Runes were used by the ancient Nordic people as a magickal language. Their uses ranged from writing messages and making charms or talismans, to predicting the future and to Magickal work.

In Anglo-Saxon English and in Old Norse, the word RUNE means secret law, mystery, and Magickal Signs.

Rune Masters, who could be male or female, were considered to be the most important people in the community next to the village chief. Identified by their deep blue cloaks and by the leather pouches they wore at their belts, the Rune Masters would normally carry a bronze-tipped wooden staff carved with runic inscriptions to show their power and their status.

Before charging your rune, it is advisable to cover it in salt and leave it overnight in a safe place. This is to psychically cleanse it of any influences it may have picked up in transit to you. Once your rune is cleansed, it is ready to be imprinted with your personal wishes so that it may start working for you.

You will need the following:

• A quiet room
• A small table (altar)
• White cloth (altar cloth)
• Incence or joss stick
• A white candle
• A compass to determine where North is in your room

Your rune charm is cast into the natural shape of organic rock and is made from metals harvested from our planet--both powerful symbols of the Element of Earth. To charge your charm, you need to draw from the energy of the Earth itself, which comes to us from the compass direction of North.

When you are ready to begin, make sure you will not be disturbed. Unplug your telephone and close your curtains or blinds. Lay your white altar cloth over your altar, placing your candle and your incence in the center. Light your candle and your incence and place your Rune Charm next to them.

Turn off the lights, close your eyes, and spend a few minutes thinking about what your rune stands for and how you would like its essence to enrich your life.

Position yourself facing North, with your altar in front of you. Close your eyes again and hold your hands over your Rune Charm. Send your mind downwards through the surface of the Earth, thinking deep through layers of roots and rock, to the Earth's heart. Make contact with the Living Land and see the molten core within the planet. When you can clearly see this image of the Element Fire within the Element of Earth, draw it upwards, through the layers of rock and soil, and up into your body. Feel it flowing through your arms and down into your hands, which become warm and energized. Now, pick up your Rune Charm and hold it Northwards, concentrating on what your rune is meant to represent. As your hands warm your rune, visualize this Earth Energy transferring into it until it naturally subsides after entering into your Rune Charm.

Your Rune Charm is now charged. Allow yourself a few minutes to unwind and then have a drink of water or a bite to eat to get yourself back to normal.

Your Rune Charm is now working for you, in conjunction with the Power of Earth, so be prepared for some positive changes in your life.