The Runes I
OVERVIEW II HISTORY III DESCRIPTIONS & MEANINGS
A. Mannaz B. Gebo C. Ansuz D. Othila E. Uruz F. Perth G.
Nauthiz H. Inguz I. Eihwaz J. Algiz K. Fehu L. Wunjo M. Jera
N. Kano O. Teiwaz P. Berkana Q. Ehwaz R. Laguz S. Hagalaz T.
Raido U. Thurisaz V. Dagaz W. Isa X. Sowelu Y. Odin IV. Layouts
used for divination A. Odin's Rune B. Three Rune Spread C. Runic
Cross D. Three Life Spread I Overview ----------- Runes are a
method of divination similar to the Tarot or the I Ching. The
difference is that Runes are a set of 25 stones instead of 78
cards or a set of sticks with patterns. As with the Tarot, most
of the Runes may be rightside up, or up side down, the meaning
differing with the case. There are also some Runes that can not
appear up side down. In practice, the Runes may be made of any
material; ceramic, stones, sticks, or drawn on cards.66 II. History
----------- Before the Germanic peoples of ancient Western Europe
possessed a true alphabet, they used pictorial symbols to carve
into stones their ideas and thoughts. The earliest of these pictorial
writings date from about 1300 BC. They were probably linked to
Sun and Fertility cults. Among the signs were parts of the human
body, weapons, animals and variations on the circle, square,
and swastika. These pictoglyphs later evolved into the more abstract
glyphs that were composed of lines resembling no particular objects.
That there was power endowed to those who were adept at the use
of these glyphs is indicated by the name given to the glyphs
themselves. These glyphs were called Runes, from the Gothic Runa,
meaning 'a secret thing, a mystery.' The Runic letter or Runastafr
was use to foretell the future by Runemal, or the casting of
the Runes. The Runes were inscribed into tools, weapons, rocks,
alters, and other personal items. Runes were also used by the
clergy as an alternative to the Latin alphabet. It is believed
that Runes were derived from a northern Etruscan alphabet used
among Italic tribes in the Eastern Alps. They may have been developed
by people living in the area of Bohemia. From the beginning Runes
were used for the casting of lots, for divination and to evoke
higher powers that might influence the 'luck' of man. There were
Runes that influenced the weather, the harvest, curses, the tides,
love, and healing. The Practicianer of Runemal was easily recognizable
by the very clothing they wore. As the 13th century author of
the 'Saga of Erik the Red' said, "She wore a cloak set with
stones along the hem. Around her neck and covering her head she
wore a hood lined with white catskins. In one hand she carried
a staff with a knob on the end and her belt, holding together
her long dress, hung a charm pouch." As you can also see
from this passage, many of the Rune Masters were women. As time
wore on, the Runes themselves became standardized through out
Europe. Although in some places the Runes numbered as many as
36 or as few as 16. Twenty-four of these were the basic Runes,
or futhark. The name futhark comes from the first 6 Runes. There
were 3 families of 8 Runes each, named after the Norse Gods Freyr,
Hagal and Tyr. These three aettir, as they were called were:
Freyr's Eight: Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raido, Kano, Gebo,
Wunjo Hagal's Eight: Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Perth,
Algiz, Sowelu Tyr's Eight: Teiwaz, Berkana, Ehwaz, Mannaz, Laguz,
Inguz, Othila, Dagaz. The Anglo-Saxons are credited with spreading
Runes and Runecraft through out Europe. It is unfortunate that
more than 300 years ago the last of the Rune Masters died taking
with them the true art of Rune casting. In recent years people
such as Ralph Blum have tired to revive the ancient art of Rune
Casting through books, casting Runes, and through research into
ancient books and manuscripts for references to Runes. III Descriptions
and Meanings ----------------------------- A. Mannaz: Two vertical
lines with a horizontal 'X' connecting the top of the two lines
so that it appears like a golf flag and its mirror image. |><|
| | Normal: Essence is water. Clarity, willingness to change
is effective now. Become right with yourself, then you can be
right with others. Be yielding, devoted and moderate. Only then
will you have a true direction. Inverted: If there is blockage
now, it comes from within. Look to yourself, not to others at
this time. Stop and reconsider. The outer enemy is but a reflection
of yourself. B. Gebo: An 'X'. \ / x / \ Normal: A union is at
hand. However, do not make this a total union, keep yourself.
Let the winds of Heaven blow between you and your partner. Inverted:
This rune is impossible to invert due to its symmetry C. Ansuz:
An 'F' with the arms pointing downward. |\ |\ | Normal: There
is a new life unfolding. Be aware during meetings with others.
A connection with the Divine may be at hand. Draw from the well
for yourself first, then you will have the strength to draw from
the well for others. Inverted: Failed communication may seem
to be a block. Remember, what happens now is timely to your development.
If the well is clogged, then clean it out. D. Othila: A diamond
shape with the two lower sides extended beyond the point at which
they meet to form legs. /\ \/ /\ Normal: A shedding of old skins
is called for. You may receive benefits, but it may require you
to give up something else. This may be difficult to do because
part of what you may have to give up is a portion of your background.
Inverted: Do not be bound by old conditionings. You may be called
upon to take a radical departure from old ways. Be totally honest
with yourself now. Flow is the proper attitude at this time.
E. Uruz: A tall vertical line on the left, a shorter vertical
line on the right, connected on top by diagonal line. Similar
to a 'squared' small letter 'n'. |\ | | | | Normal: The life
you have been living is at an end. However, this is not a Rune
of ending, it is instead a Rune of new beginnings. There may
be darkness of a tunnel leading to the new life, but the light
will bebrighter at the end. Prepare for the opportunity disguised
as a loss. Inverted: You may fail to take dvantage of the moment.
It is possible that your strength may seem to be used against
you. The seeming failure may come as a minor or major jolt depending
on your awareness. Remember, life is a cycle and you will again
reach this point to again have this choice. F. Perth: A vertical
line on the left with an elongated 'v' connected to the top from
the right, and an elongated inverted 'V' connected to the bottom
from the right. |\/ | |/\ Normal: Inner changes are taking place.
Surprises may be in store. Nothing external matters here, except
as it shows you your inner self. Inverted: Do not expect too
much now. If you repeat the old, expect to suffer. Do not focus
on the past or you will neglect the true now. You may have 'bad
luck' or recognize a specific block, or challenge. It depends
on your point of view. G. Nauthiz: A vertical line with a diagonal
line crossing it. The diagonal line runs from the upper left
to the lower right. \| | |\ Normal: There is a definite need
for restraint. There will be holdups, and the need to reconsider
your plans carefully. If you can not restore harmony at this
time, restore balance at least. consider the uses of adversity.
Inverted: Here is the great teacher disguised as the bringer
of pain and limitation. Only at the darkest hour do we see just
how bright the light is within ourselves. Cleansing is needed
to strengthen the character. Only after great darkness will we
know and see the true light. H. Inguz: Two 'X's stacked on top
of each other and touching. \/ <> /\ Normal: Now is the
time of great strength when completions can be finished and as
a result new beginnings started. Difficulties can be resolved
and clarified. The butterfly now emerges from the cocoon. Movement
may cause you to free yourself from a rut in your life. There
is danger, but like the King on a chess board, the movement takes
you out of check and danger. Inverted: This rune is impossible
to invert due to its symmetry. I. Eihwaz: A vertical line with
a short diagonal line running from the top towards the lower
right, and a short diagonal line running from the bottom towards
the upper left. |\ | \| Normal: There maybe blockages, but even
they help our progress. You may seem to be powerless at this
point in time. Patience and waiting are called for. Growth is
promoted through inconvenience and discomfort. Wait on the will
of the Heavens. J. Algiz: A cross with both ends of the horizontal
bar pointing upward. \|/ | | Normal: Control of the emotions
is called for. Correct actions are the only true protection you
have. If you are in pain, or turbulence, do not try to hide from
it, for it is only the pain and turbulence of progress. Inverted:
Health and associations are to be examined now. If persons are
'using' you, and you know it in your heart, then know that you
are the one responsible for the outcome, not them. Only then
will you benefit from it. Winning may not be possible, but in
losing there is a form of winning through learning and the progress
takes place. K. Fehu: An 'F' with the horizontal lines pointing
upward. |/ |/ | Normal: Clearly define what it is that you desire.
Is it wealth and possessions, or self-rule and growth of will?
Enjoy the good fortune of now but remember to share it, for the
mark of a well nourished self is the ability to nourish others.
Inverted: Your arrows repeatedly miss the target either by an
inch or a mile. Your ship has come in, but you are at the stable
awaiting a good horse. Observe the situation, and ask, "What
do I need to learn to further my progress?" You now have
the opportunity to see where your true nourishment lies. L. Wunjo:
Shaped like the letter 'P' with the rounded upper portion being
made from two straight lines like the 'greater than' sign >.
|\ |/ | Normal: The shifts that were due are completed, the branch
now bears fruit, and you can now reap the harvest. Knowledge
transforms itself into understanding. Through new clarity existing
ambitions, goal, or plans may be seen for the limited undesirables
they are. Inverted: The harvest is slow to mature. A difficult
passage is at hand. As seen in its true light, everything is
a test. There is light mixed with the dark, but of clarity there
is none now. Examine yourself and your motives. M. Jera: A 'greater
than' sign (>) above a 'less than' sign (<). \ / / \ Normal:
Beneficial outcomes apply to what ever endeavor you have undertaken.
It may take time for no quick results can be expected. A span
of time is always involved. Not even the farmer can speed the
harvest by tugging on the young shoots. At the end of the season,
rejoice in abundance. N. Kano: A 'less than' sign (<). / \
Normal: This is the Rune of the opening. Light now breaks through
and dispells the clouds. Through awareness of the light, understanding
is now available to you and you may be able to spread the light
and understanding to others. You are now the center where harmonic
and beneficent forces meet. Inverted: Clouds are now beginning
to cover the sun. A partnership may be passing away. If so, remember
that it is then no longer appropriate or valid for you in this
stage of development. Remember however that failure to notice
this passing away will result in a missed opportunity. Give up
gladly the old so that the new can be received. O. Teiwaz: An
upward pointing arrow. / \ | | Normal: Look within and delve
down to the foundations of your being. Here you will find your
deepest needs, and most powerful resources. Examine newly formed
partnerships, for there may be great works for you both to perform
together. This is a Rune of dedication and perseverance. Patience
may be called for now. Your real enemy just might be yourself.
Inverted: Danger may arise from hasty or illtimed actions. Associations
may be short lived, but remember that they have served their
purpose. Are outcomes your goal, or are you focused on the task
for its own sake? Look within for the answer. P. Berkana: Shaped
like the letter 'B', except the the two rounded portions are
made from straight lines, like the 'greater than' sign >.
|> |\ |/ Normal: Delve into things deeply, with care and awareness.
Resistance must be dispersed first, then work may be begun. If
you have dark corners, clean them out now. If you need help to
cleanse the corners, seek an expert. Only then can the harvest
ripen. Inverted: There is interference with growth now. If you
feel disheartened for not taking the right action, relax. You
may have the chance to act again. Examine your motives. Are you
putting your wants before the wants of others? Q. Ehwaz: A large
capital letter 'M'. |\/| | | | | Normal: Transitions and physical
shifts are occurring now. Steady growth and development slowly
accumulate. "As I cultivate my own nature, all else follows.
"Face the future with assurance. Inverted: If movement is
blocked, be sure that what you are doing is correct action. There
are no missed opportunities; we have to recognize that not all
opportunities are not for us. What is yours will come to you.
R. Laguz: The right half of an upward pointing arrow. |\ | |
Normal: Reorganize and re-align. Contact your intuitive self,
and success will follow. Relate to yourself correctly. Immerse
yourself in the experience of living without evaluating or understanding.
Inverted: Do not over reach yourself. Excessive striving can
be damaging. Are you really drawing upon your wisdom of instinct?
Go within yourself and honor your receptive side. S. Hagalaz:
Shaped like the letter 'H', with the horizontal bar at a slight
angle slopping to the right. | | |\| | | Normal: There is a need
to break free from constricting circumstances. There are some
things beyond your control. Though this Rune has only an upright
position, it operates through reversal. You may feel as though
you are waking from a long sleep and take some time to come to
your full senses. There may be a loss before there is a great
gain. T. Raido: Shaped like the letter 'R' with the rounded upper
portions made of two straight lines like the 'greater than' sign
>. |\ |/ |\ Normal: Communication is addressed by this Rune,
especially when it has two sides. Inner worth increases, but
we must remember that we are not intended to rely on our power
alone. Ask guidance from the Powers above, and know that in so
doing, you will be doing the right action. Waiting may be just
the right action to take. If you wait, remove resistance while
waiting. Inverted: Personal relationships are accented now. Break-ups
may be more plentiful than unions now. Keep a sense of good humor
no matter what happens. Even failures may be re-routed opportunities.
U. Thurisaz: A vertical line with a 'greater than' sign attached
to the middle. The line extends above and below the > sign.
| |> | Normal: There is work to be done, both within yourself
and without. You may be ready to contact the Divine. You can
now see that which is hidden inside, and know that in so doing,
you will be doing the right action. Waiting may be just the right
action to take. If you wait, remove resistance while waiting.
Inverted: Personal relationships are accented now. Break-ups
may be more plentiful than unions now. Keep a sense of good humor
no matter what happens. Even failures may be re-routed opportunities.
V. Dagaz: An elongated 'X' with both the left and right sides
being close into triangles by vertical lines. |\ /| | x | |/
\| Normal: A major breakthrough is at hand. The right outcome
is inevitable, but not predictable. Timing is correct. If followed
by the blank Rune, the transformation may be so total as to portend
a death, a successful conclusion to your passage. The dawn has
given way to full daylight. But remember not to collapse yourself
into the future, for that would be reckless. W. Isa: A vertical
line. | | | Normal: Winter has come upon you. You seem to be
frozen in ice and can not move. Positive accomplishment is unlikely
now. A cold wind is reaching you over the ice flows of outmoded
habits. Try to discover what it is that you are holding onto
that prevents the spring from arriving. Shed the outdated, and
the thaw will follow. It may be that you have no control over
the conditions causing the winter. In this case remember that
this is the way of Heaven and Earth; winter follows autumn, but
spring will always follow winter. Watch for signs of spring.
X. Sowelu: Shaped like a single vertical bolt of lightening.
/ -- / Normal: What you are striving to be, you already are.
This is the time for recharging and regenerating yourself. You
may have to retreat from pressing situations, but make it a retreat
in strength, not weakness. Let the Sun illuminate the secrets
you hid even from yourself. Always remember however, that by
yourself you can do nothing. Only when you rely on the Divine
can you accomplish anything of greatness. Y. Odin: This is the
blank Rune. Normal: The unknowable and unseen is active in your
life at this time. In the beginning there was nothing, and in
the end, nothing remains. Control can not be used on that which
does not yet exist. As with the Fool in the Tarot, you may have
to leap over the precipice into the void. But do so empty-handed
and with utter faith. What becons is the creative power of the
unknown. IV. Layouts Used for divinations ---------------------------------
A. Odins Rune. Place the Runes into a cloth pouch, and shake
them up. Reach into the pouch and draw out a single Rune. Make
sure when the Rune is pulled out, and you turn it over that you
do not accidentally do not invert the Rune. This Rune will reveal
the crux of your present situation, or the basic answer to your
question. B. Three Rune Spread. Place the Runes into a cloth
pouch. Draw out three Runes and place them in a horizontal line
in front of you. Reading from the left to the right, the positions
represent; 1) You now, 2) the Challenge ahead of you, and 3)
the Best Outcome. Read the Runes and interpret them relative
to their position. C. Runic Cross Place the Runes into a cloth
pouch. Now draw out 6 Runes and place them in the following order.
Place the first Rune in the center of your work area. This represents
you now. The second Rune goes to the right of the first Rune.
This represents your past. The third Rune goes to the right of
the first Rune. This Rune represents the future. The forth Rune
goes below the first Rune. This Rune reveals the foundation of
the situation. The fifth Rune is placed above the first Rune.
This Rune is the challenge ahead of you. The sixth Rune goes
above the fifth Rune. This rune represents the best outcome.
D. Three Life Spread This spread is useful for exploring past
incarnations. There are five runes involved in this spread. Place
the Runes into a cloth pouch, and remove five of them, placing
them in the following order. The first Rune goes on the right
side of you work area. This Rune is your birth and childhood
of this life. The second Rune goes to the left of the first.
This Rune represents your present. The third Rune goes to the
left of the second. This Rune is your future in this life. The
forth Rune goes below the second Rune. This Rune reveals your
past incarnation. The fifth Rune goes above the second Rune.
This Rune is your future incarnation. Interpret the Runes relative
to their position and also relate them to what must be gained
in each incarnation. [ed. note-- I don't agree with the majority
of interpretations presented here, but figure that someone will
find it useful. --Amythyst] . |