Runes are symbols possessing magickal, mystical, and divinatory properties. Runes are letters belonging to magick alphabets. Rune is often translated as mystery. The earliest known runes date back to 8000 BCE. ☙ Runes are a divination system ☙ Runes are an alphabet (each rune has a name and sound; it can be spoken aloud). ☙ Runes are a source of magickal power and a component of many spells. ☙ Runes are a conduit to spirits. Specific runes are identified with specific spirits. Thus the rune named Teiwaz, which looks like an arrow, this rune represents the Norse deity Tyr. (Exactly which rune is affiliated with which spirit may be subject to debate.)