Louisa took only ten to twelve minutes to personalize her rune reading and tweak the runes explanation to serve her question. Once she was done writing on her parchment, the Ravenclaw lifted her head to see whether Nigel had worked his own diamond spread out yet or not. The scatter of rune stones in front of the boy indicated that he was doing perfectly fine. "You done?" she asked him, without really waiting for an answer Louisa went on, "I'm done. Here.." she clasped her hands together and gazed down at her stones, "I've asked them whether or not Isaac Carter is coming this summer for real."

Louisa pointed at the first rune she got, "First is Jera, represents past events that may have bearing on the current situation. Isaac is part of my past, he's a very solid part of my past actually that keeps coming up even though I've never met him." And no, she hasn't said who exactly was this man. "Then comes Wunjo, represents the near future which I'd like to think is this upcoming summer." Her mouth twitching into a subtle smile as she went on, "Next is Tiwaz, represents forces which may block my path, or prevent me from achieving my goals." The subtle smile was quickly erased off her face, "This could only mean that meeting Isaac Carter won't be that easy... unless I overcome those forces." Her mom would be the first force, heh. "Lastly Kenaz represents forces or energies that give insight into the final outcome of the situation, and it generally symbolizes good energy, light and creation. So..." her head was tilted slightly to the side thoughtfully, "So my meeting Isaac Carter might actually be good and very.. promising." Finally the Prefect raised her gaze to look into the other Ravenclaw's.

Yep, so she was meeting Isaac Carter this summer, after a tough struggle and then get something good out of this meeting.

"What did you get?" It was Nigel's turn.

Originally Posted by TakemetotheBurrow

Ella smiled, happy she hadn't interrupted Nerida and that her friend was ready to share. Truthfully, she just wanted to get this over with. Besides, maybe Nerida could see things differently and offer Ella some advice on the situation or whatever. "I'm sure you did well, Nerida." The badger offered with a reassuring smile. "I'll share first, okay?" It would give Nerida a bit of a break since she had only just finished her work.

"So my question was about...whether or not my mom was ever going to come back...from where ever it is she disappeared to." And Ella looked down at her work, not wanting to look Nerida in the eyes at the moment. She was actually a bit embarrassed at having a mom that would do something like that. "The rune in the spot representing the past was Algiz. I took this to mean that my mom, no longer wanting to act as protector, up and left..." Shrug. It was the truth. "Next was Gebo in the Facet of Tomorrow spot. Gebo has to do with gifts and relationships and I think it has to do with the give and take between my mom and I and how if we don't work on that, I'll continue to experience the loneliness of not having her around." Which would be...awful, if she was being honest with herself. "Then was Sowilo in the distraction spot...which I think means if my mom continues to have success with her photography that she'll get preoccupied and forget all about us..." Frown. Because her mom had ultimately left to pursue her own dreams so if they went well, she would probably stay gone. "And lastly, Tiwaz was in the future spot. I guess I think this means that my mom needs to be able to rationally think about what she's done in order for her to return..." And another shrug from the second year. "I hope that made sense." She added, looking up from her parchment finally and giving Nerida a small smile. "Your turn."

Kurumi Hollingberry // Gryffindor // sixth year
Ancient Runes 3 - Diamond Spread interpretation

Question: Should I stop trying to reach out to him?

Facet of the Past : Kenaz
past events, feeling, and situations that are holding merit and influence over her current situation

Kenaz represents a positive energy, which I supposed I should be grateful for considering the question I am asking. However, I can't help but wonder if perhaps this rune is also saying that my naive optimism is the underlying influence to the situation. I do not see the human passion and lust as something literal - as I do not feel those things toward him anymore - but if I look at this from a different angle I think that this means that my intense desire to reach out and keep our connection is what has become my passion. If this rune is speaking about more than just me, then this means that he too wants to reach out or at least had the desire at one point to do so - hopefully still does.

Facet of Tomorrow : inverted Wunjo
the near future, and may give insight into forces affecting your next steps

The inverted meaning of Wunjo, specifically the loss of identity or an alienation of a close companion, is exactly how I have felt the entire term. Ever since he decided that he would never give me a second glance or speak to me again, I felt as though a piece of myself had been ripped from me and I was wondering down a path without a map. It didn't just alienate me from them, but from someone else who I never wanted to be alienated from. I almost lost this person because of these feelings, so I know how my feelings can affect my next steps. This is why I see this rune somewhat as a warning that if I am serious about reaching out that I need to be very careful and tread lightly. If not, then there will be more strife - just as the rune indicates in its meaning.

Faucet of Distraction : Berkano
forces which may block your path, or prevent you from achieving your goals

This rune may be the most obvious in its connection. I do not see this as something blocking me from moving forward, but more blocking him from meeting me on the path. New love, a new relationship. It is what caused the problem in the first place. Blocking me? Never. Not in the traditional sense of the word at least. Blocking the desired result, yes, I can see how it could be doing that. It is hard to find a solution when the cause is still there and will always be there.

Facet of the Future : inverted Perthro
forces or energies that give insight into the final outcome of the situation

At a first look this rune seems to have a very negative meaning and potential outcome, but the word display makes me think otherwise. What I hope this means is that if I keep trying but am a little more delicate and honest in my approach that things will work out. There are so many things that have been left unsaid which have made both of us make assumptions - false ones perhaps - and that those being revealed and the truth will be revealed. I don't see a real answer to my initial question here, but knowing the truth was also a part of why I have been reaching out. So, the chance that I can know the truth is enough for me to keep going.

Summary :

Driven by a desire to keep a connect, perhaps a shared desire, I must be wary to not let my emotions overwhelm me. My new relationship may prove to be a road block, and an unavoidable one, but if warnings are acknowledged then the truth will be revealed and false assumptions repaired.

Answer to question : No. Keep trying.

Originally Posted by TakemetotheBurrow

Ella listened as her friend offered comments about her interpretation, happy for the input. She nodded when Nerida suggested perhaps her mom didn't know HOW to be a protector. "Yeah, y'know I guess that could be true too." When her friend had finished commenting, Ella smiled. "It did? I'm glad. I erm...well sometimes this rune stuff can be a little confusing so I'm glad my reading wasn't rubbish." Oh and one more thing was needed, yeah? "Thanks for the feedback."

Now it was Ella's turn to listen and she frowned when she learned what Nerida's question was. Her mom...was really sick? That was quite sad. As Nerida continued on offering her interpretation, Ells did her best to comment and hope that what she added made sense. "I think that you could be right about Berkano, though it could also be that the 'new life' bit means the beginning of her illness." Did that sound like it could be true? Maybe. As for the Dagaz part, Ella really hoped Nerida wasn't right about her mother's cancer getting worse. That would be awful. "The Dagaz part, well I guess it probably does have something to do with your mom's illness but it might not be a bad thing, necessarily." She hoped she was reassuring the girl, really she did. Okay...and Jera was next for Nerida. "I know I read Jera couldn't be reversed...but maybe the obstacle for your mom will be the repetition of fighting...Not that she won't fight, just that she might be tired. Maybe it just means the people who love her should give her extra encouragement?" Ella hoped she wasn't being insensitive. She just really wanted to help Nerida with her reading by speaking truthfully. The second year BEAMED at the last part of the reading. "You're Sowilo interpretation sounds perfect...which I'm really happy about, by the way! I hope that she does get better. Honest." And the second year smiled, nodding her head. "Good job with the reading."

Nerida Eventide ★ Ravenclaw ★Third Year

The question I thought of when doing my diamond spread was, "Will my mother's cancer go away?" While focusing on my question I picked up my runes and pulled out the first rune. The first rune I pulled out was Berkano. Berkano was placed into the position, The Facet of the Past. When placed in this position the rune represents past events that may have importance on the current situation. Berkano represents the beginning of new life. It could mean when her mother's life began or when one of her children were born.

The next rune that I pulled out was Dagaz. Dagaz was placed in the Facet of Tomorrow. When in this position, the rune represents the near future, something that might be happening soon. Dagaz represents the dawn or awakening. Dagaz could mean that there might be some issues of her mom's cancer that become more aware or more observed or it could mean that her cancer has gotten more complex.

The third rune that I pulled out of the rune bag was Jera. Jera was placed in the Facet of Distraction. The rune in this position represents forces that might block a person's path. Jera represents the harvest or plenty. This may mean that a positive outcome may happen or the final motivation to 'finish' off the cancer so to speak. With the fight that she has to face my mom might feel tired and not have enough encouragement to keep fighting so the distraction of being tired would distract her from the fight that she has to face. Jera is a rune of patience, so my family and I should have patience with her.

The final rune that I withdrew from the bag was Sowilo. This rune was placed in the Facet of the Future. When placed into this position the rune represents forces that have to do with the final outcome of the situation. Sowilo represents the sun, which is a great source of energy and guidance. Sowilo indicates success. Sowilo also references health issues and healing. This rune could indicate that my mother will get better and have a successful recovery.

Dagaz references the most basic of all cycles: Night and Day. This powerful rune is a reminder of the cyclical nature of all things. What rises must fall. What increases must decrease. All things are interconnected and in a state of constant flux. Dagaz is the rune of awakening -- new worlds, new possibilities and new opportunities arise as others fade away. Day and night are (and will always be) in perfect proportion. There is balance in all things, celestial and material. Night has passed and a new day is beginning.

Balance and harmony reign supreme -- events will soon take a turn for the better. One has already crossed through a place of darkness and now a new day dawns.

A major transformation either spiritual or material, is occurring as the first light of a new day breaks over the horizon. Possibilities are everywhere.

If some rare cases, if success in a matter has been at hand for a long period of time, Dagaz may indicate a change to that cycle -- a new day which brings with it fundamental shift to underlying expectations.

More literal references here can also be to a time of day (the early morning), and to new business endeavors, new relationships and new pursuits.

i. Kenaz is the rune of light and knowledge, driving away darkness and ignorance and revealing hidden truth. This rune also brings forth images of friendship and comfort. Ken is the light of inspiration, the light of imagination, and a beacon in the darkest hours.

ii. Kenaz represents the brilliant flame of divine inspiration: Rebirth through sacrifice -- Creation through fire. This is the rune of the artisan, and often will frequently appear in readings for those engaged in artistic ventures or seeking creative solutions. New ideas shine brightly in the darkness. What was once gloomy is now brilliantly lit by the introduction of creativity, light-giving energy and radiant warmth. The torch of Kenaz represents illumination and an immense store of divine knowledge.

A solution to a long-standing issue. Clarification will come after a long struggle -- the solution will seem simple after the long struggle that has led up to it. Inspiration and the light of knowledge will pave the way for success in the current venture.

A sudden insight or enlightenment. A moment is coming when someone will realize their purpose, their entire reason for being. Something (or someone) will light the way to this path.

Enlightenment and clarity do not come without sacrifice. There is often a price to pay for solutions and knowledge. It will not be grievous but it will require that the individual give something up that is precious to them. Knowledge, like the apple of the book of Genesis, may carry a steep cost.

As the best defense is often a good offense, this rune symbolizes protection in all of its forms; both offense and defense, proactive and reactive. The appearance of this rune indicates the presence of a threat, and a need to guard against something. Algiz signals that this protection may be expected from an outside source in a conflict that is either forthcoming or is already ongoing.

Algiz also refers to spiritual defenses and the act of drawing upon inner strength to actively protect our emotional well-being and our immediate surroundings. Referenced here is our own internal system of checks and balances that makes up our conscience: The soul reaching to the realm of the divine as an act of spiritual and physical protection.

The more esoteric meanings of this complex rune aside, at its most basic level it symbolizes protection and helpful "brawn". A threat is indicated, but the individual will come to no harm.

Originally Posted by Anna Banana

Ugh.

Ancient Runes.

This class should be against the law. Really, it should. Speaking of what should happen, Sierra should really get started on this assignment. She approached a table and then reread the directions. This whole assignment would be better with a partner. Ancient Runes would be less boring, at least.

...but it looked like everyone had already found a partner. Hesitating, Sierra glanced around in search of someone to work with.