Runes are an oracle from which one seeks advice. They work best if you detail your current circumstances and then ask a specific question. Rune readings are sometimes obscure. They hint toward answers, but you have to figure out the details. This is when the rune casters intuition becomes paramount.
Runic divination or "rune casting" is not "fortune-telling" in the sense that one actually sees the future. Instead, runes give one a means of analyzing the path that one is on and a likely outcome. The future is not fixed. It changes with everything one does. If one does not like the prediction, one can always change paths.
Since ancient times, runes have been used for divination and magic, in addition to writing. The word "rune" actually means mystery, secret or whisper. Each rune has esoteric meanings and properties associated with it, beyond its mundane meaning and phonetic value. Each translates into a word or a phrase signifying concepts important to the early peoples who used them, representing the forces of nature and mind. Each rune has a story attached to it, a relationship to a Norse God.
Odin, the Norse High God of the Aesir, hung from the world tree, Yggdrasil, impaled on his own spear, for nine days and nights in order to gain the knowledge of runes. When the runes appeared below him, he reached down and took them up, and the runic knowledge gave him power . He later passed on this knowledge to the Vanir goddess Freyja. She, in turn, taught him the magic of seidr. Heimdall, the god who guarded the Rainbow Bridge, taught the runes to mankind.
Runic alphabets first appeared among German tribes in central and eastern Europe. The earliest runic inscriptions on stone are dated to the late 3rd century AD, although it is probable that runic alphabets had been in use for some centuries before.
The Old Germanic Runic alphabet or "Elder Futhark" contains 24 runes. The first six runes of the alphabet spell out the word "FUTHARK". As the runes spread northwards into Scandinavia, some rune symbols were dropped and the alphabet was reduced to only 16 runes. Between 400 and 600 AD, three Germanic tribes, the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes, invaded Britain. They brought the runes with them. The forms of several of the runes changed, notably the runes for A/O, C/K, H, J, S, and Ng. Also, changes in the language led to nine runes being added to the alphabet to compensate for the extra sounds, and several runes were given different corresponding letters. This alphabet, expanded to 33 symbols, has become known as the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc.
The rune names themselves have been passed down relatively intact. Although no manuscript exists listing the names of the older, Germanic runes, the Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian rune poems agree to such an extent that their common origin can be deduced.
One who aspires to become adept with runes must have some knowledge of the mythology, history, and culture of ancient Europe and Scandinavia.
The Runes are divided into three Aettir or groups of eight. The first runes of each of the three aettir are Fehu, Hagalaz, and Tiwaz, also called the Mother Runes. The lineage of the runes is passed down through these three primary runes, since all other runes stem from them.
In Old Norse, the words aett (singular) and aettir (plural) mean generations and families, denoting that the information was passed down through the family structure - in particular, through the lineage of the Mother Runes.
(F: Domestic cattle, wealth.)
Possessions won or earned, earned income, luck.
Abundance, financial strength in the present or near future.
Sign of hope and plenty, success and happiness. Social success.
Energy, foresight, fertility, creation/destruction (becoming).
Reversed:
Loss of personal property, esteem, or something that you put in effort to keep.
It indicates some sort of failure. Greed, burnout, atrophy, discord.
Cowardice, stupidity, dullness, poverty, slavery, bondage.
Uruz
(U: Auroch, a wild ox.)
Physical strength and speed, untamed potential.
A time of great energy and health.
Freedom, energy, action, courage, strength, tenacity, understanding, wisdom.
Sudden or unexpected changes (usually for the better).
The shaping of power and pattern, formulation of the self.
Reversed:
Weakness, obsession, misdirected force, domination by others.
Sickness, inconsistency, ignorance.
Lust, brutality, rashness, callousness, violence.
Thurisaz
(TH: Thorn or a Giant.)
Reactive force, directed force of destruction and defense, conflict.
Instinctual will, vital eroticism, regenerative catalyst.
A tendency toward change. Catharsis, purging, cleansing fire.
Reversed:
Danger, defenselessness, compulsion, betrayal, dullness.
Evil, malice, hatred, torment, spite, lies. A bad man or woman.
Ansuz
(A: The As, ancestral god, i.e. Odin.)
A revealing message or insight, communication.
Signals, inspiration, enthusiasm, speech, true vision, power of words and naming. Blessings, the taking of advice. Good health, harmony, truth, wisdom.
Reversed:
Misunderstanding, delusion, manipulation by others, boredom.
Vanity and grandiloquence.
Raidho
(R: Wagon or chariot.)
Travel, both in physical terms and those of lifestyle direction.
A journey, vacation, relocation, evolution, change of place or setting.
Seeing a larger perspective.
Seeing the right move for you to make and deciding upon it.
Personal rhythm, world rhythm, dance of life.
Reversed :
Crisis, rigidity, stasis, injustice, irrationality.
Disruption, dislocation, demotion, delusion.
Kenaz
(K: Beacon or torch.)
Vision, revelation, knowledge, creativity, inspiration, technical ability.
Vital fire of life, harnessed power, fire of transformation and regeneration.
Power to create your own reality, the power of light.
Open to new strength, energy, and power now.
Reversed:
Disease, breakup, instability, lack of creativity,
loss of illusion and false hope.
Gebo
(G: Gift.)
Gifts, both in the sense of sacrifice and of generosity, indicating balance.
All matters in relation to exchanges, including contracts,
personal relationships and partnerships.
Gebo cannot be reversed
Wunjo
(W or V: Joy.)
Joy, comfort, pleasure. Fellowship, harmony, prosperity.
Ecstasy, glory, spiritual reward, but also the possibility of going "over the top".
If restrained, the meaning is general success and recognition of worth.
Reversed:
Stultification, sorrow, strife, alienation.
Delirium, intoxication, possession by higher forces,
impractical enthusiasm.
Hagalaz
(H: Hail.)
Wrath of nature, destructive, uncontrolled forces,
especially the weather, or within the unconscious.
Tempering, testing, trial.
Controlled crisis, leading to completion, inner harmony.
Hagalaz cannot be reversed
Nauthiz
(N: Need.)
Delays, restriction. Resistance leading to strength, innovation.
Distress, confusion, conflict, and the power of will to overcome them.
Endurance, survival, determination.
A time to exercise patience. Recognition of one's fate.
Major self-initiated change. Face your fears.
Reversed:
Constraint of freedom, distress, toil, drudgery, laxity.
Necessity, extremity, want, deprivation, starvation,
need, poverty, emotional hunger.
Isa
(I: Ice.)
A challenge or frustration.
Psychological blocks to thought or activity, including grievances.
Standstill, or a time to turn inward and wait for what is to come, or to seek clarity.
This rune reinforces runes around it.
Isa cannot be reversed
Jera
(J or Y: A year, a good harvest.)
The results of earlier efforts are realized.
A time of peace and happiness, fruitful season.
It can break through stagnancy.
Hopes and expectations of peace and prosperity.
The promise of success earned.
Life cycle, cyclical pattern of the universe.
Everything changes, in its own time.
Jera cannot be reversed
Eihwaz
(EI: Yew tree.)
Strength, reliability, dependability, trustworthiness.
Enlightenment, endurance.
Defense, protection.
The driving force to acquire, providing motivation and a sense of purpose.
Indicates that you have set your sights on a
reasonable target and can achieve your goals.
An honest man who can be relied upon.
Reversed:
Confusion, destruction, dissatisfaction, weakness.
Perthro
(P: Lot cup)
Uncertain meaning,
a secret matter, a mystery, hidden things and occult abilities.
Initiation, knowledge of one's destiny, knowledge of future matters,
determining the future or your path.
Pertaining to things feminine, feminine mysteries including female fertility.
Good lot, fellowship and joy.
Evolutionary change.
Reversed:
Addiction, stagnation, loneliness, malaise.
Algiz
(Z or -R: Elk, protection.)
Protection, a shield.
The protective urge to shelter oneself or others.
Defense, warding off of evil, shield, guardian.
Connection with the gods, awakening, higher life.
It can be used to channel energies appropriately.
Follow your instincts.
Keep hold of success or maintain a position won or earned.
Reversed:
Hidden danger, consumption by divine forces, loss of divine link.
Taboo, warning, turning away, that which repels.
Sowilo
(S: The sun.)
Success, goals achieved, honor.
The life-force, health.
A time when power will be available to you for
positive changes in your life, victory, health, and success.
Contact between the higher self and the unconscious.
Wholeness, power, elemental force, sword of flame, cleansing fire.
Sowilo cannot be reversed
Tiwaz
(T: Tyr, the sky god.)
Honor, justice, leadership and authority.
Analysis, rationality. Knowing where one's true strengths lie.
Willingness to self-sacrifice.
Victory and success in any competition or in legal matters.
Reversed:
One's energy and creative flow are blocked.
Mental paralysis, over-analysis, over-sacrifice, injustice, imbalance.
Strife, war, conflict, failure in competition. Difficulties in communication.
Berkana
(B: Berchta, the birch-goddess.)
Birth, general fertility, both mental and physical
and personal growth, liberation.
Regenerative power and light of spring, renewal,
promise of new beginnings, new growth.
A love affair or new birth.
The prospering of an enterprise or venture.
Reversed:
Family problems and or domestic troubles.
Anxiety about someone close to you.
Carelessness, abandon, loss of control.
Blurring of consciousness, deceit, sterility, stagnation.
Ehwaz
(E: Horse, two horses.)
Transportation.
May represent a horse, car, plane, boat or other vehicle.
Movement and change for the better.
Gradual development and steady progress are indicated.
Harmony, teamwork, trust, loyalty.
An ideal marriage or partnership.
Confirmation beyond doubt the meanings of the runes around it.
Reversed:
This is not really a negative rune.
A change is perhaps craved.
Feeling restless or confined in a situation.
Reckless haste, disharmony, mistrust, betrayal.
Mannaz
(M: Man, mankind.)
Friends and enemies, social order.
Intelligence, forethought, create, skill, ability.
Divine structure, intelligence, awareness.
Expect to receive some sort of aid or cooperation now.
Reversed:
Depression, mortality, blindness, self-delusion.
Cunning, slyness, manipulation, craftiness, calculation.
Expect no help now.
Laguz
(L: Water, or a leek.)
Flow, water, sea, a fertility source, the healing power of renewal.
Life energy and organic growth.
Imagination and psychic matters.
Dreams, fantasies, mysteries, the unknown, the hidden, the deep, the underworld.
Success in travel or acquisition, but with the possibility of loss.
Reversed:
An indication of a period of confusion in your life.
You may be making wrong decisions and poor judgments.
Lack of creativity and feelings of being in a rut.
Fear, circular motion, avoidance, withering.
Ingwaz
(NG: Ing, the earth god.)
Male fertility, gestation, internal growth.
Common virtues, common sense, simple strengths, family love,
caring, human warmth, the home.
Rest stage, a time of relief, of no anxiety.
A time when all loose strings are tied and
you are free to move in a new direction.
Ingwaz cannot be reversed
Dagaz
(D: Day or dawn.)
Breakthrough, awakening, awareness.
Daylight clarity as opposed to nighttime uncertainty.
A time to plan or embark upon an enterprise.
The power of change directed by your own will, transformation.
Hope, happiness, the ideal. Security and certainty.
Growth and release. Balance point, the place where opposites meet.
Dagaz cannot be reversed
Othala
(O: Ancestral property.)
Inherited property or possessions, a house, a home.
What is truly important to one.
Group order, group prosperity.
Land of birth, spiritual heritage, experience and fundamental values.
Aid in spiritual and physical journeys.
Source of safety, increase and abundance.
Reversed:
Lack of customary order, totalitarianism, slavery, poverty, homelessness.
Bad karma, prejudice, clannishness, provincialism.
There is no historical support for a "Blank Rune" in runic divination.
It was invented in the 1980's. It should not be used in a rune casting.
If you bought a rune set with a blank piece,
save it in case you lose another rune piece, but don't use it in rune casting.
