The Voyance rune is the most basic and permanent rune given to Shadowhunters at a young age, typically placed on the back of the person's dominant hand. This serves to enhance and focus the Sight, giving the wearer extrasensory perception, allowing the Shadowhunter to see contemporary events beyond their sight, past concealment, such as glamour, and, with training and practice, to identify Downworlders on sight.[1]
Hidden caches of Nephilim weapons found in mundane churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other places of worship often respond and open in the presence of the Voyance mark.[1]
While the Voyance rune is normally the first rune given to young or new Shadowhunters, it may be changed in special cases, like how it was decided that the sickly Adele Starkweather should receive the Strength rune first.[2]
Trivia[]
- The application of the rune may reinforce a Shadowhunter's ability to see ghosts, more so in individuals or families, like the Nephilim of the Herondale family, who are able to see even ghosts who do not want to be seen.[3]
- Upon turning into an Endarkened Shadowhunter by drinking from the Infernal Cup, the Voyance rune, along with all other runes, disappear.[4]
- In earlier copies of City of Bones, the rune was said to lend an extra skill with weapons. Later editions changed it to the purpose it is currently known for.