The Runic Tarot represents a unique synthesis of two ancient divination systems: the traditional tarot archetypes and the sacred runic symbols of Northern European tradition. This deck, created by various artists including Caroline Smith, John Astrop, Jack Sephiroth, and Allen Dempster, offers a distinct approach to seeking guidance and understanding life's challenges. It serves as a bridge between the familiar structure of tarot and the potent, primal energy of runes, providing a rich tool for personal reflection, spiritual growth, and ritual practice.
Unlike standard tarot decks, the Runic Tarot integrates the Elder Futhark runes directly into its structure and artwork. The deck is designed not merely for fortune-telling but as a "textbook" or "conductor of information" that helps users unlock deeper layers of meaning. Whether one is a seasoned reader of tarot or a novice exploring spiritual systems, the Runic Tarot offers a multi-dimensional experience. It invites users to delve into the myths of the North, to understand the symbolism of gods and goddesses like Odin, Freyr, and Frigg, and to apply these ancient wisdoms to modern questions regarding relationships, career, and personal development.
Understanding the Structure and Design
The Runic Tarot maintains a structure that is both familiar and innovative, blending the traditional tarot framework with runic symbolism and seasonal themes. This unique composition allows for a reading experience that honors the past while offering new perspectives.
Creators and Publication
The Runic Tarot has been brought to life by different creative teams. One version is the work of Caroline Smith and John Astrop, published by St Martins Press in 2003. This deck consists of 76 cards, featuring 24 Major Arcana and 52 Minor Arcana. Another distinct version is the Runic Tarot Deck by Jack Sephiroth and Allen Dempster, which adheres to the standard 78-card structure (22 Major and 56 Minor Arcana). This version comes with a 128-page guidebook and is noted for its full-color illustrations that visually blend Norse mythology with traditional tarot archetypes.
Major Arcana and Runic Links
A defining feature of the Runic Tarot is its connection to the runes through the Major Arcana. In the Smith and Astrop version, the 24 Major Arcana cards are explicitly linked with the runes of Celtic mythology (though the runes themselves are historically Norse, the deck utilizes a runic system). This suggests a deep intertwining of the archetypal journey of the Fool with the specific energies represented by the runes.
In the Sephiroth and Dempster version, the Major Arcana cards are designed to combine standard tarot meanings with the gods and symbols of the North. For example: * The Fool: Depicts Freyr with a wild boar, symbolizing trust in the world and emptiness. * The Empress: Shows Frigg, the goddess of fertility, with the rune Berkana drawn on her spinning wheel, reinforcing themes of growth and nurturing. * Card Numbering: The Smith and Astrop deck alters traditional numbering: Strength is number 3 and Justice is number 7.
Suits and Minor Arcana
The Runic Tarot often reimagines the traditional suits to fit its thematic focus.
- Seasonal Suits (Smith & Astrop): Instead of Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands, this deck uses the Sabbats or festivals of the year as suits:
- Beltane: Associated with Spring and Fire.
- Lughnasadh: Associated with Summer and Earth.
- Samhain: Associated with Autumn and Water.
- Imbolc: Associated with Winter and Air.
- Visualized Suits (Sephiroth & Dempster): While retaining the traditional names (Cups, Pentacles, Swords, Wands), the visualization changes:
- Cups are represented by horns.
- Pentacles are represented by shields.
- Swords are represented by short blades.
- Wands are represented by wooden staves.
The Minor Arcana in these decks often depict "mundane scenes" but set within the context of Valhalla or Norse landscapes. The imagery is characterized by strength, resilience, and fearlessness. For instance, the Five of Wands in the Sephiroth deck replaces the standard scene of competition with the dramatic image of a girl being burned, with Thor's hammer hanging around her neck, symbolizing faith and the harsh realities of the Viking world.
Artistic Elements and Symbolism
The artwork in the Runic Tarot is dense with symbolism intended to duplicate and enhance the card meanings. * Sacred Signs: The cards feature individual signs, ligatures, and staves that reinforce the card's message. * Totems: Animals and birds such as roosters, dragons, horses, and owls appear frequently, acting as totems that reflect the nature of people and events, and serving as companions to the gods. * Signature: A signature in stylized letters appears on the Major Arcana and court cards (though the Smith & Astrop deck is noted to have no court cards).
Interpretation and Reading Methodology
Reading the Runic Tarot requires an appreciation for the Northern tradition, though it is not a strict prerequisite. The deck is designed to be a teacher, guiding the user through the "path of Strength."
The Role of Mythology and Symbols
Knowledge of Norse myths—such as the story of Odin sacrificing himself for wisdom or the looming concept of Ragnarok (the final battle)—enhances the interpretation. The "red thread" of Scandinavian mythology is the preparation for this ultimate struggle, emphasizing steadfastness and fearlessness. However, the deck is also designed so that one can work exclusively with images and numbers. Over time, the subconscious mind begins to associate the mysterious signs with specific pictures and meanings.
Divination Practices
The Runic Tarot can be used for various divination purposes: * Love and Luck: The cards can reveal whether a magical effect has been laid down, showing pitfalls or the presence of protection. They can answer questions about love spells or luck attraction. * Decision Making: The deck acts as a mentor to help choose the right decisions and avoid pitfalls. * Spiritual Growth: A constant "dialogue" with the Arcana is said to forge the spirit.
Comparing Runic Tarot with Traditional Rune Casting
It is important to distinguish the Runic Tarot deck from the traditional practice of casting physical runes (stones or tiles). * Traditional Runes: The Elder Futhark consists of 24 potent runes. Casting involves interpreting the interaction of these symbols, often without reversals (they are either present or absent). They can be cast in spreads similar to tarot, such as a three-rune pull or a Celtic Cross layout. * Runic Tarot Deck: This uses illustrated cards. The system intertwines runic energy with the traditional tarot structure. The guidebook included with the deck (such as the one by Jamie Elford for the Sephiroth deck) provides specific instructions for interpreting the cards within this unique system.
Suitability of the Deck
The Runic Tarot is particularly suitable for: * Practitioners of the Northern Tradition: Those who already work with Norse mythology or magic will find it a natural fit. * Students of Futhark: Individuals wanting to learn the Elder or Younger Futhark can use the deck as a visual aid to understand the signs. * Modern Spiritual Seekers: It is also accessible to those without deep knowledge of mythology, serving as a tool for personal reflection, shamanism, or general spiritual practice.
Conclusion
The Runic Tarot stands as a powerful and visually stunning tool that merges the ancient wisdom of Norse mythology with the structured archetypes of the tarot. By incorporating runes, seasonal suits, and the imagery of gods and Valhalla, it offers a unique lens through which to view life's challenges and opportunities. Whether used for deep spiritual ritual, personal decision-making, or simply as a method of self-reflection, this deck encourages the qualities of resilience, fearlessness, and strength. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of ancient symbols and their ability to provide guidance in the modern world.