Runes from the Edge of the Arctic
Ancestral Symbols for Contemporary Reflection
I am proud to announce that Runes from the Edge of the Arctic has been signed for a global release in 2028 with RedFeather Mind Body Spirit (Schiffer Publishing Ltd). This project is an exploration of Nordic runic traditions and the Arctic landscape, viewed through the lenses of narrative identity and eco-psychology. It is a sister project to the Northern Lights Strength Deck, intended as an invitation to go slower and deeper into ancestry, landscape, and intuitive listening.
A Grounded, Living Practice
This 25-card deck is rooted in the landscapes of Västerbotten, Sweden—my ancestral home at the southern edge of the Arctic. While many modern interpretations of runes rely on "Viking nostalgia" or sensationalized imagery, this deck moves toward a historically informed and ethically framed contemporary use. It is shaped by the liminal space where Norse and Sámi cultures have touched and tangled for centuries.
To me, runes are not relics of a dead past, but living tools of communication and self-knowledge. Once carved into stone to be remembered and shared—much like an early form of social media—they now offer us a way to ask better questions and hold space for reflection.
The Science: Narrative Identity & Eco-Psychology
Runes live at the intersection of science and magic. This deck is intellectually grounded in several psychological and sociological frameworks:
- Narrative Identity: We use the runes to help construct coherent stories about our lives, helping us make sense of transitions and choices.
- Eco-Psychology: The deck emphasizes land-based wisdom, using the northern flora and fauna as reflective anchors to reconnect us with the natural world.
- Attentional Priming: By focusing on a specific runic theme, we reinforce personal growth by becoming more likely to notice related experiences in our daily lives.
- Mindfulness: Runic practice cultivates present-moment awareness and intentionality.
The Magic: The Seeress and the Elder Futhark
The deck utilizes the Elder Futhark, a 24-character runic alphabet that took root in northern soil in the 2nd century AD. At the heart of this tradition stands the völva—the seeress. She is the keeper of the in-between, the one who listens between worlds.
In this deck, the seeress is present as a current that moves through the meanings and the silence. She reminds us that truth often comes in fragments and that the land itself remembers. Every card serves as a threshold between intellect and intuition, weaving accessible history with contemporary meaning-making.
Features and Structure
Runes from the Edge of the Arctic is designed for those who value depth over spectacle. The deck includes:
- 25 Cards: Comprising the Elder Futhark and the concept of Örlög (fate).
- Tarot Mirrors: For those familiar with cartomancy, each rune is paired with a Major Arcana correspondence to create a bridge between the two systems.
- Visuals of the North: Visuals inspired by Linnaean taxonomy, northern light, and the specific flora and fauna of the Arctic.
- Guidebook: A 72-page full-color guide containing daily draws, rune journaling prompts, multi-rune spreads, and seasonal rituals.
This is a practice for those seeking a path that is both culturally grounded and intellectually expansive. You do not have to choose between science and magic; this deck is a bridge designed to hold both.
Follow the Development
As we prepare for the 2028 release through RedFeather, I invite you to peak into the winding ways of my process on Instagram @northernlightstarot. Join us as we navigate the liminal space of the North.
