Gratitude Rune Spread Ritual

As the final leaves fall and the air sharpens with winter’s promise, the earth begins settling into her long rest. We witness the shift from harvest to stillness, from abundance to reflection, during this sacred threshold. In the United States, November is associated with gratitude and giving thanks. It is a time to honor what we have gathered, release what must fade, and prepare our bodies for renewal. In Norse paganism, this time marks the quiet aftermath of Winter Nights, during which it is not uncommon for practitioners to honor deities, landvættir, and their ancestors.  No matter where you are and what your beliefs are, the time between fall and winter is the perfect time to look back on the seasons that have shaped us and give thanks for their lessons. 

Giving thanks can take many forms, from spells and rituals to more mundane activities such as volunteering and tithing. I like to incorporate multiple magical and mundane ways of showing gratitude, letting actions speak along with my words. This includes working with the runes to weave reflection, divination, and journaling into a single act of devotion. This is where today's rune ritual for gratitude comes in. While I am posting this well into November, this ritual can be easily adapted to your tradition. Use it during Mabon or Lammas, Winter Nights or Yule, or each changing of the season. Incorporate deities, land spirits, and ancestors meaningful to you. If I have said it once, I have said it a dozen times: rework all my spells and rituals to cater to your needs and make the spell/ritual more meaningful and powerful.

What You'll Need

• Rune set
• A candle (gold, green, or white)
• A journal, notebook, or downloadable journal prompt worksheet
• Offerings, such as a piece of bread, an apple, grain, or salt

What to Do

Begin by cleansing and consecrating your tools and space using your preferred method. Call in any deities, spirits, or ancestors you wish to aid in your divination for gratitude.

Light the candle and say, "I stand at the turning of the year. I honor the hands that have fed me, the earth that has held me, The lessons that have shaped me. In gratitude, I listen."

Next, ground and center using your preferred method. For this particular exercise, I prefer to use the candle flame to help me relax, focusing on the flame's movement and my breathing, visualizing myself connecting with the earth and drawing my energy into my core.

Once you feel relaxed, grounded, and centered, it is time to begin pulling runes. If possible, hold your runes close to your heart and close your eyes. Focus on your intention, focusing on what you need to honor, not what you want to know. If needed, repeat the previous mantra: "I stand at the turning of the year. I honor the hands that have fed me, The earth that has held me, The lessons that have shaped me. In gratitude, I listen." When you feel open to what the spirits have to tell you, draw three runes and lay them out in a straight line, using the picture below as guidance.

Rune Meanings:

1. Rune One: The Gift of the Year- What bounty or blessing has this year brought into your life?
   This rune represents the fruits of your labor, aka the abundance you’ve received, whether material, emotional, or spiritual.
   Write it down and reflect: What has thrived within me? Who or what helped me grow?
2. Rune Two: The Lesson of the Shadows- What challenge or hardship has taught you the most?
   Even in struggle, there is sacred teaching. Wisdom often comes through trial.
   Write it down and reflect: What have I learned through difficulty? How has it transformed me?
3. Rune Three: The Seed for the Next Cycle- What energy or intention should I carry into the coming dark?
   This rune holds the potential for the year ahead. It is a reminder that even as we rest, the next harvest is already beginning to dream beneath the soil.
   Write it down and reflect: What will I nurture in silence? What small spark will I protect through the winter?

Write freely about each prompt. Unlike other rune spreads, this is not a fortune-telling exercise, but instead a conversation with yourself and the cycles of your own life. When finished, you may find yourself wishing to explore deeper into the meanings of the runes and what message they are sending.

Some additional prompts to explore include:

• “This year has taught me…” 
• “I am most grateful for…” 
• “I release…” 
• “I plant the seed of…”

When you are finished with your journal exercise, offer thanks to the spirits who have guided you in your reflection by leaving them an offering of your choice. Whisper your thanks to the land, spirits, ancestors, deities, and the fates that have carried you through another year.

Close out the ritual by saying, “May what I have learned feed my spirit. May what I release return to the earth. May what I plant grow in wisdom and light.” If you can, allow the candle to burn down safely or snuff it out.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Altering your breathing can cause a reduction in blood pressure, which can cause you to pass out. It can also trigger seizures in some people and PTSD in others. If you are worried about passing out, begin this exercise by lying down. I also suggest practicing with a friend to ensure your safety.
• If you are unable to light candles, consider a faux candle that flickers as a substitute. It can also be replaced with incense.
• Do not leave a lit candle unattended, and always have water or another fire extinguisher nearby.
• If you do not have runes, this spread can be easily adapted to tarot or oracle cards.
  
• Optional add-ins include incense, amethyst, or mugwort tea/incense to increase psychic awareness.

You can download your free copy of the journal prompts below.

Ritual and rune spreads do not need to be grand or complicated to be effective. It's a practice of presence and patience. This spread allows you to invite ancient wisdom into your reflection, learning to see both joy and hardship as teachers. Carry this wisdom like an ember into the darkness with you, allowing it to light your way.

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