One of my all-time favourite oracles is the witch's runes, as taught by Susan Sheppard. Differently from the Nordic Futhark runes, they are not an alphabet, but rather a gathering of symbols that are a part of the western "collective mind". Love, man, woman, moon, sun, death... all these are part of the witch's runes. Although apparently simple, these symbols can be used for fortune-telling with incredible accuracy, and some people also use them in magical rituals.
Sadly, there's very little information about this oracle on the web, so I have decided to talk a bit about the 13 symbols here in the blog. I use the method taught by Susan Sheppard in her book A Witch's Runes. The book is wonderful and very complete – if you like what you see here, I recommend buying it!
It's important to keep in mind is that there is more than one kind of "witches' runes". One has 8 symbols, the other has 10 symbols and the last one has 13 symbols, which is the one that I use.
I'll split the explanation of all 13 runes in 3 or 4 posts, so I can write more detailed definitions for each of them. Although I have learnt the method from Susan Sheppard's book, the explanations below are my own and come from my own experience – please do not repost them anywhere else without asking first, ok? I hope you all enjoy it!
~*~
The Sun is well-known symbol of good omen and protection. It is the life giver, the light that chases away the darkness and brings the new day. It's masculine and dynamic. In the witch's runes, it represents the beginning of something new, or a significant change in a situation that was bleak. As a source of light, the Sun can symbolise the disclosure of secrets and the clarification of hazy situations.
Just like the Earth and the other planets revolve around the Sun, this rune indicates that you'll soon be a source of attention for some reason, or that something (or someone) will grab your attention irremediably. It often symbolises the bestowing of an honour or award, or the acknowledgement of a good work. This rune can literally put you under the spotlight and expose you to public scrutiny. Be prepared to deal with a crowd.
Traditionally, the Sun's metal is the gold, and this also reflects in this rune - it's a rune of material wealth and can represent very rich people.
In relationship readings, this rune can indicate that one of the partners has a very strong presence, and may sometimes dominate the relationship. There's a strong Ego whenever the Sun appears, and this can be good or bad depending the nature of the relationship. In negative readings this rune can show that one of the partners is not allowing the the other to grow and shine on their own. But this is not very common - usually the Sun represents a vital and healthy relationship, even if it's not necessarily a peaceful one.
~*~
Moon
Differently from the Sun, the Moon has more subtle powers. While it can represent changes too - after all, the moon changes it face a bit every day - these are usually much slower and long-term than the ones represented by the Sun. It's feminine and passive.
As the rules of the night time, the Moon often symbolises a transition time, in which things are not yet defined or very clear. It may represents lack of information and bad timing - any action done under the influence of the Moon may not go as expected because of that. Just like the moon influences the tides of our planet, it also influences our inner water – our emotions – causing a bit of emotional instability. This often inspires us to act without pondering.
The Moon works with undercurrents, it shows hidden developments or things done in the shadows. All secrets are protected by the Moon, and it its most negative manifestation this rune can stand for lies, deceit and even self-sabotage.
The Moon is also associated with the female cycles, thus it may represent pregnancy, family, roots and ancestors. When the Moon appears, there's a strong need to go back to your roots in order to find comfort and understanding. It often symbolises that you have to find yourself a safe place to wait, like a newborn in the womb... You have to be patient.
I relationship readings, the Moon can represent a strong sexual attraction (especially with the Romance rune), secret affairs, hidden and contained impulses and secrets. Although it adds strength to the attraction, it does not add speed, so the Moon can often represent that almost unbearable tension that builds between two people during a long period of time. It can also represent a certain instability in the relationship, with moments of closeness and moments of separation.
~*~
Flight
Also called "The Birds", this is a rune of movement and communication. Emails, letters, phone calls, news, unexpected visits... all is represented by The Flight.
While the Moon told you you didn't have enough information to act, the Flight tells you the information is coming - if it's not here already. Now you can make informed choices and change your plans accordingly. It's very common for this rune to represent a change in plans, especially those who happen after we get a piece information that we didn't have. This is also a rune of synchronicity - of receiving the information you need exactly when you need it.
On a physical level, the Flight can represent travel, usually by air. With the Waves rune, it can indicate a journey by water. It also represents visits, both the expected and the unexpected kind. Because of its relation to communication, it can represent discussions, exchange of ideas and team work... but its negative side can stand for gossip, rumours and excessive noise. Mental tension, overstimulation, anxiety and lack of sleep are also part of the Flight's dark side.
This rune shows that the wheels are already moving, and that the situation is not longer stagnated. The Flight can symbolise a sudden freedom, a feeling of being liberated from the burdens of the past. Good ideas and solutions for problems appear. And because this rune is a fast one, it tells you to do it - and do it now. Don't put it off till later, or you may lose the opportunity.
In relationships, the Flight shows that there will be a lot of communication between the people involved. Any form of expression involving words will be at the centre of this relationship. However, it can indicate some physical distance between the partners. This rune, usually when combined with the Rings rune, can represent important documents and contracts. It's often a sign that you will receive news from (or about) the person you are interested in.
~*~
Rings
It's important to make a distinction between the Rings and the next rune, the Romance. One is about circumstances that connect people - the other is about emotions that connect people.
The Rings essentially represents the union of two elements to produce something new. Contracts, agreements, associations, long-term unions, marriage... all this is represented by the Rings rune. Whenever two or more people work together to attain a common goal, this is symbolised by this rune.
While the Rings are a traditional symbol for love connection, the truth is that this rune alone does not represent this - not very strongly. Marriage for love is something fairly recent in history, after all. But it can represent the union with someone you feel that complements you (or your work) very well. When this rune appears, you have the support of a group of people (or the support of the right person). Whatever you do, don't do it alone! Ask for help!
Reunions, meetings, parties, family dinners, religious gatherings... all are within the scope of this rune. The Rings also represent any social groups you are a part of. But this rune can also symbolise anything that binds you, whether you like it or not... agreements that limit you, relationships that smother you, groups that impose themselves on you. With more negative runes, the Rings can indicate a confrontation with the enemy and the people who oppose you. When the Scythe is nearby, a traumatic separation is likely.
The Rings are also a kind of jewellery, thus they are connected to luxury, expensive cars, beautiful clothing, epicurean meals and opulent places. This rune can suggest that one is being seduced by the superficial, and missing the relevant, the core. On a more harmless level, this rune can represent good taste, fun and group cultural activities such as theatres, museums, shows and cinema.
The symbols of the runes were taken from Susan Sheppard's A Witch's Runes © Kesington Publishing Corp. No copyright infringement intended.