The Blank Rune

Also called Wyrd
Letter: none
Old Norse name: none
Flower: purple iris
Gem: opal (see below)
Number: unknown period of time

As I mentioned in the introduction to this section, the use of the Blank Rune in a rune set is the subject of much debate. It is said, and I am willing to agree, that ancient rune masters did not use the Blank Rune. I'm not certain that our Teutonic forebears would have recognized a blank stone or wooden disc as a rune, because runes by definition are symbols or glyphs of some kind.

Freya Aswynn, in her book "Northern Mysteries and Magick," writes that changing the order or position of any of the runes (with the exception of Dagaz and Othila) "would invalidate the entire combination of spiritual symbolism presented by the complete futhark," which means the use of the Blank Rune would be inaccurate at best and spiritually wrong at worst.

I have even heard from some people who believe that those who include the Blank Rune in their rune castings should not be respected or even believed.
While I can appreciate the reasoning behind not using the Blank Rune, I come down on the side of using it in my rune set. Yes, I know that it is historically inaccurate, and I am willing to agree that ancient Teutonic rune masters didn't use it. Ancient pagans drove their cattle through the Beltaine bonfires, too, but you won't catch me anywhere near a cow on Beltaine. And even though cows do not feature in my yearly Beltaine celebrations, I doubt that anyone would tell me that my sabbat is historically inaccurate and that I should start driving cattle through the fires post haste.

These are modern times, and we are modern rune casters. Therefore, I think that using a modern addition such as the Blank Rune is acceptable.
However, if you wish not to, then go right ahead. There are many paths toward the destination, and as long as you're on the path that works for you, then have at it, I say!

Now, let's talk about what the Blank Rune means.

Runes are thought of as mysterious, as secrets, and the Blank Rune is the biggest secret of all-the secret of Fate. It stands apart from the rest of the runes, even as it has become a part of the divination system. It represents the X in the human condition.

The Blank Rune is also called Wyrd (pronounced "weird"), which is the collective name given to the Norns, the three goddesses or fates of Teutonic mythology. Their individual names are Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld; they represent the three aspects of time-past, present, and future. The Norns rule over the karma that each person has accrued during his or her incarnation.
Wyrd indicates fate-those events that are fated or inevitable. They cannot be evaded, no matter what you do. Those events indicated in the reading may be good or bad, and the other runes in the cast will determine the nature of the event.

Wyrd also indicates fatefulness. When it falls in a prominent position, it indicates that if a particular step or choice is taken, life will never be the same again. Again, this could be good or bad. The rune or runes in the result position will often guide the querent as to what move he or she should make.

Finally, the Blank Rune in a reading can indicate anything that must be kept secret for the good of the querent. It can signify things relating to others that the querent has no business knowing. Wyrd is often prominent in rune casts where the querent is asking for information that is none of his business. For more information about using Wyrd in a rune cast, check out the Yes or No Draw in the How to Read the Runes section.

A note about the use of opal as the Blank Rune's gemstone: Tony Willis, author of "Discover Runes," writes that opals have a lot to do with the workings of Fate, and thus he connects Wyrd and opals. It is generally considered unwise to wear or use opal unless it is your birthstone. However, if a runecast indicates that the use of opal would further your cause in anyway, it may be considered all right to use it.

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