Northern Black

RUNES & DIVINATION

Our divination tools are crafted with intention and steeped in story. These are not trinkets; they are tools of the unseen, shaped by Norse tradition and the wisdom of the runes, the insight given to Odin. Whether you're casting runes under moonlight or building a personal altar, this collection offers tools for ritual, reflection, and connection.

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THE VOICE OF THE RUNES

At Northern Black, we honour the ancient ways without diluting their meaning. Our collection of runes and divination tools draws from Old Norse belief, ritual practice, and spiritual symbolism, created for those who walk between the worlds.

Here, you'll find hand-carved rune stones, altarpieces, and skulls etched with ancient designs, each one a piece of sacred art. We also offer books and eBooks on runes, bind runes, and sigils for those who wish to study more deeply, as well as one-to-one rune readings for personalised insight.

Everything is created and designed by May and Isar Oakmund, whose work is rooted in the mythic tradition of the North and shaped by years of experience with Norse, Celtic, and Pagan symbolism.

Crafted in small batches and often hand-finished, our runes and divination tools are made to be used, honoured, and passed down. Because what the gods once whispered into the world still echoes in the bones of those who know how to listen.

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ELDER FUTHARK: THE FIRST SCRIPT

The Elder Futhark is the oldest known runic alphabet, used from around the 2nd to 8th century CE. It is made up of 24 runes, each carrying a symbolic meaning tied to nature, fate, power, and protection. In Norse mythology, the runes were not invented; they were discovered.

Odin, the Allfather, hung from the branches of Yggdrasill — the World Tree — wounded and alone for nine days and nights. In sacrifice, he glimpsed the runes in the deep, dark roots of creation. From that moment, he wielded them as tools of magic, knowledge, and prophecy. The god Heimdall is also said to have taught the runes to humankind.

To work with the runes is to speak the language of the gods — to seek wisdom in symbols and to connect with the roots of the world.

GUIDANCE FROM THE NINE REALMS

There’s no single “correct” way to begin rune casting, but there are tried-and-tested methods that blend tradition with personal interpretation.

One simple approach is the single rune draw: clear your mind, ask a question, and pull one rune stone from the bag. Read the symbol and reflect on its meaning. This works well for daily guidance or focused intent.

Another common method is the three-rune spread: draw and lay out three stones, left to right. The first represents the past, the second the present, and the third what may come. This gives structure to your reading without overcomplicating things.

More experienced practitioners might use a full casting: scatter the rune stones across a cloth and interpret the runes that fall face-up, focusing on their positions and relationships.

Whether you're casting divination runes for insight, ritual, or reflection, the key is consistency and honesty. Reading the runes isn’t about prediction — it’s about connection, clarity, and story.

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BOOKS - INK, ART, AND THE STORIES THEY TELL

The Vikings carved their stories into stone, skin, and steel long before paper ever got involved. Our collection of books is a tribute to that tradition, showcasing Nordic tattoo designs, ancient symbols, and Viking-inspired artistry from the past and present. Whether you're a tattoo artist, love Norse mythology and design, or just appreciate bold, unapologetic art, these books belong in your collection.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are divination rune stones used for?

Rune stones were originally used for writing, marking graves, and honouring the gods. Today, they’re often used for divination, reflection, tattoos, or simply as a striking link to our Norse and Germanic past. Whether you’re casting for insight or just like the feel of ancient symbols in your hand, rune stones are practical artefacts.

Are your rune stones historically accurate?

Yes, and proudly so. We use the Elder Futhark, the oldest runic alphabet, and focus on traditional materials like marble and gemstones. Each rune is meticulously drawn and rendered by Isar Oakmund.

Do I need a rune book to get started?

If you're new to runes, a good rune book can help you understand the meanings, origins, and casting methods. We recommend starting with sources rooted in archaeology and Norse myth.

Northern Black stocks a curated selection of rune books that honour the roots without dumbing them down:

  • Elder Futhark Runes: Book and Cards — A 112-page guide to the 24 Elder Futhark runes combining ancient insight with modern reflection. Richly illustrated throughout, the book treats rune work as a living tradition. In addition to the book, we include a beautifully designed card deck by Galaxara, with each rune brought to life through evocative imagery that tells a story about the meaning of the rune. Ideal for focused, meaningful readings.
  • Love, Lust, and Loss: A Collection of Bind Runes — This guide blends Elder Futhark wisdom with raw, emotive themes. It simplifies the art of creating your own bind runes and encourages personal exploration through symbolism, artwork, and modern magic.
  • Runes, Sigils, and Bind Runes — This focused guide examines the Elder Futhark as a system of potent symbols, introduces Icelandic magical staves, and demystifies the making of bind runes. Whether you're new to runes or well into your practice, it offers a bridge between historical rune magic and modern creative use.
  • RUNIC JOURNEY BUNDLE: BOOKS & RUNE STONE SET  — A beautiful bundle of the two books featured above, plus a set of runes hand-carved from gemstones of your choice.

These aren’t coffee‑table books; they’re made for learning, interpreting, and digging deep. Pair one with your chosen rune set, or buy the bundle to begin your journey with some actual historical footing.

What makes Northern Black’s skull decor different?

Our skull decor isn’t just macabre for the sake of it. Each skull is a handcrafted piece of Norse-inspired art, sculpted by Isar Oakmund, featuring engraved bind runes that reflect timeless themes like love, lust, and loss.

Are these products suitable for modern rituals or altar spaces?

Absolutely. Our divination runes, rune books, altar pieces and skulls are all created with both beauty and purpose in mind. Whether you're building a modern Norse altar, practising rune casting, or just want your bookshelf to look like a respectable saga library, we’ve got you covered.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. Odin’s reach was wide, and so is ours. We ship Northern Black goods, including rune stones, books, and skulls, to customers around the world. Just check our shipping page for rates and info.