Recent years have ushered in a growing popularity of the use of runes in divination, magic, and meditation. This increase in popularity is reflected in the vast array of rune sets that are available for purchase.

The runes, like any tool of divination, are "oracles." As oracles, the runes speak their wisdom both through their symbolism and through the method and the medium of their creation. So even with the wide variety of rune sets that are "ready to purchase," it may still be difficult to find that special set possessing the language that speaks to you.

Once you have decided to make your own rune set, you will find numerous books and manuals that detail the techniques of creating rune sets. These superb books detail the physical techniques of engraving or etching the glyphs and the techniques of focusing the traditional runic messages into each rune that you create. Even with these wonderful "how-to's," the tools, space, and skills required may be unobtainable or unappealing for some people. There are also many people who have discovered that working with sharp implements equates to injury and pain.

Since I belong to both of those two categories, I developed this crocheted rune set. The materials are inexpensive, readily available, and can be easily adapted to most personal tastes and wants. Since there is relatively little harm you can inflict upon yourself while crocheting, you can focus your attention on your "intent" instead of dividing your attention between the intent of the messages and the intent of not losing fingers.

The repetition of the crochet stitches creates a meditative mind set. The brainwaves shift from their active and alert beta state to a more relaxed and receptive alpha state. The alpha state is said to cycle at the same rate as the natural energy of the earth. This symbiotic cycling creates a flow of energy that focuses your intent on the runes that you create. The receptiveness of the alpha state also allows you to receive the messages from the runes that are unique to your relationship with this divination oracle.

Each finished rune is approximately 1.25 inches in diameter. To make these runes you will need to gather:

• One ball size 10 crochet thread for the main color
• One ball size 10 crochet thread as a complimentary color
• Size 7 steel crochet hook
• Cotton balls for stuffing the runes (you can add herbs or essential oils that compliment your intent with the cotton balls)
• A large eye needle for stitching the glyphs
• Optional fabric glue to tack down thread ends

The stitches that you will use with this pattern are: single crochets (sc)
chains (ch)
slip stitches (slp st)
single crochet increases (sc inc - complete 2 sc in designated stitch)
single crochet decreases (sc dec - insert hook in first stitch, pull thread through work, insert hook in next stitch, pull thread through and complete single crochet steps)

Begin with crocheting 24 (25 if you use the blank rune) rune fronts in the main color and 24 (25 if you use the blank rune) rune backs in the complimentary color.

Loosely Ch 6.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (5 sc), ch 1, Turn.

Row 2: Sc inc in first sc, Work sc in each of next 3 sc, Sc increase in last sc (7 sc) ch 1, Turn.

Row 3: Sc in each sc across. (7 sc) ch1, Turn.

Row 4: Sc inc in first sc, Work sc in each of next 5 sc, Sc inc in last sc. (9 sc) ch 1, Turn.

Row 5 - 6: Sc in each sc across. (9 sc) ch 1, turn.

Row 7: Sc dec in first 2 sc, Work sc in each of next 5 sc, sc dec in last 2 sc. (7 sc) ch 1,Turn.

Row 8: Sc in each sc across. (7 sc) ch1, Turn.

Row 9: Sc dec in first 2 sc, Work sc in each of next 3 sc, sc dec in last 2 sc. (5 sc) Cut and secure thread.

After you have completed the fronts and backs, use the graph to stitch the glyphs. Cut enough complimentary color thread to complete the glyph, thread the needle and double the thread over. Each square of the graph represents one single crochet. You can either cross stitch or back stitch the glyphs utilizing these squares as a guide.

To finish your runes, align a front and a back with right sides facing out. Join the complimentary color thread to top right stitch with a sc. Sc in remaining 4 stitches across top of rune. (Do not turn work or use extra stitches to square off corners.) Work 9 sc along side of rune to bottom. Work 5sc across bottom. Lightly stuff rune with cotton / herb / oil mixture and work 9 sc along remaining side. Join to beginning sc with a slp st. Cut and secure thread. Weave in ends.

WC 860

AUTHOR BIO: Karen Glasgow-Follett has been practicing witchcraft for over thirty years. As an avid crocheter for nearly thirty years, Karen has created many patterns that relate to magic and witchcraft. She currently lives in the midwest with her husband, two sons, and a menagerie of four-legged family members.