Ash Tree Runes is a branch of Ash Tree Books — and while Elder Futhark Rune sets and readings remain the heartbeat of my carving work, I was recently asked to create something a little different: a full Astrological Set, hand-carved on natural turquoise. This post brings you behind the scenes of that journey, along with a short video of the finished set 🎥 :
This was my first time carving zodiac and planetary glyphs — and wow, it stretched me as a carver in all the best ways. There are a lot of curves and delicate lines in these symbols, and since all my carving is done freehand, I really took my time to get each piece just right. From start to finish, it took me three weeks to complete this 25-piece set: 12 zodiac glyphs, 12 planetary glyphs, and one extra stone for what can’t be named.
Each piece was carved into natural turquoise — a stone long connected to the throat chakra, spiritual grounding, clear communication, and protection. It’s often seen as a bridge between the heavens and the earth, which felt like such a fitting match for astrology, where we seek insight into the cosmic rhythms shaping our lives.
✨ You can view the full listing for this set here: Astrological Set on 1000 Ct Natural Turquoise – Hand Carved
🌟 A Little Behind-the-Scenes Story
One evening, while finishing the last three stones in this set, my hair got caught in the hand drill — tightly wound right to the base of my head. I was able to shut it off quickly, but it was stuck good. My partner had to detach the drill head to free it, and I still couldn’t untangle it. I had to cut it out.
I should have known better. I’ve worked with large table saws and heavy machinery, and I spent time on tugboats — tying your hair back is one of the first things you learn. But it was those fine little tendrils around my face that had fallen forward as I worked. A small oversight, and now I’ve got a little patch of surprise side bangs as a reminder. 😅
But in that low moment, something really sweet happened. My friend Lindsay — whose new book Diary of a Dolphin Dreamer I recently interviewed her about here — sent me a drawing her daughter Hazel made. In the picture, Lindsay is a mermaid saving the world with dolphins… and another mermaid is by her side. When Lindsay asked who the other mermaid was, Hazel answered: “That’s Ash.”💙 I’ll include Hazel’s mermaid drawing below. It lifted my spirits in that moment .
🌊 If you’d like to watch the interview with Lindsay and hear more about Diary of a Dolphin Dreamer, you can find it here: 🌊✨ From Dreams to Dolphins: The Story Behind Diary of a Dolphin Dreamer 🐬💙 | Ash Tree Books
‧͙⁺˚･༓☾ Interested in a Custom Astrological Set or Elder Futhark Rune Set? ☽༓･˚⁺‧͙
What began as a one-time project has opened the door — I’m now offering custom-carved Astrological Sets alongside Elder Futhark Rune sets, both available by request. The advantage? You get to choose your preferred gemstone and pigment color, making each set truly personal and unique.
Right now, I have a beautiful selection of uncarved natural stones available:
✨ High-grade Rainbow Labradorite
✨ Raw Rainbow Labradorite
✨ White Quartz
✨ Stunning Citrine
✨ Heliodor (Golden Beryl)
✨ More Turquoise
You can view the latest available stones here: New Gemstones Just In for Ash Tree Runes
Or explore other completed hand-carved sets: Hand-Carved Elder Futhark Sets
🌿 Curious what the Runes have to say?
I also offer personalized Rune Readings, using hand-carved Elder Futhark sets and intuitive insight.
You can learn more or book a session here: Rune Readings with Ash
＊✿❀ ❀✿＊
To ask about available stones or place a custom order, just send me a message — I’m always happy to share what’s in stock or order something unique for you: admin@ashtreebooks.com
🌿 Connect on Social Media: Stay in the loop with new carvings, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming sets:
🌿 Ash Tree Runes
📌 Follow on Facebook
📸 Follow on Instagram
