Rune stones are an ancient proto-Germanic tradition dating back to potentially the 1st Century AD. It’s an alphabet consisting of 24 letters, that are usually made out of wood or stone. The origin of the word “rune” stems from the Germanic word for “mystery” or “secret“. Similar findings are “present” or “miracle” in Old English, Welsh and Old Irish Gaelic, or “to speak” in Luthianium.
Runes were first implemented as a form of language by witches and wizzards, and were later also utilized for divination purposes such as fortune telling, as well as invocation purposes used in magic rituals, where they served the purpose of invoking higher power. In these rituals, spells were usually cast to influence the weather, tides, seed, love, health and fertility of the tribe. Runes also served as protection in the form of Superstaves or sigils, to shield the tribe and to ward off all evil, especially before battle.
The most ancient runes ever discovered were “The Elder Futhark runes,” which were created in the 5th century AD. This runic alphabet consisted of 24 letters of which roughly 260 of approximately 350 known Elder Futhark inscriptions were mainly discovered in Scandinavia, and the remainder were said to be found in continental Europe, with some as far east as the Black Sea.
The Elder Futhark alphabet were eventually split up into 3 equal parts, which consisted of 8 runes each, namely Freyr’s Aett, Heimdall’s Aett, and Haeg’s Aett. (The word “Aett” translates to “family“). – The first set of runes “Freyr’s Aett,” were symbolic of finding one’s footing in the material plane. The second set “Heimdall’s Aett,” were portrayed as the reflection upon one’s increase in maturity and growth. And the final set “Haeg’s Aett,” were representative of one’s spiritual development and legacy.
According to research, these runes were rarely used to convey information, on the contrary most of the inscriptions were mainly found in the form of riddles and codes.
In the 8th Century around the start of the Viking Age, they refined and replaced the Elder Futhark runes with several regional sets of Younger Futhark stones, as a result to Scandinavian runic scholars who shortened the Futhark alphabet with 8 staves, leaving only 16 letters to remain. They were mainly based on old Latin inscriptions, and were also popularized as “Danish runes”, seeing as they were first discovered in Denmark. These Danish or Younger Futhark stones were later also adopted by the Vikings, as well as other Nordic tribes, and continued further until midieval times.
In today’s modern society, runes are still being used for divination purposes and also as a method, to access one’s higher-self, to achieve openess and receptiveness of both inner guidance, and -wisdom, as well as to enable one’s inner-strength. This process is usually done by tapping into one’s intuition also known as the E.S.P.
Intuition or ESP (Extrasensory Perception) is a feeling based form of communication, between the soul and the human body. It is how you connect with your dreams and your life purpose or in short it refers to your “gut feeling” or “instinct,” which is usually the first choice that pops up in your head. Like the feeling you had when you saw my blog. Im just saying…..
Runes are more than a mere alphabet, sound or letter, it is portrayed as key tools which represents Cosmological principle or power, and can be used to unlock the mysteries of the universe to those who understand them.
In this chapter Im briefly going to explain only the first set of runes of the Elder Futhark Alphabet namely Freyr’s Aett:
Runes and their meanings
Fehu – (Cattle/Wealth)
The first rune of the Elder Futhark alphabet is known as “Fehu“, a fiery energy associated with Adhumla, the primal cow, and linked to the Muspellheimr, the fire world. Fehu literally translates to “livestock or cattle“. Back in the 5th Century AD. Cattle were regarded as very valuable, seeing as it were the first main food supply or resource, and also due to it’s high rated trading value. Cattle were also concidered a very important status symbol, as man’s wealth was usually meassured by the number of catle he owned. So when Fehu is cast, it does’nt necessarily imply the gift of cattle, but rather view it as an indication of resources, Fehu is portrayed as the rune of fulfillment which is representative of “prosperity and material wealth.” – Either to be won, to be inherited or even to be promoted at work”.
The deities most associated with Fehu are the male and female twins, “Freya and Freyja.” Fehu represents a phase of luck and abbundance in one’s life, seeing how resources usually lead to wealth, and can therefore be interpreted as – now being the perfect time to either invest, or to reconcider that pending business proposal, or whatever the case may be, the possibilities are endless. Use it’s energies to fullfill your life with ultimate success and abundance.
Reversed Fehu is indicative of an unfortunate period in one’s life,, due to either a loss of personal possessions or loss of income. Reversed Fehu also signifies a dip in one’s self-esteem, or any kind of material struggles for that matter. It might also refer to the manipulative or dominant influence of someone over you. You might be familiar with this person, or it might be someone who’s about to enter your life.
Keywords: Abundance, luck, hope, prosperity, wealth and fortune.
Fehu Meditation
Uruz – (Ox)
Uruz is represented as a wild bull, which expresses “one’s fight against all natural drives, as well as low instincts. It is regarded as the “stone of strength,” or the rune of the “inner-King” and “Inner-Queen,” seeing how we can assert our right to exist and be free, as well as our right to live a life of passion. It awakens our inner ability, that dominates the blind, dark force, which lies within each of us. In Egypt, Uruz is regarded as the rune of fertilization. It is associated with the cow “Ahet,” which is symbolic of a cloud full of rain. Some concidered it to be the “mother of manifestation” or the “mother of the sun“, making it the rune of reassurance and comfort, as it provides life.
When Uruz is cast, it usually signifies a time of great energy, great speed and health, a time of change, and a time of new beginnings. Uruz reminds us that the right amount of courage is necessary, before one can venture off into new experiences.
Reversed: Uruz is usually indicative of a decrease in one’s health or endurance. It may additionally be a sign of a misdirected or misguided force, which reminds us not be dazzled by our own personal power, seeing how our ambitions sometimes have the tendancy to impact those around us, in a negative way, and usually results to either loss of position or the destruction of various relationships.- As mentioned by Tina Caro
Keywords: Strength, endurance, health, courage, vigour, vitality, force and perserverence.
Uruz Meditation
Thurisaz – (Mallet/giant)
The third rune in the first Aett “Thurisaz” is presented as “The rune of Thor and his mighty hammer” or “Giant,” which is symbolic of forces of chaos or a powerful direction of energy. This energy can either be utilized for destruction or defence, depending on the caster’s preferences. Thor is in many ways similar to the giants, not only in size but also in terms of brute strength, and is therefore ideal to serve as counterforce. Thurisaz emphasizes the treachery of the Frost Giants, as well as the dangers associated with them, and reflects upon their need for vigilance and responsibility, in the face of the.enemy.
It is known to govern powerful emotions, conflict, danger, brute vital force, anger and attack, and is sometimes also regarded as the “Thorn” in Anglo-Saxon, which is significant of great strength of the body as well as great strength of the mind.
When Thurisaz is cast, one can interpret it as “a painful lesson learned“, and view in terms of personal sacrifice which is necessary, in order to create change in one’s life. The things we are usually forced to endure, will eventually pave the way, and allow for new things and possibilities to emerge. Thurisaz can also be implemented to break down emotional barriers.
Reversed is indicative of “defencelessness, compulsiveness, spite or even betrayal.” Reversed Thurisaz is usually interpreted as a warning, to not take any financial action, as it clearly predicts disaster, as well as loss of goods and assets. It also reminds us that evil may be overthrown, but only with extreme caution. On a social level it can be perceived as “scandal”, which may result to a fast decline from a position of authority. It is also indicative of hate or revenge between couples. From a health perspective, one can view it in terms of “living a healthier life,” it requires one to take better care of oneself. Adequate sleep is also essential, to prevent overstraining, which is usually followed by exhaustion as well as sickness.” – As stated by Need Magazine
Keywords: Defence, challenge, danger, protection, attack and strength.
Thor Meditation
Thurisaz Meditation
Ansuz – (Message/God)
Ansuz the fourth rune of the first Aett, is well known to be the most powerful of all the gods in Norse Mythology. It is illustrated as the rune of “union and communication,” which is symbolic of the ancestral god Odin, known as the god of war, magic, wisdom, diplomancy and poetry. It signalizes a time where it is necessary to examine the way one communicates with others, as well as a time to be honest as one declares one’s true emotions. “Ansuz is also portrayed as the soul or the spirit, so much so, that it’s name is even derived from the Indo European root ansu-, which translates to “spirit.”
When Ansuz is cast, one can interpret it as “divine message or insight.” Ansuz enables our ability to decipher our thoughts in the form of speech, and further enhances our communication with others. It is regarded assuring, concerning proper discipline as wel as coordination in one’s life. Ansuz also embodies the realization that “through the power of naming things, one can begin to shape one’s experiences.” – As quoted by Tina Caro
Reversed Ansuz indicates a form of miscommunication, deceit, misunderstandings or some form of manipulation. It is a clear warning that an oppertunity is about to be presented to you. Instead of contributing, rather withdraw completely, seeing how it’s set for failure. Reversed also signafies the unreliability of sources as well as suggestions offered to you. It also reminds you to not trust your own problem solving skills, only for the time being. Inverted Ansuz can also be concidered a warning against a fake person, a pretender, which might be entering your life soon. He or she will immediately seek to win your trust, so be careful and choose your friends wisely.
Keywords: Revelation, signs, visions, message, inner-wisdom, knowledge and communication.
Odin Meditation
Ansuz Meditation
Raidho – (Journey)
Raidho the fifth rune of Freyr’s Aett, is illustrated as a”wheel,” which is symbolic for journey. This can either be interpreted as physical travel or a spiritual voyage, as it resembles ordered movement, as well as the need for inspiration to move one in the direction of a new journey. Raidho is emblematic of different phasis, cycles, tides and evolution. It is portrayed as the rune of rhythm and ritual, which is reflective upon the harmony of our outer reality and also our inner-consciousness. It also embodies universal truth and invites quiet moments within, where a seed, holding all the potential of that long desired dream, may finally sprout and begin to grow inside.
It can be viewed in terms of “life journey”, of which only you have the authority to change it’s course, through the decisions you make. It also reminds us that we need to balance our own needs with the needs of those around us.
Reversed Raidho can be interpreted as rigidity, injustice, irrationality or disruption. It’s also an indication of career changes, which might lead to disruptions in one’s personal relationships. Reversed ultimately predicts failure in terms of moving on with one’s life, and will eventually result in stagnation.
Keywords: Progress, movement, evolution, perspective, journey and travel.
Raidho Meditation
Kenaz – (Torch/Wood)
Kenaz is known as the rune of Freyja, the Nordic goddess of magic (seidhr), which is portrayed as the “beacon of truth“. or “the rune of warmth and illumination“. This is indicative of “finding one’s true north, guided by one’s own shining light”. It personifies harnessed forces and energies greater than ourselves. The reference of a “flame” or “torch” is symbolic of that which was previously unknown, that are yet to be revealed. A clear indication of secrets that are about to be spilled. The flame also represents the fire, controlled by man towards a willed result.
It is reflective upon one’s “spiritual illumination as well as the natural warmth of companionship.” – as quoted by Enchantress Shannon
When Kenaz is cast one can aknowledge it as – being on the right path of finding one’s true calling or purpose in life. It mainly focusses on a sense of journey, in terms of transformation, which occurs through successive identifications and dis-identifications in a continious process of death and rebirth.
Reversed Kenaz can be interpreted as a lack of vision or being stuck in a creative rut, It could also be the result of false hope or instability.
Keywords: Enlightenment, knowledge, comprehension, insight, illumina, calling, purpose and idea.
Kenaz Meditation
Gebo – (Gift)
Gebo is the seventh rune of the Elder Futhark alphabet known as “the rune of gifts.” It is portrayed as a positive omen, which is associated with generosity, balance and positive relationships. Gebo is usually indicative of “the possession of many gifts or talents, or someone who is about to bestow beautiful blessings upon you“. The word “gift” can either be interpreted as material or emotional
Gebo also represents a partnership as well as good fortune. It mainly signafies the “inhalation and exhalation, the giving and receiving, meeting and seperating, and also the intertwining of destiny” – As quoted by Tina Caro
It is the ultimate balance between giving and receiving.
Gebo has no Reversed meaning.
Keywords: Generosity, partnership, gifts, talents, clarity, service, assistance, luck or fortune.
Gebo Meditation
Wunjo – (Wind)
The 8th rune in the first Aett of the Elder Futhark alphabet is known as “Wunjo.” Wunjo is popularized as the rune of “joy,” which is symbolic of the beginning of a period of light which follows after a period of darkness. Pain in life is inevitable, but you dont need to stay stuck in pain. “Life is precious and to live it joyfully is a great blessing. The path to joy comprises pain, though the essence of your pain involves getting through it to experience abundant joy.” -Tony Fahkry
Wunjo is the inner-urge of awareness of one’s soul’s true will to obtain perfection of cognizance as well as the drive of consciousness in this life time. Wunjo embodies all the elements of love, which guides harmonizing human energies into a whole. It can be viewed in terms of the alignment of individual will, with the desire of the community, and ultimately with the divine will. “Every cloud has a silver lining,” sums up the rune Wunjo. No matter how bad the given situation might be, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. When Wunjo is cast, one can interpret it as a very good omen, which is indicative of a victory at the end of a rough journey in one’s life, and to be rewarded with abundance, as it is also associated with good fortune.
Reversed Wunjo can be interpreted as false love, crisis, deception and slow-moving accomplishments. It also signifies the illusion of happiness, or the requirement of self-sacrifice for the sake of another. It is also representative of inner-conflict, dissatisfaction or problems at work.
Keywords: Joy, happiness, pleasure, harmony, well-being, attraction between kindred spirits, companionship, bonding
Wunjo Meditation
It’s important to put your trust in the universe, to guide you through this dark period of your life, to eventually push you to rise above it and to live a life of joy and harmony.
Disclaimer
This is not the end-all only interpretation for runes of the Elder Futhark. I’ve created this page based on my own research, as well as knowledge gained from personal experiences. This is simply a guiding tool to give you a quick brief view on what to expect. I encourage everyone to research the runes further, especially if you are serious about rune casting or rune magic.
UniversalWish 