The Elder Futhark is a Nordic Runic alphabet that dates from around 250BC, used throughout Scandinavia, Britain and Ireland. It has been found carved on stones, described within poetry and immortalised within mythology. Over time its significance has become even more symbolic and mythological, even esoteric, rather than poetic or functional.
This drop-in course is designed to support us as we familiarise ourselves with the Runes as symbols of meaning when considered as a method of therapeutic Earth connection.
Familiarising ourselves to such an ancient framework of symbols and meaning requires a dedicated period, such as a year or more. This year-long online journey invites us to build community as we explore the Runes.
We will learn about the meaning of each Rune, how it is important to connect to each Rune by setting an intention, giving thanks for the innate wisdom of the Rune, and honouring that each Rune is connected to a sense of knowing that transcends logic and personal understanding. We will practice outdoors with each Runes (as much as is reasonable and possible), returning to the group to share our experiences and learn from one another.
We will be making our own set at the beginning of the course. Do not worry if you’re not creative! A sheet is provided for you to do this practice on paper. You may wish to then create your own set made of wood or stone at a later date. If you have Runes already, please bring them to each session.
Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event
- A slower approach to learning the Runes, taking one Rune each month. You will get to know each Rune's meanings and significance.
- Being part of a regular support community for learning about, and practicing with, the Runes.
- Each session will be partly experiential and partly theoretical. There will be history, poetry, mythology and nature connection, as well as group sharing. The objective of this is to nurture curiosity and familiarity with the Runes and one another.
Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?
- Ecotherapists, Jungian Therapists, mythologists and storytellers, anthropologists, archaeologists and people inetersted in Runic Lore.
How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?
- It is hoped that by becoming more familiar with the Runes you may utilise their wisdom in therapeutic settings, or for your own personal use.