Problem: Article: Rune stones are usually sold in sets of 24-33 stones that are all the same size and shape. The stones are made of wood or stone and will have symbols printed on them. The stones should also come with a cloth bag that you can use during the reading and to store the stones when you are not using them.  Rune stones made of stone may be more expensive than stones made of wood, depending on where you buy them from. The material is more about your own personal preference, as either material will work well for the reading. Some rune sets are made of crystals, such as rose quartz or amethyst. You may choose a crystal set if you are drawn to a certain crystal or you feel a crystal speaks to you. Most rune sets will come with a book of instructions that includes the meaning of the symbols on the stones. You may opt for a set with 24-27 stones to start, especially if you are casting for the first time. You can then add more stones to the set as you do more readings. Get wood pieces that are the same size and shape. You can also use pebbles or small rocks as well as smooth pieces of crystal. Draw the rune symbols on each piece with a marker to make your own set. Making your own rune stones can be a fun project and make you feel more of a connection with the set.  You can find a list of the different types of rune symbols on The Rune Site: http://www.therunesite.com/section/rune-meanings/. Make sure the material you use is smooth and soft to the touch, as you do not want to cut yourself during the reading. Pick an area in your home or yard that is quiet and private. An area with lots of light can create a positive, bright spot for the reading. If possible, make sure you are facing north as this will place you in the direction of the gods of Norse mythology, which can strengthen the power of the reading. Some people prefer to do rune readings at night around midnight, as this is known as the witching hour. Pick a time of day that feels comfortable and calming for you so you are in a positive state when you do the reading. This will act as the rune reading sheet, where you will place the rune stones during the reading. Use a cloth that is big enough to hold several rune stones. Make sure the cloth lies flat on the table or the floor. A white cloth will make it easier for you to read the stones and prevent the stones from getting dirty. If you want to make reading runes a habit, you may invest in a rune reading cloth from an occult store or online. You can then only use this cloth for reading the rune stones.
Summary: Buy a set of rune stones at a local occult shop or online. Make your own rune stones out of wood, rock, or crystal. Find a quiet, sunny spot that faces north. Place a clean, white cloth on a table or on the floor.

Problem: Article: Drink warm water or tea with a slice of lemon when you get up in the morning and throughout the day. Don’t drink a lot of sugar or caffeine, which can have a drying effect on your voice. Avoid milk and dairy products, which encourage mucus production.  Warm drinks are best, rather than very hot or cold drinks. Green apples contain pectin, which can combat phlegm. Try drinking green apple juice or eating a green apple. Relax your shoulders, but don’t stoop them or slouch. Keep your body erect but relaxed. Do posture exercises if it’s hard for you not to slouch.  Good posture gives you the best use of your abdominal-diaphragmatic breathing. Slouching pressures the rib cage which makes it harder for you to inhale. Open a window, if possible, to make the air you’re breathing fresher. Breathe deeply into your lungs without raising your shoulders. Take breath into your nose for the count of three, pause, and then exhale in one big breath for a count of eight. Maintain a humidity level of at least 30% in your work environment. Run a humidifier, if needed. Breathe in steam from a personal steamer (available at drugstores) or a hot shower. Alternately, pour boiling water into a sink basin and inhale the steam.  Inhaling steam moistens your voice box and can relieve irritation of the vocal folds. Don’t inhale steam from directly over a pot of boiling water or a stove. Try wetting a washcloth in hot water, wringing it out, and breathing through it with your mouth and/or nose. Put the heels of your hands under your cheek bones. Rub the muscles of your face by pressing inwards and down. Let your jaw open itself as you massage your face.  Do this a few times to warm up your mouth and lessen tension in your jaw. You can also use circular motions to massage your facial muscles. To hum, exhale with a light “hmmmm” sound at a low octave that’s comfortable for you. Do this again, adding an “ahhh” sound for the second half of the exhale. To buzz your lips, purse them somewhat and vibrate your lips as you breathe out, with your tongue relaxed. Inhale, then trill with your lips again on the exhale. You can try these exercises at escalating and deescalating pitches. Hold your tongue behind your top teeth. Breath out, vibrating your tongue in the sound of an “r.” Maintain the sound. Do this at various pitches, without going past your comfort level. This exercise helps your tongue to relax, while stimulating your voice and breath. Stretch your voice by starting in a low octave and moving upwards using the sound of “me.” Don’t force your range. Instead, use gentleness to broaden your range with each repetition. Also try this exercise with the sounds “e” and “oo.”
Summary:
Hydrate. Relax your posture. Control your breathing. Lubricate your voice with steam. Relax your jaws. Hum and buzz your lips. Trill your tongue. Go up and down octaves.