Witches often use Runes to inscribe their name into magical tools due to the power of this magickal and mysterious form of writing.  When Runes are used as a divination method they are normally carved on stone and carried in a pouch. The Runes are then pulled from the pouch and "cast" by the Witch.  There are many ways you can cast Runes, and a lot of methods are very similar to the way tarot cards are read. These days you often see Runes printed on cards or even on dice. I have used stones and cards and I think that cards can't even compare to using stones. The aesthetics of using stones are to me an important thing, even though a  good set can be costly.

These interpretations are from "The Book of Runes" by Ralph H. Blum:

  Algiz - Protection - Sedge or Rushes - The Elk
  Ansuz - Signals - The Messenger Rune - The God Loki
  Berkana - Growth - Rebirth - The Birch Tree
  Dagaz - Breakthrough - Transformation - Day
  Ehwaz - Movement - Progress - The Horse
  Eihwaz - Defense - Avertive Prowers - Yew Tree
  Fehu - Posessions - Nourishment - Cattle
  Gebo - Partnership - A Gift
  Hagalz - Disruption - Elemental Power - Hail
  Insuz - Fertility - New Beginnings, Ing, the Hero God
  Isa - Standstill - Withdrawal - Ice
  Jera - Harvest - Fertile Season - One Year
  Kano - Opening - Fire - Torch
  Laguz - Flow - Water - That Which Conducts
  Mannaz - The Self
  Nauthiz - Constraint - Necessity - Pain
  Odin - The Unknowable - The Divine, Odin, the All-Father
  Othila - Separation - Retreat - Inheritance
  Perth - Initiation - Something Hidden - A Secret Matter
  Raido - Journey - Communication - Union, Reunion
  Sowelu - Wholeness - Life Force - The Sun's Energy
  Teiwaz - The Warrior, Tiw, The Sky God
  Thurisa - Gateway - Place of Non-Action - The God Thor
  Uruz - Strength - Manhood, Womanhood, The Wild Ox
  Wunjo - Joy - Light

Runes can be used to create 'spells' or bring influences to bear.  I have carried a particular rune around for a couple of days, holding it in my hand, or in my pocket, as a way to invoke that power in my life, much like others carry crystals or images.

Enjoy,
Ma'at
copyright 2000

Making Runes w/ FIMO                                         Interpreting the Individual Runes
    Cookie Runes                                                             A Brief History of Runes
    Bread Runes                                                                Rune Information (long)
    Learning to Read Rune Layouts