Runes, a brief overview

Runes are symbols that were utilized in several cultures as a written form of language. The best resource I have found for the Runes is a book called, The Rune Poem by Guido VonList.

Each Rune is of itself a word of power with a very specific meaning, and these words of power may be joined, or bound, to create some very powerful spellwork and/or protection. Runes and bindrunes may be utilized to consecrate and protect ritual items and spaces, as well as for the protection of hearth and home.

There is a story of how the god Odin, or Wotan, was bound to the world tree Ygsdril and had his eye plucked from his head in order to gain the gift of written language, the Rune.

Runes, tarot, wicca, etc.... It's all greek to me. I don't understand any of it

The Norse carved runes for calm seas and good sailing right into their boats, and the runes for victory in battle into their shields. Using intent and will while creating the runes makes each rune a spell in itself.

I have worked with bindrunes, which adds a lot of versatility to the form. Binding runes allows complex ideas to be combined for specific purposes. Bindrunes used in candle magick are a potent form of spellwork.

In an attempt to make the runes the realm of only those who supposedly had power, it is known that a rune was to be written so that once you laid your scribe on whatever the rune was being affixed to, the scribe would never be lifted and no lines would be crossed or doubled back upon once marked. It is a faerie tale, and impossible.