The runes, above all else are steeped in natural forces, and symbolize the power which is shown by the elements of nature,the earths forces, the wind, ice, rain, and the sun for instance. To try to understand them by adopting a reasoning, intellectual approach, therefore, is fruitless, and will bring bewilderment rather than enlightenment and knowledge.
The runes are derived from natural forces,which can be seen everywhere that the eyes of one who wishes to see will look. It is apparent in the shape of a stream or creek as it flows through a woodland,in the forked branches of the trees, and the shape of the stones on the path.
The forces of nature speak to us directly, if we will but open our mind and listen. The knowledge they give is all around us, so long as we see with our inner self, with the inner sight, and not with the eyes alone. The runes do not and will not impart amazing magickal powers, do not give unearthly success, nor great material gain to the holder, nor will they give wealth or political powers. They are as pragmatic as nature itself, grounded firmly in the natural world.
Feoh (cattle) symbolizes vitality and power, strength in finance and personal wealth. It is good for any undertaking or for moving a situation onward and upward. It implies wealth and success can be obtained through hard work.
FEOH reversed signifies loss, restriction and being overcome by the odds, also applying to matters of the heart. This always has a negative overtone but its effects may be mediated by surrounding positive runes.
Ur (auroch) is the wild bison that roamed the country in ancient Europe. It represents the wild and martial side. Ur always signifies dramatic change, some situation that need be met without flinching. It implies that a challenge lies ahead. Meeting and shouldering new responsibilities. A time of testing but one that can prove productive.
UR reversed signifies that you will go through a major change which is not for the better. In any case portents are not good. It indicates that the will or drive to deal with a present situation is lacking.
Th (Thorn) At first look the word thorn seems to mean sharp and painful. Equally it can be regarded as a protective shield, or a warning. The exact meaning of Thorn relies heavily on the surrounding runes. The symbol of this rune resembles a hammer. It can denote great strength and good luck, or great danger and care...it may denote that you have become overconfident and are riding for a fall.. Thorn may mean that it is a time of testing.
TH reversed indicates a difficult time and the unlikliness that the questioner will be able to make good. It shows that luck and drive have evaded you. The continued lack of dynamic will allows matters to drift out of your control.
Ansur (mouth) Hibernia has a strong tradition of passing all acquired knowledge along via word of mouth, or through storytellers. All of their wisdoms were passedfrom generation to generation in this fashion, and as a result, the oral traditions are very strong. This rune shows when a change is about to occur. It can be regarded as inspirational, implying a state of reception, rather than actual speech, and often appears when there will be a test or interview of some sort. It implies that it will be handled well. This rune is also associated with apprecticeship, and the learning process. If you are involved in the learning process you will do well. The essence of this rune is advice and deliberation. The best course of action when this rune shows will never be the hasty one, which will create further difficulties.
ANSUR reversed indicates bad advice being given, and that one should not listen too closely to it. You must be careful not to become so involved that you are unable to make clear decisions. Be objective and be very cautious.
Rad (cartwheel) The meanings of runes are never simple or one dimensional, and so much is true of rad as well. The rune is associated with communication and travel. The travel might be actual travel, physical travel, or it may mean that you are ready to embark on inner travels which will prove to be very productive and enlightening to you. Rad embodies the need to move immediately on a situation. It signifies the time to leave behind indecisiveness and make a decision. It may also show important business or career moves on the horizon. and can mean you will receive unexpected messages.
RAD reversed shows obstacles and delays associated with any endeavor. It speaks of delays and hindrances involved in the travel, or that it will arise at a very ackward time, leaving the home unprotected . It may also mean that a person will arrive in your home who might be a considerable amount of trouble.
Ken (torch) The meaning of this rune is gifts. Ken is associated with the spring equinox. New life was traditionally celebrated at this time by the ancients and is therefore also a symbol of fertility, and can mean the arrival of a child. Ken is a masculine rune, relating to the dominant person in a situation. It can mean they will offer a gift. If the person questioning is the dominant person it tells whether or not they will accept the gift. The runes around Ken will give the motivation of the gift, and whether or not it isa good idea to accept it. Ken has inner meanings as well, concerning the acquiring of knowledge. In old Hibernia the word "ken" meant "to know". The rune still holds this meaning, and the shape of it, torchlike, denotes spiritual enlightenment. It may mean you will be required to light a path for someone.
KEN reversed: signifies loss: of business, of relationship, of hopes . These may be temporary, or permanent, depending upon the surrounding runes.
Geofu (the gift) Geofu is associated with love. In general it is always a benevolent rune, indicative of a state of peace with the world, or inner happiness. However Geofu may also be a form of warning, telling that each gift, whether of money or love or business, requires payment, that one must give back, if not in this life, then in the next. There is always a price to pay that one may ignore only at their own peril.
GEOFU is essentially the same reversed.
Wynn (Joy) The idea of happiness taken from the ability to flex and flow with the tides is the idea behind this rune. This rune implies that joy and fulfilment will be received through hard work . The events probably have been worked on for a time, and a successful conclusion is at hand. It denotes the mountaintop has been reached and new challenges and vistas are opening for you.
WYNN reversed: Implies that the challenges will not be met or beaten. The others involved may not be committed as fully as you to the task, or, in fact your own commitment is in question. you may not have the right attitude to deal with matters at hand. Great caution is advised.
Hagall (hail) Hagall always implies limitation, and in some cases means that there is someone, or something beyond your control creating obstacles to the desired goals. Hagall shows the road ahead will not be simple or easy, and that many occurrences will pass before you reach your destination. Hail storms are usually short and very intense, and it may show an illness or injury, or a time of testing that you must meet and conquer. Consider that not all delays are unfortunate. Some prevent us from making costly and damaging mistakes, and it may be that hagalls's influence will have saved you from disaster.
HAGALL in reverse does not change its meaning.
Page 2 of the Runes
