Runes are an ancient style of writing, made up of straight lines. Runes are often used in divination because of their long history and symbolic meaning.

In ancient times, papyrus and paper were often very expensive. Also, these materials were of course flammable and easy to destroy. Stone, on the other hand, was easy to find and quite durable. Writing styles that developed for use on stone were by necessity made up of straight lines, without fine detail.

Viking runes are perhaps the best known runic symbols, and are often used in divination. The runes are usually carved on small stones or sometimes drawn on tiles, and put into a bag or bowl. While meditating on the issue at hand, a stone is drawn out of the collection. It is then interpreted as to the meaning it gives.

There are many rune sets on the market which you can buy - and you can also make your own. However you begin, study the meanings of each rune, and then start working with your set! The more you use the runes, the more you will get to truly understand the messages they are giving to you.