The Community Rune Circle is a space for deepening our relationship with the runes and exploring their wisdom through collective practice. Today we’re trying a powerful reading I offered in a class at Imbolc gifted by Heimdallr, the god of intuitive knowledge. This method, the Nine Mothers Rune Reading, offers a profound way to connect with the rhythms of the year and the energies of the divine.
This blog post outlines the reading method we used so that you can try it yourself. If you’d like to explore it further with a supportive community, join us for the next Community Rune Circle session!
The Gift of Heimdallr: Intuition
Heimdallr, known as the guardian of the Rainbow Bridge, challenges us to embrace intuitive knowledge. In this reading, we draw on his wisdom, understanding that sometimes the clearest insights emerge when we allow ourselves to be immersed in complexity. Rather than overthinking, we let the runes speak to us beyond the limits of rational analysis.
The Nine Mothers Rune Reading is a yearly forecast spread, offering insight into the unfolding energies of the coming months. It is inspired by Heimdallr’s nine mothers—who appear in different legends as the daughters of Aegir and Rán, the great ocean waves, or as powerful giantesses. These primal forces guide us through cycles of change, inviting us to work intuitively with our runes.
Setting up your reading
You will need:
A set of runes
A piece of paper
A pen
1. Draw your layout
Before drawing your runes, sketch a simple layout on your paper:
One central circle in the middle (this represents your Theme Rune for the Year)
Eight outer circles around it, like spokes on a wheel (these represent the seasonal energies for the year ahead)
Each position corresponds to a point on the Wheel of the Year:
Imbolc (New Beginnings)
Spring Equinox (Growth & Awakening)
Beltane (Passion & Expansion)
Summer Solstice (Strength & Illumination)
Lunasa (Harvest & Preparation)
Autumn Equinox (Balance & Reflection)
Samhain (Endings & Transformation)
Winter Solstice (Deep Rest & Renewal)
2. Number your positions intuitively
Rather than placing the numbers in a set order, Heimdallr invites you to follow your intuition. Number the circles 1 to 9 in any order that feels right to you. This is important when it comes to interpreting your spread so don’t miss this step.
3. Invite Heimdallr and the Nine Mothers
Close your eyes and visualize a rainbow forming before you, its colors shimmering and merging. Imagine stepping into its radiance, letting it flow through you. This is Heimdallr’s gift—intuitive knowledge beyond words.
Now, picture the waves of the Nine Mothers crashing on the shore. Feel their presence in the ocean, in the cliffs, in the wild landscapes of the North. They bring forth the energies that will shape your year ahead.
4. Draw your runes
Select nine runes, one at a time, and place them on your layout.
Leave them face down at first, allowing the reading to unfold step by step.
5. Reveal & Interpret
Turn over your central rune first—this is your Theme Rune for the Year.
Then, gradually reveal the seasonal runes, allowing their messages to emerge.
Observe any reversed runes—these may indicate deeper lessons, challenges, or hidden aspects.
Feel into the symbolism of the waves and their connection to the giantesses—what intuitive insights arise?
The Nine Wave Energies
Each position in the spread aligns with an energy gifted by the Nine Mothers:
Retreat – Solitude and reflection
Rebel – The spirit of resistance and change
Rise – Stepping into personal power
Rebirth – Transformation and renewal
Roar – Speaking truth, claiming space
Replenish – Restoring strength
Remember – Honoring wisdom and ancestors
Reign – Owning sovereignty and purpose
Revel – Celebrating joy and vitality
Your runes interact with these energies to shape the story of your year. The visual above gives you the name of the two mothers who stepped forward as patrons for each theme. Working with them will offer further insights into the theme for that part of your coming cycle.
Reflections from the Circle
During our session last time participants uncovered powerful themes:
One person’s Theme Rune was Raido, the rune of the journey, perfectly aligning with their year of travel and change.
Another drew Uruz under the energy of Rebel, signifying a deep reconnection with primal vitality and personal strength.
Many found that their Imbolc rune provided immediate insight into their current state of being, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
This reading is rich, layered, and continues to reveal its wisdom throughout the year. It is not meant to be read all at once but lived with, reflected on, and revisited as the seasons turn.
Join Us in the Community Rune Circle
This method is just one of the many explorations we undertake in the Community Rune Circle. If you’d like to experience readings and other rune practices in a live session, discuss your runes with others, and deepen your practice, join us for the next gathering!
Click on the button below to see the next dates and join my member’s subscription Sunna’s Star Wheel.
If you try the Nine Mothers Rune Reading, let us know how it resonates! Share your experiences in the comments or bring them to the next Circle session.
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