The beads are agate and primarily from Tibet. I don't know which region. They are used for meditation and protection. The natural designs have meaning, but they aren't related to Odin’s runes. I picked the designs from several websites that suit what I know about Stuart and his cat rescue work. I have some Bodhi seeds made with 108 seeds. The agate beads are beautiful, and many Western folks make the beads from clay or glass. So buyer beware!