Runic Astrology October 17 – 23: What do the runes have in store for you this week?

Divination in runes is an ancient art that can be traced back to the Norse God Odin. Old scriptures show that the Vikings then continued this tradition - they even used used rune symbols in jewellery, clothing and weapons to boost their energy.

When we're born, we all get our own rune stone (find yours here). This birth rune indicates the abilities, talents and resources that you bring into your life.

But as the universe is constantly changing, daily, weekly or monthly runic astrology can tell you how events, actions and things affect your life. It can also reveal what energies, events and changes are occurring, and how you can best act on them. A runic horoscope is a guide to your spiritual journey and a guide on how to live life to the fullest.

If you play your cards right regarding a certain matter you can expect a breakthrough in the next few days. But be realistic. Expect the unexpected. Good things will come, but only if you focus on the developments taking place. If any romance or flirting is involved you may see someone you already know through new eyes.

The time has come to make an important choice. The stars indicate that it is in connection with which values and attitudes you want to display. Be attentive and listen to other’s reasonings, but make the decision yourself. If you show gratitude for your present circumstances, more success will come to you.

Avoid acting too quickly on emotions this week. An inner pressure that has built up inside you is pushing to get out. You are now exposed to an external influence that will allow you to see the idealised picture of a situation. Let your thoughts and attitudes mature before you react. Think objectively.

If you are going to give a lecture or reach an agreement this week, you’ll be able to make use of the week's good energies. Your words carry power, and can help you present the things you want as for the good of everyone. It is important that decisions are made in the first half of the week, because during the second half of the week you could get hung up on details.

There are many opportunities for you to step into the limelight now. Your thoughts and ideas flow easily and you express them more than usual. Follow your dreams and make appointments early in the week. A chemistry that’s been simmering could turn into a flirtation and romance.

The full moon last week may have been a significant turning point for you around a particular matter. Now you'll find the greatest benefit comes from spending more energy than usual on your values, talents and resources. Be sensible in your actions, even if it is tempting to let yourself be ruled by your dreams. Think long term.

You receive good energy from the universe this week that brings the promise of success and growth. But let it be tied to things that are doable and use your logical thinking. You're a good strategist at your core, it's in your blood, so now is the time to let that part of you flourish. Be open to inputs.

Someone you meet could inspire you to look in a new direction. And you have a need to be inspired and motivated just now. You feel an internal pressure that you are going to do something important. Let it unfold this week, it could be the start of something new. Obtain information and consider the facts before making any final decisions.

You are facing busy days ahead so it’s now important to balance your activities as best you can. Think carefully about what you want to commit to. What you start now could remain in your life for a long time. Favourable situations may arise in the second half of the week. You will seize the right opportunity. Trust your gut.

Be conscious of what you want to achieve in the future. It’s an auspicious time to make positive progress towards your goals. You communicate well, but take care to avoid getting hung up on details in the second half of the week. A meeting with someone could make you look at a situation with new eyes.

A meeting with someone you’ve previously only communicated with digitally could give you a completely new and different impression. The stars indicate that this is related to work. Rejoice. The first half of the week is the time for surprises and positive feedback. Be reflective.

Challenges you may long since have waited for could come to you now. Show strength and diplomacy. Ask questions and keep learning. Everything you need to know is there, you just need to look at it with new eyes. The truth comes to you. The weekend will be romantic if you take the initiative. Engage yourself.

The energies this week will strengthen love and romance. Long term relationships can expect an upswing. Romance will come about in the context of groups or organisations, most likely in connection with a humanitarian purpose. If you have someone in your sights, you can safely take initiative.

The starry sky indicates that creativity is on the rise, and it is the time to start new projects. A golden opportunity arises at work. Grab even the smallest chance over the next few days and make your mark. The next few weeks will determine the outcome. Follow up. The weekend will be romantic if you take the initiative.

Mark yourself and what you stand for this week, in both your knowledge and perspectives. It could result in changes you have long since wished for. Others will more easily see and listen to your suggestions. If you have the opportunity to present some of your ideas to others, do so in the second half of the week. Show your knowledge.

You receive many messages from the universe each day. Do you hear them? Are you aware of what they are trying to tell you? Take some time in peace and quiet to listen. The truth comes to you when you open up. Romance is most likely to come about in connection with foreign lands, presumably in connection with travel.

Your life philosophy or values will be challenged this week. Ask yourself, are you a positive or a negative thinker? Are those thoughts, words and attitudes based on kindness and consideration, or competitive instinct? There is enough for everyone. Show gratitude for where you are, and goodness and rewards will come.

Give of yourself in meeting and cooperation with others. If there is something you wish to achieve in the long run, this week and next will be favourable for taking initiative. Have a long-term perspective on your ideas. You have a lot to gain by showing how you feel. Adapt to the existing circumstances.

This week's challenge will be to find a balance between work and your private life. Make time for friends, your partner or family and plan a nice activity together. Take input from others seriously. It could be perceived as criticism, but when you think things through, you’ll see that it is well intended.

This week's energies lie in the signs of romance and love, whether you are in a relationship or single. Be considerate of those around you. Show that you appreciate your friends and family. Create harmony within yourself and for others. Good social relations are the best thing now as the autumn darkness descends. Strengthen ties.

Who you are in a relationship depends on the relationship itself. You have different roles depending on whether the relationship is a friendship, or within family or work. But are you yourself in the various roles, or are you forced to compromise? Spend some time on self-reflection before forming a final opinion.

If you have been thinking about starting a new sport or activity for a while, this is one of the best times of the year to do so. You’ll also get positive feedback from others, especially in the second half of the week. Be creative. A romantic encounter could put you in a good mood and lead to thoughts about the future. If you are in a relationship, everyday romance will bring the greatest rewards.

Your job takes up most of your time now, and it could be difficult to put it down in your spare time, plan so that you get balance and time to recover. An input or insight could take you further in a new direction. Particularly in the second half of the week you should write down your ideas and thoughts. Gain insight.

Take initiative and create opportunities. Only you are responsible for your future. We are all equipped with a set of talents and abilities that we must use. Do you use all of yours? Flirting, sports, games or activities with children could be pursuits that inspire you to develop more of your resources this week. Be flexible and let your mind do the work.