In this section, we are referring to the traditional, Elder Futhark script, which comprises of 24 symbols or letters.

In the case of the “Blank” or the “Unknowable” Rune, as this is an invention of the 1980’s and not a true part of the Elder Futhark, we will not be using this in interpretation or in the Rune casting techniques listed in this site. Those who wish to use it however, are welcome to, but we feel it disturbs the symmetry of the original 24, and would suggest that if you purchased a set that has this piece, to keep it aside as a spare.

Each Rune has a possible two or three meanings, although some clearly have one literal translation. Each rune is also linked to a Norse Mythical figure, for more details of this, please see our Resources links.

The First Aett

FEHU
"fay-who"

Meanings: “Cattle”, material wealth, prosperity, financial support and seeking achievement in the material realm, in business, career, money and possessions; home and domestic life, security.

Fehu is a reminder that however deep our yearnings for spirituality, we must also be conscious of our earthly, physical needs and responsibility, as we are still part of the world. It encompasses the home, and financial security, of the mundane realities of everyday life that we must all deal with, and at the same time not lose sight of the spiritual journey.

URUZ
"ooo-rooze"

Meanings: “Auroch”, Hunter, Strength, Willfulness, Passion, Intensity, Achievement, Sexuality, Masculinity, Rite of passage, Endings and new Beginnings, Mortality.

The aurochs were wild longhorn oxen, ferocious, untamable and massive in size, nearly the size of elephants. Extinct since the 17th Century, they were once hunted for their huge horns, and as a rite of passage into manhood. This rune embodies strength, and could signify the overcoming of obstacles to achieve something through sheer will and utilizing one’s instincts. Like the young men who hunted the auroch as they entered into manhood, this rune also represents our own mortality, reminding us that death is a natural part of the cycle of life, heralding a new beginning.

Thurisaz
"thoor-ee-saws"

Meanings: Thorn, Giant, obstacles, distressing change, Patience, Introspection, Wisdom.

This rune signifies difficulty and sudden change of an unpleasant nature, which, like the Giants, caused a great deal of destruction, yet brought about a positive change in the long run. This rune tells us to fear not, and take a moment before making any decisions. It counsels us to look within, to find the lesson we need to learn, and allow the experience to give us strength.

ANSUZ
“Ahn-zoo”

Meanings: Power, Leadership, Seeking Balance and Harmony, an Important Message, Wisdom, Vanity.

This Rune is associated with Odin, who was both God of War, and God of Wisdom. His nature of duplicity warns us of the need for balance, especially in leadership. Ansuz is a messenger rune, revealing insight and inspiration from a divine source.

RAIDO
“Rye-though”

Meanings: Chariot, Travel, Journey, Reunion, Change of Location, Broadening of Horizons, New Experiences, Destiny, Stagnation, A need for Change.

Raido represents both a physical and spiritual journey. It may signify a straightforward trip or some kind, of travel or relocation to a different place, or perhaps a warning that yours is a stagnant situation, and the need for new experience or ideas is necessary. This rune also speaks of our spiritual journey, which is constantly evolving, changing and offering new possibility at every turn.

KENAZ
“Ken-ahz”

Meanings: Torch, Light, Revelations, Breakthroughs, Wisdom, Solutions, Inspiration, Creativity, An Opening Up, Enlightenment.

This Rune represents a source of light, which brings understanding and knowledge. Like a “light bulb moment”, it is a flash of inspiration and creativity, when solutions to problems suddenly become clear, and new ideas and thoughts flow out of nowhere.

GEBO
"yee-boe"

Meanings: Gifts, Sacrifice, Generosity, Charity, Honor, Bonding, Loyalty, Relationships, Forgiveness.

Gebo is the rune which represents the importance of our relationships with other people, of love, loyalty and good partnerships. It may also signify an offering of some kind, spiritual or material, wherein there is a price of personal sacrifice, and you are given the choice to receive it or not. However, this rune has a positive connotation, ensuring us that whatever the price may be, the rewards will be great.

WUNJO
"woon-yo"

Meanings: Success, Joy, Victory, Glory, Blessings, Good Health, Reward, Harmony, Cooperation, Truth, Goodness, Prosperity, Contentment.

Wunjo is a joyful reminder that happiness is yours for the taking. It signifies a time where the storm has gone, and there is nothing to do but to bask in contentment of life’s pleasures, enjoying this period with friends and family to the fullest. Solutions come easily, success is in the air, and truth prevails. However, it also reminds us that like all things in life, it is but temporary, and this can also be looked at as a chance to rejuvenate and reflect, in preparation for the challenges that lie ahead, as seen in the next rune.

Second Aett

HAGALAZ
"haw-gaw-laws"

Meanings: Hail, Storm, Challenges, Destructive Force, Crisis, Drastic Change, Lessons, Karmic Force.

Hagalaz appears in the beginning of the second aett, representing both an ending and a new beginning, and the challenge that lies in weathering the storm that will occur between the two points. Like the “Tower” card in the Tarot, although it is primarily a negative force, it is a necessary one to bring about decisive change, to break old patterns or relations that were impeding our growth. This rune helps us realize that no matter how tough things seem at the moment, it is merely a “wake up call” that offers progression, one that will lead us closer to our goals.

NAUTHIZ

"now-these"

Meanings: Need, Necessity, Emptiness, Lack, Discontentment, Adversity, Hardship, Frustration, Delay, Restriction, Survival, Patience, Endurance.

Naudiz represents an overall feeling of dissatisfaction, disillusionment and an imbalance in one’s life, where we feel the need for more, yet reap little, much to our frustration. It counsels us on patience and perseverance, on reassessing our wants and values, and accepting what is before us with grace and inner strength, knowing that this too is a learning experience. Delays, disappointments and loss may seem unpleasant on the surface, but Naudiz counsels that it is a transitory experience, and is necessary to set us back on the right track.

ISA
"ee-saw"

Meanings: Ice, Stagnation, Standstill, Reaffirmation, Patience, Hidden Danger, Withdrawal, Reflection, Clarity.

This rune warns us not to act with haste, but to reflect and step away from the situation or the problem at hand for the moment. Contemplation and assessment is imperative now, for Isa could also imply hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface. This is a period for delaying one’s plans, reaffirming our objectives, not allowing ourselves to be pressured or forced into anything, and calling on patience and wisdom to get us through.

JERA
"yare-awe"

Meanings: Harvest, Seasons, A Year, Fruition, A Time of Plenty, Profit, Reward, Cause and Effect, Development, Cycle of Life, Positive Change, Progress, Justice.

Jera signifies the coming of spring, when the bitterness of the past winter (as seen in the past two runes) has finally passed, and a time of fruition, of reaping rewards and progress is coming into effect. This rune reminds us that the patience and strength we exhibited during the trying times has paid off, that all things change like the seasons, and for now we can enjoy the fruits of our labors. It may also represent time, in terms of one year, and of celebration, natural development and the wondrous cycle of life.

EIHWAZ
"eye-wawz"

Meanings: Yew Tree, Strength, Endurance, Continuity, Protection, Turning Point, Change.

The Yew tree is a symbol very much a part of Rune lore, as a tree of magic powers and tremendous endurance, used frequently to create archer’s bows. Ihwaz has a mystical, quality, and being the 13th rune in the middle of the Runic alphabet, it also represents a turning point or change in one’s path, giving the holder a protective power to safely continue on the journey, facing whatever is to come with faith, perseverance, wisdom, and strength.

PERTHO
"perth-row"

Meanings: Mystery, Secrets, the Unknown, A Gamble, Sexuality, Pregnancy & Birth, Hidden meanings, Fate, Destiny.

Pertho is a rune shrouded in mystery, and although it suggests a number of things, such as the unknown, and the inevitability of one’s destiny, its meaning is largely unknown, and therefore up to you to interpret. This rune also has connotations of female sexuality, pregnancy and birth, but as its meaning teaches us that there are truly some things in life which we are not meant to understand, it counsels us to have faith in ourselves to make the right choices, using the wisdom and good sense we have learned along the way.

ALGIZ
"all-yeese"

Meanings: Protection, Divine help, Defense, Assistance, Support, Endeavor.

Algiz is rune with immense protective powers, offering help and support, usually from a divine source. This rune signifies that we will survive whatever happens, for we possess the necessary qualities within us, and this only needs to be called forth to see us through safely. Algiz counsels us to be aware, to keep a clear head, remembering to act with compassion, heeding our principles, when setting forth on any endeavor.

SOWULO
"soe-wee-low"

Meanings: The Sun, Light, Positive Energy, Life-Giving Force, Accomplishment, Discovery, Clarity, Wholeness, Growth, Victory, Healing, Fertility.

Like the sun, Sowulo symbolizes a life-giving force, a brilliant energy whose light enables growth and dispels the darkness. This rune represents a optimistic time, where you gain the power to bring about positive changes in your life, and the drive to set things into motion. Sowulo is a rune of action, of capability and vital health, cleansing and healing when the achievement of goals is possible and encouraged like a fire from within.

Third Aett

TEIWAZ
“tee-wahz”

Meanings: “Tyr” the Norse god, Courage, Duty, Truth, Victory, Protection, Leadership, Determination, Responsibility, Skill, Justice, Self-Sacrifice, the Warrior’s Path.

This is Tyr’s rune, one of the oldest gods of Norse mythology, a mighty warrior who nobly sacrificed his right hand to bind the “Fenris” wolf, protecting his fellowmen. Teiwaz represents all of a great god-warrior’s qualities, bravery, courage, duty and heroism, and the dignity in self-sacrifice for the greater good. It may also indicate a challenge to be met, and the need for courage, discipline and virtue to ensure success.

BERKANA
"bear-kawn-ah"

Meanings: Birch, Birth, Fertility, Abundance, Youth, Vigor, Feminine Quality, New Beginnings, Growth, Liberation, Nourishment, Healing.The Birch is the tree that first bears leaves at the end of winter, symbolizing a time of new beginnings and growth. Berkana represents motherhood and female qualities, of providing nourishment and care, and the security of home and family. This rune could also signify the birth of a child, or the beginning of something new or perhaps a second chance.

EHWAZ
"ay-wawz"

Meanings: Horse, Transportation, Steady Progress, Will, Movement, Partnership, Loyalty, Teamwork, Energy, Support, Restlessness.

Ehwaz is the horse rune, and is associated with the qualities of the great animal that has long been a part of man’s history and mythology all over the world. Symbolizing speed, strength, grace and beauty, this rune implies motion and progress, in physical terms as well as spiritual. Ehwaz also reminds us of the value of partnerships, cooperation and assistance in our journey, rooted in mutual trust, much like the relationship between man and the horse.

MANNAZ
"mawn-nawz"

Meanings: Man, The Self, Humanity, Community, Social Conscience, Family & Friends, Cooperation.

This rune is a symbol of mankind, of our relationships with those around us, and with our inner selves. It speaks of the bonds that we all share as humans, our innate need to interact with one another, and our connection with the forces of nature and the divine. Our feelings and attitudes in relations to others and ourselves is highlighted here, stressing cooperation, harmony and tolerance, consideration, creativity and unity.

LAGUZ
"law-gooze"

Meanings: Water, Ocean, Fluidity, Subconscious, Emotions, Hidden Elements, Intuition, Fears, Cleansing, Secrets, Inner Depths, Change, Self-Examination, Femininity.

Laguz is the rune of water and the ocean, symbolizing the fluid depths of our inner life, intuitive powers and emotions, as well as the feminine aspect of the world. It does have darker connotations though, as the people of the North thought of the sea as an unpredictable, cold place, where terrible things lurked beneath the forbidding waters. This rune encourages us to look within ourselves, and face our deepest fears, and our darker side. It also represents the eternal flow of life, and embracing the unpredictability and changes that are part of the natural scheme of things.

INGUZ
"eeeng-goowz"

Meanings: The Land, Fertility, Agriculture, Work, Male Fertility, Wholesomeness, Harmony, Peace, Unity, Creation, Conclusion.

Inguz represents the Norse hero-god Ing also called Freyr, who brought peace and prosperity, enabling the land to flourish. This Rune symbolizes the aspect of male fertility, grounding us to our natural connection with the land. Inguz has a creative and unifying power that has a conclusive result, one that may be linked to pregnancy or a birth of some sort, produced by the joining of forces.

DAGAZ
"thaw-gauze"

Meanings: Day, Dawn, Awakening, Breakthrough, Hope, Happiness, Fulfillment, Divine Light, Guidance.

Dagaz is the rune of day, symbolizing the breaking of dawn and the illuminating rays of the sun dispelling the darkness. It represents the coming of a new day, a change for the better, a positive direction you have begun to follow on your spiritual path. Dagas implies that success and fulfillment is on the horizon, signaling a time of growth, clarity and fulfillment in one’s life. The darkness is behind you, and spiritually this marks a coming together of worldly and divine forces.

OTHALA
"oath-awe-law"

Meanings: Home, Birthright, Inheritance, Property, Centeredness, Ancestry, Value, Possessions.

Othala marks the end of the runic cycle, bringing us back home to where we began, but on a higher level. This rune symbolizes the strength in family and home, or place of our birth and ancestry, where we all came from and where we eventually return. It may represent things of value or knowledge you have acquired along your long journey, and the security gained from integrating these truths to find our way back to our center, or home, where we prepare ourselves to begin another journey.