Since the runes have a solid base in Norse Mythology the names for each of these positions is named after each of the dwarfs that are said to hold up the sky, which (according to Snorri Sturluson) was the skull of the giant Ymir.
The idea for this layout is simple, just a North, South, East and West pattern to place your runes in. The meaning for each position is just as simple…
This cast is very similar to a three-rune layout because we have the past, present and future involved with it. However, be aware that the third rune (Austri) is not the one that “predicts†the future for you. Its mission is to try to make sure you’re aware of any obstacles that may come your way as you try to reach your goal. The last position (Sudri) takes on the role of the usual “future position†for a three-rune layout.
Another thing you should be aware of is that the outcome position is only one possible outcome. You may end up with a rune here that, by itself, makes little or no sense in relation to your topic. If this is the case you need to make sure that you look at the reading as a whole and see what it is the runes are trying to tell you.
If you wish to record your rune casts I’ve created a a printable recording sheet for the Four Directions Layout rune cast.
[download id=”4″ format=”1″]
Footnotes / Notes:
This layout was created by Dan Gronitz for this website. If you wish to use this layout idea in any media please contact me.