Runes

Origins and History

The word "rune" is derived from the Old Norse word *rún*, meaning "secret" or "mystery." Runes first appeared in the early centuries AD and were used until the late Middle Ages. The earliest known runic inscriptions date back to around the 2nd century AD. The most well-known runic alphabets are the Elder Futhark, the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, and the Younger Futhark.

- Elder Futhark: The oldest and most widely used runic alphabet, consisting of 24 runes. It was used from approximately 150 to 800 AD.
- Anglo-Saxon Futhorc: An expanded version of the Elder Futhark, containing between 26 and 33 runes. It was used in England and Frisia.
- Younger Futhark: A simplified version of the Elder Futhark with 16 runes, used from around 800 to 1100 AD, primarily in Scandinavia.

Meanings of the Elder Futhark Runes

The Elder Futhark is the most studied and well-known runic alphabet. Each rune has a name, a phonetic value, and a meaning. Below is a brief overview of the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark:

1. Fehu (ᚠ)

- Meaning: Wealth, cattle
- Phonetic Value: F
- Description: Represents prosperity, abundance, and material wealth.

2. Uruz (ᚢ)

- Meaning: Strength, wild ox
- Phonetic Value: U
- Description: Symbolizes physical strength, health, and raw power.

3. Thurisaz (ᚦ)

- Meaning: Giant, thorn
- Phonetic Value: Th
- Description: Represents challenges, protection, and the power of destruction and defense.

4. Ansuz (ᚨ)

- Meaning: God, ancestral spirit
- Phonetic Value: A
- Description: Associated with divine communication, wisdom, and revelation.

5. Raidho (ᚱ)

- Meaning: Journey, riding
- Phonetic Value: R
- Description: Signifies travel, movement, and the journey of life.

6. Kenaz (ᚲ)

- Meaning: Torch, knowledge
- Phonetic Value: K
- Description: Represents enlightenment, creativity, and knowledge.

7. Gebo (ᚷ)

- Meaning: Gift
- Phonetic Value: G
- Description: Symbolizes generosity, partnership, and balance in relationships.

8. Wunjo (ᚹ)

- Meaning: Joy, bliss
- Phonetic Value: W
- Description: Represents happiness, harmony, and well-being.

9. Hagalaz (ᚺ)

- Meaning: Hail
- Phonetic Value: H
- Description: Signifies disruption, transformation, and natural forces.

10. Nauthiz (ᚾ)

- Meaning: Need, necessity
- Phonetic Value: N
- Description: Represents constraints, endurance, and the power to overcome hardship.

11. Isa (ᛁ)

- Meaning: Ice
- Phonetic Value: I
- Description: Symbolizes stillness, stasis, and obstacles.

12. Jera (ᛃ)

- Meaning: Year, harvest
- Phonetic Value: J or Y
- Description: Represents cycles, rewards for efforts, and natural order.

13. Eihwaz (ᛇ)

- Meaning: Yew tree
- Phonetic Value: Ei
- Description: Signifies endurance, death, and regeneration.

14. Perthro (ᛈ)

- Meaning: Mystery, fate
- Phonetic Value: P
- Description: Associated with secrets, hidden knowledge, and the unknown.

15. Algiz (ᛉ)

- Meaning: Elk, protection
- Phonetic Value: Z or -R
- Description: Symbolizes protection, defense, and spiritual awakening.

16. Sowilo (ᛋ)

- Meaning: Sun
- Phonetic Value: S
- Description: Represents success, vitality, and the life force.

17. Tiwaz (ᛏ)

- Meaning: Tyr, the god of war and justice
- Phonetic Value: T
- Description: Signifies honor, justice, leadership, and authority.

18. Berkano (ᛒ)

- Meaning: Birch tree
- Phonetic Value: B
- Description: Associated with growth, fertility, and new beginnings.

19. Ehwaz (ᛖ)

- Meaning: Horse
- Phonetic Value: E
- Description: Represents partnership, trust, and forward movement.

20. Mannaz (ᛗ)

- Meaning: Man, humanity
- Phonetic Value: M
- Description: Symbolizes the self, humanity, and social structures.

21. Laguz (ᛚ)

- Meaning: Water, lake
- Phonetic Value: L
- Description: Represents flow, intuition, and the unconscious mind.

22. Ingwaz (ᛝ)

- Meaning: Fertility, Ing (a god)
- Phonetic Value: Ng
- Description: Signifies fertility, potential, and internal growth.

23. Dagaz (ᛞ)

- Meaning: Day, dawn
- Phonetic Value: D
- Description: Represents breakthrough, transformation, and new beginnings.

24. Othala (ᛟ)

- Meaning: Ancestral property, heritage
- Phonetic Value: O
- Description: Symbolizes inheritance, home, and legacy.

Uses of Runes

Runes were used for various purposes in ancient times, including writing, divination, and magical practices.

- Writing: Runes were carved into wood, stone, metal, and other materials for inscriptions, memorials, and everyday use. They served as a practical alphabet for recording events, marking ownership, and commemorating the dead.

- Divination: Runes have long been used as a tool for divination, helping practitioners seek guidance from the divine and gain insight into the future. A set of runes might be cast or drawn from a bag, with each rune’s position and orientation providing a specific meaning in the context of the reading.

- Magic: Runes were also used in magical practices, where their inherent meanings and powers were invoked for various purposes such as protection, healing, and invoking divine favor. They were often inscribed on amulets, weapons, and tools to imbue them with specific properties.

Modern Interpretations

In modern times, runes have seen a resurgence of interest within the context of neo-paganism, Asatru, and other spiritual practices. They are used for meditation, personal development, and as a tool for connecting with ancient wisdom. Many people today appreciate runes for their aesthetic qualities and their rich historical and cultural significance.

Conclusion

Runes are a powerful and enduring symbol of the ancient Germanic peoples' beliefs, culture, and practices. Each rune carries a unique meaning and story, reflecting various aspects of life and the universe. Whether used for writing, divination, or magic, runes offer a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual and practical world of our ancestors. Their legacy continues to inspire and captivate those who seek to understand and connect with the ancient traditions and wisdom of the past.