Crystal Runes

Being the crystal fiend of the society, I recently began hankering after my own set of crystal runes. In truth I already had some. They were a lovely set of 24 runes engraved on amethysts with gold paint in the inlay. But I wanted a varied set where each rune is carved on a different crystal. I had heard that such a thing existed and could be found in one of Glastonbury's many Pagan/New Age shops for the sum of about £25.

It was then that it occurred to me that the runes could have corresponding meanings to the crystals they were carved on. I was pretty sure that the sets available in shops were not so discerning in their choice of stones so I took on the challenge of finding links between certain properties of crystals in books and the archetypal meanings of the Elder Futhark (the original 24-rune system). I then endeavoured to find suitable stones to be engraved - being roughly the same size and having at least one flat surface

I then planned to carve my own runes with the help of a Dremel engraving tool (thanks Matt!) and a small vice. Anyone can attempt this creative and interesting process as runes are shaped so they can be easily carved, and you end up with a personalised set that means more to you than one that you can buy.

Here is the list of runes and corresponding crystals that I decided upon, plus some reasons for them. If you want to make your own set there is no reason to stick to these as they are only my opinion but some of my choices might appeal to you. Happy carving!

RUNE	NAME	CRYSTAL	MEANING
	Fehu	Red Agate	Wealth, protection, reasoning, luck
	Uruz	Calcite	Stamina, stability, healing, motivation
	Thurisaz	Obsidian	Defence, masculinity, adventurous spirit
	Ansuz	Blue Chalcedony	Communication, contact with nature, wisdom
	Raido	Aquamarine	Foresight, planning, inner and outer journeys
	Kaunaz	Lapis Lazuli	Inner wisdom, knowledge, honesty, light
	Gebo	Rhodochrosite	Generosity of spirit, exchange, activity
	Wunjo	Malachite	Joy, happiness, awareness, beauty
	Hagalaz	Turquoise	Banishes apathy, foresight, uniting sky and earth
	Nauthiz	Hematite	Will to survive, for basic needs
	Isa	Clear Quartz	Clarity, meditation, stasis, hidden depths
	Jera	Ametrine	Creativity, harmony, optimism, nature
	Eihwaz	Moss Agate	Nature, trees, regeneration, liberation, cycles
	Perthro	Moonstone	Divine feminine, womb, fate and mystery
	Algiz	Tiger's Eye	Protection (physical and psychic), courage, faith
	Sowilo	Citrine	Energy, confidence, love of life, concentration
	Teiwaz	Garnet	Strength, responsibility, endurance, courage
	Berkana	Rose Quartz	Love, fertility, birth, feminine energy
	Ehwaz	Sodalite	Freedom, drive for truth, strong intention
	Mannaz	Fluorite	Stability and order, freedom, dynamism
	Laguz	Chrysocolla	Ebb and flow, depth, balance, femininity
	Inguz	Ruby Zoisite	Fertility, potential energy, creativity
	Othala	Chrysoprase	Respect, security, family, part of a greater whole
	Dagaz	Sunstone	Light, affirmation, prosperity, luck, a new day

(Note: no heretical and pointless blank rune stone!!!!)