About MJ Meredith | Australian Rune Author, Educator & Artisan
Marieke “MJ” Meredith is an Australian author, rune educator, artisan jeweller and workshop facilitator based in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.
Also published as M J Meredith and previously as Marieke J Treloar, MJ is the founder and creative force behind Celtic Stag Giftware & Men’s Jewellery, where her work brings together history, symbolism, traditional craftsmanship and the continuing relevance of ancient symbols in modern life.
Her specialist interests include the Elder Futhark runes, bind runes, rune history and symbolism, mindfulness, reflective practice, Celtic and Norse-inspired design, and meaningful jewellery.
As an author, maker and educator, MJ’s approach is grounded in curiosity and respect for history while recognising that the ways people engage with ancient symbols continue to evolve.
Her philosophy is simple: understand where the symbols came from, respect their history, and then explore thoughtfully what they can mean in our lives today.
From Artisan to Author
MJ’s journey with runes began through her work as an artisan jeweller and her fascination with the stories carried by symbols.
Creating Celtic, Norse and heritage-inspired jewellery led to a deeper exploration of the Elder Futhark, one of the earliest known Germanic runic alphabets. What began as research for meaningful jewellery gradually developed into writing, teaching and a broader exploration of how ancient symbols can remain relevant in modern life.
That journey eventually led to the creation of books, workshops and educational resources designed to make rune history and symbolism approachable to people encountering the subject for the first time, while still offering something meaningful to those who have explored runes for many years.
Today, MJ’s work crosses several disciplines: writing, jewellery making, creative education, historical research, symbolism and mindfulness.
Rather than separating these interests, she sees them as different ways of exploring the same question:
How can symbols created centuries ago encourage us to stop, think and find meaning in our lives today?
Runes as Mirrors, Not Maps
MJ approaches runes as mirrors rather than maps.
Historically, runes were writing systems used by Germanic peoples for inscriptions, communication and commemoration. Over centuries they have also attracted cultural, symbolic and spiritual interpretations.
MJ’s modern work with runes does not treat them as instructions that dictate a person’s future. Instead, she explores their use as prompts for mindfulness, reflection, journalling and personal enquiry.
A rune can provide a simple point of focus: a symbol and an idea that encourages us to stop for a moment and consider what is happening in our lives.
Questions such as What requires courage today? What am I protecting? What needs to change? Where do I need patience? can turn an ancient symbol into a practical starting point for modern reflection.
This distinction between historical evidence and contemporary practice is central to MJ’s writing and teaching. Understanding where runes came from matters just as much as exploring what they may mean to us today.
Books by MJ Meredith
MJ’s books explore runes from several perspectives, from understanding the Elder Futhark and creating bind runes to using symbolic reflection as part of a mindfulness practice.
Written in an accessible and practical style, the books are designed for curious beginners as well as readers wishing to develop a deeper relationship with rune history, symbolism and contemporary practice.
Runic Connections: A Practical Handbook for Creating Binding Runes
Runic Connections explores the process of combining individual Elder Futhark runes to create meaningful bind rune designs.
The book introduces the runes and their symbolic associations before guiding readers through the process of selecting, combining and interpreting symbols to create a bind rune with personal significance.
Rather than simply providing ready-made symbols to copy, Runic Connection encourages readers to understand the individual components and thoughtfully create designs that reflect their own intentions and stories.
Runes of the Mystic Stag
Runes of the Mystic Stag provides an approachable introduction to understanding and working with runes.
Created as a practical reference, it introduces readers to the individual runes and provides guidance for exploring their meanings, symbolism and interpretation.
It is an accessible starting point for anyone curious about the Elder Futhark and the continuing fascination surrounding rune traditions.
Runes for Mindfulness
Runes for Mindfulness brings rune symbolism into a contemporary reflective practice.
Rather than approaching runes primarily as tools for prediction, MJ explores how individual rune themes can act as anchors for attention, journalling, self-reflection and intentional living.
The Runes for Mindfulness collection has expanded to include practical resources designed to make short periods of reflection easier to incorporate into everyday life.
The Pocket Rune Reset: Mindfulness for Business & Balance
The Pocket Rune Reset: Mindfulness for Business & Balance is a practical pocket-sized resource created for busy minds, business owners, creatives and anyone who occasionally needs permission to stop, reset and refocus.
Drawing on the symbolism of the Elder Futhark runes, MJ Meredith combines simple rune-inspired reflection with practical mindfulness techniques that can be used during the working day.
Rather than asking the runes to predict what happens next, The Pocket Rune Reset encourages readers to pause and consider what they need right now.
A moment of uncertainty might call for courage. Overwhelm may require boundaries. A difficult decision might benefit from patience, perspective or a clearer understanding of what can and cannot be controlled.
Designed to be accessible even when time and attention are limited, the book offers short reflective practices that can help interrupt the rush of everyday life and create a moment of space between pressure and response.
It is another expression of MJ’s philosophy of “runes as mirrors, not maps”: using ancient symbols as contemporary prompts for awareness, reflection and intentional action rather than instructions for predicting the future.
For business owners, makers, professionals and creative people balancing competing demands, The Pocket Rune Reset offers something deliberately simple: a chance to pause, reconnect with what matters and begin again with greater clarity.
Stop Defending: An Emotional Self-Defense Guide
Stop Defending: An Emotional Self-Defense Guide explores what happens when we stop automatically explaining, justifying and defending ourselves and begin responding to difficult interactions with greater clarity and intention.
Written by MJ Meredith, the book examines the emotional patterns that can leave people feeling pressured to prove themselves, defend reasonable decisions, accept misplaced responsibility or remain trapped in exhausting conversations.
Through practical reflection and accessible strategies, Stop Defending explores boundaries, communication, emotional manipulation, conflict and the difference between genuinely resolving a problem and being drawn into an endless cycle of defence.
At its heart is a simple idea: not every accusation requires a defence, not every disagreement requires an argument, and not every person’s opinion requires your agreement.
Rather than teaching people how to “win” confrontations, the book encourages readers to recognise unhealthy communication patterns, consider what belongs to them and what does not, establish clearer boundaries and make more deliberate choices about when to engage, when to respond and when to step away.
Stop Defending extends MJ’s wider work around mindfulness, reflection and intentional living into the complex territory of human relationships and emotional boundaries.
It is a practical guide for anyone seeking to communicate with greater confidence, protect their emotional energy and respond thoughtfully rather than automatically.
Author Talks, Workshops & Creative Education
Speaking, teaching and sharing knowledge with others have become an important part of MJ Meredith’s work as an author, rune educator and artisan.
MJ has delivered author talks, rune and mindfulness presentations, jewellery-making workshops and hands-on creative education sessions through libraries, community organisations, public programs, festivals and other venues.
Her sessions are designed to make history, symbolism, mindfulness and traditional making practices accessible and engaging. Depending on the audience, participants might explore the history and symbolism of the Elder Futhark runes, use runes as prompts for mindfulness and reflection, create their own rune set, or learn practical jewellery-making techniques.
Rather than treating workshops as separate from her writing and creative practice, MJ sees them as another way of sharing the same ideas: learning the history, understanding the symbolism, creating with intention and exploring how ancient ideas can remain meaningful in contemporary life.
Runes for Mindfulness & Author Talks
MJ’s author talks explore the ideas behind her books and the practical ways rune symbolism can be incorporated into reflection, mindfulness and everyday life.
In 2025, Celtic Stag and ETC Australia were officially accepted as collaboration partners for NSW Small Business Month. As part of the program, MJ presented Mindfulness with Runes – Stress Relief for Small Business Owners.
The event also marked the launch of MJ’s Runes for Mindfulness books — including the full book and its companion — together with The Pocket Rune Reset: Mindfulness for Business & Balance.
The presentation brought together MJ’s work as an author, small-business owner and rune educator, exploring practical ways that mindfulness and rune-inspired reflection can help people pause, manage stress, regain perspective and respond more intentionally to the pressures of running a business.
In September 2026, MJ was also invited by Central Coast Library Service to present a Runes for Mindfulness author talk at Erina Library, exploring the Elder Futhark runes as contemporary prompts for mindfulness, self-reflection and personal growth.
These presentations form part of a wider history of talks, demonstrations and educational sessions delivered by MJ to community and public audiences.
Creative & Community Workshops
MJ has also facilitated practical creative workshops through libraries and community organisations, including Cessnock Library, Kurri Kurri Library and Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.
Sessions have included rune-set creation, stainless-steel bracelet making, wire-wrapped jewellery and other hands-on creative activities.
These workshops combine practical making with storytelling, history and symbolism, giving participants the opportunity not simply to make an object, but to understand something about the traditions, techniques or ideas that inspired it.
Selected Author Talks, Workshops & Community Events
MJ Meredith has shared her knowledge and creative practice through author talks, mindfulness presentations, educational workshops and community events across New South Wales.
Working with libraries, community organisations, event organisers and cultural venues, MJ combines accessible education with practical experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity and meaningful participation.
Selected engagements include:
NSW Small Business Month 2025 — Mindfulness with Runes
As an official collaboration partner alongside ETC Australia, Celtic Stag presented Mindfulness with Runes – Stress Relief for Small Business Owners as part of NSW Small Business Month 2025.
The presentation explored rune-inspired mindfulness and practical reflection for people navigating the pressures of running a business. The event also celebrated the launch of MJ’s Runes for Mindfulness collection, including the full book, companion edition and The Pocket Rune Reset: Mindfulness for Business & Balance.
Erina Library — Central Coast Library Service | September 2026
Invited by Central Coast Library Service, MJ presented a Runes for Mindfulness author talk at Erina Library.
The presentation introduced the Elder Futhark runes as contemporary prompts for mindfulness, self-reflection and intentional living, connecting the historical background of the symbols with MJ’s approach to reflective practice.
Cessnock & Kurri Kurri Libraries — School Holiday Creative Programs
MJ has facilitated hands-on creative workshops through Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Libraries, introducing young participants to practical jewellery-making techniques, rune creation and the stories behind symbolic objects.
Activities have included rune-set making, stainless-steel bracelet creation and wire-wrapped jewellery, including sessions featured in the 2024 Summer School Holiday Program.
These workshops encourage participants to develop new skills, explore their creativity and take home something they have made themselves.
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens — Creative & Cultural Workshops
MJ has delivered a range of hands-on creative experiences and participated in community events at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.
Selected activities include:
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Mindfulness Fair — community event exploring mindfulness and wellbeing.
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Beads from Branches — creative workshop exploring jewellery-making with natural materials.
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Mother–Daughter Chain Bracelet Workshop — a shared jewellery-making experience.
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Father–Son Linking Chain Bracelet Workshop — practical chain bracelet creation.
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Natural Rune Set Workshop — introducing participants to rune symbolism through hands-on making.
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Medieval Fair — artisan participation and creative demonstrations.
Together, these engagements reflect MJ’s approach to education: bringing history, symbolism, mindfulness and traditional making skills into welcoming, practical and engaging community experiences.
Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest — Makers & Merchants Arena | 2023, 2024 & 2025
MJ Meredith, founder of Celtic Stag Giftware & Men’s Jewellery, participated in the Makers & Merchants Arena at Hunter Valley Steamfest across three consecutive years.
Through live jewellery-making demonstrations, MJ introduced visitors to the techniques, craftsmanship and creative processes behind her handcrafted jewellery.
These interactive demonstrations offered festival visitors an opportunity to see an artisan at work, ask questions and discover how traditional making skills, heritage-inspired designs and meaningful symbolism come together in contemporary jewellery.
Her participation reflects an ongoing commitment to sharing practical creative skills and making artisan craftsmanship accessible to the wider community.
Together, these engagements reflect MJ’s approach to education: bringing history, symbolism, mindfulness and traditional making skills into welcoming, practical and engaging community experiences.
Interested in booking MJ for an author talk, school holiday activity, creative workshop or private group experience?
Bring history, symbolism, mindfulness and creativity to your next event.
MJ Meredith welcomes enquiries from libraries, schools, community organisations, festivals, creative groups and private hosts interested in engaging an experienced author, rune educator and artisan workshop facilitator.
From engaging author talks and practical rune-inspired mindfulness sessions to hands-on jewellery making, rune-set creation and creative workshops, MJ offers activities that can be adapted to suit different audiences, ages, abilities and event formats.
Whether you’re planning a school holiday program, community activity, cultural event, professional wellbeing session, private gathering or special occasion, MJ is happy to discuss a session that combines learning, creativity and meaningful participation.
Enquire about availability, workshop options and pricing: [email protected]
Explore the Rune Knowledge Hub
Education is at the heart of MJ’s work.
The Celtic Stag Rune Knowledge Hub brings together articles exploring the Elder Futhark, rune history, bind runes, symbolism, mindfulness and the ways ancient symbols continue to be interpreted in contemporary life.
Topics include:
• What are Elder Futhark runes – a beginners guide?
• What is a bind rune and how is one created?
• The history of Viking runes: fact versus fiction
• Celtic symbols and runes: understanding the differences
• Runes and mindfulness
• Using runes as a daily reflection practice
• Historical, spiritual and contemporary perspectives on rune symbolism
The aim is not to present one prescribed way of interpreting runes, but to give readers the history, context and practical tools they need to explore the subject thoughtfully for themselves.
From Symbol to Story: Celtic Stag
MJ is the founder and creative force behind Celtic Stag Giftware & Men’s Jewellery, an Australian artisan business creating meaningful jewellery and giftware inspired by Celtic, Scottish and Norse history, symbolism and storytelling.
Her work as an author and educator directly influences the pieces she creates.
Personalised rune and bind rune jewellery, Celtic knots, heritage-inspired designs and symbolic pieces are created not simply as decoration, but as objects that can carry a story, memory, intention or personal meaning.
This relationship between research, writing and making is central to Celtic Stag.
The history inspires the research.
The research informs the writing.
The symbolism inspires the jewellery.
And the jewellery often begins a new conversation about history and meaning.
Selected Talks, Features & Recognition
MJ’s work as an author, artisan and small business owner has led to opportunities to share her knowledge and creative practice through libraries, community organisations, workshops, festivals and business programs.
Selected appearances and features include:
Central Coast Library Service – Erina Library
Runes for Mindfulness Author Talk, September 2026
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens
Creative and rune-inspired workshops
ETC – Self Employment Assistance
Featured in ETC’s small-business story exploring the development of Celtic Stag
Hunter Arts Network
Celtic Stag featured as a participating artisan through Art Bazaar
MJ has also presented workshops, demonstrations and educational activities at community and cultural events across New South Wales.
These experiences form part of an ongoing commitment to making history, symbolism and traditional creative skills accessible, interesting and relevant to contemporary audiences.
Learn, Create and Explore
Whether you discovered MJ’s work through a book, a workshop, the Rune Knowledge Hub or a piece of Celtic Stag jewellery, the invitation is the same:
Be curious. Learn the story. Explore the meaning. Make it your own.
Explore the Rune Knowledge Hub to learn more about rune history and symbolism, discover MJ Meredith’s books and mindfulness resources, browse handcrafted Celtic Stag jewellery, or enquire about an author talk or creative workshop for your organisation.