Runes
The runic alphabet was the start of writen language. The ancients used symbols to represent letters or small phrases. There are varying type's of runes to study, Anglo-Saxan, Celtic Oham, Germanic, Norse, Witches, to name a few. During the time of the inquisition practioners of magic used this form of writing for there Book of Shadow's in an attempt to keep secret their spells and insights. Today these symbols are used as a form a divination, painted on rocks or pieces of wood, when thrown, the pattern they make can reveal information important to you.
Here is an examlpe of a Germanic alphabet called Elder Futhark one of the oldest forms:
Graphics from WebSmith Productions
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