Unlocking the Secrets of the Elder Futhark: A Comprehensive Guide to Viking Runes and Their Meanings

The allure of the Viking Age, with its seafaring warriors and rich mythology, continues to captivate the imagination. Central to this mystique are the runes – ancient symbols imbued with power and meaning, used not just for writing but also for divination and magic. This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of the Elder Futhark, the oldest known runic alphabet, providing you with the knowledge and practical steps to understand, interpret, and even utilize these powerful symbols.

Introduction to Runes

Before we embark on our exploration of individual runes, let’s understand the context of their creation and usage.

What are Runes?

Runes are not simply letters; they are ideograms, each carrying a complex web of symbolic meaning, associated with specific concepts, deities, and natural forces. They were used by Germanic and Nordic peoples from approximately the 3rd to the 17th centuries, primarily for inscriptions on objects, memorial stones, and tools. While different runic alphabets developed over time (such as the Younger Futhark and Anglo-Saxon Futhorc), the Elder Futhark stands as the foundation, consisting of 24 runes, each with its unique name and purpose.

Historical Context

The precise origins of the runes remain shrouded in some mystery. However, scholarly consensus suggests they likely developed from ancient Italic scripts, possibly during the Roman Empire. They initially spread throughout Germanic tribes, becoming a key part of their cultural and spiritual practices. Beyond practical writing, runes were integral to divination practices, similar to tarot cards, and believed to hold inherent magical properties. They were carved onto amulets for protection, inscribed on weapons for victory, and used in rituals to invoke specific energies.

Runic Magic (Galdr)

The practice of utilizing runes for magical purposes is known as Galdr. It involves understanding the energies and symbolism associated with each rune, and combining them in specific ways to manifest desired outcomes. While we will not delve into the depths of complex galdr rituals in this guide, understanding the magical potential of runes will enhance your overall understanding and appreciation of their significance.

The Elder Futhark: A Detailed Guide to Each Rune

Let’s now explore the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark, examining their names, phonetic values, symbolic meanings, and associated attributes.

The runes are traditionally grouped into three families (Ættir) of eight runes each, often associated with different Norse deities. We will examine them in their traditional order.

First Ætt (Freyr/Freyja’s Ætt)

This first family is often associated with Freyr or Freyja, representing fertility, prosperity, and material abundance.

1. Fehu (ᚠ) – Cattle, Wealth:

   • Phonetic Value: F
   • Meaning: Fehu is the rune of wealth, prosperity, and movable possessions, especially livestock, which was a vital form of currency in ancient times. It signifies abundance, success, and the power of accumulation. Fehu can also represent the energy of new beginnings and the resources required to achieve one’s goals. However, it also warns of the potential loss of wealth through carelessness.
   • Symbolic Associations: Abundance, prosperity, wealth, movement, new beginnings, personal power.

2. Uruz (ᚢ) – Aurochs, Strength:

   • Phonetic Value: U
   • Meaning: Uruz is the rune of primal strength, raw power, and untamed potential. It embodies the vital life force, the inner reservoir of energy, and the physical resilience necessary to overcome obstacles. Uruz represents the ability to adapt and persevere through adversity. It also symbolizes the wild, untamed aspects of nature.
   • Symbolic Associations: Strength, courage, vitality, raw power, endurance, determination, wildness.

3. Thurisaz (ᚦ) – Giant, Thorn:

   • Phonetic Value: Th
   • Meaning: Thurisaz is a complex rune associated with both chaos and protection. It represents the destructive forces that clear the way for new growth, similar to a thorn that can both protect and injure. Thurisaz embodies challenges, tests of courage, and the need for careful deliberation. It signifies the power of giants and the dangers inherent in both the natural and spiritual realms. It can also represent the power of transformation.
   • Symbolic Associations: Challenges, obstacles, tests, protection, destructive power, transformation, courage, necessary conflict.

4. Ansuz (ᚨ) – Mouth, Deity, Ancestor:

   • Phonetic Value: A
   • Meaning: Ansuz is the rune of communication, wisdom, and divine inspiration. It represents the power of language, the spoken word, and the ability to connect with the spiritual realm. Ansuz is associated with ancestral wisdom, knowledge passed down through generations, and the guidance of the gods. It also symbolizes learning, understanding, and the capacity for logical thought.
   • Symbolic Associations: Communication, wisdom, knowledge, inspiration, divine messages, ancestors, learning, mental clarity.

5. Raido (ᚱ) – Ride, Journey:

   • Phonetic Value: R
   • Meaning: Raido is the rune of journeys, both physical and spiritual. It signifies movement, progress, and the cyclical nature of life. Raido represents harmony, right action, and the natural order of things. It embodies the concept of balance, rhythm, and the need to align oneself with the flow of life. It also represents finding the right path and acting with integrity.
   • Symbolic Associations: Travel, journey, rhythm, balance, order, progress, destiny, right action.

6. Kenaz (ᚲ) – Torch, Knowledge:

   • Phonetic Value: K or C
   • Meaning: Kenaz is the rune of knowledge, enlightenment, and the inner light. It represents creativity, inspiration, and the power of transformation. Kenaz signifies the ability to illuminate hidden truths, the skill to craft new things, and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. It also represents passion, inner fire, and the burning desire to learn and grow. It suggests using knowledge wisely and constructively.
   • Symbolic Associations: Knowledge, enlightenment, creativity, passion, skill, craft, inner light, transformation, understanding.

7. Gebo (ᚷ) – Gift, Partnership:

   • Phonetic Value: G
   • Meaning: Gebo is the rune of gifts, partnerships, and exchanges. It represents the bond between two individuals, the balance of giving and receiving, and the importance of reciprocity. Gebo signifies generosity, cooperation, and the harmonious flow of energy between people. It also represents contracts, agreements, and the benefits of working together. It highlights the importance of gratitude and mutual respect.
   • Symbolic Associations: Gifts, partnerships, relationships, balance, exchange, cooperation, harmony, generosity.

8. Wunjo (ᚹ) – Joy, Harmony:

   • Phonetic Value: W or V
   • Meaning: Wunjo is the rune of joy, happiness, and success. It represents harmony, satisfaction, and the rewards of hard work. Wunjo signifies contentment, comfort, and the positive feelings that come from achieving one’s goals. It embodies the culmination of effort, the joy of companionship, and the feeling of belonging. It also represents the importance of celebrating successes.
   • Symbolic Associations: Joy, happiness, success, harmony, satisfaction, comfort, belonging, rewards, contentment.

Second Ætt (Hagal’s Ætt)

The second family, often associated with the giant Hagalaz, represents trials, challenges, and the forces of nature.

1. Hagalaz (ᚺ) – Hail, Disruption:

   • Phonetic Value: H
   • Meaning: Hagalaz is the rune of disruption, chaos, and uncontrollable forces. It represents natural disasters, sudden changes, and the need to adapt to unexpected events. Hagalaz signifies challenges, trials, and the necessity for transformation through destruction. It embodies the power of natural forces, the inherent unpredictability of life, and the lessons learned through adversity. It warns against becoming complacent.
   • Symbolic Associations: Disruption, chaos, change, challenge, destruction, transformation, natural forces, unpredictability.

2. Nauthiz (ᚾ) – Need, Constraint:

   • Phonetic Value: N
   • Meaning: Nauthiz is the rune of necessity, constraint, and hardship. It represents the challenges we face and the limitations we experience. Nauthiz signifies the lessons learned through struggle, the importance of patience, and the need to take responsibility for our actions. It embodies the fires of transformation, which refine us and teach us resilience. It encourages self-reflection during difficult times.
   • Symbolic Associations: Necessity, constraint, hardship, limitation, struggle, patience, perseverance, self-reflection.

3. Isa (ᛁ) – Ice, Stillness:

   • Phonetic Value: I
   • Meaning: Isa is the rune of stillness, stagnation, and the power of pause. It represents the frozen state of things, the need for reflection, and the importance of taking time for contemplation. Isa signifies a lack of movement, the need for a period of inactivity before renewed activity, and the quiet power of potential energy waiting to be released. It suggests pausing before proceeding and assessing a situation carefully.
   • Symbolic Associations: Stillness, stagnation, pause, reflection, contemplation, immobility, potential, patience.

4. Jera (ᛃ) – Year, Cycle:

   • Phonetic Value: J or Y
   • Meaning: Jera is the rune of the year, the harvest cycle, and the cyclical nature of life. It represents the passage of time, the rewards of patience, and the inevitable cycle of growth and decay. Jera signifies the fruits of one’s labor, the importance of planning, and the understanding that everything has its season. It embodies the natural rhythms of the world and the importance of aligning oneself with those cycles. It implies that effort and patience lead to reward.
   • Symbolic Associations: Harvest, cycles, time, seasons, rewards, patience, cyclical change, natural rhythm.

5. Eihwaz (ᛇ) – Yew Tree, Endurance:

   • Phonetic Value: Ei
   • Meaning: Eihwaz is the rune of the yew tree, a symbol of endurance, stability, and the connection between life and death. It represents the importance of facing adversity with courage and determination, the power of resilience, and the ability to persevere through difficult times. Eihwaz signifies protection, the bridging of worlds, and the ability to tap into deeper spiritual awareness. It suggests adapting to challenging situations with grace.
   • Symbolic Associations: Endurance, resilience, protection, transformation, death and rebirth, connection to other realms, patience, defense.

6. Perthro (ᛈ) – Dice Cup, Mystery:

   • Phonetic Value: P
   • Meaning: Perthro is the rune of mystery, hidden knowledge, and the power of fate. It represents the unknown, the unpredictable aspects of life, and the potential for new possibilities. Perthro signifies intuition, the ability to see beyond the surface, and the understanding that some things are simply not meant to be known. It can also represent divination, hidden talents, and the unfolding of destiny. It invites acceptance of the unknown.
   • Symbolic Associations: Mystery, fate, hidden knowledge, divination, intuition, chance, potential, the unknown.

7. Algiz (ᛉ) – Elk, Protection:

   • Phonetic Value: Z
   • Meaning: Algiz is the rune of protection, guardianship, and the connection to the divine. It represents the shielding forces of nature, the ability to ward off negativity, and the presence of spiritual support. Algiz signifies spiritual awakening, the raising of consciousness, and the divine assistance provided when we are open and receptive. It serves as a reminder to protect our own energies and those of loved ones.
   • Symbolic Associations: Protection, defense, divine connection, spiritual awakening, guidance, warding, higher self, support.

8. Sowilo (ᛋ) – Sun, Success:

   • Phonetic Value: S
   • Meaning: Sowilo is the rune of the sun, victory, and success. It represents the power of light, the energy of life, and the realization of one’s potential. Sowilo signifies clarity, guidance, and the ability to achieve desired goals. It embodies the power of illumination, the warmth of the life force, and the achievement of success through focus and action. It encourages self-belief and the pursuit of excellence.
   • Symbolic Associations: Success, victory, light, energy, power, clarity, guidance, illumination, realization, self-belief.

Third Ætt (Tyr’s Ætt)

The third family, often associated with the god Tyr, represents justice, courage, and spiritual growth.

1. Tiwaz (ᛏ) – Tyr, Justice:

   • Phonetic Value: T
   • Meaning: Tiwaz is the rune of the god Tyr, representing justice, righteousness, and sacrifice. It embodies courage, discipline, and the unwavering pursuit of truth and fairness. Tiwaz signifies the power of law, the importance of integrity, and the willingness to fight for what is right, even in the face of great adversity. It reminds us that sacrifice may be necessary to achieve long-term goals. It promotes inner strength and righteous action.
   • Symbolic Associations: Justice, righteousness, sacrifice, courage, discipline, law, truth, integrity, fairness.

2. Berkano (ᛒ) – Birch, Growth:

   • Phonetic Value: B
   • Meaning: Berkano is the rune of the birch tree, representing growth, fertility, and new beginnings. It embodies the nurturing qualities of motherhood, the power of regeneration, and the cyclical nature of life. Berkano signifies the importance of family, community, and the potential for new growth and development. It can be seen as representing healing, protection, and the nurturing of new ideas and projects.
   • Symbolic Associations: Growth, fertility, birth, family, nurturing, healing, regeneration, new beginnings, protection.

3. Ehwaz (ᛖ) – Horse, Partnership:

   • Phonetic Value: E
   • Meaning: Ehwaz is the rune of the horse, representing partnership, loyalty, and harmonious movement. It embodies the power of cooperation, the balance of shared effort, and the progress achieved through teamwork. Ehwaz signifies the importance of trust, mutual understanding, and the ability to work effectively with others. It can also represent travel, forward momentum, and the ability to overcome obstacles through collaboration.
   • Symbolic Associations: Partnership, cooperation, teamwork, loyalty, trust, movement, harmony, progress, travel.

4. Mannaz (ᛗ) – Humanity, Self:

   • Phonetic Value: M
   • Meaning: Mannaz is the rune of humanity, representing the self, community, and the collective consciousness. It signifies self-awareness, intelligence, and the ability to connect with others on a deeper level. Mannaz embodies the importance of social harmony, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the potential for personal growth and understanding. It also represents the responsibility we have to ourselves and to others.
   • Symbolic Associations: Humanity, self, consciousness, intellect, community, interconnectedness, social harmony, personal growth.

5. Laguz (ᛚ) – Water, Flow:

   • Phonetic Value: L
   • Meaning: Laguz is the rune of water, representing flow, intuition, and the subconscious mind. It embodies the ebb and flow of life, the power of emotions, and the need to go with the current. Laguz signifies the mysteries of the deep, the hidden depths of the psyche, and the importance of connecting with one’s inner wisdom. It can also represent the fluidity of time, the cyclical nature of life, and the power of dreams.
   • Symbolic Associations: Water, flow, intuition, subconscious, emotions, dreams, the unknown, adaptability, psychic abilities.

6. Ingwaz (ᛜ) – Ing, Fertility:

   • Phonetic Value: Ng
   • Meaning: Ingwaz is the rune of Ing, a Norse fertility god, representing completion, inner potential, and the power of gestation. It embodies the culmination of effort, the successful bringing to fruition of a creative endeavor, and the potential for new life. Ingwaz signifies inner peace, the release of tension, and the ability to bring projects to a successful conclusion. It represents internal growth and nurturing, leading to external manifestation.
   • Symbolic Associations: Fertility, completion, inner potential, gestation, growth, release, inner peace, new beginnings, creative fulfillment.

7. Othala (ᛟ) – Ancestral Property, Heritage:

   • Phonetic Value: O
   • Meaning: Othala is the rune of ancestral property, representing inheritance, tradition, and the importance of family and heritage. It embodies the wisdom passed down through generations, the responsibility to honor our roots, and the enduring connection to our ancestors. Othala signifies a sense of belonging, the importance of community, and the ability to create a lasting legacy. It also represents home, land, and the material possessions we value.
   • Symbolic Associations: Heritage, inheritance, ancestry, home, family, legacy, tradition, community, roots, belonging.

8. Dagaz (ᛞ) – Day, Awakening:

   • Phonetic Value: D
   • Meaning: Dagaz is the rune of the day, representing awakening, transformation, and the dawning of new possibilities. It embodies clarity, the breaking through of darkness, and the potential for new beginnings. Dagaz signifies the balance between opposing forces, the ability to move forward with confidence, and the understanding that even in the darkest night, a new dawn is always on the horizon. It encourages embracing change and growth.
   • Symbolic Associations: Awakening, breakthrough, clarity, transformation, new beginnings, light, hope, positive change, balance.

Learning to Interpret Runes

Understanding the individual meanings of the runes is just the first step. Learning to interpret runes involves considering their context and relationship to one another. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

1. Start with Individual Rune Meanings

Make sure you have a strong understanding of each rune’s basic meaning, as described in the previous section. Consider keeping a rune journal where you write your interpretations and personal associations with each symbol.

2. Consider Context

The meaning of a rune changes depending on the situation or question at hand. Ask yourself:

• What is the overall theme of the question being asked?
• Are the runes being cast for a general reading or for a specific situation?
• What positions do the runes fall into when using a spread?

For example, Fehu could mean material wealth in a general reading, but might represent the need to evaluate one’s resources in a situation where money is scarce.

3. Observe Rune Interactions

When runes are cast in a spread, they interact with each other. Consider:

• How does the meaning of one rune affect the meaning of its neighbors?
• Are there any opposing or supporting energies present?
• Are there repeated runes that emphasize a certain theme?

For example, Thurisaz followed by Wunjo could indicate that a challenge needs to be overcome to reach happiness. Raido and Gebo together suggest a harmonious and beneficial partnership.

4. Pay Attention to Reversals

While some rune readers do not believe in reversals, they can be useful for further insights if you choose to use them. Generally, reversed runes can represent the darker, more challenging aspects of their upright meanings. However, this interpretation can vary based on the reading style. Here are some examples:

• A reversed Fehu might indicate a loss or imbalance of wealth.
• A reversed Thurisaz could signify uncontrolled anger or destruction.
• A reversed Gebo could indicate an imbalance in a partnership.

Experiment with what feels right for your practice. Keep in mind the nature of a rune can change depending on it’s placement in a spread.

5. Use Your Intuition

Ultimately, rune interpretation is a personal practice. Trust your gut feeling and develop your own understanding and relationship with the runes. Listen to what the runes are telling you through your intuition. Keep practicing and your accuracy will improve over time.

Practical Steps for Using Runes

Now that you have a grasp on the theory, let’s discuss how to practically engage with runes:

1. Creating or Acquiring Runes

You can create your own set of runes or purchase a pre-made one. Here’s how:

• Creating Runes: You can carve runes from wood, stones, or even clay. Some people prefer to gather their own materials and create this set, making the process a ritual in itself. Carve each rune carefully onto the surface and paint them with an appropriate color if desired (red ochre was traditionally used).
• Purchasing Runes: If carving your own set is not for you, you can find various rune sets available for purchase online or in metaphysical stores. The materials can vary from wood, stone, ceramic, or even glass.

2. Cleansing and Charging Your Runes

Before using your runes for readings, you should cleanse them of any residual energy and charge them with your intent. Here are some methods:

• Smudging: Use sage, palo santo, or incense to cleanse your runes by passing them through the smoke.
• Salt: Bury your runes in salt for a few hours or overnight to draw out any unwanted energy. Be sure to clean them thoroughly afterwards, as salt can sometimes be harsh on some materials.
• Moonlight: Place your runes under the light of a full moon to absorb lunar energy.
• Sunlight: Place your runes in direct sunlight to charge them with solar energy.
• Intention: Hold your runes in your hands, focusing your intention to cleanse them.

3. Asking Clear Questions

The most important step of using runes effectively is framing your questions clearly. Avoid vague or open-ended questions and be specific about what you are seeking guidance on. Focus on what you can control, not on future or past events. Clear, concise, and open questions are often the best.

• Avoid: “What will happen to me?”
• Instead, ask: “What can I do to improve my financial situation?” or “What is my best approach to achieving a better relationship with my family?”

4. Rune Casting Methods

There are various ways to cast runes for divination. Here are a few popular methods:

• Single Rune Cast: Draw one rune for a quick answer or a daily focus.
• Three Rune Cast (Past, Present, Future): Draw three runes, each representing the past, present, and potential future of a situation. This is a great spread for general guidance and understanding a situation in a historical context.
• Five Rune Cross: This spread is more complex, delving into the forces at play, the challenges, and the potential outcome of a situation.
• Norns’ Spread: Draw three runes to focus on the interconnected threads of fate. One focuses on the past, one on the present, and one on the potential future. This spread is great for understanding how our past can be used to help with our present and shape the future.
• Free Form Casting: You can spread your runes on a surface and then pay attention to those that have landed in a way that draws your attention.

5. Recording Your Readings

Keep a rune journal to record your readings, observations, and personal interpretations. Over time, you will develop a better understanding of the runes and their symbolism. Writing them out will help you see patterns in your readings and develop a more intimate understanding of each rune. Additionally, by looking back on past readings, you can see what predictions came to fruition and this can help refine your future readings.

Precautions and Ethical Considerations

When using runes for divination, it’s important to maintain an ethical and responsible approach:

• Respect the runes: Approach runes with reverence and acknowledge their historical and cultural significance.
• Avoid using runes to manipulate: Do not use runes to influence or control others or attempt to gain an unfair advantage. The purpose of divination is guidance, not control.
• Provide responsible readings: Be honest and compassionate when interpreting runes. Do not give negative or fear-based readings that are designed to scare the person who has asked you for a reading. Rather, provide possible challenges and give guidance for how those challenges can be overcome.
• Encourage self-responsibility: The runes are meant to provide guidance and insight, not to dictate a person’s choices. Remind people to remain responsible for their own decisions and that the future is not yet fixed.
• Focus on the present: Focus your reading on the present and the potential future. Obsessing about the past can lead to the person reading’s own self-fulfilling prophecies.
• Never give health advice: When giving readings to others, advise them not to take your reading as a substitute for seeing their doctor.

Conclusion

The Elder Futhark is a rich and complex system, offering profound insights into the human experience. By understanding the meanings of the individual runes, considering their context, and developing your intuition, you can unlock the secrets of this ancient tradition and enrich your spiritual journey. As you delve deeper into the world of runes, you may find that they offer guidance, clarity, and a deeper connection to the world around you. With patience and practice, you will be able to use these ancient symbols to gain wisdom and perspective. Happy casting!