The Rune Deck
Author: Mary Nale
Artist: Mary Nale
Indepedently Published
2014
“The Rune Deck”, from Mary Nale and Attune Magazine, is a 25 card deck based on the Elder Futhark (thought to be the oldest version of the Runic alphabet). The 25th card is a blank card, which some choose to read with, and some do not. I am very happy that this card was included, as I do use it myself.
There are two sizes of this deck available – bridge size and a mini-deck. The size of the cards I am reviewing is 2 ¼” by 3 ½”. The overall color scheme is brown – the backs carry a dark brown border, with a skull centered at the top of the card, against a brown background. Under the skull we see two orange and brown butterflies. Under this heading we see the Runic symbols – black on a dark brown background, with the cards set against a very light brown background. The card title is under each card. The backs are not reversible.
The card faces show a dark brown border, with a very light brown inner border. In the upper right hand corner is a skull, in the upper left hand corner is a small sun. In the lower left hand corner sits a butterfly. In between the skull and the butterfly we see a dark circle, with a light brown inner background. The Runic symbol appears in the middle of this circle, in dark brown. Across the bottom of the card we see two infinity symbols, in very light brown, with multiple lines, showing movement.
Accompanying the cards is a sheet giving a short explanation of the Elder Futhark followed by the Runic symbols, under which are their titles, and a specific keyword. For example, – with Fehu we see the keyword wealth, with Laguz we see the keyword water.
I did a three card Past/Present/Future reading, and drew the following Runes: Nauthiz/Thurisaz/Kenaz. Naubiz, with the keywords “need/hardship”, indicates to me that in the past there has literally been some form of hardship. Thurisaz, with the keyword “giant”, indicates that in the present there is conflict and will at work, bringing about change. Kenaz, which represents the future, and the probable outcome, speaks of creativity, strength, and opening up to new power. I was reading for myself, and this does ring true.
The only thing that I noticed about this deck that was a bit different was the spelling of some of the Runic names. This can differ in various reference materials, so I would say that the user should work with what may be familiar to them. The titles in question are Burisaz/Thurisaz, Raibo/Raidho, Kaunaz/Kenaz, Perb/Perthro, Sowulo/Sowilo, Teiwaz/Tiwaz, Berkana/Berkano, Inguz/Ingwaz, Opila/Othala.
I have several sets of Runes, in everything from wood to rose quartz crystals. I enjoy working with them, and find these cards to be a lovely inclusion.
© 2000 – 2014 Bonnie Cehovet
Reproduction prohibited without the written permission of the author.
Bonnie Cehovet 