They look like...

Academically, the runes are a system of writing used by the Germanic, Scandavanian and Celtic peoples. However, an etymological study of the word rune reveals other meanings: secret, wisdom, mystery.

What Odin Says

Scandanavian mythology is primarily in two collections: The Prose Edda and the Poetic Edda. In the later, the poem "Havamal" (Sayings of the High One) tells of how Odin came to possess the runes:

"I know that I hung on a windy tree
nine long nights,

wounded with a spear, dedicated to Odin,
myself to myself,
on that tree of which no man knows
from were its roots run."

(Larrington, Carolyne. (Trans.) (1999) The Poetic Edda)

What the Roman says

"Augury and divination by lot no people practise more diligently. The use of the lots is simple. A little bough is lopped off a fruit-bearing tree, and cut into small pieces; these are distinguished by certain marks, and thrown carelessly and at random over a white garment. In public questions the priest of the particular state, in private the father of the family, invokes the gods, and, with his eyes towards heaven, takes up each piece three times, and finds in them a meaning according to the mark previously impressed on them. If they prove unfavourable, there is no further consultation that day about the matter; if they sanction it, the confirmation of augury is still required." (Germania)

Tacitus' account describes the divination practices of the ancient Germanic tribes. Presently, there are many schools of thought and practice concerning the runes. Many people have published works and claim to have access to the 'real' magic if you simply join their organisation. In the short time I have used the runes, I have come to believe that the truth lies within oneself. The trick of course, is learning to believe what you intuitively know. Learning to tame the ego who shouts, "No! No!, Listen to me... I know the truth". Time and time again, the runes have proven to me that I should consult, consider, question and think. Then put all that aside, because I really do know the right answer to the question.

Tracks

A new journey often begins on a track that has been burned or dies from overuse, exhaustion or neglect. We are not always sure where this new path will lead, to whom it will lead or when. We can only walk. On that journey we will learn astounding things about ourselves. So begins the journey of this vitki...

Tacitus on vitki

"They believe that there resides in women an element of holiness and a gift of prophecy... in the reign of Emperor Vespasian we saw Veleda, long honoured by many... as a divintiy."