Runes

Mythical Origin

According to the Eddas the Runes were given to us by the god Odhinn, the All-Father, after wounding himself with his own spear and then hanging from the World Tree, Yggdrasil for nine nights and days to gain the wisdom of the runes.

 Historical

Runes are more than just the Teutonic alphabet or way of writing.  First and foremost, they were used as divine and magical symbols.  Each rune has it’s own sound, magical energy and divination meanings.  Later, when writing began to influence the North, the runes were used as a means of writing.

 Divination

The Runes can be made of any material but most find the more traditional works best for them: wood, clay, natural stones.  Beware of buying rune sets from Ralph Blum, his runes are based on his own interpretations and not historically correct.  Also be aware that there is no historical occurrence of a “blank” or “Odin” rune. If you must buy a set with a “blank” rune in it, set it aside and use it to carve your own if you lose a rune out of the set.

Recommended Books                                                  To Avoid

Edred Thorsson                                                             Ralph Blum

Freya Aswynn                                                              Goddess of Northern Lights

Kvelduf Gundarsson                                                      Norse Magic by DJ Conway

Fehu - f

Keywords:  mobile wealth, cattle, gold

Divination:   Upright - social success, wealth energy, new beginnings.

                    Reversed - greed, “burnout”, poverty

Uruz - u

Keywords:  aurochs – life energy, procreation

Divination:   Upright - strength, defense, tenacity, freedom

Thurisaz - th

Keywords:  giant, thorn

Divination:   Upright - directed force, reactive force, catalyst

Ansuz - a

Keywords:  Odhinn, the Aesir

Divination:  Upright - inspiration, transformation, words

Raidho - r

Keywords:  riding, vehicle

Divination:  Upright - rationality, journey, action, justice

Kenaz - c/k

Keywords:  torch

Divination:  Upright - creativity, technical ability, inspiration

Gebo - g

Keywords:  gift, generosity

Divination:  Upright - gift, generosity, honor, sacrifice

Wunjo - w/v

Keywords:  joy

Divination:  Upright - harmony, joy, fellowship, prosperity

Hagalz - h

Keywords:  hail, stone

Divination:  Upright - change according to ideals, controlled crisis, completion

Nauthis - n

Keywords:  need, distress

Divination:  Upright - resistance (leading to strength), innovation

Isa - i

Keywords:  ice

Divination:  Upright - consciousness, self control, unity

Jera - j/y

Keywords:  good year, harvest

Divination:  Upright - reward, plenty, proper timing

Eihwaz -ei

Keywords:  yew

Divination:  Upright - enlightenment, endurance, initiation, protection

Pertho - p

Keywords:  lot cup (device for casting lots)

Divination:  Upright - good lot, fellowship and joy, evolutionary change

Elhaz - z, final r

Keywords:  elk, protection

Divination:  Upright - connection with the gods, awakening, protection

Sowilo - s

Keywords:  sun

Divination:  Upright - guidance, hope, success, honor, goals

Tiwaz - t

Keywords:  the god Tyr

Divination:  Upright - troth, justice, rationality, self-sacrifice

Berkano - b

Keywords:  birch, goddess

Divination:  Upright - birth, becoming, life changes, shelter

Ehwaz - e

Keywords:  war horse

Divination:  Upright - harmony, teamwork, trust, loyalty

Mannaz - m

Keywords:  human being

Divination:  Upright - divine structure, intelligence, awareness, social order

Laguz - l

Keywords:  water, lake

Divination:  Upright - life, water journey, sea of vitality, growth

Ingwaz - ng

Keywords:  the god Ing

Divination:  Upright - rest stage, internal growth, gestation

Dagaz - d

Keywords:  day

Divination:  Upright - awakening, awareness, hope/happiness

Othala - o

Keywords:  ancestral property

Divination:  Upright - a home, group prosperity, group order, freedom