oracoli
Runes
The runes are a sacred alphabet used by Germanic and Scandinavian peoples between the second and thirteenth centuries. The most studied system is the Elder Futhark, made up of 24 runes, each with a sound, a name and a symbolic meaning linked to nature, the Norse gods and human experience.
Origin
The runes were born as a script: they were carved on stones, ornaments, weapons and everyday objects. The oldest inscriptions date back to the second to fourth centuries AD. Divinatory practice is documented by Tacitus (Germania, 98 AD). Modern neo-paganism (Ásatrú, Odinism) has reconstructed reading systems inspired by the ancient sources.
Futhark and variants
The Elder Futhark has 24 runes and was used between the second and eighth centuries. The Younger Futhark, simplified to 16 runes, was used in the Viking age (eighth-eleventh centuries). The Anglo-Saxon Futhorc (29-33 runes) was used in the British Isles. On Tarotsi, the tool uses the Elder Futhark.
FAQ
How many runes does the Elder Futhark have?
Twenty-four.
Are they reliable for divination?
They are an ancient symbolic tool. They have value for reflection, not verifiable predictive value.
Is it a religious system?
Historically yes, linked to Germanic paganism. Today it is practised both in a neo-pagan key and in a secular key as a symbolic system.