Runes

The Elder Futhark is a runic alphabet, consisting of three Aett’s that have eight runes each. The three Aett’s are the ‘First Sequence’, or ‘Frey’s Aett’ (which have Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raido, Kaunaz, Gebo and Wunjo in it), the ‘Second Sequence’, or ‘Hagal’s Aett’ (Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Pertho, Algiz and Sowelo) and the ‘Third Sequence’ or ‘Tyr’s Aett’ (Tiwaz, Berkana, Ehwaz, Mannaz, Laguz, Inguz, Othila and Dagaz).
　
Runes were originally thought, and still are, to be magical in nature, causing them to be used in divination and magic. Runes also have been carved into specific things for protection, strength and luck (such as swords, shields, rings and necklaces).
　
Runes can be used in a number of divinations, and when drawn runes may not be clear of what is being told right away. Writing down the runes and their positions is a great way to be able to check on the reading later if one cannot interpret the runes immediately. The simplest form of rune divination is known as “Odin’s Rune”, where a single rune is drawn and interpreted. “The Three Norns Method” is another simple method, in which three runes are drawn and placed next to each other in a row, read in the order they were drawn. Traditionally read right to left, the rune on the right reveals the future, the rune in the middle refers to present circumstances and points to choices likely to make in the near future and the rune on the left refers to the past and past events that have relevance to the present situation.
　
Each rune also has a fortnight, starting at 12:30PM of the first day, and ending at 12:30PM of the last day. At the time of ones birth, each person has a rune that is currently in its fortnight, comparable to a star sign. This rune is to reveal ones life purpose or the reason for ones birth, also telling something of ones traits and basic nature. Runes also have an hour, in which the rune of ones birth is said to tell more about traits depending on the rune.

Wunjo

Wunjo is the rune of the goddess Frigga. Ruled by the hour of 19:30 to 20:30, Wunjo’s fortnight I from the 13^th of October to the 28^th of October. It has the meaning of ‘happy endings’. This rune has association with love, clouds, wind, spinning wheels and flax.
　
When Wunjo presents itself upright in divination, good news is immediately told. A fulfilling life or a time where things will go ones way is what the upright Wunjo messages. A attractive person is predicted to come into ones life, and any creative outlets shall be of success.
　
Wunjo, when inverted, trust is told to be an issue. Decision making might be best delayed for the time being. Slowing things down might be the best course of action for a short period of time, especially for businesses.

Gebo

Gebo rules over the hour of 18:30 to 19:30 and fortnight of 28^th of September to 13^th of October. Odin and Thor are the gods of this rune meaning ‘generosity’. This rune indicates love, although in the charitable sense and knowing one’s own boundaries.

Opal is the gemstone of this rune, elm being tree and dark blue the colour.　

Shaped like and X, this rune is one that doesn’t have an inverted form. So when casting in divination, Gebo tells that all should be well from two parties as long as they know the very limits of their agreements. It may be that due to honour, helping another will be needed. Importance of knowing how much one should give is noted when Gebo appears, in particular in giving too much or too little.
When gifts are given, lack of gratitude surely will be a bringer of conflict.

Kaunaz

Kaunaz is the rune that rules a fortnight from the 29^th of August to 13^th of October and of the hour of 17:30-18:30, with the meaning of ‘knowledge’. Heimdall is the deity in association , along with the bright flame of a torch or beacon.
　
When Kaunaz appears in divination and upright it tells of the gaining of knowledge. A love affair or a meaningful relationship may begin, with the results of such likely to teach a thing or two about life. A sudden insight is of higher chance and safety is likely for the time being.
　
Inverted, a loss of loyalties, friends or love is foretold. It might also be time to let go of the past. One may feel at loss of what to do, but the path needed to be taken will eventually be known.

Raido

Raido is the rune of the sun, ruling over the hour of 16:30 to 17:30 and the fortnight of 29^th of August to the 13^th of September. Frey is the deity of Raido, the very rune which means ‘honour’. It as believed that a cartwheel rolling across the sky was the sun, making Raido the rune of carts, transportation and horses. Mugwort is the herb of Raido, while goats the animal and oaks the tree of this rune.
　
When Raido appears upright in divination, journeys are likely. Such journeys can be of the world, or of the self. Using one’s judgement and acting in honour is important. Rather rely on advice, personal judgement will be needed. Travelling might also be of difficulty, but the rewards gained by doing so will be worthwhile.
　
Inverted, Raido tells of plans being disrupted. Long-term intentions shouldn’t be abandoned. Short-term problems may be an issue. It is an overall troublesome time, it may not be the best time in life but it certainly won’t last.

Ansuz

Ansuz rules the hour of 15:30-16:30 and the fortnight of 14^th to 29^th of August. Ansuz has the meaning of ‘Trials’ and ‘Divine inspirations’. The god of Ansuz is Odin himself. The mouth and speech is very much associated with this rune, with Ansuz also referred to as some as the ‘god rune’.
　
During divination, if Ansuz appears upright it is be expected fast changing situations to appear. Due to the fast changing situations it is easy to not know how to proceed, where dreams are suggested to be used as guidance. A person who is helpful might also become a prominent person in ones life.
　
Inverted, Ansuz might just be telling of a loss of voice either literally or symbolically. Communication is of concern as it will become more difficult. Problems with parents and the older generation is of likelihood.

Thurisaz

Thurisaz is the rune which takes on the representation of a thorn, even of a knife or fang. It rules over the hour of 14:30 to 15:30 and the fortnight of 29^th July to 14^th of August. This rune means “Boundaries” and the god associated with Thurisaz is Thor. The name of this rune is said to be the ancient title of the thunder god Thor, even the form of the rune itself is said by some to represent the hammer Thor possess.

　

To know one’s own limits is important, when Thurisaz appears upright during divination further importance on knowing one’s limits is needed. An upright Thurisaz even tells how hasty decisions made will be decisions worth regretting in the future. There is an indication that betrayal may be near, or at least having to defend oneself.

　

While inverted, Thurisaz tells that if there is doubt in action that such action should not be taken. Hasty acts is even suggested to have plenty of time to be fixed. Pausing to think of one’s situation is also of suggestion, as reflecting before cautiously proceeding will help.

Uruz

From the fortnight of July 14th to July 29th and hour of 13:30 to 14:30 it is the time of the rune Uruz. This rune is the one meaning ‘ferocity’ and is of masculine power. Uruz is very much related to the now extinct bulls known as the auroch. The auroch bull is said to be the divine in association with Uruz. Male gods are also associated with this rune, especially with Thor.

If you need added vitality, you know when Uruz appears upright in divination that it is a good omen. However, respect to this vitality must be respected as regret may appear due to using too much force thanks to the very vitality.

Overcoming obstacles is what Uruz tells of, it however must be remembered that intelligence must be used along with strength.


An inverted Uruz tells of weakness, of fatigue either physical or mental. Health issues might be what needs to be taken a good look at, or even a review and change of lifestyle. Being overwhelmed by events might what Uruz suggests and care should be taken.

Fehu

The first rune of twenty-four is Fehu and due to this is very much associated with beginnings. Fehu itself means ‘prosperity’. The divine cow known as Audhumla is considered the deity of this rune. June 29^th to July 14^th is the fortnight of Fehu and 12:30 to 13:30 is the hour. 　

Fehu being a rune associated with prosperity, reputation, status and wealth, also of course cows. Cattle was also synonymous with wealth with ancient peoples, which is what creates the symbolism of prosperity with Fehu.

This rune is also considered both feminine and maternal.

　

In divination and seen upright, Fehu is an obvious indicator of prosperity. A profitable time may just be around the corner and one should also take whatever good fortunes that come by it should be taken with humility.
Possessions should also be looked after and resources should have an eye kept on.
　
However, when inverted Fehu indicates loss and likely a material possession. However, the loss will be made up in time.
Problems with conception or fertility may be indicated.

Dagaz

Dagaz is the last rune of the twenty-four, and is traditionally the rune of the summer solstice with the fortnight of the 14^th to 29^th of June. Its ruling hour is 11:30 to 12:30, deities Heimdall and Loki, plus a rune of happiness.
　

The meaning of Dagaz is ‘midsummer’ and ‘beginning and ending’, with Dagaz representing noon. ‘Daylight’ is said to be another meaning, with Dagaz being the symbol of the sun at full strength. The herb sage and the rowan tree are the plants of Dagaz.

　

Dagaz has no inverted symbol is when it appears it tells of prosperity with the suggestion of soon to be major changes. Telling of not only a possible major change or two, there is also of wonderful new experiences with fun, and a burst of activity being likely also.

　

Dagaz speaks out at how if there has been a period of waiting that is signifies an end of an era and thus a beginning of a new one.

　

A secret or two may appear, as a time of frustration means new information appearing when it was hidden elsewhere. More time to explore may be evident, making a good time to actually check out what’s new or what couldn’t be checked out earlier.

Othila

From 29^th of May to the 14^th of June, it is the two week period of the rune called Othila. The same rune that rules over the hour of 10:30 to 11:30. The god which is of this rune is Odin and the meaning of it being of ‘rulership’, ‘nobility’ and ‘loyalty’, ‘prince’ is even said to be a meaning.
　

The hawthorn tree and the clover is what represents Othila, with royalty being much related also. It is no wonder why this rune is related to royalty due to its meaning. Loyalty to one’s monarch is something of Othila also.

　

In divination and when upright, Othila tells of how unimportant traditions will become important and how something will stand the test of time itself. Othila gives the message of loyalty and of its true meaning, how loyalty is important even to family. Issues for children will be of good fortune.

　

Inverted, rather than loyalty being around, disloyalty is likely around. Fights over money and status is likely, even over inheritance. A loss is of likely chance.

Inguz

Inguz is the rune that looks very much two X’s together. Its fortnight is from 14th May to 29th of May with the ruling hour of 9:30 to 10:30. The deity of Inguz is Frey, fitting as Frey is the god of fertility and this rune means fertility.
Boars and cuckoo are creatures of Inguz. Plant wise it is the apple tree, and rosemary.

When this rune is drawn, there is one meaning it tells of as it has no inverted meaning. It tells of concern with the health, fertility and well being of men. An indication of this rune is of a new job or if there is no new job, considerable change for the better.

Turning away from situations is what Inguz tells, but only if such situations are leading to nowhere. If there’s a problem going on, being able to get away from the problem is not all that far.
Inguz tells it may just be the time to go on holiday, just as it may be the time to get rid of any rubbish and tidy up the house.

Laguz

Laguz, the rune that means ‘spiritual love’. The gods of Laguz is of safe harbours, Njord and Nerthus, while the hour 8:30 to 9:30 and fortnight 29th April to 14th of May.

A rune of water and of tides, as one could possibly tell from simply knowing the gods of Laguz.
The otter and seal is the animals of this rune, with seagull and cormorant specifically birds. The tree of Laguz, the willow, is also well known to be often found at the banks of lakes and streams which even further connects Laguz with water.
Upright, Laguz is said to be of a swelling tide. On the other hand, when Laguz is inverted it is said to mean the ebb.

In divination and upright, Laguz signifies deep spiritual love and is a good omen if the divination is about someone’s relationship. Even if one’s love life isn’t that great, Laguz tells that things shall come good.
Material good fortune and success is even of the upright Laguz, however, it may be of some time before getting such good fortune and success.

Inverted, indication of being too assertive is what‘s given. Keeping calm and patient is what Laguz tries to tell.

Mannaz

From the 14th to the 29th of April, it is the fortnight of the rune Mannaz. The specific hour of this rune is 7:30 to 8:30 and it is the god Heimdall who is in relation with Mannaz.

Mannaz itself actually means ‘mankind’. This rune is very much the rune of men and women as its meaning implies, and is in association with the ash and elm trees due to the mythological story that the first humans were made from the wood of the very trees.

While in the use of divination, Mannaz when upright it tells that it has to do with the person who the divination is for. It may be of one’s status and how others view you, it may be that there is the deluding of oneself. Taking a good look at one’s actions is a good idea if an upright Mannaz appears, as it is tells it is a good thing to look at one’s own behaviour over criticising the behaviour of others.
Taking a look at one’s own motives and aims is also of good idea. Taking one’s time in making decisions is of what Mannaz tells in the upright position.

Inverted, Mannaz tells that a person close bears ill will towards you, an enemy is even suggested but this is not always the case.

Ehwaz

Ehwaz is a rune that rules over the hour of 6:30 to 7:30 and the fortnight of 30th of March to the 14th of April. The god of plenty, Frey, and the eight legged horse, Sleipnir, are the divinity of Ehwaz. The meaning of Ehwaz is ‘adventure’.

This rune is represented by a pair of horses and further on relationships of all kinds plus travel. Besides the horse being the animal of Ehwaz, all domesticated animals are of this rune. Three trees are of Ehwaz, the oak, the ash and apple tree. Ragwort is the herb of Ehwaz.

In divination, when Ehwaz is upright it is a sign of things picking up and going for the better. Travel is also of indication, which can also mean a move of home.  Increased personal status and/or of those around is likely.

Inverted, travelling and vehicles problems are indicated along with concerns with the health of pets.

Berkana

Berkana is the rune with the fortnight of March 14 to March 30 which is of the spring equinox for those in the northern hemisphere while the autumn equinox for those down in the southern hemisphere. The hour of Berkana is 5:30 to 6:30 and the goddess associated with Berkana itself is Frigga.

The meaning of Berkana is of “Birth” and “Living Things”, with the meaning of “Living Things” especially so for vegetation and putting a knot for agriculture and this rune in connections.
Berkana is a very feminine rune due to the association with Frigga, giving further associations towards motherhood and the shape of Berkana, looking much like the letter B, actually suggests the shape of breasts.

The animals of Berkana being of the bear and the swan, with the humans being in connection with Berkana being wise women, healers and herbalists.  Berkana is said to mean either ‘birch tree’ or ‘poplar’ creating a tie between such trees and the rune, with the fir tree being another tree of Berkana.

In divination, when you see Berkana upright it indicates new beginnings and of good news, birth, fertility, even the rejoicing of family. Personal growth is likely which is of a most likely spiritual level but can growth of personal material.
Issues for women are also told of the upright Berkana but it relates to the easing of issues, and if a question about health is asked it is very much a good omen for the woman asking.

The inverted meaning of Berkana tells of worrying family news is of indication, the health of a relative may be declining or a celebration for one’s family may be cancelled or the very least postponed. If a health issue is not of the topic of the divination, it is likely that one is on a course to nowhere making it likely needed to go back to what is known as square one.

Tiwaz

Tiwaz, the rune that takes the shape of an arrow or spear with the meaning of ‘binding agreements‘. The god of war and oaths, Tyr, is the god associated with this rune. Tiwaz has the fortnight stemming from the 27th of February to the 14th of March and the hour of 4:30 to 5:30.

Interestingly, Tiwaz has association with the North Star (the very star that is said to never fail) and because of the fact that the god in connection with Tiwaz itself is the god of oaths, Tiwaz happens to be the rune of unbreakable oaths. Also due to the connection with Tyr, Tiwaz happens to be the rune representing spears. The trees of this rune is the oak and hazel.

In divination, if Tiwaz appears upright it obviously talks of binding oaths wether it be an oath with a friend or marriage to your lover. Tiwaz also indicates lasting love unlikely broken. For women, it indicates a strong and attractive man will love her greatly with the downside of a possible sacrifice to ensure being able to be with this man.

When inverted, Tiwaz suggests that there will be actions of dishonour, treason and general selfishness. Eyes should be kept wide and open to learn of from whom. For women, an inverted Tiwaz suggests a shallow relationship with a man.

Sowelo

The rune with an appearance similar to the letter S is Sowelo, with this rune even unintentionally written by people at times. Sowelo has the fortnight of 12th of February to 27th February and rules the hour of 3:30 to 4:30. The gods Baldur and Thor are very much in association with this rune.

Sowelo has the meaning of ‘life force’, ‘love’ and ‘poetic justice’. The trees of Sowelo is the oak, juniper and bay, while the animal of this rune is the eagle. Mistletoe is another plant of this rune, with mistletoe being associated with the sun and Sowelo just happens to be the rune of the sun.

In a reading Sowelo tells of hope and if the reading is with multiple runes, Sowelo tells to not worry about all the ill-fortune the other runes may tell of as such bad luck is unlikely. Sowelo gives the message of if there is trouble, a happy outcome is of high chance.

Sowelo is a great rune to see when dealing with love, as overall Sowelo tells of happiness and harmony for all but the unjust. Justice will be likely when Sowelo appears in a reading, and those who do wrong are to gain nothing.

A rune with no introverted meaning, seeing Sowelo is a great rune to see in divination.

Algiz

Algiz is the rune that appears as if a foot of a bird, to be more specific Algiz might just be the rune that represents the foot of a crow. The Valkyries and Heimdall are deities in connection with Algiz.
Algiz itself has a fortnight consisting from the 28th of January to the 12th of February and rules over the hour of 2:30 to 3:30.

The very meaning of Algiz is healing and protection. While this rune is in association of crows Algiz is connected by symbolism to elk. Algiz is associated with multiple plants, the yew tree, lime tree and semi-aquatic plants (such as reeds, rushes, eelgrass and sedge). As mentioned before, Algiz appears as if the foot of a crow but can be seen as an outstretched hand or the outstretching branches of a tree.

When Algiz appears upright in a reading it tells of success, healing of illness and that dreams and desires should be held onto. Looking after yourself should be first as it is said that looking after others won’t be possible if looking after oneself is done. However, selfishness is not what the rune promotes but rather making time for yourself.

Inverted meaning of Algiz it is further reinforcing its messages when upright, but one’s health should have a special eye out as problems with health is likely sometime soon. Slowing down and allowing time to rest to gain strength is what the inverted Algiz tells in a reading.

Pertho

Pertho is the rune of the fortnight of 13th January to 28th January and rules over the hour of  1:30 to 2:30. Pertho means ‘chance’ and ‘destiny’, the group known as The Three Norns and Frigga are the goddesses associated with this rune.

Other associations to Pertho besides the deities mentioned is of mysteries and with the amusement created from the revelations from the very mysteries. Pertho is the rune also associated with birth and death, making it a rune of beginnings and endings of all. Pertho’s name is said to mean ‘pawn’ or ‘gaming piece’, with the shape of Pertho said to look like a dice cup on its side and making it a rune largely in association with gaming.

When Pertho appears upright as either the first or only rune in a divination reading it is telling a quick message, whatever question wanted to have answered is not meant to be known. When this rune appears in the middle or end of a reading it has the meaning of fate is on your side and celebration will be eventual as problems will be solved and knowledge shall be increased. Any information that one gets also should be taken with discretion when this rune appears upright.

When Pertho appears in a reading inverted it tells of a bad time, especially for gambling and taking caution might be a good option.