Above the Well
Beneath the Tree
The Web of Wyrd hangs bright before me
Hidden secrets, whispered might
Guide my hand to choose a’right.
Rune casting has long been used as a tool of oracular insight, divination, and healing. But there is a particular form of casting—known as the soul cloth reading—that allows us to journey even deeper. Rooted in Northern European soul lore, this method explores the many facets of the self: mind and memory, astral form, ancestral connection, personal power, and divine alignment.
The soul cloth is more than a layout—it is a map of the self, drawing from ancient Germanic soul concepts and weaving them into a modern tool for personal transformation. I developed the soul cloth based on extensive research into Norse, Icelandic, and Anglo-Saxon source texts, combining historical and esoteric understanding into a form that speaks to the seeker’s lived experience. Through this approach, rune reading becomes not only a way of seeking answers—but a practice of remembering who we are, healing what is hidden, and re-aligning with our greater purpose.
In this article, we’ll explore:
🔹 The soul lore behind the cloth layout
🔹 Real examples of how the runes speak through soul positions
🔹 How this form of reading supports both personal and professional growth
🔹 The deeper teachings available through the Awaken to the Runes programme
Whether you’re an experienced rune reader or just beginning your journey, the soul cloth offers a powerful lens through which to meet your inner self—and bring your magic home.
🧭 Table of Contents
This is a rich and detailed article—feel free to bookmark it and return as your journey with the runes unfolds.
🔍What is a soul cloth reading?
A soul cloth reading is a form of rune casting that maps the runes across a specially designed cloth representing different aspects of the soul. Unlike a general rune spread, this method speaks directly to the multidimensional self—illuminating patterns, wounds, gifts, and transformations that lie beneath the surface of daily awareness.
Each area of the cloth corresponds to a soul part drawn from Northern European lore. These include the Hugr (mind), Minni (memory), Hamr (astral form), Fetch (spirit companion), Hamingja (luck and power), Lyke (physical body), and Valkyrja (divine self), among others. By casting runes onto this map, we gain insight into how our soul is configured and where its energies are currently focused, blocked, or awakening.
This method is especially powerful for:
✨ Deepening self-awareness and healing
✨ Identifying inner conflicts and transformations in progress
✨ Reconnecting with ancestral and divine aspects of the self
✨ Supporting decision-making and soul-aligned action
Soul cloth readings are not about “fortune telling”—they are a mirror to the soul’s current state, a tool for reflection, and a guide for conscious transformation.
🌿 The Roots: Germanic Soul Lore
The Germanic understanding of the soul is both intricate and deeply resonant. Far from being a single, static entity, the soul was seen as a constellation of parts—each with its own nature, purpose, and connection to the wider world. These parts weren’t merely philosophical constructs; they were experienced as living aspects of the self, shaped by the threads of Wyrd, the guidance of the gods, and the fabric of community and ancestry.
Traditional soul lore includes concepts such as:
Hugr (mind or thought)
Minni (memory)
Hamr (shape or astral form)
Fylgja (fetch or spiritual companion)
Hamingja (luck and personal power)
Lyke (physical body)
Each of these soul parts offers a different window into our being—and each has its own place within the soul cloth. The layout draws on these historical roots while honouring the evolving needs of modern spiritual practitioners.
footnotes from the sage
There are other parts of the northern soul not covered in this article. Some are attested in a single tradition (such as the Anglo-Saxon), while others—like the hamr/hamron/hyde which all relate to the energy or astral body—are testified to across multiple cultures. The terminology and interpretations are diverse, and reflect the richness and variation of Northern European soul lore. This cloth presents a practical synthesis designed for meaningful engagement in personal and spiritual work.
Notably, the Valkyrija position on the soul cloth—representing the soul’s core essence or highest self—does not come from early source texts. Instead, it emerged through years of intuitive exploration and work with clients. While its name draws inspiration from the valkyries of Norse mythology, this position is not meant to depict a mythological being. Rather, it speaks to the part of us that is in direct relationship with the divine: our inner calling, our personal source of spiritual radiance, and our potential for sacred alignment.
For many readers, working with the Valkyrija has brought a sense of profound recognition and clarity. It acts as a lodestar within the soul cloth, illuminating the deeper journey of becoming. Like much of the Northern tradition, this is a living practice—one that invites both reverence for the old ways and courageous innovation rooted in experience.
🕸️ Anatomy of the Soul Cloth
The soul cloth is laid out as a sacred map—a woven field in which each rune cast reveals not only messages from the unseen but reflections of the inner self. Unlike generic spreads, each section on the soul cloth corresponds to a distinct soul part, inspired by Northern European cosmology and adapted for modern spiritual practice.
These positions are not arbitrary. Each one was chosen to reflect a specific way in which we experience being: from our physical vitality to our connection with memory, instinct, purpose, and divine will. Together, they form a complete picture of the self as understood within the Northern tradition—a self that is layered, dynamic, and deeply interwoven with community, ancestry, and spirit.
Here are the core positions of the soul cloth:
Hugr – The thinking mind: the quality of your thoughts, inner dialogue, and focus (red section on my cloth)
Minni – Memory: personal, ancestral, and collective memory and experience—what you carry, recall or need to reshape (white section on my cloth)
Wode – inspiration: passion, intuition, connection to spirit (dark blue crescent above)
Athem – the sacred breath: your ability to manifest your dreams into reality (blue crescent below)
- Lyke – The physical body: your vitality, wellness, sensory experience and physical manifestation of your soul (green crescent on the right)
Hamr/ hyde – The energetic shape or astral self: your etheric form, journeying self, aura, projected identity, and adaptability (purple crescent on the left)
- Fylgja/ fetch – the follower: your companion spirit, often seen as an animal or a being of light that accompanies you through life and connects you to deeper intuition and insight (blue crescent above the wode)
Hamingja – Luck and personal power: inherited gifts, momentum, and protective force (red, orange and yellow crescent)
Valkyrija – The core essence or soul’s highest self: your alignment with the divine, purpose, and sacred knowing (rainbow crescent)
Kin-fetch: clan/ family spirit: attached to groups but with particular powerful connection to group leaders; the job of the kin-fetch is to protect the original intentions woven into the promises made when a bonded group or organisation came into being (green and yellow outer crescent)
Disir – ancestral energy holding the divine feminine (disir) and ancestral connection more broadly, this zone of the cloth can indicate protection, wisdom and also healing opportunities (two narrow segments at edge of cloth)
Each of these positions has its own energetic resonance. When a rune lands on a particular point, it does more than speak—it sings to that part of the soul. The casting becomes a harmonic convergence of symbol and spirit, with the reader acting as interpreter, witness, and sometimes healer.
In practice, the layout allows for nuanced readings. A powerful rune like Thurisaz in the Hamr position may speak of a protective transformation of identity, while the same rune in the Minni position could suggest a deep ancestral wounding or inherited pattern that is now being activated or resolved.
Just as no two runes are the same, no two soul cloth readings are the same. Over time, readers often develop a personal relationship with their cloth—seeing it not just as a tool, but as a living artefact of their magical path.
🔮 Case Study: A Rune Reading in Practice
To bring the soul cloth to life, let’s walk through a real-world example of a rune reading using this layout. The client in this case was navigating a period of deep transition—feeling disconnected from her sense of purpose, creatively blocked, and uncertain about a significant life decision. She wanted to understand not just what to do, but who she was becoming.
I invoked the Disir (protective circle) and the Nornir (fate circle) as the best soul-guides for this type of reading. I used a casting method, allowing the runes to fall naturally across the soul cloth.
Mind and Memory
The centre of the cloth depicts Mind (the red half of the central circle) and Memory (the white half). Many readers will recognise the mythic echo of Huginn and Muninn, Odin’s ravens who personify thought and memory. In Old Norse, mind is called hugr (related to OE hyge) and memory minni—you can see the linguistic relationship.
You might remember me talking about my own encounter with the ravens during my work with the Algiz rune. That journey revealed that healing was needed in the realm of memory: I needed to release old illness patterns held in past experience.
In this particular reading, however, it was Mind that was most active. My client had asked for insight around romantic relationships, and the Ehwaz rune—symbol of partnership—was sitting upside-down right at the centre of her thoughts. Around it, Fehu reversed (instability), Wunjo on its side (unfulfilled joy), and Dagaz above (the potential for breakthrough).
The message here? There was desire and intensity, but something deeper was obstructing the more stabilising influences of Fehu and Wunjo. Ehwaz asks us to partner with the shadow as well as the light—so the reading pointed to a dynamic that was stirring powerful feelings but not delivering lasting nourishment.
Sweeping my hand over the cloth, I felt the energy flowing up toward Dagaz. A threshold was near, but not yet passed. Raidho, further down the Mind circle, hinted that a journey—literal or symbolic—might catalyse the shift. My client later shared she was preparing for a trip, and we both sensed that the space and perspective of travel might help her navigate toward the transformation Dagaz offered.
The three runes at the top of Mind were originally face-down. I’ll come back to them in a moment.
Wode – Immediate Connection to the Divine
The dark blue crescent above Mind and Memory is the realm of Wode: divine insight and sacred breath. Its name links to Odin and the experience of receiving guidance from the unseen—dreams, omens, and intuitive nudges that feel like someone trying to get your attention (often because they are).
Here, two runes appeared: Othala and Thurisaz.
Othala—ancestry, inheritance, legacy—was perched just above the partnership runes. It suggested that my client consider what her ancestors might counsel, and how her choices affect future generations. Wisdom from the dead, and care for the not-yet-born, could provide powerful clarity.
Thurisaz, meanwhile, sat above the three mystery runes in Mind. My sense was that these runes represented parts of the self my client was currently ignoring. When turned, they revealed Uruz (strength), Algiz (protection), and Kenaz (creativity).
Together, they suggested a root frustration: my client may have felt powerless or creatively blocked—not seeing these qualities clearly in herself. I encouraged her to observe moments of anger or irritation not as problems, but as invitations. Where does the fire want to go? What truth is trying to break through? By honouring the parts of herself she had sidelined, she could transmute frustration into fuel.
Astral Body – Jera in the Hamr
The hamr (or hyde in Old English) refers to the astral or shape body—how we appear in dreams or spiritual journeys, and the energy we project into the world. It’s often the source of first impressions and gut-level responses.
In this reading, Jera sat at the base of the Hamr. This rune speaks of natural cycles and patient transformation. It suggested that my client’s self-image was evolving—especially in relation to her career—and that this shift would take time to unfold, likely over the course of a year.
This message echoed the appearance of Mannaz in the Valkyrja, which I’ll speak to next.
Valkyrja – The Highest Self
The rainbow segment of the soul cloth represents the Valkyrja: the divine core, or highest self. You might liken it to the Holy Guardian Angel, the anima/animus, or any spiritual essence that guides us toward wholeness. As I said earlier, this is a modern concept but it does attune well to the part of ourselves that travels through multiple lifetimes – perhaps the strongest part of us most attuned to the Valkyrie who seek the heroes of the age.
At the very centre of this segment lay Mannaz—the rune of humanity, identity, and belonging. As I gazed at the cloth, I saw my client cradled in the arms of the divine. A deep reassurance came through: that the transformations she was undergoing—particularly in her career—were aligned with her greater purpose.
Mannaz also confirmed her gift for connection. She was a communicator, a bridge-builder, someone who could hold and reflect the values of her community. I reminded her of the three runes in Mind: strength, protection, and creativity. These were not lost—just waiting to be seen.
Gebo – Gift, Exchange, and the Interwoven Self
At the heart of the cloth, where several soul aspects intersect, we find the rune Gebo—the rune of gift-giving, reciprocity, and sacred exchange. This placement is profoundly significant, as it touches the Fetch (personal spirit ally), Kin-Fetch (clan or ancestral spirit), Hamingja (luck and personal power), and Lyke (the physical body).
The presence of Gebo here indicated that my client’s strength comes through relationship—through the acts of giving and receiving, connecting, and showing up in community. It was a beautiful affirmation of what had already emerged through other runes, particularly Mannaz in the Valkyrja position: she is a connector, a communicator, a weaver of bonds.
I shared that the positioning of Gebo suggested a harmony between body, spirit, and ancestry—and that her wellbeing is nourished when she is in flow with her values. We spoke about the importance of maintaining that balance: not only giving, but allowing herself to receive.
There was no strong indication of block or warning here. Rather, the reading encouraged my client to continue her path with trust—especially in relation to her career. Gebo reminded us that her future work would thrive through authenticity, mutual support, and a deep honouring of the sacred web she is part of.
🌀 Laguz in the Realm of the Fetch
The Fetch—sometimes called the fylgja, wode-animal, or power animal—is a deeply personal spirit presence. Often experienced in animal form, it mirrors the vitality and emotional well-being of the individual it is bound to. When our energy is strong, the Fetch moves with power; when we are depleted or overwhelmed, its spirit dims as well. Working with the Fetch allows us to understand ourselves at a primal, intuitive level.
In this reading, the rune Laguz reversed appeared in the turquoise segment associated with the Fetch. Laguz governs flow, intuition, and the deep currents of the subconscious. Reversed, it suggested a blockage in emotional expression—perhaps a sadness that was being carried quietly and not yet fully acknowledged.
Its placement on the edge of the Valkyrja segment hinted that the message of reassurance from Mannaz (discussed earlier) was connected to this deeper, hidden sadness. There was healing available—both from within and through divine support—but my client would need to be willing to look gently at what had been buried.
We agreed that future work together would include a power retrieval to establish a more conscious relationship with her Fetch. This would support her in navigating the emotional terrain shown by Laguz, and strengthen the bond with her own vital spirit.
🔚 Concluding Thoughts on the Reading
This case study has explored many of the soul positions on the cloth—but it’s important to note that other aspects of the reading were not covered here. The soul cloth is a richly layered tool, and every rune cast upon it speaks to a unique combination of the soul’s many dimensions.
Soul lore is an incredibly rich field, full of nuance, mystery, and ancestral wisdom. Each individual reading becomes a doorway into deep personal insight, often catalysing transformation, healing, and self-discovery. No two readings are the same—because no two souls are the same.
If this glimpse into one person’s reading has sparked something in you, know that the soul cloth holds space for your journey too.
✨ Your Next Steps
This case study has explored many of the soul positions on the cloth—but it’s important to note that other aspects of the reading were not covered here. The soul cloth is a richly layered tool, and every rune cast upon it speaks to a unique combination of the soul’s many dimensions.
Soul lore is an incredibly rich field, full of nuance, mystery, and ancestral wisdom. Each individual reading becomes a doorway into deep personal insight, often catalysing transformation, healing, and self-discovery. No two readings are the same—because no two souls are the same.
If this glimpse into one person’s reading has sparked something in you, know that the soul cloth holds space for your journey too.
🌀 Want to explore further? Soul lore is a core element in several of my training programmes:
In Awaken to the Runes, you’ll learn how to work with the soul cloth in depth, using it as a tool for transformational healing and spiritual insight.
In Yggdrasil’s Path, my shamanic training, we work directly with soul lore to develop and strengthen the self as soul-healer, edge-walker, and dream-weaver.
The path of the soul is deep, beautiful, and worth every step.
📚 References and Further Reading
Grimnisson, Ruark. Rune Rede: Wisdom for the Life Journey. Capall Bann, 2000.
Gundarsson, Kvedulf. Teutonic Magic. Thoth Publications, 2007.
Paxson, Diana L. Taking Up the Runes: A Complete Guide to Using Runes in Spells, Rituals, Divination, and Magic. Weiser, 2005.
Davidson, H.R. Ellis. Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. Penguin, 1964.
Blain, Jenny. Nine Worlds of Seid-Magic: Ecstasy and Neo-Shamanism in North European Paganism. Routledge, 2002.
Price, Neil. The Viking Way: Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavia. Oxbow Books, 2019.
