An Ancient Rune Raising Ritual: Incorporating Norse Traditions in Modern Ceremonies

When award-winning celebrant Miranda Ash recently introduced us to the ancient practice of Rune Raising through a remarkable Norse Pagan wedding at Berkeley Castle, we were captivated by this powerful ritual that hadn’t been performed in the UK for centuries. The ceremony, which formed the breathtaking conclusion to Mel and Justin’s Viking-inspired celebration, sparked our interest in how these ancient traditions can be meaningfully incorporated into modern celebrant-led ceremonies.

In this article, we explore the fascinating history and symbolism behind Rune Raising, offering practical guidance for couples and celebrants who wish to incorporate Norse traditions into their ceremonies. As we’ve seen through Mel and Justin’s Norse Pagan wedding, these ancient rituals can create profound moments of connection that bridge past and present.

What is a Rune Raising Ritual?

A Rune Raising ritual is a sacred Norse ceremony where specially selected runic symbols are carved into stone and ceremonially unveiled or “raised.” Unlike simple inscriptions, each rune invokes specific energies and intentions for the couple’s marriage. This powerful ancient practice creates a permanent spiritual bond that continues to manifest these intentions throughout their union. Not thought to have been performed in the UK for centuries, this ritual connects couples to profound Norse Pagan traditions while establishing a unique metaphysical foundation for their marriage.

The Sacred History of Runes

Beyond Letters: The Spiritual Essence of Runes

In Norse tradition, runes are far more than a simple alphabet or writing system—they are living symbols imbued with profound spiritual power and cosmic significance. Each rune contains an entire universe of meaning, representing not just sounds but fundamental forces that shape reality itself. These sacred symbols serve as bridges between the physical and spiritual realms, carrying the very essence of the concepts they represent.

When a rune is carved, it doesn’t merely spell a word; it actively invokes the power associated with that symbol. This is why a Rune Raising isn’t simply creating a message—it’s a sacred act that channels specific energies into the physical world, manifesting intentions through ancient wisdom.

Origins in Norse Mythology

This deeper understanding of runes is illustrated in the powerful myth of Odin’s sacrifice. According to legend, Odin, the All-Father, hung himself from the world tree Yggdrasil for nine days and nights, pierced by his own spear, all to perceive the meaning of the runes. This extreme ordeal—willingly endured by the chief of gods himself—demonstrates the immense value placed on runic knowledge.

Through his suffering, Odin didn’t simply learn a writing system; he gained access to the metaphysical foundations of reality. This powerful story illustrates how the Vikings viewed runes not as mere letters, but as primordial symbols carrying inherent magical properties that preceded and transcended human communication.

Odin’s sacrifice to obtain runic knowledge is recounted in the Hávamál (Words of the High One):

“Runes you will find, and readable staves,
Very strong staves, Very stout staves,
Staves that Bolthor stained, Made by mighty powers,
Graven by the prophetic god…”

This profound connection between runes and divine wisdom explains why the Rune Raising ritual holds such spiritual significance. When a couple chooses to raise a rune stone during their ceremony, they’re participating in a tradition that echoes through the centuries, connecting them to this ancient quest for deeper understanding.

The practice of raising runestones reached its height in the 11th century as the Viking Age began to wane, perhaps indicating a desire to preserve cultural identity during a time of change—a sentiment that resonates with many couples who incorporate these traditions today.

The Runic Alphabets (Futharks)

The term “futhark” comes from the first six letters of the runic alphabet (similar to how our word “alphabet” derives from “alpha” and “beta”). There are several variations of futharks that evolved through history:

• Elder Futhark: The oldest complete runic system, dating back to around 400 CE, containing 24 runes. Recent discoveries like the Svingerud Stone suggest runic use may date back to the time of Christ.
• Younger Futhark: Used during the Viking Age (793-1066 CE), this streamlined system had only 16 runes. Despite having fewer symbols, it actually accommodated a more complex language evolution, with each rune serving multiple phonetic purposes.

The reduction in the number of runes didn’t indicate simplification but rather adaptation to the evolving Norse language. Younger Futhark can be further divided into “long branch” runes (used for formal inscriptions, especially in Denmark) and “short twig” runes (a faster, cursive-like style popular in Norway and Sweden).

The Rune Raising Ritual: A Ceremonial Guide

The Rune Raising ritual that Miranda Ash reintroduced at Mel and Justin’s wedding had not been performed in the UK for hundreds of years. This ancient ceremony creates a permanent monument to a couple’s union, symbolising the enduring nature of their commitment. Here’s how this meaningful ritual typically unfolds:

Preparation and Materials

• The Stone: Traditionally, a flat stone or slab (Mel and Justin used Irish limestone) large enough to carve several runes
• Carving Tools: Historically, metal chisels would be used, though modern ceremonies often use pre-carved stones
• Rune Selection: Couples select 4-6 runes that hold special meaning for their relationship and future intentions
• Ritual Space: A defined ceremonial area, often marked in a circle

The Ceremonial Structure

Drawing from historical practices and Miranda’s adaptation for Mel and Justin’s wedding, a Rune Raising ceremony typically follows these steps:

1. Closing the Circle

The celebrant begins by walking the perimeter of the ceremonial space, symbolically sealing the edges with dramatic gestures using a staff or wand. This creates a sacred space separate from the ordinary world, where the magical work of the ritual can take place.

2. Invoking Power

The celebrant introduces the realm of the runes, explaining their connection to the cosmos and any specific deities or forces relevant to the couple. In longer ceremonies, participants might each state their name and add their energy to the ritual, building collective power.

The celebrant might say: “We stand now between worlds, in the presence of the ancient powers that govern wisdom and fate. We call upon the spirit of Odin, who sacrificed himself to gain the knowledge of these sacred symbols, to witness this binding of two souls through the raising of runes.”

3. Stating Intentions

The core of the ceremony involves declaring the purpose of each rune selected. For each rune, the celebrant follows a traditional formula:

“I call upon [rune name], the [epithet/meaning], the Rune of [attribute]. With this rune I [action], with this rune I [attribute desired for the marriage], that [desired outcome]. With my will I work this. So let it be spoken, so let it be done.”

For example:

“I call upon Wunjo, the Rune of Joy. With this rune I bind happiness to your union, with this rune I celebrate the delight you find in each other, that your days together may be filled with laughter and light. With my will I work this. So let it be spoken, so let it be done.”

This is repeated for each chosen rune, with explanations of why each symbol is appropriate for the couple’s particular relationship and aspirations.

4. The Physical Raising

The ceremonial unveiling or raising of the stone represents the manifestation of intentions into physical reality. The couple together reveals the carved runestone to their witnesses, often placing it in a position of honour where it will remain throughout the celebration (and potentially in their home afterwards).

5. Closing the Ritual

The celebrant concludes with a declaration such as: “It is over, it is done!” often accompanied by striking the ground with a staff. The closing sequence involves:

• Dispersing any remaining power
• Thanking all contributors and powers invoked
• Opening the circle to return to ordinary space and time

Symbolic Meaning for Modern Couples

The Rune Raising ritual carries powerful significance for couples today:

• Permanence: Just as runestones have endured for centuries, the ritual symbolises the lasting nature of marriage
• Written Intention: The carved runes physically manifest the couple’s commitments and hopes
• Historical Connection: Participants connect with ancestors and ancient wisdom traditions
• Community Witness: The raised runestone stands as a public declaration of commitment
• Personal Legacy: The couple creates their own monument that can be displayed in their home

Incorporating Rune Raising into Modern Ceremonies

For couples interested in incorporating this powerful ritual into their celebration, here are practical considerations:

Finding the Right Celebrant

Not every celebrant will be familiar with Norse traditions and rune lore. Look for celebrants like Miranda Ash who:

• Have experience with or interest in historical ceremonies
• Are willing to research and understand the cultural context
• Can adapt ancient practices respectfully for modern contexts
• Are comfortable with the theatrical elements of ritual magic

Personalising Your Rune Selection: Invoking Specific Powers

The Elder Futhark contains 24 runes, each embodying specific cosmic forces that can be called upon to bless and strengthen a marriage. When selecting runes for your ceremony, remember that you are not choosing mere symbols but inviting particular energies to become active participants in your union. Some particularly powerful runes for wedding ceremonies include:

• Gebo (ᚷ) – More than just “gift,” Gebo embodies the sacred balance of giving and receiving in a relationship. It activates the energies of reciprocity and mutual sacrifice that sustain lasting partnerships.
• Wunjo (ᚹ) – Beyond simple “joy,” Wunjo creates a protective energetic field of harmony and well-being around the couple, establishing their home as a sanctuary of happiness.
• Ehwaz (ᛖ) – While literally representing a horse, this rune manifests the spiritual power of two beings moving as one. It fosters deep trust and helps souls travel together through life’s journey.
• Berkana (ᛒ) – This rune channels the fertility goddess Berca’s energy, not just for childbearing but for nurturing all new beginnings and growth within the relationship.
• Algiz (ᛉ) – Acting as a spiritual shield, Algiz creates divine protection around the marriage and opens channels of communication with higher realms.
• Dagaz (ᛞ) – Representing the breakthrough of dawn, this rune initiates transformative awakening, helping the couple continually discover new dimensions of themselves and each other.

Couples should approach rune selection with reverence, understanding that they are not just choosing symbols that represent their values, but actively inviting these primordial forces to participate in and shape their marriage.

Practical Considerations

• Stone Preparation: Commission a stone carver in advance or use a pre-carved stone that can be unveiled during the ceremony
• Location: Consider whether your venue will allow the raising or placing of stones on their property
• Time Requirements: Allocate 10-15 minutes within your ceremony for this ritual to unfold with proper gravitas
• Guest Involvement: Consider how to help guests understand the significance of the ritual, perhaps through ceremony booklets or a brief explanation

Combining with Other Norse Elements

As seen in Mel and Justin’s wedding, Rune Raising pairs beautifully with other Norse traditions:

• Handfasting: Binding hands with cords to symbolise unity
• Mead Blessing: Sharing honey wine from a ceremonial horn
• Ring Warming: Passing wedding rings among guests for blessings
• Sword Exchange: Symbolising protection and trust

Meet Miranda Ash: Reviving Ancient Traditions

When Miranda Ash researched and performed the Rune Raising ritual for Mel and Justin’s Berkeley Castle wedding, she was reviving a practice that hadn’t been seen in the UK since the early 12th century. As an award-winning celebrant with a passion for history, Miranda exemplifies how modern celebrants can bridge ancient traditions with contemporary ceremonies.

“I’m a bit of a history geek,” Miranda admits, “which comes in handy when I’m researching ancient rituals and traditions for ceremonies.” Her dedication to authenticity and meaningful symbolism meant diving deep into Norse mythology and practices to ensure the Rune Raising was both historically informed and personally relevant for the couple.

What made this particular ceremony so special was the careful balance between historical accuracy and personal meaning. While staying true to the ritual’s roots, Miranda ensured that every element reflected Mel and Justin’s unique journey and beliefs.

Creating Your Own Norse-Inspired Ceremony: Working with Sacred Powers

If you’re drawn to the rich symbolism and powerful traditions of Norse culture, consider that incorporating elements like Rune Raising into your ceremony means engaging with genuine spiritual forces that have been revered for millennia. This is not simply adopting aesthetic elements or cultural motifs—it’s entering into relationship with ancient energies that continue to resonate in our world today.

A Rune Raising ceremony offers:

• Spiritual Activation: Not just connecting with ancestral wisdom, but actively invoking ancestral powers to bless and strengthen your union
• Living Symbolism: Creating not just meaningful moments, but establishing ongoing energetic anchors that continue to work in your lives long after the ceremony concludes
• Transformative Ritual: Establishing sacred practices that can be revisited throughout your marriage, each time deepening your connection to the metaphysical forces embodied in the runes
• Authentic Spiritual Path: Moving beyond conventional traditions to embrace a genuine spiritual framework that honors both ancient wisdom and your unique journey together

A celebrant-led ceremony offers the freedom to incorporate these historical elements while ensuring they remain personally meaningful and authentic to your relationship. From selecting runes that represent your unique journey together to adapting ancient rituals for modern sensibilities, working with a knowledgeable celebrant can help you navigate these rich traditions.

Ready to explore how Norse traditions like Rune Raising could be incorporated into your ceremony? The Celebrant Directory features celebrants like Miranda Ash who specialise in creating unique, culturally rich ceremonies that honour both ancient wisdom and modern love.

Find Your Perfect Celebrant Now

Ancient wisdom, modern love—your ceremony can honour both.

Photo credit – Adam & Lucy Drake

Bride and Groom – Mel and Justin

Celebrant – Miranda Ash – Celebrations for All