiritual dimensions of rune crafting, you create not just physical tools but living allies for your spiritual journey. The process itself becomes a form of magic, connecting you to ancient wisdom traditions while honoring your unique path.

Written by: Laina Pilkenton