Rune Lore

          First off let me apologize.  When I wrote this page I used an Elder Futhark font.  You can download it by clicking on the font name above, or just go to the downloads page to get it.  You must install it for best viewing, basically all you will see are the small english letters that the font uses instead of the runes themselves.  I am truly sorry, but hey you get a cool font to use too.

    Runes originated in the northern areas of Europe.  There are many debates on their true origin, and scholars enjoy debating much on all aspects of runes.  Personally I’m not that concerned with that while writing this.  My main objective is to give a little history about them (not much), and a small description of them (there again not much), but primarily their meanings and use in divination and magick.

 

Runes are grouped together in three families called aettir (plural of aett).  The first rune in each aett is called the mother rune (Fehu, Hagalaz, and Tiwaz).  The first aett concerns creation, the second concerns human elements, and the third concerns reaching the state of godhood.  These cycles keep repeating but on higher planes of existence. 

 

Click here for rune meanings

 

Now for the fun parts, there are many different classifications of runes.  Each has it’s own unique name, the resources that I have found didn’t list the runes in each category, so it is left up to the individual to actually figure out some of them.  I must confess, I haven’t worked with runes for a very long time (I prefer Tarot cards myself), and I personally am not that proficient with runes.  So all I offer here is some research that I have done.   Some good books that I have read are The Book of Rune Cards, and The Book of Runes (both by Ralph Blum).  Although I really only recommend The Book of Rune Cards (this book has more interesting quotations and poetry, and the meanings for the runes are the same, he just copied that section from one book to another).  A Practical Guide to the Runes by Lisa Peschel, and The Little Giant Encyclopedia of Runes by Sirona Knight, both of which are excellent, although A Practical Guide to the Runes seems to be written by a follower of Ralph Blum’s opinions.  For instance Ralph Blum seems to have been one of the first (if not first) to use the blank rune.  Anyway I digress. 

 

Alerunes are used for protection in physical and spiritual realms, binding and constraining spirits, and warding off harm.  They can block enchantments by writing on the back of the hand or on a drinking cup.  N is scratched into the fingernail to activate this power.  a l u

 

Biagrunes are used for safe birth, and the protection of babies.  b

 

 

Brunrunes are used in weather magick, and to anticipate and control foul weather for sailing, farming and hunting. 

 

 

Hugrunes are for the mind and memory, thought, communication, and intellectual ability.

          (k z for thought)

          (m for mental ability)

          (a for inspiration)

 

               

Limrunes are used for healing.

 

         

Malrunes are used for memory, mental ability and speech.

 

         

Ramrunes are empowered by magick rituals, and are for strength and power.

 

 

          Sigrunes are for success and victory.  s

 

 

             Swartrunes are black runes used for conversing with the dead.

 

 

          Trollrunes are used for divination and other worldly realms.

 

 

          For money and possessions use f d o

               

 

             For love use  f x c g w n t b q

 

 

             For protection use  x h n I b y z

 

             For new beginnings use  f c d

 

             For victory use x s t

 

             For health and well- being use u c p s t l o

 

             For luck use x h z

 

             For fertility use j b q

 

             For travel use r e

 

             For communications and legal matters use  a r j

 

Runes

Wyrd

          Wyrd is the blank rune.  It is a new addition to the Futhark system, although the concept it represents was known to the rune- using peoples.  It takes it’s name from the Norse word for the three Norns (the three fates in Norse mythology).  Wyrd is the power of fate, and indicates a time for total trust, and immediate contact with your true destiny. 

          Wyrd has no number and no pictographic symbol to go with it (in effect a non- rune), to clue us into it’s meaning.  The best way to interpret this rune is to interpret it in relation to close runes around it. 

          The best key words for this rune is that the matter is in the hands of fate, or in the lap of the gods, or whatever cliché you choose to use.  It shows a path that cannot be avoided.

          When this rune appears in a prominent position in a layout, it indicates that should a certain step be taken, nothing will ever be the same again.  If you are familiar with tarot cards, in many ways it is similar to the Fool.  For with tarot cards the Fool, you have to trust the cosmos.  Let what happen, happen.  Trust yourself to the gods.  Sometimes it is something hidden from view, but always something dramatic in one’s life.  If it appears in a result position, it could mean that the result in question is either not available at this time, or that you are totally in the hands of fate. 

 

f Fehu (Frey) 

          Fehu is a symbol of earned income, something to be worked for, but will produce an expected source of income.  What was worked hard, and cultivated with faith will come to fruitation.  With Othel, Fehu is a rune of material gain.  Overcoming opposition, whether in your personal life, or impersonal (an outside situation). 

 

Indicates that prosperity is coming your way, in some form or another.  If in the result position, it could suggest that you can overcome all influences and win out over any opposing forces through hard work and determination.  If paired with love runes, it could signify a romantic gain.  Truth about your feelings, expressed to the one you desire, will be well received, if you can muster up the courage to express them.  It could also represent an earned fortunate financial investment.  If question is concerning dropping one project in favor of another, this rune indicates that you should stick through with the one already started.  As long as this rune is upright, no matter how difficult things may seem, you should try to persevere.  Key words if upright are success, fertility, and harmony.

 

          If surrounded by negative/ delaying runes:  It may mean that now is not the time for new ventures.  Concentrate on keeping what you have, in both love and finances.  Don’t go sailing in uncharted waters.

 

          Reversed:  Fehu indicates a loss, or disappointment of some sort.  If the other runes are essentially positive, it could indicate a delay, or minor disappointment that you would rather not deal with at this time.  In a primarily negative runecast, it could represent a material loss that is not easily recoverable, or to abandon a plan that does not seem effective in the long run.  If involving a romantic question, possible arguments, doubts and suspicions may arise, but unless surrounded by truly negative runes this effect is only temporary.  Be especially vigilant, doubtful situations abound, and do not become entangled with deals or relationships that could cause grief later. Also indicates a loss, stagnation, or a loss of harmony.

 

          In Magick:  Primal uncontrolled Fire.  It’s energies are totally wild and useful in magick involving swift radical changes.

                    Uses:            To hasten affairs to their next stage- use after the subject runes in your runescript.  Increase in monetary wealth, and the protection of valuables.  This is a sending rune; use it to send either your energy or the energy of the runes out into the formative spheres.

 

u Uruz (Power)

          Uruz is the rune of the wild ox, and in many ways similar to Fehu.  Symbolizes strength and virility.  Also a good indication of good health, and strong natural powers of resistance, whenever a health issue arises, and this rune appears, it is a good sign for a speedy recovery.  This rune can also represent the male in a relationship and means strong emotions.  It can also mean the will of the seeker, and depending on the surrounding runes, it will very probably come to pass. 

          This rune also rules over changes of a sudden unexpected kind, that forces you to draw from deep within yourself the honest raw power needed, that only this rune can supply.  These changes are often natural ones and should not be avoided.

         

In business or finance, indications are of eventual improvement, but only through, perseverance, and utilizing your resources well.  Often heralds a new promotion or job opportunity, but carries with it added responsibilities, in which case Uruz indicates you will have the strength to persevere under your new burdens. 

         

With positive runes indicates good fortune and certain success.

 

          Reversed:  If you are blind to the situation, you may fail to take advantage of the moment.  An opportunity may be missed, or you may experience a weakening of your position.  For some when Uruz is reversed, it will serve to alert them.  Offering clues in the form of minor disappointments or tragedies.  If you are completely unaware THIS IS YOUR WAKE UP CALL.  Uruz calls for serious thought to the quality of your relationship to your self.

 

In Magick: Use to draw new situations to your life, to initiate new circumstances.  Also for healing and the maintenance of good health.

 

 

x Thurisaz (Thorn)

This is the rune of the gateway between the divine and the mundane.  There is work to be done both within, and without.  Thurisaz calls for non-action.  You are being confronted with a clear view of yourself, which must be explored and examined before successful action can be undertaken, choices.

 

          Reversed:  This calls for the quickening of development, yet even as it is accelerated, you must give pause to reconsider the old and integrate the new.

 

 

In Magick:  Thurisaz is used for new beginnings, when luck is needed (circumstances are beyond your control), defense, protection, the neutralization of enemies and obstacles, and to ‘push’ issues in love magick.

a Ansuz (Odin)

 

You are receiving messages, be especially aware during meetings, visits, and chance encounters, especially with people wiser than yourself.  Expect the unexpected; this rune always bears a message of a call to a new way of life.

 

          Reversed:  You may be concerned with what appears to be a failed communication, lack of clarity or awareness in a situation either past or present.  And may feel inhibited from accepting what is offered.  A sense of futility, or wasted motion may overwhelm you.  Remember what is happening is timely for your process.  If you are experiencing obstacles now is the time to take time and clear them out slowly.

 

In Magick:  Ansuz is used when communication is the issue.  Used for convincing and charismatic speech, gaining wisdom, confidence and luck with exams, and for increasing active magickal energies.

r Raidho (Wheel)

          This rune is for communication, and attunement of duality, the reunion after the end of a journey.  Inner worth mounts, do not rely entirely on your own power, but ask what constitutes right action.  Be content to wait, remove all obstacles, as they disappear, all remorse from trying to force it to happen will disappear.  Regulate excesses, and stand apart.  This journey is your quest, it is for you and you alone to complete.

         

          Reversed:  Be attentive to personal relationships.  Now ruptures are more likely to occur than are reconciliations.  Detours, inconveniences, disruptions, failures, and obstacles are nothing more than rerouting opportunities.  Union and reunion are the only destinations that matter.

 

In Magick:  Used for travel, and the cosmic law of right and order, legal matters (especially when unjustly accused), obtaining justice according to right, and safe and comfortable travel.

 

k Kano (Fire)

          This is the fire of light, and of opening, renewed clarity.  Dispel the darkness; this calls for seriousness, clear intent, and concentration, and of new beginnings of all types in life.  In a relationship, a mutual opening up, and you may be called upon to be the catalyst.  Through your awareness the ‘light of understanding’ is once again available to you both.  On one side you are dependant, and on the other you are in the perfect center where the harmonious and benign forces merge and radiate.

 

          Reversed:  Expect the darkening of the light in some situation or relationship.  A friendship, partnership, marriage, or some aspect of your life is dying.  It is an aspect that is no longer appropriate to the person you are now becoming.  Failure to face up to the changes would constitute a loss of opportunity.  This is the time for giving up the old, and being prepared to live empty for a time.  Develop your inner stability and do not be seduced by the momentum of the old ways while waiting for the new to become and develop in it’s proper time.

 

In Magick:  A gentle controlled fire, and the ability and will to create.  Use when creativity is the issue or when artistic things are very useful to the person.  And governs the technical aspect of magick.  Also good for passion, lust and sexual love as firey positive attributes, and strengthens any rune scripts.  Also used for healing (physical well- being), stability love and passion in relationships, fresh starts and the protection of valuables.

 

 

g Gifu (Gift)

 

          A partnership of some kind is at hand.  Do not collapse yourself into this union totally.  True partnerships are achieved only by the maintenance of the individual.  When two unite to form one, where each are still separate, a joyful reunion occurs which is greater than the two separate components.

 

In Magick:  This rune is for partnerships of all sorts, and is one of the primary runes of sex magick.  Use for love and sex magick, partnerships, and mental and physical equilibrium.

 

w Wunjo (Joy)

          Wunjo signifies happiness and new energy that was blocked before now.  A new clarity, which may call for you to renounce existing plans, or goals.  It is proper and timely to do so now.  Now is also a time for restoration. 

 

          Reversed:  Things are slow in coming to fruitation.  A crisis or difficult path is now at hand, consideration and deliberation is called for.  Know that everything is a test.  So focused in the present, sincere toward others, and trusting in yourself, know that you cannot fail.

 

In Magick:  This rune embodies the cliché “Happily ever after”.  Used in the final position to indicate success or happiness.  Use for fulfillment especially in love, or business (career), and for success in travel.

 

 

h Hagalaz (Hail)

          Hagalaz signifies change, freedom, liberation, and invention.  A need to break free from constricting identification with the material reality, and experience the world of the archetypal mind.  Expect disruption.  Be aware that your own nature is creating what is happening, and you are now without power.  Your innermost self is now being challenged.  You may experience some losses, but you are forewarned and encouraged to accept what happens as necessary for your growth.  The more severe your disruption the more significant, and timely are the requirements for your growth.

 

 

In Magick:  This is a rune of evolution, and of the slow fruitation coming to pass, within a fixed framework.  Use for protection, luck, and to encourage positive results within a fixed framework.

 

n Nauthiz (Necessity)

          Nauthiz indicates the necessity of dealing with extreme constraint.  The positive aspects of nauthiz are the limitations we cause to ourselves, and it’s negative ones are those limitations placed on us by others. Nauthiz’s role is to identify our dark side, where growth has been stunted, resulting in displaced weakness.  Examine yourself to identify what attracts these conditions.  Once enlightened, you will look upon nauthiz and the troubles it represent, as life’s greatest teachers, guides, and allies.  Expect delays.  Consider your plans carefully.  This is a time to pay off old debts, to try to restore harmony and balance.

 

          Reversed:  Constraint is the teacher disguised as hardships.  Only at the time of our darkest hour do we realize the great potential for light within ourselves.  This is a time for cleansing.

 

 

In Magick:  This rune represents need and distress, as well as release from that distress.  Used love magick, primal needs and desires that drive one to seek out a lover.  Overcoming distress, achieving goals, protection, to find a lover, and to get a relationship off the ground.

 

 

i Isa (Ice)

          Isa represents static energy.  Things are at a standstill.  The energy of isa can be a good solid foundation, but when you need a quick change, isa can also be a burden.

 

In Magick:  This represents the forces of inertia, and entropy, and of the ego.  Use to “freeze” a situation as is, developing your will, and halting unwanted forces.

j Jera (Year)

          Jera signifies beneficial outcomes.  No quick response here either.  A typical saying is a year and a day, a certain time span is always involved.  For all your plans that you have waited to take seed are about to sprout.  You will achieve eventual success through perseverance.

 

In Magick:  Use for the reaping of rewards in their proper time, and is useful in legal matters.  Use when tangible results are expected for money, time or effort.  Also used to help bring events to pass, and fertility.

 

y Eihwaz (Yew)

          If there are obstacles in your path, rest assured that even obstacles can be beneficial.  Now is the time for patience.  Through inconvenience and discomfort, growth can be developed.

 

In Magick:  Use for banishing, protection, increase in power, and the removal of obstacles.

p Perdhro (Hearth)

          Powerful forces of change are at work here. There may be surprises, but unexpected gains are not likely at this time.  This is the rune of questing. 

         

          Reversed:  Do not expect too much, or expect things in their normal way, for the old ways have come to an end.  Call in your scattered forces, and concentrate on your own life for the moment.  Do not focus on outcomes, or bind yourself with the memories of past accomplishments.

 

In Magick:  This is the rune of time and change, of things hidden, and allied with karmic energies.  Use for evolving magickal ideas, finding lost items, good mental health in healing, and dealing with investments and speculation.

 

z Algiz (Protection)

          Algiz stresses control of your emotions at this time.  During times of transformation, and dilemmas do not collapse yourself into your emotions.  New opportunities, challenges, and all the troubles they bring with them are now in season.  Timely action and correct conduct are the only true protection you have here.

 

          Reversed:  Be thoughtful of your health, and do not add other’s burdens to your own.  If you must be involved with people who are using you, be mindful of what they are doing and how they are doing it.  Most importantly take responsibility for your own position.

 

In Magick:  This rune was carved into weapons to ensure victory and safety in battle.  This is the shape of man when we call down the gods, and to draw down energy from the universe.  This is the connecting bridge between the mundane and the divine.  Use for protection from enemies, protection from evil, promoting friendships, and strengthening luck and the life force.

 

s Sowelu (The Sun)

Sowelu is the representation of everything coming full circle.  Your efforts are now coming to fruitation, with all the good and the bad that comes with them.  Good health and happiness, creative will, guidance, and victory are all indicated here.  Sometimes sowelu suggests that worry and tension have begun to take its toll.

 

In Magick:  This is the rune of the will.  This is the spiritual energy that calls to and guides the true seeker.  Use for victory or success, healing, and when strength and self-confidence is required.

 

t Tiewaz (Tyr)

          Tiewaz is the rune of the spiritual warrior.  Discrimination, and cutting away the dead and extraneous is now called for.  The urge toward conquest is very prominent here.  This is a very masculine rune.  Devotion to a cause, idea, or path, courage, and dedication are all key words for this rune.  This rune was also painted on shields prior to battle.

 

          Reversed:  Through hasty or ill-timed action, your life force is leaked out or is drained away.  Examine your motives, are you lusting after the battle, or the outcome?

 

In Magick:  The rune of victory, and of rulers. This rune embodies the saying that “might makes right”, and is valuable when you have been unjustly denied something due to you, or unfairly accused of something.  This also embodies the firey fighting spirit, and fearlessness.  Tiewaz is the primary masculine rune.  Use for victory, competitions, good health and fast recuperations, and in love it represents the ardent male.

 

 

b Beorc (Birth)

          Beorc is another fertility rune.  Going into things carefully and aware is what is now called for.  Disperse resistance, and accomplish work.  Your will must be clean and controlled, and with motives correct.  Dark corners should now be cleansed.  Patience, modesty, fairness, and generosity are all called for here.

 

          Reversed:  Events or aspects of your character interfere with growth.  You may feel dismay at failing to take the right action.  Diligence is now called for.  You may be called upon to re- fertilize your projects again, but be assured that through  proper preparation, growth is assured.

 

In Magick:  The Great Mother, the primary rune of fertility.  Conceals, protects and rules over all protective enclosures such as houses or temple areas (in today’s society, it would work well for cars too).  Good for the peace, and protection of the household.  Beorc is a very nurturing female rune.  Use for protection, fertility, family matters, to bring ideas to fruitation, or to represent a nurturing female in a runescript.

 

e Ehwaz (Horse)

Ehwaz indicates transit and transition, physical shifts, new attitudes, new life, and new dwelling places.  Ehwaz also indicates movement as far as bettering any situation.  Gradual development and steady progress are stressed here, while moral effort and steadfastness are called for.

 

Reversed:  Your movement appears to be blocked.  Be certain that your actions or lack of action, are correct.  Not all opportunities are correct for you at this time, and not all possibilities are open to you now.

 

In Magick:  Abrupt changes, and starting out on bold new enterprises.  Use after the “subject” rune to help initiate a change.  Use for swift changes, and ensuring safe travel.

m Mannaz (Man)

          Mannaz calls for a time to be modest.  Be in the world, but yet not of it.  At the same time, do not be closed, narrow minded, or filled with judgment; remain receptive.  This is a time of growth, and rectification, not a time to seek laurels for your accomplishments.  Focus on results.  Be content to accomplish the task for the task’s sake and not for the credit it may give you.  This also calls for a caution against carelessness.

 

          Reversed:  If you feel blocked, do not turn to others, but look silently into the depths of your own soul, for it is there that you will find the true enemy to your progress.  Above all else, be humble.  Now is the time for breaking the momentum of past habits, that is the challenge represented here.

 

 

In Magick:  This rune is often used when help from others is needed and is the power of the rational mind.  Use to gain help from others, and to increase mental powers (especially memory).

l Laguz (Water)

          Laguz tells us that unseen powers that nourish, shape, and connect us are at work here.  This rune’s attributes are water, and the changing tides of the emotions.  Laguz supports your desire to experience life for all it’s worth, without stopping to evaluate and understand.  Satisfaction of your emotions, and the awakening of your intuitive side is what are now called for.  Now is also a time for cleansing, re-evaluating, reorganizing, and realigning.  Laguz may call for you to study spiritual matters, for success now lies in contacting your intuitive side.

 

          Reversed:  Laguz calls out a warning against overreaching yourself, excessive striving, and trying to exceed your strength.  Laguz reversed also indicates a failure to draw upon your wisdom or instinct.

 

In Magick:  A strong assertive feminine rune.  Use for gathering energies for use by the will, for contacting your deeper intuitions, and an increase in energy or vitality (especially for women).

 

q Inguz (Fertility)

          Inguz represents the intuitive part of our nature, and calls for a time to adjust in the sphere of our personal relationships.  Inguz symbolizes the need to share, the yearning to be desired, and the search for similarities amongst our peers.  The completion of beginnings is also called for here.  This may mark a time of joyous deliverance, of a new life, or of a new path.  Inguz means that you now have the strength necessary to achieve completion, and resolution, from which springs a new beginning.  It may be timely that you complete a project, if so, make that your first priority.  Perhaps a difficult state of mind can be resolved, clarified, or turned around.  You must first fertilize the ground for your own salvation.  You may be called upon to force yourself from a rut, habit, relationship, deep cultural pattern, or a behavioral pattern.  Preparation, being centered and grounded, and freeing yourself from unwanted influences is what is now called for.

 

In Magick:  The god, the male consort of the great mother, fertility.  Often used as the final rune to indicate a successful completion, a very positive rune.  Use when fertility is an issue, and to bring something to a satisfactory end.  This also implies “fixing” your desired outcome, so the benefits do not drain away.

 

d Dagaz (Day)

          Dagaz calls for a major shift in the process of self-change, a complete transformation in attitude.  The outcome is assured, although from your present prospective not predictable.  Rely on radical trust, even though this may require a leap of faith.  Dagaz also calls for a major period of achievement and prosperity.

 

In Magick:  This embodies the cliché that today is the first day of the rest of your life.  Good for fresh starts of any type.  Good for financial concerns, to change attitudes (others as well as your own), and of course new beginnings.

 

o Othel (Ancestral Property)

          Othel calls for a separation of paths; the old skins must be shed.  The proper action here is to retreat, and submission.  Knowing when to retreat and the firmness to carry it out are talents, which must be employed at this time.  Othel is a rune of real property, acquisition, and benefits, although the gifts you may receive may call for some loss as well.

 

          Reversed:  Now is not the time for old conditioning, or old authority.  Consider the benefits not only for yourself, but for others as well.  You may be called upon to take a radical departure from the old ways.   Total honesty is also required at this time.  Adaptability and skillful means are qualities that are needed now.  Yet you must wait on the universe to act. 

 

In Magick:  This rune encourages a down to earth approach to things.  When paired with Fehu it is good for wealth, and monetary gains, also good when the health of elderly people is of concern.  This is also another rune of possessions, so use also for the protection of your possessions.

 

 

 

 

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