#norse runes

[the-merry-otter]

Tunic embroidered with old Norse runes around the bottom that read “I joined the SCA and all I got was this stupid t-tunic”

[the-mortuary-witch]

GRIMORE IDEAS

Start a lunar or dream diary. 

Write spells. 

Astrology meanings. 

Write and record rituals 

Tarot meanings. 

Magickal correspondences. 

Your natal chart info. 

Herb names, uses, and/or properties. 

Info about deities and entities. 

Crystals names, uses, and/or properties. 

Magickal food recipes. 

Faeries. 

Meditation techniques. 

Full moon names. 

Sigils.

Runes.

How to use a pendulum.

Wheel of the Year. 

Essential oil uses. 

How to scry.

Maiden, Mother, and Crone. 

The Elements. 

History of witchcraft. 

The difference between jinxes, hexes, and curses. 

Morning and night rituals. 

How to celebrate/info about the Sabbats. 

Types of salt and their properties. 

Moon phases and their corresponding meanings. 

Types of divination. 

Planet correspondences. 

Candle colour meanings. 

How to draw and/or cast a circle, runes, and sigils. 

Tools of the craft. 

[nous-teleios]

The beauty of divination

[ofmossandmagick]

Being a Witch IS Political

Witchcraft and spirituality are inherently political. To embrace these paths without acknowledging their history and ongoing struggles is to reduce them to mere aesthetics. True witches—and spiritual practitioners—understand that the essence of these practices is rooted in resistance, justice, and transformation.

Historically, witches were the wise women and healers of their communities. They tended to the sick, midwifed births, and served as the keepers of ancient knowledge. Their craft connected them deeply to nature, the cycles of life, and the unseen forces that govern our world. These practices often placed them on the fringes of society, not because they were wrong or dangerous, but because their power defied the status quo.

These women (and men) were political figures simply by existing. They challenged patriarchal systems, capitalist greed, and authoritarian control. When they provided herbal remedies or midwifed safely outside the church's purview, they defied institutions that sought to monopolize power over life and death.

The witch trials of history were political acts, targeting those who threatened established hierarchies. Witches were scapegoated for plagues, famines, and dissent, often accused because they stood up for their communities, demanded justice, or refused to conform to societal expectations.

Even today, to identify as a witch or spiritual practitioner is to take a stand. It is to honor the marginalized, to value the Earth over profit, and to seek balance in a world obsessed with domination. It is to embrace healing, not only for ourselves but for others and the planet—a deeply political act in a culture that prioritizes profit and power over people and ecosystems.

Being a witch means advocating for what is right, even at risk to our comfort or safety. It means standing against oppression, environmental destruction, and systemic injustice. To claim this path is to reclaim the legacy of those who came before us—the wise women, healers, and rebels who walked this path at great personal cost.

If you are drawn to witchcraft, spirituality, or paganism, understand that this is more than crystals and candles. It is a call to action, a commitment to live authentically and fight for a better world. Anything less is a disservice to the courageous souls who paved the way for us.

[bowldrips]

Deny, Defend, Depose runic charm reference

There are so many ways these words could be written with runes! Here are a few using Elder and Younger Futhark that could be written, carved, and sung:

Deny, Defend, Depose

LONG BRANCH

ᛏᚾᛁ᛬ᛏᚠᛏ᛬ᛏᛒᛌ

ᛏᛁᚾᛁ᛬ᛏᛁᚠᛁᚾᛏ᛬ᛏᛁᛒᚢᛌ

ᛏᛁᚾᛁ᛬ᛏᛁᚠᛁᚾᛏ᛬ᛏᛁᛒᚬᛌ

ᛏᛏᛏ

SHORT TWIG

ᛐᚿᛁ᛬ᛐᚠᛐ᛬ᛐᛓᛌ

ᛐᛁᚿᛁ᛬ᛐᛁᚠᛁᚿᛐ᛬ᛐᛁᛓᚭᛌ

ᛐᛁᚿᛁ᛬ᛐᛁᚠᛁᚿᛐ᛬ᛐᛁᛓᚢᛌ

ᛐᛐᛐ

ELDER

ᛏᚾᛁ᛬ᛏᚠᛏ᛬ᛏᛈᛊ

ᛞᚾᛁ᛬ᛞᚠᛞ᛬ᛞᛈᛊ

ᛏᛁᚾᛁ᛬ᛏᛁᚠᛁᚾᛏ᛬ᛏᛁᛈᛟᛊ

ᛞᛁᚾᛁ᛬ᛞᛁᚠᛁᚾᛞ᛬ᛞᛁᛈᛟᛊ

ᛞᛞᛞ

ᛏᛏᛏ

"Victory runes you must know if you will have victory, and carve them on the sword's hilt, some on the grasp and some on the inlay, and name Týr twice." -Sigrdrífumál

Possible ON translation suggested by @buriedpentacles :

Synja, Verja, Reka

LONG BRANCH

ᛌᚾᛅ᛬ᚢᚱᛅ᛬ᚱᚴᛅ

ᛌᛁᚾᛁᛅ᛬ᚢᛁᚱᛁᛅ᛬ᚱᛁᚴᛅ

ᛌᚢᚱ

SHORT TWIG

ᛌᚿᛆ᛬ᚢᚱᛆ᛬ᚱᚴᛆ

ᛌᛁᚿᛁᛆ᛬ᚢᛁᚱᛁᛆ᛬ᚱᛁᚴᛆ

ᛌᚢᚱ

ELDER

ᛊᚾᛃ᛬ᚠᚱᛃ᛬ᚱᚲᚨ

ᛊᛁᚾᛃᚨ᛬ᚠᛖᚱᛃᚨ᛬ᚱᛖᚲᚨ

ᛊᚠᚱ

Feel free to let me know If you have any questions about this or want to share your version~

[lua-stellar]

Whats Coming Your Way this January 2025? ✨ Rune Reading ᚱᚢᚾᛖᛊ

my ko-fi :) personal readings masterlist

pile 1

runes cast: laguz, ingwaz, sowilo,

this upcoming January 2025, the energy i get for pile 1 is that you will go through emotional growth, i feel like your mind will expand, your ideas, opinions, yourself, even your subconscious mind i feel will go through a transformation, this transformation will light a (metaphorical) fire in you, something that's been dormant. Something that Is dormant in most people. You will experience a sort of internal death and rebirth this upcoming January, people in pile 1 will certainly be experiencing a lot of internal change. Don't be afraid of the future because this change will have a very positive outcome on yourself, your health, your life etc. You will be lucky to recieve these blessings this upcoming january.

pile 2

runes cast: sowilo, thurisaz, uruz

i get the energy that for this upcoming January 2025 for pile 2 you will protect yourself, your mental and physical health, i get the energy that for whatever reason you will up your defenses, strong energy of you warding off negativity in people and in general. You will be very protective of yourself and your own energy and you will be very determined about it. Just a strong vibe of you protecting your own energy, warding off negativity and negative toxic people, and protecting yourself, no matter what it takes.

pile 3

runes cast: eihwaz, destinyyy (blank rune), perthro

for the people who picked pile 3 you got quite an interesting reading, the future is uncertain for your upcoming January 2025. I get the energy that you shouldn't have any fear because you should be protected, by the presence of eihwaz, and also you will experience change and rebirth. But in general, nothing is certain because you got the blank rune which is the destiny rune. Your future is up to you, and directly linked to your present and the choices you make in the present. Even with readings they just draw on energy from the present in order to predict the future because the present is what builds the future. Also I cast the rune 'perthro' which indicates chance, the symbol of perthro is meant to look like a dice cup, which only further implies how your future is up to chance and the metaphorical throwing of the dice. Pile three you will have to go into your January completely blind ! Leave it up to chance and destiny.

[apiswitchcraft]

understanding norse runes: a historical and modern perspective pt. 1

This is going to be a three part series, each one covering a different aett of the Elder Futhark runes. We will not be covering the "reversed" or "murk stave" interpretations, because that is largely up to the reader to discern depending on orientation and arrangement when pulled. I'll make another post about the act of drawing runes for divination, but that isn't what this is. What this is is each rune's respective Anglo-Saxan, Norwegian, and Icelandic word poems (when available), the summarized interpretation, and associated deities.

For part two click here, part 3 here.

ᚠ fehu

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Wealth be by all very much welcomed:

Each man shall deal it out freely,

If he will from the Lord get approval"

NORWEGIAN:

"Wealth causes trouble among relatives

The wolf is raised in the forest"

ICELANDIC:

"Wealth is trouble among relatives

and fire of the sea

and path of the serpent"

INTERPRETATION: With the literal meaning being "cattle," this rune can also be wealth or gold. Also more literally, "fehu" is the source of the power of Frigg and Freyja, who are seeresses. Freyja, too, is most often associated with the golden necklace Brisingamen, whereas Freyr is associated with fertility and harvest (which leads to monetary gain). A rune of creation or creativity, this could represent anything from the creation from life or art, to money or social status. Especially when surrounded by runes of caution, however, this stave encourages us not to abuse our power, our money, our knowledge, etc. To avoid conflict (as arises in the Norwegian and Icelandic poems), it must be shared generously and used with wisdom. Often seen as representing raw, untamed power, there is a certain level of risk or effort that must go in to obtaining the metaphorical pot of gold. Regardless, the person is encouraged to take risks, to enter the unknown if available, and be prepared to "tame the wild," so to speak. As the first rune in the Elder Futhark, this rune is more than just "wealth" or "fertility," it's the process, the exchange of energy, that leads to the creation of these aspects. Therefore, in a reading, one might see this as more than just the end goal, but a reminder for seek balance when between prosperity and richness of life when building our future.

KEY WORDS: abundance, wealth, new beginnings, creation, success

ASSOCIATIONS: Freyr (who may be the "Lord" referred to in the Anglo-Saxan poem), Freyja, and possibly Frigg (especially when you consider that Frigg and Freyja are commonly conflated with one another)

ᚢ uruz

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Aurochs is fearless and greatly horned,

A very fierce beast, it fights with its horns,

A famous roamer of the moor, it is a very courageous animal."

NORWEGIAN:

"Slag comes from poor iron

Often the reindeer runs over the hard-frozen snow."

ICELANDIC:

"Drizzle is weeping of the clouds

and destructions of the hay-harvest

and abhorrence of the herdsman."

INTERPRETATION: With the literal meaning of "Aurochs" (or wild cow), "drizzle," or "slag," the uruz rune seems to have some contradiction when it comes to ancient interpretations. However, taking the Norse creation myth as written in the Prose Edda, we can start to make connections. In the Younger Edda, before Midgard was made, Muspelheim and Niflheim already existed. And when the rivers of Niflheim travelled far enough, it's "yeasty venom" hardened like slag, and condensed into a drizzle of rain which cooled into rime. Later, when the giant Ymir and the cow Audhumla thaw out of the frost at the edge of Muspelheim, Audhumla licks away that rime to reveal the first god. Thus we come to the modern interpretation, which is primordial power and manifestation. If fehu is the opportunity to create, uruz is the act of that creation happening. If fehu is cattle, then uruz is those cattle turned to fierce oxen to protect their land. It is the act of going back, or turning inward. Thus, this tells us that we may need to do some introspection, to find the will to go on within ourselves. Empty the page and let it fill again, burn away weakness and leave behind only pure vitality, pure drive. Also, it can be the twin power of shaping and nourishment knowledge, health, or luck.

KEY WORDS: growth, transformation, endurance,

ASSOCIATIONS: Audhumla

ᚦ thurisaz

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Thorn is most sharp, for every thane

who grasps it, it is harmful, exceeding cruel

To every man who rests among them."

NORWEGIAN:

"Thurs causes illness in women:

few rejoice at bad luck."

ICELANDIC:

"Thurs is the torment of women,

and the dweller in the rocks(/cliffs),

and the man(/husband) of Vardh-runa."

INTERPRETATION: The rune of Thor, this rune's literal meaning is in its name as "thurs"--meaning a primordial being, especially a Jotun. In the cases of the above rune poems, thurs represents a more imminent threat, like a disease causing entity. In modernity though, this rune represents action, potency, raw power, and physical strength, of which Thor embodies well. Also representing chaos (and sometimes even conflict) this rune can be one invoked for magic, especially chthonic or dark magic. Furthermore, this rune is one that links the power of the physical and spiritual realms, as Thor often does himself. In this vein, thurisaz can advise a diviner to seek balance in the regions where chaos reigns, whether that be a relationship, job, or otherwise. Be careful, though, and do not wander aimlessly into the dark, this rune forbodes not only a force of protection, but a force of destruction as well. Someone who is unskilled or undereducated may need to wisen up before making use of this rune in a practical manner, like a spell or sigil. It may also be considered a rune that represents sexual potency or pure eroticism, especially as it is a symbol of masculine potency.

KEY WORDS: strength, courage, eroticism, chaos, magic

ASSOCIATIONS: Thor, the Jotnar

ᚨ ansuz

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Mouth is the chieftain of all speech

mainstay of wisdom, comfort to wise ones

for every noble earl hope and happiness."

NORWEGIAN:

"River mouth is the way of most journeys:

but a scabbard of swords."

ICELANDIC:

"Ase is the olden-father (Odin),

Asgard's chieftain,

and the leader of Valholl (Valhalla)."

INTERPRETATION: The ansuz rune has two literal interpretations seen above: god and mouth. To connect these two you just have to look at the Icelandic rune poem that references Odin: chief of the aesir and creator of language. In this way, ansuz is often seen as representing Odin, but also his many aspects: language, poetry, wisdom, occult mastery, magic. As master of the runes, Odin represents everything the staves do: life, death, and the in-between. Understanding and intellectualism built on the mysteries of these aspects is not only encouraged but embodied by the ansuz rune. It tells us to try to emulate Odin in our everyday way, forcing ourselves into a cycle of forever change (as uncomfortable as it may be) and constant learning. To be clear, in a reading this may not always be some sort of calling from Odin, but a call from his domains. Of course, seek the path that works best for you, but there could be something calling you to use the powers of persuasion, your talent in poetry/song, etc.

KEY WORDS: communication, language, mental power, a message

ASSOCIATIONS: Odin, the Aesir

ᚱ raidho

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Riding is in the hall for a warrior

soft, more strenuous when astride

A great stallion pounding the long mile paths."

NORWEGIAN:

"Riding is said to be worst for horses;

Regin forged the best sword."

ICELANDIC:

"Riding is the joy of the rider

and a speedy journey,

and the labor of the horse."

INTERPRETATION: Raidho, or "ride"/"riding" is a rune of action and change. Less chaotic than ansuz, raidho emulates the soothing rhythm of a car (chariot/horse if we're being historically accurate) ride, the logician in a nation's leadership, the institutions of our schooling. However, it also calls for plans to be made, a path to be carved before it is walked. In this way, it can also mean the just, moral, or ethical path is being suggested to the reader. Feeling the call to use baneful magic? Perhaps delay it in favor of something more productive for yourself. Or don't, it's up to you. In some ways, this rune also represents the sun, as in its travel across the sky, and the potential and vitality it promises. Either way, action is necessary, and the righteous path is the one to follow.

KEY WORDS: order, structure, journey, ethics/morals, progress

ASSOCIATIONS: Sleipnir

ᚲ kenaz

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Torch to the living familiar aflame,

Is blinding and brilliant, it burns most often

Where royal folk within are resting."

NORWEGIAN:

"Sore is fatal to children:

Death makes a corpse pale."

ICELANDIC:

"Sore is the bale of children

And a scourge,

And the house of rotten flesh."

INTERPRETATION: Kenaz, again, has two different meanings in the runic poems: torch and sore (like a blister). This time, though, the difference seems to be for purely etymological reasons, and has little to do with a story. The only slight association I've seen pointed out is that both of these things are warm? Either way, fire is the primary meaning. From from we can discern deeper meanings, like energy and divine inspiration. Fire brings light and clarity, but can also burn and destroy. Perhaps you seek to know the future, but you are only willing to accept it if it's positive. Allow it to burn, to warm you to the deepest depths of your bones, to inspire you to create, like the fire of a forge. Let it fill you with vitality and stamina (especially sexually). Let it purify you as it purifies the dead on a pyre. It may also work to protect you, as a campfire does for the lonesome traveler. If left untended, however, it can cause death, suffering, a malady that will only worsen as it continues to be untended.

KEY WORDS: Knowledge, sexuality, creativity, clarity

ASSOCIATIONS: Freyja

ᚷ gebo

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Giving, to all men, brings credit and honor

help and worthiness--and to every outcast

is the estate and substance, that have naught else."

INTERPRETATION: As the letter "G" does not exist in Younger Futhark, we only have to deal with one potential meaning of gebo: "gift." Specifically, the balanced art of giving and receiving. Not only should one receive gifts gracefully, but reciprocate generously to friends, family, ancestors, and the gods. And that doesn't just mean physical gifts: but an exchange of energy, of time. Gifts are not simply bribes or meaningless gestures, but sacrifices and an exchange of loyalty. In a religious context, this does not just imply the act of constant sacrifice with no return from the gods. In Norse culture, the relationship between god and man went both ways. At Ragnarok, heroes would fight for the gods, as in life they would give up their time/energy/resources in offering. In exchange the gods would fight alongside us, and give gifts in return. Because of the sexual/romantic associations with reciprocity, gebo is commonly associated with the Freyr, Freyja, and Frigg. Furthermore, because of Odin's self-sacrifice to receive knowledge and wisdom, it is strongly associated with him as well.

KEY WORDS: gift, exchange, reciprocity, generosity, sacrifice

ASSOCIATIONS: Freyja, Freyr, Frigg, Odin

ᚹ wunjo

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Joy is for one who knows little of woe,

pains and sorrows, and to him who has

power and bliss and buildings good enough."

INTERPRETATION: Similar to gebo, since "W" does not appear in the Younger Futhark, wunjo is only given the one meaning: "joy." Now, where to start with this rune. Yes, simply, wunjo means happiness. But how do you define happiness? Is it social fulfillment: familial, platonic, romantic, sexual? Is it the simple things: reading a good book, seeing beautiful scenery, or drawing a picture? Is it ecstasy or is it purely innocent pleasures? What makes your life a blissful one, what do you desire? Or, simply, is it the ability to cope with pain? Does joy exist where suffering is absent? Or, like a good love story, does it have to hurt a little to be true? In some ways, this rune can simply be thought of as a balance between good and bad, our inner and outer selves. Truly knowing oneself, and knowing others; healing from trauma or emotional pain; an end to conflict. With divination, it would be best to look at the surrounding runes in order to interpret where this "joy" could be stemming from. Or, even more, it should be used to comment on other runes. If you pull isa but there is a wunjo next to it, you can assume that the meaning of isa to be more positive.

KEY WORDS: joy, harmony, success, celebration, security

ASSOCIATIONS: none, all gods have their joyous sides

SOURCES:

"Taking Up the Runes" by Diana L. Paxson

Labyrinthos

and two unnamed books bc i found out after buying them that the authors are bigots

[jessiarts]

Made another design in my series of pride Norse designs that I'm creating as a fuck you to nazis appropriating the runes and other symbols in hopes that if we can make designs of them that are so blatantly gay they won't want to touch them anymore. (Previous designs: Pride Loki Runes | Be Gay, Do Pride )

It's Yggdrasil (Norse tree of life) with the colors of the original pride flag in the tree/branches surrounded by rings in the colors of the triangle of the progress flag (representing BIPOC, Trans, and Intersex) (Design is transparent. Grey background is for visibility purposes)

Just like the previous designs, I'll be hosting the full-res file of this design as a free download on my Ko-Fi for people to use to make their own apparel/stickers/whatever. And also hosted on Threadless for those who can't print them on stuff themselves (or just don't feel like it) but still want something with this design on it. Each sale will also make an automatic donation to various LGBT+ charities like The Trevor Project and the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network.

I'll be making more of these designs and also be taking requests for a bit if there are any pride rune/Norse designs anyone might want to see made, feel free to just drop them in my ask box!

[Edit: For some reason linking to the download on Ko-Fi hides this post in tags. No idea why, because the other posts were/are fine, but anyway there's a link to my Ko-Fi in my pinned post. Apologies for the inconvenience.]

[dancing-around-the-flames]

[roaenexists]

When I don't ask my runes any specific question they tell me things like, "The breath of God and the primordial water nourish the seed of human creation." When I do the same with my tarot cards they say shit like, "Wash the dishes, whore. One day your parents will die."

[the-mortuary-witch]

WHERE TO DRAW SIGILS AND RUNES

• Spell candles.

• Inside of your phone case.

• Your body (doesn’t need to be tattooed on, you can use a pen or marker).

• Bay leaves in spell work.

• Shoes.

• Lids of spell jars.

• Your Grimore.

• Beauty products.

• Hairbrush.

• Spell oils.

• Lighters.

[nous-teleios]

Remember to honour your local house and nature spirits! It might seem trivial, but forming a connection with the forces that you spend most of your time with will skyrocket the quality of your space and mood.

[iridescent-witch-life]

📷 handfulsofdust

[maeviuslynn]

Queering the Runes: Reclaiming Ancestral Wisdom in Rune Magic and Mythology by Siri Vincent Plouff is a new edition to my library. I think this is a great, different perspective on the runes. I can't wait to put this to use. I pick runes twice a year amongst other oracles on the equinoxes. Thank you to Weiser Books for sending it my way.

"Queering the Runes is a contemporary, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to the runes that focuses on finding queer experience, life, and joy in the Elder Futhark. Siri comes to the runes as a queer, nonbinary reader, and presents a path for reclaiming the ancestral wisdom and mystery of the runes in a way that can provide insight and understanding of their sacred nature for masculine, feminine, and nongendered aspects of self. Written as a love letter to the runes, the gods, and the people who follow the Nordic path, Queering the Runes presents an alternative approach to the runes—one that creates a gentle container for those who want to follow this heathen path."

[bowldrips]

So...would any of y'all be interested in learning about runes and making bindrunes? 👉👈