The oldest runes that have been reliably researched by conventional archaeological methods date from more than 1,700 years ago. This set is therefore known as the Elder Futhark, although because it is associated with the culture of the Germanic peoples of Northern Europe, it is sometimes called the Common Germanic Futhark. These various alphabetical signs have been passed down through the centuries and were thought to possess religious and magical meanings.
Personal runes can represent letters, deities, qualities, animals events, and natural forces. Though they were an alphabet, they were thought too powerful to be used for common speech. Therefore they were reserved for ritual language, becoming the voice of the gods and a means of insight into the present and future.
The symbols were composed of vertical and angled straight lines that could easily be cut or burned in wood. The Runic system was used by ancient cultures and are thousands of years old.
Beginning in the 1980s and continuing to the present it became popular to use rune stones for divinatory purposes, they are cast like coins or sticks in I Ching or laid out in crosses or wheels such as Tarot cards. Some modern witches inscribe their magical tools and personal jewelry with runic characters
Runic symbols have been found carved on rocks dating from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, (c. 8000 BC - 2000 BC). Continuing discoveries showed they had been carved by tribes in Northern Italy (Etruria); they were also present in Sweden, and among the Germanic people. Dr R. I. Page of Cambridge University (Reading the Past - runes 1987) notes that the runic forms were well established and gave the appearance of having been in use for some centuries before the time of the earliest written language inscriptions.
The runic characters, originally derived from the Roman alphabet, first appeared around 200 AD. They numbered 24, divided into three groups It was not until about AD200, when the Runemal (i.e. the art of runic interpretation) was wide-spread in Northern Europe that the runic alphabet emerged in the Germanic lands. This alphabet became known as the Futhark or Futhork, after the names of the first 6 Runes (Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raido, Kauno) and it is these 24 symbols - plus the blank Rune representing Destiny - called Aettas, which corresponds closely to the phonetic sounds of the Roman alphabet.
Although runic carvings were found throughout western Europe, but the greatest concentration was in England where the alphabet was increased to thirty-three characters from its original twenty-four. In Scandinavia it was reduced to sixteen. In Britian the alphabet was called "futhorc" after its first letters F, U, TH, O, R, K.
The runes coexisted for centuries along with Christian symbols such as the cross. One of the earliest historical references to them is in the 4th. century AD when the Gothic bishop Ulfilas in devising the Gothic alphabet borrowed the U and O from the runic alphabet.
Recorded history abounds with examples of the runes endowed with secret or mystical power. The Greek historian Herodotus (484-424BC) records a form of Runecasting with sticks by Scythian tribesmen (a nomadic people of upper Asian origin who settled around the Black Sea about 700 BC) in the Caucasus region about 470BC. The ceremony was accompanied by much ritual and the use of soporific smoke.
The Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus (58-120AD) records a Germanic tribal Runemal in some detail in Chapter 10 of his ethnographical work Germania from about 97AD when he was Consul to the region:
"To divination they pay much attention. Their method is a simple one: they cut a branch from a fruit-bearing tree and divide it into small pieces which they mark with certain distinctive signs and scatter at random onto a white cloth. Then the priest of the community (if it is done publicly) or the father of the family (if it is done privately) after invoking the gods and with eyes raised to heaven, picks up three pieces one at a time and interprets them in accordance with the signs previously marked on them."
When the high chieftains and lawgivers of Anglo-Saxon England met in secret, their assemblies were known as The Runes: and a 4th Century translation of the Bible uses the word Runa for "mystery" or "secret proceedings".
According to myth, the runes were created by the Norse god Odin (also Woden or Woten), the one-eyed chief of the gods, also the god of wisdom and war. Odin acquired the forbidden and mystical knowledge of the runes by impaling himself by his own spear to Yggdrasil, the World Tree, for nine days and nights.
According to the Havamal, one of the poems in the Poetic Edda, in order to find the runes the god Odin had to hang from Yggdrasil (The World Tree) for nine days without food or water, pined to it by his own spear. There are obvious similarities here to the traditional imagery of the Hanged Man Tarot card, especially as, like the figure in the Rider-Waite deck for example, Odin hung upside down. This inversion is important because it implies a humility and a willingness to look at the world afresh. Odin's action can be seen as an extreme form of shamanistic ritual helping him to reach an altered state of consciousnes. For, on the 9th night as he lay between life and death, he first saw the runes.
"Down into the depths I gazed
Crying aloud I took up runes
Then finally I fell"
The reference to "depths" or "down" (translations vary) is not only to the roots of Yggdrasil but to Odin himself. This was a moment of self-realisation also - looking into his inner depths. This is supported by another line which speaks of this being a sacrifice of Odin to Odin. Having picked up the runes Odin is newly empowered and he is released from the tree and the state between life and death in which he was hovering. He thus falls back to the ground but with the runes in his hands. The Edda also mentions Bragi, master of the skalds (minstrels) and a great storyteller who reputedly had runes tattooed on his tongue - a reference to his magical gift as a raconteur.
The slightly later poem Erik the Red describes a Runemistress in full regalia. The traditional lore of Finland, as recorded in the Kalevala by Lönnrot in 1835, describes a confrontation of wizards
Belief in runic power was strong among the German soldiers during World War I. This was because "secret chiefs" of the Germanen Order, a runic society founded in 1912, signed their names in runic characters. They sold amuletic bronze rune rings to solders for protection. A rune mania occurred throughout the country which included yodelling during yoga-like exercises to release the rune's mystical powers, and meditating over runes to cure illnesses.
Perhaps two runes were destroyed forever by the Nazis. These are the swastika, originally Mjoelhir, Thor's hammer and the symbol of the Earth Mother and the sun; and the sig or S rune, the trademark of Heinrich Himmler's "Schutzstaffel," or the SS. The Norse neo-Pagans tried to bring back the Swastika as a runic symbol without much success.
The ancient usage of the swastika not only as a symbol by Indo-European cultures dates back perhaps prior to 700 BC in Greece where it was painted on amphoreis and various ceramic artifacts, and even graves. Also it exists in many other cultures such as the Chinese and Native Americans
In Western Europe during the Dark Ages runes were believed to possess potent magical powers. These magical powers attributed to runes were believed to be released in the etching of names, phrases, memorial inscriptions, and spells upon bones, metal, wood, and stone. The fact that the runes were each given meaningful names confirms that they had some magical or religious significance to their users long before they emerged as an alphabet for records and messages. The were inscribed on wood and grave stones to described the deeds of the departed and to ward off grave robbers. It was thought that a swords having a runic inscription became more powerful to inflict more pain and death upon the enemy. The powers of runes was sought for various things such as victory in battle, healings, acquisition of psychical powers, protection from the evil eye, cursing, love, fertility and other enchantments.
Magicians etched them on magical tools, even sometimes sprinkling blood on them to increase their magical potency. The magicians passed these tools onto their initiates, telling the initiates of their power by word of mouth. Runic symbols were inscribed--but never in the light of day--on items such as wands made of hazel, ash or yew, swords, chalices, or stone tablets to obtain whatever the magician desired. Such belief and interest in the runes was diminished by the Inquisition.
The magical use of runic in Western practices has been revived in New Age ideas and activities. Ralph Blum, a Fullbright scholar and Harvard graduate, has adapted runes for oracular purposes. He details these purposes and activities in his two books The Book of Runes and Rune Play which are accompanied by 25 letters stationed on ceramic counters which can be used for casting in a similar divinatory manner as in I Ching.
As there are no reliable historical descriptions of runic divination, no one knows for sure how the ancients used runes for divining. Norse references all tell of the runes being cast or thrown, suggesting that the formal patterns used in the familiar runespreads commonly used today are modern conceptions, possibly derived from the Tarot.
For example, most runes are carved onto small bits of wood, clay or stone. These are better designed to be picked up and scattered, rather than being laid out in a specific pattern like the Tarot. This is verified by descriptions of runic divination in Norse literature, all of which refer to them being 'thrown', 'cast' or 'scattered'.
Some books give upright and reversed meanings for the runes (like Tarot cards). This is obviously impractical if one is casting the runes, since many will land sideways or at odd angles. Polarizing the meanings of the runes in this way, even if those opposites aren't phrased in terms of 'positive' and 'negative', tends to limit the range of possible interpretations and ignores the complex and subtle relationships between the different runes in a cast.
Another method of casting runes in Western magic is to write the letters on slips of papers that are given, handed, or sent to the victim of the spell. Such a method was brilliantly described in the short story Casting the Runes by M. R. James in More Ghost Stories of an Antiquary, 1911.
The important thing, however, is that you feel comfortable with the method you choose. If you feel the need for a more structured reading than a simple cast provides, devise a pattern for your casting cloth that has some meaning for you to give the reading a more tangible context. If you find nine or twelve runes to be a bit overwhelming, use three or four. If you want to just grab a handful and cast them, go right ahead. The runes themselves should tell you how they want to be read. With experiment and practice you will develop your own runecasting method that works with your rune set and and your psyche. If you feel the need for a more disciplined method than a random cast, construct your own casting field on a paper or cloth, or even a marked diagram on the ground. Choose a format that has significance to you, rather than just accepting a predefined pattern such as Freya Aswynn's Nine Worlds (see below). Once you have found a system that works for you, stick to it. Consistency in method is one of the keys to successful divining.
There are basically to way of using the runes: runespreads and runecasts
In a runespread, you select the runes for the reading from a hidden cache and place them in a pattern to be read according to their positions relative to one another. In a runecast you throw or drop the runes so that they fall randomly onto the runecasting surface and read them according to their location upon the surface. One or more runes can be picked blind and "at random" from a bag. The runes picked then have some bearing on the situation or question at hand. This form of divination is quite common found and relies on the effect that Carl Jung called "synchronicity" and that the original users of the runes would have called Wyrd.
Another major difference is in the method of interpretation. With a runespread it is common to use reverse and converse interpretations for many runes. For example, Berkanan upright can mean growth, whereas Berkanan reversed (upside-down) can indicate shrinkage or lack of growth, and Berkanan converse (face down) can mean hidden growth. So, with a runespread it is a simple matter to place the drawn rune onto the casting surface in exactly the same aspect it came to hand.
Interpreting a runecast
But in a runecast it is obviously impractical to take these alternative interpretations into account because the runes can fall at any angle. With a random pattern like the runecast it would be altogether too restrictive to limit the interpretation of individual runes in this way. It would curtail some of the more complex and subtle relationships between the neighbouring runes in the cast.
If you feel a bit out of depth using the full rune set, just select a few runes for your early efforts, 8, 9 or 12 runes will still provide enough depth for meaningful readings. Even that number might seem a bit overwhelming to begin with, so you might like to start with just 3, 4, or 5 runes to get the feel of the runecast method.
You must decide for yourself how the relative positions of the runes effect the cast. When you have performed a number of casts and decided on meanings for various positions or patterns you will be able to formulate your own conventions for interpreting your runecast in future. It is important to be consistent in your interpretations, so once you find the meaning for a form or pattern that fits your situation, always try to keep to the same interpretation in the future. But don't be too restrictive in setting rules. In other words, you should not be tempted to see every triangle or square as a set pattern that must mean the same thing every time.
Interpreting a runespread
In a spread the sequence in which runes are drawn determines their position and significance. Each place in a rune spread has a meaning attached to it, so the first rune might represent "Past Events", the second "That Which prevents Growth", the third "Current Situation" etc. Spreads can range from anything from two runes up to a full 24 rune layout. All spreads in use today are modern inventions since we know very little about ancient forms of divination involving the runes. Spreads are a useful divinatory tool. Many people will find one particular spread they like and use this consistently. Others will make use of different spreads depending on circumstances and the type of information they are hoping to obtain. ). The more runes utilised in a spread the greater the level of detail the runes are able to provide. Hence 1-3 rune spreads are ideal when the intention is to enable a decision to be made quickly whereas spreads with more runes are preferable when wanting to look at a situation in greater depth considering all contributing factors
There are 24 runes in the full rune row or set which is known as the Anglo-Saxon Futhark. It was brought to Britain by Vikings and other early European settlers. and is a little different from the Elder Futhark, as the original rune row is called.
In addition to each rune having a meaning, the material in which the runes are carved can color the reading. Most people consistently use runes made of ceramic, stone, or wood
Gold Runes - Are used for questions about business, career, and property
Jade Runes - Are used for questions about love, friendship, and relationships.
Ice Runes - Are used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement.
Spirit Runes - Are used for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion.
Stone Runes - Are used for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control.
Amethyst Runes - Are used for partnership, protection, love, success and growth.
Oil your wooden runes with a natural oil to keep them moist. Runes should be stored in either handmade or store bought bags with draw strings. They should be large enough to hold all of the Runes plus allow a hand go into the bag to pull a Rune out. The bag used to store the Runes can be made from natural materials like cotton, leather, velvet, wool, or silk. Blessing your Rune Set: Before using, it is recommended that you honor and consecrate your rune set in whatever way you treat things that are sacred and special to you.
Please keep the runes away from children because they are not toys and may be harmful if swallowed.
Each rune represents something in it's magical sense, and also represents a sound in its writing sense. The sounds usually match up with the magical meaning, too. For example the rune Dagaz represents "Day" in rune magic, and it also represents the sound "D" when it used for writing.
Using a casting clothe
This step is as important as the RUNES themselves. A Ground Cloth, or Casting Cloth will determine how each RUNE is read. Beginners and those doing RUNES and/or a ground for the first time might consider waiting until you are more familiar with both RUNES and Ground. Once the RUNES are 'grounded' do not use them on any other surface than the Ground Cloth.
Some Ground Cloths are very beautiful. Some are quite simple. The four basic circles and the four elements or directions, are present, the Ground Cloth will work. The more elaborate the drawing on the Ground Cloth, the more difficult it will be for the reader to determine the true placement of the RUNES. Even the most minor miscalculation can greatly impact the final results of a reading
The basic RUNE cloth, or Ground, consists of material onto which are drawn three circles. Any material may be used so long as it is durable, soft and of natural material. Leather works better than cotton because it will last longer and provides better protection for the RUNES stones when they are thrown on a hard surface. Cotton, backed by quilting or any other insulating material will work just as well. Do not use glue on any item that will come in contact with the RUNES.
Circle 1
The center circle is where the reading begins. This is referred to as Circle 1 - the Self. The inner-most self, representing what is held secret or sacred.
Circle 2
The Circle of Relationships and Life Path. These are those people who are in your life and effecting your life on a day-to-day basis.
Circle 3
The Circle of Elemental Forces and External Influences - Spirit Guides. The symbols within the third circle represent the four elements and the four directions. Air, Earth, Water, Fire and East, South, West, North. These directions and elements are not fixed. This area represents events that effect more than just you, such as; the weather, politics, taxes, etc... The elements will influence everything in life. When we work with these energies, things are not necessarily easier, but they do move along much more quickly and support is more evident.
The 4 runes
These symbols are not assigned. It is what binds the chosen RUNES to this particular cloth. Once the RUNES are bound to the cloth they are considered 'grounded' and therefore the cloth is called the 'Ground'. This is interpreted as the circle of Karma. The RUNE symbols which are placed in the corners of the ground cloth define both the cloth itself and the karma of the reading.
When one or more RUNES are thrown Off the Cloth Entirely they will be read as representing past lives. Anything that is not on the cloth indicates either a lesson learned from a past life, or one that is being repeated here.
The Celestial spread
The Celestial spread is a yearly (13 Runes needed) spread - starting with the month you are in now. Runes chosen 1 -12 are set up in a diamond shape starting with the right and ending up with Rune 12 at the top of the diamond. The last or 13th Rune should be placed in the middle. Rune 1 should be month 1 and so on. The 13th Rune should be the final and should represent the "Influence for the Year".
The Celtic Cross spread
The Celtic Cross spread is a ten rune spread based on the Celtic Cross (refer to my TAROT section for this spread description). The Cross spread is used to plot the arc of your life and the forces acting on it. It is the most popular spread, giving a very complete view of the situation. The left rune represents an important element of the past. The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. The top rune represents a force that works for you. The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome.
The Diamond spread
The Diamond spread reveals the dynamic forces at work in a situation. It is the spread of choice for understanding a hidden conflict. The bottom rune represents the foundation that forms the basis of the issue. The left rune represents one of the forces acting on the issue at hand. The right rune represents another of the forces acting on the issue at hand. The top rune represents the conclusion to which your strivings can carry you.
The Elements Spread
The Elements Spread shows the four elements and their corresponding qualities The top rune; Earth are lessons to be learned on the physical plane. The right rune; Air, lessons to be learned on the mental plane. The bottom rune; Fire, Lessons to be learned on the spiritual plane. The left rune; Water, lessons to be learned on the emotional plane.
The Fork spread
The Fork spread is used at critical turning points, to understand the dynamics of an important decision. The left rune represents the first possible outcome. The right rune represents the second possible outcome. The bottom rune represents the critical factor that determines what will come to pass. Medicine Wheel spread is a five Rune cast to give guidance to a specific problem when the questioner does not know which path to follow. The left sided rune deals with The past or Source of the problem. The right rune represents the The present or Current influences. The bottom rune deals with The future or the way energies are flowing. The top rune shows the challenge. The center rune represents The power to call upon. The Norn spread is used to plot the crucial elements of past, present, and future, and to reveal the evolution of the situation through the arc of time. The left rune represents an important element of the past. The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. The right rune represents the critical element of the future. Odin's Casting spread is a five rune cast dealing with the past, present and future. The far left rune is the distant past and the rune next to this (also on left) represents the recent past. The center top Rune represents the present. The right rune represents the recent future and the far right rune represents the distant future. Relationship spread is very useful to get an understanding of the purpose of people who are partners. It shows the role of each person in the other person's life and the potential direction of the relationship.
Rune #1: This rune represents the energy or attitude towards the relationship of the person asking the question.
Rune #2: This one represents the partner's energy or attitude about the relationship.
Rune #3: The third rune shows how the partnership is doing or what the purpose of the people being together is. Single Rune Spread is used to gain a quick insight into what drives the situation, or to reduce it to the most concise summary possible. The rune represents the critical factor in the issue at hand. The 3 Rune spread enables you to deal with the subject as it presents itself at this moment in time. The left rune is the past. The center rune represents the present. The right rune is the future.
The Thor's Hammer spread
Place the runes unseen in the runebag. Swirl the runes around in the bag gently with your writing hand, and let a Rune fall naturally into your fingers. Feel it and sense whether it is the right one to draw. Draw the runes one at a time and place them on the field in the pattern shown on the left.
Never turn the runes - place them exactly as they come to hand on the field. Whether they are upright or reversed (i.e. upside down or right way up), and whether they appear converse or obverse (i.e. face down or face up) may make a difference to the meaning. Interpret the runes according to their position as follows:
1 How others see me
2 My fears
3 What I seek
4 My best approach
5 My goal
6 Obstacles to overcome
7 My destiny
8 The way to my real self
9 My real self
The One-Rune Quicky.
As you might imagine, this method is designed to provide a quick, concise answer to a specific question. It can also be used daily as a subject for meditation, or as a general overview of the day before you go to bed. Think of a specific question.
Pull a rune out of the pouch and look at it. The answer may be an obvious yes or no, or the rune might provide a more conditional response. If the rune you picked seems to make no sense at all as a response to your question, ask another question or try again later.
The Norns
Pull one rune and lay it down face up. This rune represents the first Norn - those events in the past which affect the current situation. Pull another rune and lay it next to the first. This is the second Norn - the present situation, which frequently refers to a choice that needs to be made. Pull a third and lay it down. This is the third Norn, and the most difficult rune to interpret. In some cases it might represent the person's inevitable fate. In others, it might simply be the end result if the current situation remains unchanged, or even just one of several results. You must rely on your instincts to decide which is the case.
The Germania cast
Take all of the runes in your hands and cast them on the surface. You can throw the runes gently onto the surface, or you can let them fall from your hands from a height of about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm). You may wish to invoke the aid of one or more of the gods of the Northern Tradition at this point. Odin is always a good choice, but I do not recommend calling on Thor.
Discount any runes that fall beyond the perimeter of your casting surface and, without looking at the runes, pick three at random. Once you have the chosen three, set them down in a row and interpret them using the three-rune spread rules.
The 9 Rune cast
For a detailed overview of a situation, or an examination of your spiritual path try the 9 rune cast. Pick nine runes unseen from the pouch. Hold them between your hands for a moment, and focus on your question (if you have one). Then scatter the runes on the table, floor, or cloth if you have one. Read the runes which land face up first. These will relate to the current situation and the circumstances which led to it. How the runes are read is largely subjective, but in general, runes lying in the centre are the most immediately relevant, while those lying around the edges are less important, or represent more general influences. Runes that are close together or even touching often compliment each other, or may even represent a single thing, while runes which fall on opposite sides of the pattern frequently represent opposing influences. Occasionally, a rune will land completely off the cloth or fall off the table. Some people consider such runes to be particularly significant, while others ignore them completely.
Once you have considered the face up runes, turn over the others without changing their relative positions. These face-down runes represent external and/or future influences thus pointing to possible outcomes.
Eventually, once the reading is done, one more rune may be pulled out of the pouch. This helps to confirm (or sometimes dispute) the conclusions drawn from the reading, and may provide a focus or centre to an otherwise scattered and complicated cast.
The Futhark is divided into three sets of eight runes each, called Aetts. The Aetts are named after Freyja, Hagal and Tiw. It is easier to memorize the three Aetts than it is all 24 runes as a whole, so let us start by dividing the runes into their Aetts
Here are some mnemonic phrases that might help you to remember the runes in each Aett.
Let's look at Freyja's Aett and note the first letters of each rune name. They spell F-U-(TH)-A-R-K-G-W. You can remember this sequence by memorizing this phrase "Futhark Going Well", because your Futhark will be going well if you can remember it! Repeat the phrase to your self a dozen times, then try and write the F-U-(TH)-A-R-K-G-W sequence down without looking at the newsletter.
Turning to Hagal's Aett, the letters are H-N-I-J-Y-P-A-S. I have put A in there for Algiz, because there aren't too many words beginning with Z.
Finally, Tiw's Aett becomes T-B-E-M-L-I-O-D and that could be remembered from a phrase such as "To Be Expert, Must Learn It's Order, Dear".
Fehu
Symbols: Cattle, property, material wealth, prosperity, or money.
Myths and deities: Freyr, Brisingamen, the Dwarfs
Interpretation: This is a positive rune of increased wealth, success, new financial opportunities, and overcoming a struggle. This rune has some interesting
implications based on the fact that cattle, unlike land, move about of their own
accord. Cattle also reproduce, so this rune often speaks of wealth that renews
or perpetuates itself. Wealth takes many forms, but this rune generally
represents the value that is purely material or monetary in nature.
Upright position: Financial success, inheritance, assesses your efforts and
actions to answer your question, fulfillment of wishes pertaining to romance and
relationships. Don't be greedy or miserly, but also be careful of what is yours
acquired through diligence and hard work. Always share and make your guests
feel welcome. Prepare the best meal and provide the best bed. When you
receive a gift, you must give a gift. Always give a gift of equal value. Never
ever give a better gift than the one you received so not to embarrass the
original giver.
Inverse position: Timing wrong for any new financial or romantic endeavors. It
can represent barrenness or the loss of wealth. Some interpret Fehu as
representing children, in which case the reversal may portend the distancing of
a child from her or his parents.
Use for: for money, - business, advancement, employment, attainment of goals, commencement of new undertakings.
Color: Green
Uruz
Symbols: Cattle, property, material wealth, prosperity, or money.
Myths and deities: Freyr, Brisingamen, the Dwarfs
Interpretation: This is a positive rune of increased wealth, success, new financial opportunities, and overcoming a struggle. This rune has some interesting
implications based on the fact that cattle, unlike land, move about of their own
accord. Cattle also reproduce, so this rune often speaks of wealth that renews
or perpetuates itself. Wealth takes many forms, but this rune generally
represents the value that is purely material or monetary in nature.
Upright position: Financial success, inheritance, assesses your efforts and
actions to answer your question, fulfillment of wishes pertaining to romance and
relationships. Don't be greedy or miserly, but also be careful of what is yours
acquired through diligence and hard work. Always share and make your guests
feel welcome. Prepare the best meal and provide the best bed. When you
receive a gift, you must give a gift. Always give a gift of equal value. Never
ever give a better gift than the one you received so not to embarrass the
original giver.
Inverse position: Timing wrong for any new financial or romantic endeavors. It
can represent barrenness or the loss of wealth. Some interpret Fehu as
representing children, in which case the reversal may portend the distancing of
a child from her or his parents.
Use for: for money, - business, advancement, employment, attainment of goals, commencement of new undertakings.
Color: Green
Thurisaz
Symbols: Thorn, protection from evil, luck ending
Myths and deities: frost-giants, Loki
Interpretation: Thurisaz is a symbol of protection, luck, new possibilities, and good health (minor). The meaning of this rune in your casting will depend greatly on the surrounding runes. Being a rune designed after Thor's Hammer, it can give you great protection and strength when needed. It may also be indicating a lightening bolt of good luck. This good luck will probably not be from something that you expect, and you probably will not see it coming. Thurisaz, although, can be a tricky rune. It may also be indicating that your luck is about to end, so take care not to push yourself. If surrounded by negative runes, or "warning" runes, it may be indicating that you are being strong-headed and stubborn. At this time you might do best by deferring opinions and decisions or seeking a second opinion. It may also be indicating that your "opposition" is morally, physically, or financially stronger than you.
Upright position: A dilemma will occur for you. You
must make an important decision. Think it through then act. Sometimes it is
strongly advised to be very careful in making any important decision hastily and
beware of evil, danger, untruths, and/or betrayal.
Inverse position: do not make hasty thoughtless decisions. Think first
everything through or you will regret your decision or what is to come of the
situation bringing bad results to your relationships and/or family. You may be
about ready to run across someone older and wiser then yourself. Look to the
surrounding runes, Ansuz may be indicating that is time for you to do some
careful thinking and / or seek the advice of others. May also indicate that you
will soon be learning a new "trade", or you are about to get some good schooling
in a certain area.
Use for: As an aid in the process of learning, assistance in meditating and attaining
self-discipline, for clearing up the meaning and essence of a grave situation.
Color: Black
Ansuz
Symbols: Mouth, the spoken word, messages, signals, Higher Order
Myths and deities: Odin
Interpretation: The Ash tree is represented here and this is a strong tree, usually weathering storms and leaving clues of its battles. Ansuz refers to a god or the spoken word of god. It is the voice of reason, law, prophecy and truth Ansuz . This is the Rune of knowledge and learning. When drawing this rune, seek the wisdom or wise counsel of an elder or a knowledgeable person as a teacher or mentor. A person choosing this Rune is probably an intellectual interested in communicating ideas or a seeker of wisdom. Rune may indicate the beginning of an apprenticeship in acquiring knowledge, extra skills and experience necessary to nurture natural talents.
Upright position: seek assistance, authority, business, and learning,
investigate, inquire, and ask your elders to help you with your question. Maybe
you will receive word or news from an elderly or authoritative person (parent,
teacher, relative, etc.) or an unknown wiser person.
Inverse position: If traveling for business it could mean an unsuccessful
trip or outcome. Some mischief may be a foot when drawn depending on the question or circumstance of the reading. Beware of smooth talkers, get rich schemes, and tricksters. A confusing atmosphere can prevent you from discerning fact from fiction. Must be careful and alert sometimes to signs of the trickster. Reversed may mean you are or will be the victim of lies, deceit and trickery. Seek second opinions and general thoughts from others. You may also be unwilling to learn from the lessons that life is teaching you. If Wyrd, in addition to negative runes, appears in connection with Ansuz reversed it might be indicating that you are hording knowledge but never really using it.
Use for: for bringing wise decisions, success, achievement of leadership; as assistance in predicting and in magic
Color: Indigo and Purple
Raido
Symbols: Wagon, travel, journeys, quest, progress, and communication
Myths and deities: Norns, Sigurd's Travels
Interpretation: moving, motion, travel (for pleasure), pilgrimage, change, destiny, life lessons will be learned, life goes on no matter what the outcome. Raido is union and reunion. The end of conflicts.
Upright position: a journey is coming up either physical or a souls journey,
visit from a friend or relative, receiving news from a far away person. Not all journeys are good ones especially if it is one you do not want to take because you may not be physically, mentally, or spiritually ready.
Inverse position: Cancellations of arrangements or plans, news from an
unpleasant or unexpected person. A disruption of travel or communication.
Analysis of this rune has also given it interpretations of advice or justice,
and of being in a position of moral correctness. Reversed, there is an
indication of the lack of solid council, or the holding of a position that is
not morally sound.
Use for: Protection of travelers, relief or bringing change along, renewal of links
Color: Violet
Kano
Kauno / Kenaz
Symbols: Controlled fire, light, opening
Myths and deities: Mimir, the Dwarfs, Muspellheim
Interpretation: Very optimistic Rune in beginnings or renewals.
Can signify healing is on the way. In matters of the heart, there is a
possibility of commitment. Otherwise, more positive overtones in a relationship
can develop. This is a great time for putting energies into new opportunities.
Upright position: In all relationships the circumstances are favorable. Successful business relations, a couple will find a solution and end their argument.
Inverse position: Could signify an ending, a loss, a delay or blockage in
progress. Not taking advantage of the light that has been shone on you,
not accepting the knowledge, being lazy, lagging behind. Or it can stand for a
loss of friendship or breakup of business deals.
Use for: attainment of creative inspiration, assistance in learning/studying a fertility, driving uneasiness and fears away.
Color: White and Gold
Gebo
Gifu
Symbols: The Gift of Harmonic Relationships, union, sex magick,
partnerships
Myths and deities: Sigurd and Brunhild, Aesir and Vanir Accord
Interpretation: Gebo means gift, and like any gifts, the rune may be understood on many levels. Gifts are generally positive things, for both the giver and the recipient. In many cultures however, gifts and favors carry with them an obligation to respond in kind. It is for this reason that gifts, and hence the rune Gebo, are frequently symbolic of friendships, marriages, alliances, mergers, and other bonds between people or organizations.It could mean a birth of a child. It is always a good omen.
Upright position / Inverse position: no specific
Use for: For finding or reinforcing a love relation, fertility, bringing
luck, for designation of a present, or offer.
Color: Pink, Red or Purple
Hagal
Hagalaz
Symbols: Destructive forces, The Unexpected, Hail, limitations, delay
Myths and deities: Ragnarok, Loki, Frost Dwarfs
Interpretation: Hagalaz is the rune of hail. Hail is a destructive and elemental force, so one can expect this rune to represent the disruption of one's life. This is an acknowledgement of the force of nature at its worst. Elemental disruption, sudden loss, hard temptation, destruction, misfortune, accident, and a drastic change. Drawing this Rune is an indication that although things can look bleak, there can be a real triumph over a situation. It can also be a warning to maintain a balance in your life at the time of this reading. If you have been sick, it can indicate recovery is on the way.
Upright position: Unexpected occurrences and changes of plans, sometimes a death, and not the right time for new starts.
Inverse position: The opposite of chaos is yet more chaos, as illustrated by the fact that this rune cannot be reversed.
Use for: for elimination of unwished influences and destructive patterns
Nauthiz
Naudiz / Nyd / Nied
Symbols: Need
Myths and deities: Freyr and Gerda
Interpretation: Nyd represents many things, most of them unpleasant :
Constraint, delay, loss, need, and sorrow are all frequently seen in this rune. Nyd speaks most strongly of pause, the hallmark of the both the timid and the patient, and is often interpreted as foretelling a delay in the effect of other runes that it accompanies. When drawing this Rune, it is a good time to remember that it is much better to think on something carefully rather than act on it too soon and do the wrong thing.
Upright position: Troubles are coming up. No action at this moment, wait for
the things to start changing by themselves.
Inverse position: A risky adventure that is possible to prevent, looking to
start new venture in wrong direction.
Use for: to represent and depict the needs that are to be satisfied, met
Color: White and Blue
Isa
Symbols: Ice, freeze, immobility, patience, constraint. There are dangers of the cold.
Myths and deities: Audhumla, Niflheim
Interpretation: This rune suggests heat removed not just from anger or conflict,
but from passion as well. Paradoxically, Isa conveys images of slippery slopes and unsure footing, but also of circumstances that have crystallized and become
utterly immutable. Sometimes in a person's life, there are standstills. We must recognize it for what it is. This is a powerful rune for the rune spell caster, for the one who understands this force can have great power of influence.
Upright position / Inverse position: No separate upright or inverse positions
Use for: to halt processes, for presentation of original forms.
Color: White or Silver
Wunjo
Symbols: Happiness, bliss, glory, harmony, joy, and victory
Myths and deities:
Interpretation: Drawing this Rune is a sure sign that one's luck is changing. Joy is on the way. Happiness and laughter will come into your life shortly. It can mean a lot of aspects of joy, but mainly it is the lack of need and lack of pain success: recognition , just reward, blessedness, attainment of goals, satisfaction, fulfillment. It is the realization of what you have worked for and the temporary enjoyment of all your goods. When asking a question of love, it could mean a positive outcome with that individual.
Upright position: Usually is associated with fair-haired people and traveling over water. Happiness, pleasure, satisfaction , peace, calm.
Inverse position: Exact opposite of upward position, things slow in coming to
fruition. An emotional problem, love triangle, a third person is somehow
involved. Think for three days before making any decisions, do not make hasty decisions.
Use for: For success in everything. Seek out friends, relatives, and seek others that make you feel happy and loved.
Color: Pink and Yellow
Perth
Perdhro
Symbols: New birth, mystery, magick, divine influence, fertility, sexuality, new beginning, prophecy. Hidden forces for unexpected Luck and Opportunity.
Myths and deities: Freya, Angrboda
Interpretation: When drawing this Rune, there is a good indication
you may encounter a secret or unexpected gain as in a game of chance. This is a Rune of finding lost items or possibly an old friend or long lost relative you probably lost contact with. It can mean you are about to go on a quest or search for something unknown. This Rune can also signify a journey into Wyrd, the place of past, present and future. This could be a time to come to terms with a reparation one needs to make .
Upright position: may receive information to help you or money to assist you.
Inverse position: prepare for a disappointment because information you have received recently will prove wrong or untrue. This can have many possible
meanings. It could represent secrets revealed or mysteries uncovered.
Use for: for fertility, to facilitate giving birth, for success in predicting and in practices of magic, reinforcement of powers of psyche
Color: Blue and Green
Jera
Ger
Symbols: Justice, cycle of one year, harvest or justice
Myths and deities: Sif, Thor, Freyr, Granni
Interpretation: This Rune is an indication of planting your seeds
or ideas. Drawing this Rune in a Past reading means you have completed that cycle. Drawing this Rune in the Present means you are at the beginning of the cycle. Drawing Jera in a Future reading means you are getting somewhere near the end of the cycle of completion of what you are doing. Change, cycle, motion, movement, productivity, and unavoidable development. These cycles are eternal, which is represented in the rune by the fact that it is unchanged by reversal.
Upright position: No specific upright and inverse positions: recognition's and rewards after a long time waiting, receiving old debts, money, might be connected with the legal system, the law
Use for: For bringing change about; for fertility and growth.
Color: White or Green
Eihwaz
Ihwaz / Eoh
Symbols: Yew tree, bow
Myths and deities: Hell, Yggdrasil
Interpretation: It represents defensive power and is the symbol of rune magic. Change, initiation, confrontation to fear, turning point, death: not necessarily a physical death. Communications with other realms. The Yew does not go dormant and therefore represents endurance. Even the wood of the tree is strong, resilient, and pliable - the Yew bends, but does not break. The evergreen nature of the Yew is present even in the rune itself, as it cannot be changed even by reversal. Gain from the strength of this Rune and use assertiveness to take charge of things. A positive and realistic view is called for by looking to the other Runes when interpreting this Rune. Deal with effectively by questioning the way you think and act..
Upright position: no specific upright and inverse positions: change, a way out, and end
Use for: For bringing about a complete change, for facilitation of going through
life.
Color: Indigo and Purple
Algiz
Eolh
Symbols: Elk, protection, fortunate new influence, support, cooperation.
Myths and deities: Heimdall
Interpretation: This is a very positive Rune indicating protection
in your work or in your love life. Also a Rune of friendship, good influences,
and protection from misfortunes. If harm does threaten, you will receive a
strong premonition of the disaster that enables you to take caution and prepare. Algiz serves as a mirror for the Spiritual Warrior, the one whose battle is always with the self. Also, this rune seems symbolic of a hand with outstretched fingers - a protective hand.
Upright position: Always be careful of theft. In any new relationship
always use your intuition and proceed with caution until you are assured you
have mutual friends and trust established
Inverse position: A warning, protect yourself, don’t let people or situations
take advantage of you.
Use for: For protection, success for hunting
Color: White.
Sowilo
Sowelu / Sigel
Symbols: Victory, The Sun, Giver of all Life.
Myths and deities: Sunna
Interpretation: This Rune is one of great power and success. Success, positive energy, growth, power, activity, fertility, health. In dark times, this rune represents clarity of sight and the victory of good over evil. Sowelu is irreversible, as the cycles of the sun and seasons are perpetual. Take care of your health and energy (the sun). No upright or inverse position
Use for: For healing or vital energy but also for achievement of energy, strength, curing, fertility, success .
Color: Orange, Red and Gold
Tiwaz
Teiwaz / Tir
Symbols: War, law, victory, passion, courage, tactical and diplomatic ability
Myths and deities: Tyr and the wolf Fenrir, Odin's sacrificing
Interpretation: Duty, discipline, responsibility, self-sacrificing, dispute, strength, physical injury, warrior's path. This is the rune of Tyr, the god of war, and was often seen painted on the shields as the protector of the warrior and the giver of victory. Drawing this Rune indicates a victory in a competition. It indicates the need for a quest or a cause to believe in and defend whether it be physical or spiritual. In romance, this Rune indicates passion, sex, and fertility.
Upright position: : A love affair, full of energy and activity, you will give your all to something and achieve positive results. Sometimes when there is a delay or blockage in success, you have to proceed with caution.
Inverse position: Failure, waning enthusiasm, lack of fidelity, impeded energy flow.This could mean that a sacrifice made will not lead to the desired result. It could also mean a loss, or a victory overturned. This rune warns against entering into conflicts or negotiations, especially ones requiring that an offering or concession be made. Be wary of the opposite sex you are dealing with, they may not be as passionate and reliable as you are or want them to be. It may be a friend will interfere in the affair. Your business plans may fail because you did not give your full attention or energy.
Use for: for protection, victory, strength, reinforcement of will, wound healing.
Color: White and Gold
Berkana
Beorc, Berkanan
Symbols: Birch Tree, Birth, the Goddess, New beginnings, fertility
(Family) and growth
Myths and deities: Frigg, Idun
Interpretation: Celebration, fertility, health, new beginning, growth, removal
of obstacles and barriers. A Rune that leads to blossoming and ripening, Berkana is concerned with the flow of beings into their new forms. The birch is frequently symbolic of renewal, rebirth, birth, growth and fertility. This rune is a joyous one, representing good outcomes from ventures undertaken. It is the rune of the family and of a good household. One of four cycle runes, it signifies growth in relationships, families, fertility and fruition. Indicates a birth or a wedding is in the offspring. Problems that are treated with Beorc usually come to pass with fruitful outcomes.
Upright position: wedding or engagement is at hand for you or someone you know. Some type of family celebration is coming up, could also mean a birth within in the family is coming up. Sexual union is not be treated with a casual attitude but with responsibility and sacred reverence
Inverse position: problems in the family, maybe relating to children or siblings, problems with pregnancy, problems between a couple.
Use for: healing and starting new activities
Color: Green and White
Ehwaz
Symbols: The Sacred Horse and rider, movement, change, travel
Myths and deities: Sleipnir, Freya's feather cloak
Interpretation: transport, movement, assistance and help, energy, power,
communication, willpower, imprudence.
Upright position: Change of residence, changing job positions, promotions, a change is coming up for the better. This rune stands for gradual developmental and steady progress.
Inverse position: be wary of deals not going through
Use for: For realization of power, establishment of communication, for casting spells
Color: Blue
Mannaz
Symbols: mankind, society, perfected man, self improvement.
Myths and deities: Ask and Embla
Interpretation: This rune represents the relationship of the self with the
whole community of mankind (others, family, relations, school, associations). We are all part of each other, made of the same things, subject to similar experiences.
Upright position: in relation to others cooperation and respect is at hand in
order for the good of all.
Inverse position: watch your back, others are in the background. Be wary of
signing any deals in which you will not get your rewards. Nobody will profit if
things go as they are going.
Use for: gathering people around you
Color: Indigo and Violet
Laguz
Lagaz, Laukaz
Symbols: Intuitive knowledge, femina, water, emotions, lagoon
Myths and deities: Njord, Snake of the Midgard
Interpretation: Fear, irrational thinking, secrets, intuition , paths of spiritual development, psychic, paranormal. Laguz is the most strongly feminine of runes, representing water. Deep sexuality is suggested by this rune. Through Laguz, water is seen as the ocean - vast, uncontrollable, ever-changing, and vital. When interpreted as the returning tide, Laguz can also predict the inevitable return from a long journey.
Upright position: A chance to achieve and progress yourself due to your intellect is at hand, a female may play an upcoming role pertaining to the question at hand with insight into the situation to put your fears at bay or fill you in where you don't have the answer. A woman may be wondering if she is pregnant.
Inverse position: do not dwell inside, go outside and be with others. Do not live in your unconscious mind and analyze everything, enjoy what life has for you now, be aware of what is not seen.
Use for: to reveal hidden things
Color: Blue and Violet
Ingwas
Ing / Inguz
Symbols: God of Fertility, harmonious existence, peace and unification of purpose.
Myths and deities: Ing, Freyr, Nerthus, Thor, Vanir
Interpretation: Successes with fertility, business. This rune is associated with Ing and Frey, it is this connection that explains its connotations of both fertility and sexuality. When this Rune is drawn, a joyous realization of a new path, a new life. Is under way. Can also mean news of a stranger or family member not heard from in a long time. This rune was often found on houses and barns for protection and fertility of home, animals, fields and other buildings. No upright and inverse positions.
Upright position:
Inverse position:
Use for: for fertility, agriculture, growth, overall health, balance
Color: Indigo
Othila
Othel
Symbols: Home, inheritance, heritage, property, land.
Myths and deities: Nine worlds of Yggdrasil
Interpretation: Real property is associated with Othila, for it is the Rune of acquisition and benefits. Also remember that to inherit something, something else must be given up, perhaps you will inherit but also lose something else in exchange. New ideas may be introduced and tried with the acquiring of the new items. This rune speaks of stability and safety stemming from inheritance, both material and genetic and distinct from the movable wealth represented by Fehu..
Upright position: Money, material gains (donations, gifts, inheritance, …)
Money may be owed to you or hidden in the strangest places such as refunds on deposits, overpayments, or in a forgotten place.
Inverse position: material loss, misfortune, damage, accident, failure, Something is preventing you from receiving what is due you, or something will happen so that you wont receive what is due you.
Use for: to complete business deals involving land and property, to strengthen family ties, anything to do with family, inheritance and property, home.
Color: White and Gold
Dagaz
Daeg
Symbols: daylight, dawn, transformation life
Myths and deities: Sunna, Balder, Nerthus, Yggdrasil
Interpretation: Dagez means daylight, and represents divine light. This rune generally refers to dawn (the initial sparking of energy) or to midday (the climax of energy). A major period of achievement and prosperity is often introduced by this Rune. This is the time of the light, the time to work and the period of the normal day. Drawing Dagaz often signals a major shift or breakthrough in the process of self-change, a complete transformation in attitude. Happiness, success, satisfaction, activity.
Upright position: Significant and positive change in life is or will occur.
Inverse position: No upright and inverse positions
Use for: For achievement of positive results.
Color: Pale Violet
Wird
Symbols: Past, Present, Future
Myths and deities: The Norns
Interpretation:. Some dispute the existence of Wird as a true rune as it is actually blank and has no picture. The appearance of this Rune can portend a death. But that death is usually symbolic and may relate to any part of your life as you are living it now.
Upright position: no upright or inverse position: always look to the runes surrounding Wyrd, especially the rune in the result position, indicates the hands of fate are in control at this time.
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