Psychic Delia's Readings | Runes
I sometimes recommend Psychic Readings using Runes for clients who have just one question they want answered. The use of runes for this purpose is unclear from the historical record but when we consider that most runic forms going back to the Ur culture began as systems of counting, we can see how the concept of number evolved in practical terms. I think numbers have always had spiritual meaning because the concept of number is both symbolic and "real". Number is firstly a concept, an abstraction, an idea that the human mind can play with. When we see or hear "seven" we are presented with two methods of understanding it: seven things (cows, apples, clouds) but also the abstract notion of "7" as itself with no connection to things or qualities of things, such as size, weight, depth, etc. It is the abstract quality of numbers that gives them their mystical dimension. As counting systems evolved into alphabetic systems, there seemed to be a natural congruence between letters and numbers that established the basis of Numerology as a system of divination. So although we cannot pinpoint the exact period in which Runes were first used for divination, the basic connection between Numerology and Runes is obvious.Psychic Delia's Readings | Runes
The Western cultures that are most identified with the use of Runes for both communication and
divination are those of the Celts and the Norse and both systems are evident on artifacts that survive down to the present day. What I find fascinating in using runes in psychic readings is the further extension of meaning from numbers and letters to things. The old Irish system of Ogham (awam) though cumbersome by modern standards is an example of a system that links number, alphabet and the mysticism of trees in a potent blend of spiritual symbolism. And it is here that the art of divination lies: interpreting the meaning of combinations in relation to the client's question.
divination are those of the Celts and the Norse and both systems are evident on artifacts that survive down to the present day. What I find fascinating in using runes in psychic readings is the further extension of meaning from numbers and letters to things. The old Irish system of Ogham (awam) though cumbersome by modern standards is an example of a system that links number, alphabet and the mysticism of trees in a potent blend of spiritual symbolism. And it is here that the art of divination lies: interpreting the meaning of combinations in relation to the client's question.
Ogham: Celtic Tree Oracle
The Celtic Tree Oracle relects the primacy of trees in Celtic spiritual life. Religious/spiritual rituals were deeply connected with tree mysticism and took place in groves of oaks. Trees were used to provide warmth, shelter from the elements, protection from marauders, tools, weapons, even food in the form of nuts and fruit. However, the identification of certain trees with the patterns of lines that formed Ogham script, express the deepest connection between the Celts and their environment. So strong was this influence that the Celtic lunar calendar of 13 months was based on 13 characters of Ogham script. For example, Beith which means Birch, a fast growing tree, is identified with beginnings and marks Samhain (saawan) which falls on the first day of the Celtic new year, November 1. Luis, the Rowan tree, is revered as a sacred tree because of the tiny five pointed 'star' that appears on the red berries the tree produces in winter. The Rowan has traditionally been associated with protection from 'enchantment' or being mis-led by the evidence of the senses (as in intoxication). Having the Rowan Ogham symbol show up in a reading may therefore indicate a need for caution both in judging circumstances based on appearances and the need for temperance - not the easiest discipline for a Celt!
Answers In The Trees
Essentially, it is the connection between the perceived characteristics of the thing (tree, stone, bird, animal) and its function in the environment that is the basis for these systems of divination. What I find appealing about both Ogham and Runes is that they predate by at least 700 years such image-based systems as Tarot. The more ancient the system the closer we come to our origins without the intrusion of later historical developments or contamination from other cultural influences.For this reason when using the Celtic Tree Orace, I choose as my guiding Ogham Beith, the symbol that means unity and purity of spirit as well as new beginnings. Why not book a Celtic Oracle Reading today?
© Delia O' Riordan 2012 www.psychic-delia.com
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