Divination: Witches Runes

 

Witches’ Runes and Witch Stones: Origins, Meanings and Divination

Witches’ runes, often called witch stones, are a form of divination used in modern witchcraft, Pagan spirituality and folk-magic-inspired practices. They are usually small stones, pebbles, wooden discs or crystals marked with symbols, each representing a particular idea, force of nature, life experience or spiritual influence.

Similar in purpose to tarot cards, traditional runes and oracle cards, witch stones offer a way to explore questions, interpret circumstances and reflect upon possible paths ahead. They can be used for personal meditation, magical rituals, seasonal observances and readings for others.

Unlike tarot, which follows a relatively established structure of 78 cards, witch stones do not have one universally agreed system. Different sets contain different numbers of stones, and their symbols and meanings can vary considerably between creators and traditions.

To understand them fully, it helps to distinguish the ancient history of runic writing from the newer divination systems commonly sold as witches’ runes today.

The origins of witches’ runes

Ancient runes and their historical background

The word rune comes from an old Germanic word associated with a secret, mystery or whispered knowledge. Historically, runes were characters used to write several Germanic languages, including early forms of Norse and English.

The earliest known runic inscriptions date to around the second century CE, although the writing system may have developed earlier. The best-known early runic alphabet is the Elder Futhark, which contains 24 characters.

Runes appeared on objects such as weapons, jewellery, tools, memorial stones and other artefacts. Some inscriptions record names or ownership, while others have religious, commemorative or potentially magical associations.

Runes also became associated with Norse mythology. In the medieval Icelandic poem Hávamál, the god Odin describes acquiring knowledge of the runes through a profound ordeal. This helped establish the enduring connection between runes, wisdom, sacrifice and hidden knowledge.

However, ancient runic writing and modern witches’ runes are not the same thing. Although modern practitioners may draw inspiration from Germanic mythology and the symbolism of ancient runes, the familiar sets of round stones bearing pictorial symbols are not established historical Viking divination kits.

The development of modern witches’ runes

Witches’ runes as they are commonly used today belong largely to modern esoteric and contemporary Pagan practice. Their popularity grew alongside modern witchcraft, Wicca, New Age spirituality and the wider revival of interest in personal divination during the twentieth century.

Modern systems often use a small collection of symbols that are easier to interpret visually than a full runic alphabet. 

A crescent, for example, may represent change or intuition, while a pair of joined circles might suggest partnership.

There is no single inventor, historical origin or authoritative set of meanings that applies to all witches’ runes. Different authors and practitioners have developed their own systems, drawing on folklore, astrology, elemental symbolism, nature imagery and personal experience.

It is therefore best to regard witches’ stones as a modern divination tradition with varied influences, rather than assume that every symbol or reading method comes directly from ancient European witchcraft.

What stones are included in a witches’ rune set?

One popular modern system uses 13 witches’ runes, each bearing a different symbol. The precise selection varies between sets, and some include additional symbols or use alternative names.

The following is a commonly encountered arrangement of 13 symbols and their usual modern interpretations. It is a useful introduction, rather than a claim that every set follows exactly the same tradition.

1. The Sun

Represents vitality, success, happiness, clarity and renewed energy. It can indicate a period of optimism, achievement or personal growth.

2. The Moon

Associated with intuition, dreams, mystery, emotions and the hidden aspects of life. It may invite you to pay attention to your inner feelings or to information not yet fully understood.

3. Flight

Symbolises movement, messages, freedom and change. It may suggest travel, news arriving or a situation beginning to move forward.

4. Rings

Represents commitment, partnership, connection and agreements. It can concern romantic relationships, friendship, family ties or a promise that needs attention.

5. Romance

Concerns affection, attraction, emotional closeness and matters of the heart. Depending on the question, it may refer to a new relationship or the need to nurture an existing one.

6. Woman

Often interpreted as feminine energy, receptivity, intuition, nurturing or an important woman in the questioner's life. These associations are symbolic rather than fixed descriptions of gender.

7. Man

Commonly associated with masculine energy, action, initiative, authority or an important man. As with the Woman symbol, its meaning depends on the reading and need not correspond to someone's gender.

8. Harvest

Symbolises abundance, reward, achievement and the results of previous efforts. It may encourage gratitude or suggest that patient work is beginning to bear fruit.

9. Crossroads

Represents choices, decisions and alternative paths. It can indicate a turning point or a need to consider the consequences of different options.

10. Waves

Associated with water, emotions, adaptability and life's changing circumstances. The symbol may encourage flexibility rather than trying to control everything.

11. Scythe

Represents endings, separation, cutting away and transformation. It may suggest releasing an outdated habit, relationship pattern or situation that has run its course.

12. Eye

Symbolises awareness, perception, insight and seeing beyond appearances. Some practitioners also associate it with protection or vigilance.

13. Star

Associated with hope, guidance, inspiration and spiritual connection. It may encourage you to trust your sense of direction while remaining grounded in practical reality.

These meanings are modern interpretive conventions, not historically verified definitions shared by all witches. Some sets replace particular symbols, and some assign different meanings to similar designs.

What are witches’ stones made from?

There is no required material for a witches’ stone set. The choice often depends on personal preference, durability, appearance and the symbolism the practitioner wishes to incorporate.

River pebbles: Natural, inexpensive and easy to collect where collection is permitted. Their irregular shapes give each stone a distinctive character.

Quartz: Clear or white quartz is often associated in modern crystal spirituality with clarity, intention and amplification.

Obsidian: A volcanic glass commonly associated with protection, introspection and confronting hidden aspects of oneself.

Amethyst: Frequently linked with intuition, meditation and spiritual awareness in contemporary crystal traditions.

Wooden discs: Lightweight and easy to carve, paint or engrave. Oak, ash and other woods may be chosen for their folklore or personal significance.

Clay or ceramic pieces: Easy to make at home and customise with symbols, colours and decorative glazes.

These spiritual associations are matters of belief and tradition; they are not established medical effects.

Some practitioners choose stones of different colours to represent the elements: earth, air, fire and water. Others prefer identical stones, allowing the symbols alone to determine the reading.

What can witches’ runes be used for?

Witches’ stones can serve several purposes, depending on the practitioner and the tradition they follow.

Divination and guidance

Stones are drawn or cast to explore a question, consider possible developments or identify issues that deserve attention. A reading can be used as a reflective tool rather than a guaranteed prediction of the future.

Meditation and contemplation

Selecting one symbol and reflecting on its meaning can provide a focus for meditation, journalling or personal spiritual development.

Ritual and intention-setting

A practitioner might select the Sun when focusing on confidence, Harvest when giving thanks for abundance, or Crossroads when contemplating a major decision. These are symbolic uses within contemporary practice.

Personal reflection

Recording readings over time can help identify recurring concerns, hopes and patterns in one's thinking. It can be especially useful for exploring relationships, work, creativity and personal goals.

Some witches also use stones in seasonal rituals, spells for protection or prosperity, and ceremonies marking transitions such as a new job, the end of a relationship or the beginning of a new phase of life.

How to perform a witches’ stone reading

You do not need elaborate equipment or a formal initiation to begin using a modern witches’ rune set. A quiet place, your stones and a clear question are enough.

A simple three-stone reading

Stone 1 — The past

What experience, influence or earlier decision has contributed to the present situation?

Stone 2 — The present

What is the central issue, opportunity or challenge that needs your attention now?

Stone 3 — The possible direction

What might develop if you continue along your current path, and what could you do to influence the outcome?

To perform the reading:

Find a quiet space and arrange your stones in a pouch or bowl.

Take a few slow breaths and concentrate on a clear, open-ended question.

Mix the stones and draw three without looking, placing them from left to right.

Interpret each symbol according to its position and the question.

Consider how the symbols relate to one another rather than interpreting them in isolation.

Write down your interpretation and revisit it later.

For example, imagine drawing Harvest, Crossroads and Star. One possible interpretation is that previous efforts have brought you to a choice, and that thoughtful decisions may open a hopeful new direction.

This is an illustrative reading, not a prediction. You can adapt the meanings to your own system, provided you remain consistent about how you interpret them.

Should stones that land face down be read differently?

Some practitioners interpret a face-down stone as a hidden influence, an obstacle or an aspect of the question that has not yet been recognised. Others simply turn every stone over and read the symbol normally. There is no universal rule.

The same applies to stones that fall outside a casting cloth, overlap one another or land close together. You can develop your own rules, or follow the instructions supplied with your particular set.

Are witches’ runes the same as Norse runes?

No. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they describe different systems.

Historical runes were primarily a writing system, although some inscriptions have religious or potentially magical significance. There is no clear archaeological evidence establishing that the familiar modern practice of casting rune stones for fortune-telling was used by the Vikings. Modern rune divination developed through later esoteric interpretations. 

This distinction does not make either practice less meaningful to a modern practitioner. It simply helps separate documented history from contemporary spiritual interpretation.

Making your own witches’ stones

Creating a personal set can be a rewarding craft project and a way to develop a divination system that reflects your own practice

You will need:

• Thirteen smooth pebbles, wooden discs or clay pieces.
• A fine permanent marker, suitable paint or engraving tools.
• A small pouch or box for storage.
• A notebook in which to record the symbols and their meanings.

Choose 13 symbols, either using the system outlined above or creating your own. Draw each symbol onto a stone, then write its intended meaning in your notebook. You can decorate the stones with colours or patterns associated with the elements, seasons or deities that are important to you.

Some practitioners introduce their set to their spiritual practice through meditation, a blessing or a simple intention-setting ceremony. Others begin using the stones immediately. Neither approach is obligatory.

If you collect natural stones, make sure collection is permitted and avoid removing material from protected archaeological or geological sites. Use safe materials and sealants if you intend to handle the stones frequently.

Sets of witches stones are readily available from the usual shops and online in a wide range of styles and colours.

You may have to work with and explore sets in order to find the set(s) that most resonate with you.