First shared on TikTok @johnshaw333.
Your Daily Reading ·
Your three stones for today
This is your personal reading for today, drawn from the Pictish inspired runes. In this practice, the stones respond to your energy, so two people won't draw the same combination unless their energies match. Come back tomorrow for a fresh reading.
Draw from 53 Pictish runes and let the stones speak. A free reading, handmade stones, and a practice rooted in the old North.
Free · one stone a day
Draw your stone
Tap to reveal your Pictish inspired rune for today, drawn from all 53 stones.
In this practice, sit with this stone through the day and notice where its meaning shows up for you.
Free · by email
Get a free reading
Ask one question and Pictish Mystic will draw the stones for you and reply by email. One free reading per person.
Featured · In person or guided
Five Stage Transformation at a Thin Place
At the base of Slemish, Co. Antrim, or at a sacred site near you: 33 minutes of silence holding a rune, facilitated by Pictish Mystic.
Featured · Free with sign-up
Learn the Runes
All 53 Pictish inspired runes, a stone a day for 53 days, reflection prompts and your own private rune journal.
Free pullDraw your personal stone of the day
The PictsWho were the Picts? From the Pretani to the Cruthin
Private readingsPersonal reading by email or WhatsApp videoFrom Etsy buyers
More to explore: Lore: myths of the old North
Reviews
From Facebook and TikTok • 100% recommend (17 reviews)
Recently had my first reading with John involving runes. I was struggling mentally, although I knew I was dealing with something much worse than my own state of mind. Basically being tortured from a dark spirit as I could feel a presence consistently follow me and try ruin anything positive I had being thinking. John automatically reassured me that it wasn’t in my head and that there was a dark energy trying too bring me down. In a moment I was very lost John explained too me about runes & the choices of the ones I picked being drawn too. I would have never being open to any sort of readings in the past but he was able tell me so much about what was going around me that no one else would know. He forseen I was preparing to on holiday and get engaged too my partner, but there was dark spirit trying its best too prevent this. After a good chat with John I activated my runes that he posted out to me. They have brought me protection & direction the last 2 months. There has being a shift in my energy also the space Ive being in. He helped me achieve one if not the happiest moments of my life in being able to get on holiday and propose. The protection from the runes helped me dig deep into my inner self belief that give me the strength too push on. I owe John a great deal and have so much gratitude for the time, understanding and the work he carries out. Not only did he help me, he has checked in on me twice since to see how I’ve being doing. I would highly recommend chatting with John as his knowledge in working with runes and bringing forward information that’s really needed is second too none. Made me feel extremely at ease also which matters when your someone that would have being closed off or sceptical in any form of readings. I’ll finish with adding I’ll certainly be re booking in future, and John himself is a gentleman. If you had questions like I did and was struggling don’t hesitate.
James M. · 2026 · via TikTok
John is fantastic ,always spot on and a very nice guy with a lovely energy ,enjoyed my readings as was so accurate .
Kim M. · 2023 · via Facebook
This man is divine, your guidance is always appreciated and so on point for that time. I appreciate you
XSoulful Sanzx · 2023 · via Facebook
The reading I had with you was spot on. Thank you and God Bless
Resha R. · 2023 · via Facebook
Highly recommend John ! He is spiritually in tune ! Highest aura I've come across
Riah K. · 2020 · via Facebook
Lovely energy , and brilliant guidance, thanks John.
Lauren H. · 2020 · via Facebook
Always on point him and his wife are Amazing
Alicia M. · 2020 · via Facebook
I highly recommend everyone go book a reading with John. The information he receives and gives to you is always so accurate and he doesn’t sugar coat anything tells you what you need to hear. Pure genuine guy. You won’t be disappointed.
Johnathan B. · 2020 · via Facebook
He is One of the Best Men about doing a Reading for You Just like his page and U Can ask a question about your Life Very Good
Patricia R. · 2020 · via Facebook
Thank kind sir! I am an energy worker and I work with the Dragon deck!
Angie S. · 2020 · via Facebook
I was lucky enough to win a reading with the incredible accurate Jon. His knowledge was spot on and advice and guidance reassuring. Would absolutely recommend a reading for anyone in need of guidance. I will definitely be accepting his help again. Much love and respect.. Gratefully Nicola
Nicola T. · 2020 · via Facebook
Yes I would recommend. I do tarot myself and he got me spot on with my situation blessed be brother
Hailey R. · 2020 · via Facebook
Perfect card reading this morning can resonate totally. Thanks for the verification.
Joanie H. · 2020 · via Facebook
John is a spot on reader and he really connects with energy of the person. Not preachy but guiding and comforting. wouldn't recommend anyone else
Steven L. · 2020 · via Facebook
Hi everyone I had a fantastic reading with John each time I go on he will allways pull a card for me and everyone that is on he will get two everyone should it takes hours love and light
Gerard M. · 2020 · via Facebook
You are fantastic I very much enjoyed my reading. Everything you said was very true . Darling I can’t thank you enough I so needed to hear that love an Blessings to you .
Pearl S. · 2020 · via Facebook
I just had a reading and it was wonderful, yes I would recommend him. He’s fair and straight forward and a very nice person, Thanks you
Jurine W. · 2020 · via Facebook
Hold a question in mind, choose how many stones, then tap the rune bag.
Your woven reading
Own this stone – choose it by number on Etsy · Visit the shop
Meanings are offered within this practice, for reflection and guidance.
Walk the five stages for real: Five Stage Transformation at a Thin Place →
Your transformation message
Own these stones – choose it by number on Etsy · Visit the shop
Every rune stone is shaped and finished by hand from mahogany obsidian, a deep black volcanic glass streaked with warm red-brown. Each is roughly 5 × 3 cm, smooth in the palm, with its Pictish symbol etched and filled in gold-tone paint (no real gold).
- Single stones, pairs, and sets of 3, 7, 13 or the full 53
- Choose your own stones from the numbered chart
- Meanings sent by email, with a free reading sized to your order
Shop on Etsy
Handmade Pictish rune stones, from a single grounding stone to the full set of 53.
Shop PictishMystic on EtsyLooking for the book? See Newgrange Blessings.
Pictish Mystic is a self-taught practice inspired by the carved symbol stones of the Picts, the people of the old North. Since 2012 the symbols have been studied, drawn and finally carved into stone, each given a meaning for reflection and guidance within this practice.
Meanings are offered within this practice, for reflection and guidance.
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Etsy · PictishMystic
© Pictish Mystic. Pictish runes, handmade.
Own this stone – choose it by number on Etsy
A new stone is chosen at midnight UK time.
Your own pull
Draw your personal stone
A free single-stone pull from the 53 Pictish runes, just for you. You'll get the same stone all day on this device, and a new one tomorrow.
In this practice, sit with this stone through the day and notice where its meaning shows up for you.
Like this stone? Handmade Pictish rune stones are in the PictishMystic Etsy shop
Tap any rune to read its meaning.
In this practice, each Pictish rune carries a message for reflection and guidance. Draw it in a reading, or keep the stone itself close.
Own this stone – choose it by number on Etsy · Visit the shop
Learn the meaning of each of the 53 Pictish inspired runes in this practice, then write your own personal translation: what the stone says to you. Your notes build into your own rune journal.
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My rune journal
Your personal translations, saved on this device only. Nothing is sent anywhere.
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Readings you save are stored in this browser. No account needed.
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A reading just for you
Alongside the free readings on this site, you can ask for a private, personal Pictish rune reading. Stones are drawn for your question and the reading is woven into one message, offered in this practice for reflection and guidance.
By email
Send your question and you'll receive a written reading by email, with the stones drawn and what they speak of together.
Live on WhatsApp video
A one-to-one reading over a WhatsApp video call, with the stones drawn live and time to talk through what comes up. To book, send a request by email with your time zone and we'll arrange a time.
Request a private readingMessage on WhatsApp
In person or guidedFive Stage Transformation at a Thin Place
Opens your email app, addressed to dalriada36963@gmail.com.
Five Stage Transformation at a Thin Place
A guided, five-stage journey with Pictish Mystic, worked out in the open at a thin place rather than on a screen. It follows the same shape as the Five Stage Transformation board on this site: Ground, Anchor, Bridge, Bind, and a final stone that brings everything full circle.
The 33 minutes
At the heart of the journey is a simple sitting. At the thin place, each person spends 33 minutes in silence, timed so you don't need to watch the clock.
In this practice, those 33 minutes are yours alone. You stay quiet and in your own thoughts, and sit with whatever comes to the surface, without needing to fix it, name it or share it.
At Slemish, when you arrive, you draw one rune from Pictish Mystic's own set of 53 Pictish inspired runes and hold it in your hand for the full 33 minutes. In this practice, the loop is closed when the runes are returned to the set: each stone goes back, sealing the loop closed.
If you're taking part from overseas, Pictish Mystic posts you a replica rune before your session, and you hold it in your hand for the 33 minutes in the same way. In this practice, the matching original rune is taken from Pictish Mystic's set of 53 while the work is done; after the session, when Pictish Mystic places it back in the set, the loop closes. The replica is yours to keep, and you place it wherever you are guided to.
Nothing needs to be brought for the session itself: no tools, no preparation. Your rune is provided: at Slemish it's drawn from the set, and overseas a replica rune is posted to you before your session. Just come as you are.
What is a thin place?
In this practice, a thin place is somewhere the veil between worlds feels thin: a hilltop, an old stone, a holy well or a quiet shore where people have gathered, prayed or remembered for a very long time. Many feel it as a stillness, a sharper sense of the land and of those who walked it before. Thin places belong to everyone, whatever their background.
The five stages
Each stage is marked with Pictish inspired runes drawn from the bag, just as on the transformation board.
- Stage 1 and Ground: the journey begins here. Ground roots the first stage in everyday life and gives you solid ground to stand on.
- Stage 2 and Anchor: the work moves on, and Anchor holds it steady so the change can hold and you don't drift.
- Stage 3 and Bridge: the turning point at the centre of the journey. Bridge carries you from what was to what is coming.
- Stage 4 and Bind: the lessons start to settle. Bind ties the threads together so what you have learned stays with you.
- Stage 5: the final stone, where the journey comes full circle.
In this practice, the stages are a way of reflecting and setting intention. They are not medical treatment or a substitute for professional care, and no particular outcome is promised.
Two ways to take part
In person at the base of Slemish, Co. Antrim (Northern Ireland)
Join Pictish Mystic at the base of Slemish in County Antrim, where, in this practice, the energy of the place is felt to be most potent, and work the five stages on the land itself, including the 33 minutes of silence, which Pictish Mystic times for you. You can come on your own or as a group of friends or family; in a group, each person sits their own 33 minutes in silence.
Safety: there's nothing to bring for the session itself, and there's no climb: the work is done at the foot of the hill. The ground there can be rough, wet and uneven, so wear suitable footwear, dress for the weather (it can change fast) and carry some water. Sessions may be moved if the weather is poor.
Overseas: guided at a thin place near you
If you live further away, Pictish Mystic can guide you to work the five stages at a sacred or thin place near your own home, such as an old hill, standing stone, well or quiet shore. Guidance is given remotely, including live over WhatsApp video, so you are not doing it alone. Pictish Mystic times and holds your 33 minutes of silence over the video call while you sit at your chosen place. Before your session, Pictish Mystic posts you a replica rune to hold for those 33 minutes, so there's nothing you need to find or bring. Meanwhile the matching original is set aside from Pictish Mystic's set of 53; in this practice, the loop closes when it is placed back in the set after your session. You keep the replica and place it wherever you are guided to.
Enquire
Get in touch to ask about dates, groups or overseas guidance. Message on WhatsApp Business (07463 384414) or send an email to dalriada36963@gmail.com.
Every article so far, newest first: Pictish history and the legends of the old North. Legend and history are marked separately in each article.
Newgrange Blessings: Stamped in Stone
A personal journey from the west coast of Scotland to the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange, and the Pictish symbols that came to shape this spiritual work. Part memoir, part guide, it tells how the runes first arrived and how the practice grew.
Extracts
Passages from the book shared on X, in date order (newest first).
Passages from the book
“Even so, I always felt that something was waiting for me there.”
It wasn’t until 2012 that the Pictish themes began to reveal themselves to me. Before that, I barely knew the word, let alone what it meant. I did not know who the Picts were, why their carved stones held such meaning, or why their symbols carried a power that still echoes through the land today.
“The land had recognised us. The land had blessed us.”
View on Amazon
Available on Kindle from Amazon UK.
Holding your stones
Hold the stone in your palm and settle on a clear intention before you begin. In this practice, the stone is a focus for that intention: something to hold, return to and reflect on.
By number
One rune grounds you, like one foot on the earth: a single message to come back to.
Two runes act as dual anchors, like both feet on the ground: two messages that steady each other.
Three runes bridge or bind, depending on your intention: they can carry you from one place to another, or tie a message firmly in place.
The grid for 7, 13 and full sets
In this practice, larger sets are laid out as a grid. Place one stone in the centre as the heart of your intention, then set the others around it in an even pattern, with the outer stones framing and supporting the centre. With seven stones, use three above, one at the heart and three below. With thirteen, or the full set, let the grid widen in rings around the heart.
The grid is a way of arranging your focus and giving each stone its place. It isn't a literal source of energy.
The Blank Rune
The Blank Rune means all branches covered: anything possible. Stop limiting belief systems.
Caring for your stones
Each stone is mahogany obsidian, a natural volcanic glass, with its symbol etched and finished in gold-tone paint (no real gold).
- Avoid harsh chemicals, cleaners and soaking; wipe with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Store stones separately or wrapped so they don't knock or scratch each other.
- Handle gently: obsidian is glass and can chip if dropped.
Using this site
Rune Reading: choose one, three or seven stones, tap the rune bag, and tap any card for its meaning. Three stones read as Past, Present and Future. Seven form a 3/1/3 grid: Root, Recent past and Hidden influence above, the Heart in the centre, and Path ahead, Outside influences and Outcome below.
Five Stage Transformation: tap the bag to fill eleven places in order. Each stage has a large stone, supported by Ground (two stones), Anchor (one), Bridge (two) and Bind (one), ending in stage five.
Every reading is woven into one flowing message, which you can save or share as an image.