This page will outline how to create a rune set. Runes have been used for thousands of years as both divination tools and as an alphabet. Pre-runic symbols connected to the Norse Viking runic alphabet have been found on rock carvings as early as the Bronze Age. There have been many variations of the runic alphabet used through out Europe and beyond. Two of the most well known of the runic alphabets are the Elder Futhork and the Younger Futhork. The Elder has twenty-four runes in its set. The Younger was made sometime later and only has sixteen of these runes in its set.http://www.tarahill.com/runes/runehist.html

When making a run set they are most commonly used for divination and as such should be treated with respect. Divination tools are not toys and many people may take offense if their rune set is treated like such. Before making a set of runes for this purpose research should be done to learn about the different runic alphabets.

Some people prefer to use a specific rune set of their religious tradition, while others look for one that feels more in tune with themselves. Materials will be needed to make the rune set from, like stones, clay or wood. A storing bag and a casting cloth are also optional accessories. If the runes are to be personal tools it would also be a good idea to cleanse and energize or bless them.

The material only really matters if the makes wants a traditional rune set. Some materials that the Norse used are bone, ivory and deer antlers. Traditional but not always practical if the maker has problems using animal parts or does not have much skill with carving. Below are a few easier methods for forming the runes.

Paper - To make paper runes cut the paper into twenty-four or sixteen identical shapes. About the same size as playing cards work best. This is handy if the maker wants to carry around a set of runes.

Stones - When using stones try to keep them around the same size and shape. Stones found in rivers and creeks work best because the water has already smoothed and rounded them out.

Wood - Birch is said to be the best wood to be used for rune making. Simply cut a branch into the correct number of disks and sand away roughness if desired. http://astateofmind.eu/2009/05/31/how-to-make-your-own-runes/

Dough Another way is to make the runes from hardened dough. The recipe is as follows;

• 3 cups flour
• ¾ cup salt
• 1 ¼ cups hot water
• 1 tsp. cooking oil

Mix dry ingredients and then slowly add water and oil. If the mix is too sticky add more flour and if too dry add water. Shape into desired rune pieces and let dry. Carve symbols before it hardens completely. To fast dry bake at 200 degrees for an hour.http://www.rune-scripts.arollo.com/rune-set.htm

Inscribing the rune symbols onto the runes can be simple or more difficult depending on how it is to be done. If paper was used its easy, just draw a symbol on each card. This can be done with the other materials used, but make sure to use some type of sealer to keep the symbol from wearing off. A marker or paint will work great.

When the symbols are to be carved into the runes it can get a little hard. The best way is to use an engraving tool, but any sharp tool will work. The engraving does not have to be too deep, just deep enough to be permanent and clear. For wood runes an electric burner will work as well.

Now that the symbols are on the runes the next step is up to the maker. The set can be finished or the symbols can be colored. For filling in the symbols marker, paint or dyes can be used. A permanent felt-tip marker works best to get into tiny lines and do not fade off very fast. Paints and dyes can also be used, but again some type of sealer should be used to keep it from chipping or fading.http://www.rune-scripts.arollo.com/rune-set.htm

After making the rune set a few things are left to do. The runes will need to be cleansed and put in tune with the caster, the person using the rune set. The will also have to be stored in someway when not being used. All of these things explained below are optional and are not required to use a rune set.

A drawstring bag is the traditional storing choice. The bag should be roomy enough to fit the runes and the hand or fingers, depending on how the runes will be extracted for casting. This bag can be bought or made and can be in any color.

A casting cloth is often used to put the rune on when doing a runic reading. This cloth is normally blessed and spread out in front of the caster. Casting cloths have been historically white, but in today’s modern world many colors are used. Additional reasons for using a casting cloth are to keep the runes clean and to have a boundary for the casting.

Cleaning and blessing the runes is a personal choice that many people choose to do in their own privet way. Any thing from lemon juice to sage smoke can be used to cleanse the rune set, as well as a white candle and a prayer. For a better idea on cleansings and blessings do some research online and find the one that is most comfortable.http://www.rune-scripts.arollo.com/rune-set.htm