Runes: is playing as a fortuneteller wrong?

[RosaryGirl_777]

I’m thinking about playing as as a rune reader at the Renaissances fair next year. I don’t believe in runes & would be doing it solely for entertainment. (We would have it posted for entertainment only)
Is it wrong to play as a fortuneteller at a Renaissances fair?

 

[NPC]

Although I don’t know much about Runic Divination, it is an occult practice, and as such is one that one should be at least very cautious about approaching. Do you know if you would actually have to read runes (i.e. play the part authentically)? If so, then I know that I would think twice about taking that part in the fair. As you say, you don’t believe in the power of runes and would play the part of rune reader for entertainment purposes only. However, the thing is, like any other occult practice, you don’t know what or who you’re playing with. As I see it, the Devil and his helpers are not choosy- believer and unbeliever alike are open to attack at any time, but through the occult one gives an open invitation for evil forces to come into one’s life. If, on the other hand, you would not actually have to become involved in reading the runes - only that you would appear to do so - then I don’t think there would be a problem.

 

[RosaryGirl_777]

I did a little research on runes just to see what they are about heres what I found. Runes are a from of alphabet which were used by parts of Europe, Germany, Scandinavia, Sweden & largely used by the vikings. The earliest runic inscriptions date from around 150 AD, and the alphabet was generally replaced by the Latin alphabet with Christianization by around 700 AD in central Europe and by around 1100 AD in Scandinavia;. Some people used Runes for divination or magic spells, but form what I can tell no one really knows what the original meanings of the runes are. No documents of the original meanings for runes used in divination or how to interpret them exists. Makes me wonder if people didn’t just make up means? After Finding this out Runes seem to be more of a parlor trick & acting then divination, though I could be wrong. After finding this site ifate.com/rune_index.html I couldn’t help but to laugh at how vague & kind of silly it is. Each rune has it own meaning, but the funny part is that the meanings are so broad & vague that you could make it mean any thing want.
It kind of looks like someone just made up meanings for each rune so that they wouldn’t rune out of ideas when telling fortunes. (But I could be wrong, every one says I have a weird way of looking at things so who knows) Either way I wouldn’t be giving real reading I might learn some the meanings of the runes just in case I run out of ideas. Or I might just make every thing I say up on the spot.

 

[Starwynd]

any divination is a form of witchcraft, and therefore a no-no.

Those who study evil are studied by evil.

 

[Angels_Unaware]

I know what Runes are. Are you going to be casting them, or just playing a theatrical character?

I guess you could think of the issue like this. Would you be comfortable dressing up as a witch? If so, then there is no difference between that and “dressing up as” and “playing” a Rune reader.

On the other hand, if what you will do will involve actually casting the runes, (especially if anyone has ever used them for divination before) then you open the door to great evil just by touching them.

A lot depends on how heavily the runes have been used before.

There are spirits that become attached to items used in divination and magic in a way that is analogous to holy items being blessed by priests, but of course a blessed item carries the anointing of the Holy Spirit and an item used for other spiritual purposes carries negative, demonic energy.

 

[Jefe_Wyatt]

I have been to many Renaissance fairs, and you are correct, RosaryGirl. All of that stuff is simply exaggerated acting. The runes have their own meanings, but these meanings are more broad than your average newspaper horoscope. It sounds like a fun, harmless activity and I assure you no harm will come to you because of it.

 

[Angels_Unaware]

I have been to many Renaissance fairs, and you are correct, RosaryGirl. All of that stuff is simply exaggerated acting. The runes have their own meanings, but these meanings are more broad than your average newspaper horoscope. It sounds like a fun, harmless activity and I assure you no harm will come to you because of it.

It isn’t true that the only people you meet at Ren fairs are cold readers or actors.

 

[Jefe_Wyatt]

It isn’t true that the only people you meet at Ren fairs are cold readers or actors.

Hmmm, ok fair enough. Some may truly believe they are reading these runes, but I have yet to see one that was at all accurate.

 

[Angels_Unaware]

rosarygirl_777:

Runes seem to be more of a parlor trick & acting then divination, though I could be wrong.

I just want to point this out- anything can be used to divine. The object or item itself is not really the issue, it is how it is used. The Bible is used for divination by some people (open the book and point to answer questions). Divination happens when you create symbols that represent real experiences and people and then interpret a symbol pattern. Parlor tricks happen when people “cold read” and play games based on general knowledge and guessing… and there is nothing wrong with that if you are not deliberately deceiving anyone.

 

[RosaryGirl_777]

I know what Runes are. Are you going to be casting them, or just playing a theatrical character?

I guess you could think of the issue like this. Would you be comfortable dressing up as a witch? If so, then there is no difference between that and “dressing up as” and “playing” a Rune reader.

On the other hand, if what you will do will involve actually casting the runes, (especially if anyone has ever used them for divination before) then you open the door to great evil just by touching them.

A lot depends on how heavily the runes have been used before.

There are spirits that become attached to items used in divination and magic in a way that is analogous to holy items being blessed by priests, but of course a blessed item carries the anointing of the Holy Spirit and an item used for other spiritual purposes carries negative, demonic energy.

I would like to use a prop to make the act look cooler. (any thing but tarot cards they really give me the creeps, even new ones) I now what you mean about evil spirits getting attached to items. That’s why i asked my other question about having runes blessed. (new ones not used ones) There is no way I’d touch runes that some one has used, too creepy/dangerous. If I did get a set of runes I would either make them my self or buy them new in the package from the gemstone/rock store (surprisingly the store is not a new age or pagan store they just sell any thing made out of gemstone or rocks. Any thing you can think of. they try to have things for every one so I’m sure they would have runes. its a whole sell store so I don’t think many people would have even touched them, I wouldn’t buy them unless they were in the package) I would really like to have them blessed that way they should be ok to (fake) use. But Like others have said it may not be a good idea. Since there not Christian & some people use them for real.

As far as casting them if i did this I would act like I was casting them, but really I would just be laying them on the table & then making up stuff that sounds good.(nothing that would hurt someone feels or make them freak out, just fluffy stuff) I might learn what some of the runes mean to help me get an idea of what kind of things to make up. & to help me sound mysterious & vague.

 

[RosaryGirl_777]

I have been to many Renaissance fairs, and you are correct, RosaryGirl. All of that stuff is simply exaggerated acting. The runes have their own meanings, but these meanings are more broad than your average newspaper horoscope. It sounds like a fun, harmless activity and I assure you no harm will come to you because of it.

Ya I know its really funny how broad & vague the meanings are its like someone made up rune divination just to help them to make up things to say. (Which may not be true I don’t know)

 

[RosaryGirl_777]

I just want to point this out- anything can be used to divine. The object or item itself is not really the issue, it is how it is used. The Bible is used for divination by some people (open the book and point to answer questions). Divination happens when you create symbols that represent real experiences and people and then interpret a symbol pattern. Parlor tricks happen when people “cold read” and play games based on general knowledge and guessing… and there is nothing wrong with that if you are not deliberately deceiving anyone.

Thanks for this explanation this really helps to answer my question.

 

[Gertabelle]

I’m surprised that no one here has mentioned the danger to those for whom you’d be doing the “reading.”

In my many years away from the Church, and subsequently away from Christianity all together, I knew many, many people who believed in and used tarot cards, runes, and the like – and I used them myself.

People who pay money to have someone do a “reading” for them are not giving you $10 for a five minute “show.” Most of them are hoping you tell them something wonderful and useful, even if they say they’re just doing it for fun. And those who really believe this stuff will be listening to you to see if you’re “good” or not. And if, by chance (or by the evil one’s seeing your usefulness), you say something accurate to one of these believers in divination, they may want to come back and get more readings, believing you to be an intuitive and authentic source of information. And they will not be giving glory to the One True God for this information!

My point is, those who hear something they feel is accurate, or hear something they really want to hear, are not going to care that there’s a sign saying “for entertainment purposes only.” They’ll just figure the sign is there for legal reasons, to protect you from lawsuits. And any good they get will not be attributed to the power of God, but to the power of spirits, intuition, or worse.

And heaven forbid anyone should find out that the “rune girl” is a Catholic who also has the handle of “Rosary Girl”! What kind of example and guidance does that give someone outside of the faith or weak in their faith?

Look, if you were playing the part of a fortune teller in a play, it would be different. But you will be taking on a “real life” role with people who don’t want to believe you’re acting. Your faith gives you the ability to see how ridiculous such things are, but to those who have not accepted God’s gift of faith, you may represent the truth not of Jesus Christ, but of the occult. Is that really a role you want to play?

And one final thing… as ridiculous as you know this stuff is (thanks be to God!), are you willing to accept the responsibility for others being led astray?

My time outside of the Church was a time of such confusion and loneliness and searching in all the wrong places. I wish the “readers” I had gone to would have told me to repent, get a copy of the Catechism, and pray the Rosary.

God bless you, dear one!

Gertie

 

[Adoro_Te_Devote]

I agree with the poster just before me.

I find it highly problematic that no one has considered this from the perspective of those who will be mislead.

And, incidentally, the last time I went to our local Rennaissance (Shakopee, MN), I purchased a couple Rune necklaces. I was into the occult and New Age at the time. Then I went and had a Henna design painted on my hand. The artist saw my new Rune necklace (which I was wearing), and said he knew what it meant. He revealed that it was his religion.

Yes…he was a Druid, and Runes were part of his faith.

So…first ask yourself if you’re willing to lead souls astray, and how you’'ll answer for it at judgment.

Secondly, ask yourself if doing this might possibly offend those who DO hold it as a religion? They DO exist.

No, we don’t agree with them, their religion is Occult, but that does’t make it right to make up stuff about it. We all have free will, and we as Catholics know to respect the beliefs of others. We know what it’s like for others to misrepresent our own faith…if we, having all the gifts we do, know this, then we are called to a higher standard. Misrepresenting the beliefs of others even for entertainment purposes, something with a high probability of misleading others as a corrollary occurance…can’t be justified.

Walk away, protect your own soul, find another act.

I love the Rennaissance fair, used to want to be one of the performers, but there’s a LOT of occult there. And, you might be interested in knowing that when I knew the artist was a Druid and I was wearing a symbol, that even though I liked but to which I didn’t have a personal attachment…I felt guilty. I felt like I insulted him. Now, back in the Church, I’m SURE I insulted him…and had I been a serious Catholic at the time I would have undermined any possibility of having a conversation with him that could have planted seeds for Christ.

Don’t open that can of worms. Please. Too many levels, the biggest one offends Christ. That’s the yardstick.

Hope this post made sense…sorry if it didn’t, will clarify if necessary.

 

[Angels_Unaware]

My understanding was that she was “playing a Rune reader” in a theatrical way not giving Rune readings. I do not agree with giving Rune readings- whether made up or not.

 

[Adoro_Te_Devote]

My understanding was that she was “playing a Rune reader” in a theatrical way not giving Rune readings. I do not agree with giving Rune readings- whether made up or not.

I agree. That’s my point. It’s offensive no matter what.

The Rennaissance festival is NOT the same as a contained theatre; I wouldn’t have a problem with the role in a Community Theatre; but the Rennaissance is a different venue, with far more latitude. And people come ready to believe that people are what they claim to be, even in a role.

And as an ex-occultist…stay away from Runes as you would avoid Ouiji and Tarot.

Would you play at Tarot reading? Palm reading? IChing?

Runes are EXACTLY the same thing under a different name.

 

[Angels_Unaware]

I am ex-occultist too. I do see your point. If it were me, I would have nothing whatsoever to do with it. I would never dress as a Rune reader, but it is slightly different for me because I understand Runes. If this girl is not interested in them, then there is less danger for her to do something like play a part as an actress.

But, it is true that to even dress as one could serve as temptation to people who are exposed to it. Good point.

 

[RosaryGirl_777]

I think you guys misunderstand me. I’m not trying to lead people away from Christ nor would I ever do so. I go to Mass very Saturday, I pray The Rosary, & the Divine Mercy Chaplet. I’m not perfect but I do try to be a good Catholic. I do my best to understand God & to do his will. After talking more about this with my husband & my best friend(a devoted Christian). I don’t believe it would be wrong for me to play as a fortune teller. As long as I didn’t try doing divination, & as long as the people I’m giving the (FAKE) reading for understand that they are fake. I don’t feel that God would disown me just for playing a part. I do feel that I must be very careful with this & careful how I go about this. We have 1 year & 6 months to figure this out how we are doing to do this since we decided 2010 would be better. As far as insulting Druids If I treat them & their believes with respect I don’t see why they would be insulted. Its not like I’m going to going to the RenFair to mock their faith. (We’re going to have fun not to start fights) I have some knowledge of what runes are & what they mean so if they ask I would tell them I know what runes are but I’m not really doing divination with them. Maybe if they see a Christian knowing the meanings behind their Runes maybe they would feel more comfortable talking with us. Maybe if they see that Christians don’t hate/fear them they would be more open to Christianity. (I’m talking about the people who work at the RenFair & have booths setup.)

(Note: The reason I learned what runes are & their meaning was because I traced my family tree all the way back to the vikings. I thought it would be cool to know a little about who they were & how they lived. I didn’t learn this stuff for any occult practices).

 

[Fran65]

Maybe you could play a renaissance nun. One of the nuns who were enclosed, but recieved visitors with whom they talked through a small, barred window.

Come and visit the enclosed Nun, lived in a tiny cell for 30 years (or more); ask her about her life and her faith…

Just an idea…

 

[RosaryGirl_777]

Maybe you could play a renaissance nun. One of the nuns who were enclosed, but recieved visitors with whom they talked through a small, barred window.

Come and visit the enclosed Nun, lived in a tiny cell for 30 years (or more); ask her about her life and her faith…

Just an idea…

Only one problem I’m 22 so would have to change it to 22 years in a tiny cell