#runic magic

[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.

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"

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.

ICELANDIC:

"Wealth is trouble among relatives

and fire of the sea

and path of the serpent"

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."

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.

ICELANDIC:

"Drizzle is weeping of the clouds

and destructions of the hay-harvest

and abhorrence of the herdsman."

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."

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.

ICELANDIC:

"Thurs is the torment of women,

and the dweller in the rocks(/cliffs),

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

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."

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.

ICELANDIC:

"Ase is the olden-father (Odin),

Asgard's chieftain,

and the leader of Valholl (Valhalla)."

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."

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.

ICELANDIC:

"Riding is the joy of the rider

and a speedy journey,

and the labor of the horse."

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."

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.

ICELANDIC:

"Sore is the bale of children

And a scourge,

And the house of rotten flesh."

KEY WORDS: Knowledge, sexuality, creativity, clarity

ASSOCIATIONS: Freyja

ᚷ gebo

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.

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."

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

ASSOCIATIONS: Freyja, Freyr, Frigg, Odin

ᚹ wunjo

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.

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."

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

[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~

[lunasapphire]

Starting a bone collection to learn bone throwing, just started drawing on them now :D - way to excited to start this new journey!

[bloodvampyr]

(x)

[moonlight1237]

RUNES HISTORY AND FACTS

There are many types of rune systems, including Younger Futhark, Anglo-Frisian Futhorc, Medieval runes, and Elder Futhark, which are the ones I’ll be talking about.

The Younger Futhark (long twig) has 16 runes and is typically used in translation with Old Norse. It was used in Scandinavia during the Viking Age, from 800 A.D to 1200 A.D.

Then you have Anglo-Frisian (Frisian being Dutch), which had around 30 runes and was used in Britain. It’s also known as Anglo-Frisian Futhorc.

The latest and closest to us is the Medieval Runes, which fall back into a 24 system (like Elder Futhark) with the Roman/Latin alphabet, which is also used in translation to Old Norse.

Finally, the Rune system we’re talking about is the Elder Futhark used in a 24-rune system and is used to translate proto-European languages (proto-Germanic, high Italic, proto-English, etc, NOT Old Norse!) None of the names of the Elder Futhark have truly been written down; they have come from reconstruction and guesswork from scholars. The names have come from Old English/Gothic sources and the Rune poems that feature names and pieces associated with names.

Norse=Runa English=Rune both meaning “a secret” or “mystery”

Old Norse=Rún Old Irish=Rún Middle Welsh=Rhin “to whisper” “secret” or “mystery”

Scots=Roun “To whisper” or “speak often about one thing”. It’s also associated with the Rowan tree in Scots, which is a very well-known magical tree in many folklores (also known as the “rune tree” or “the whisper tree”).

It was believed the Elder Futhark came from the Rome/Latin alphabet and had ancient Greek relations—due to the closeness of the Germanic tribes there and the mingling of Elder Futhark and High Italic.

The runes were not traditionally used as magical symbols. they were used in divination but were not considered magical themselves until later centuries, far after the Viking Age when they became popular as magical symbols. The furthest back they were found to be used was theorized to be Germania, as typically (but not always) female diviners would “cast lots” which were believed to later influence the Norse people to cast the runes. It was widespread for Norse kings, warlords, and explorers of this time to have a rune caster or diviner with them wherever they traveled. Diviners and Rune Casters at this time were well respected and always welcomed into people's homes.

Then in the myths, we find where Odin discovers the runes and shares them with the other gods. Later the gods share them with humanity. The god Odin stabbed himself with his spear, Gungnir, and hung himself from Yggdrasil for 9 days and nights without food or water sacrificing himself for the runes till they appeared to him in the Well Of Urd. This myth differs depending on the source you found it on. Then in the Havamal 80’ page, 31 of Jackson Crawford's translation of the Poetic Edda (elder edda), it states, “What you ask the runes will prove true; they are gifts of the Aesir, made by the gods and painted by Odin. You’ll learn best with your mouth shut.”

Freyr’s Aett

Fehu Uruz Thurisaz Ansuz Raidho Kenuz Gebo Wunjo

Hagal’s Aett

Halagaz Nauthiz Isa Jera Eihwaz Perthro Algiz Sowulo

Tyr’s Aett

Tiwaz Berkana Ehwaz Mannaz Lagaz Ingwaz Dagaz Othala

24 runes in total for the Elder Futhark

Freyr’s Aett

Everything for your basic human existence, talking with the divine, human social life, and the earth and its bounty, and how to live our lives happily or at least contently.

Hagal’s Aett

shows us how to navigate the difficult parts of life when things take a rough turn and you don’t know what to do. This Aett shows us how to move forward in life and cause change and unexpected luck for ourselves.

Tyr’s Aett

This Aett shows us how to connect with life around us like. We learn to connect with and communicate with Humanity, deities, and nature around us, as well as how to connect our physical worlds to the unseen spiritual worlds we work in.

Getting into the runes themselves and the meanings and associations

Fehu

Letter-F

God/Goddess-Freyja, Freyr

Meaning-Wealth or cattle

Association-Wealth, Livestock/cattle, prosperity, abundance, fulfillment, stability, success, new beginnings, things earned and won, reward, good health, unexpected good luck

Runic poems- Old English, “Wealth provides comfort, but you must share it who hopes to cast lots for judgment before the gods.”

Norwegian, “Money causes strife among kin; the wolf grows up in the woods.” Icelandic, “Money causes strife among kin, and the fire of the flood tide and the path of the serpent.”

Uruz

Letter-U

god/goddess-Ullr, Audhumla (the creation cow), Thor

Meaning-Ox or bull sometimes bison

Association- challenges, endurance, courage, strength, untamed potential, good health, good luck, moving forward after being stuck in stagnation, sudden breakthroughs, overcoming challenges, trials, power, creative forces

Rune poems- Old Norse, “The wild ox has great high horns with which it gores; a fierce fighter who boldly stamps the moors.”

Norwegian, “Slag is cast from bad iron; reindeer cross the hard snow.”

Icelandic, “Drizzle is the weeping of clouds, and blights the harvest and is hated by the herdsmen.”

Thurisaz

Letter-Th

god/goddess-Thor

Meaning-Giant or Thorn

Association-Strength, breaking down barriers, Thor's hammer, defense, reaction, temptations, resisting temptations, disruption, passion, protection, conflict, power

Rune poems- Old Norse, “Thorn is wickedly sharp and causes pain to those who grasp it, hurt to you who rest among them.”

Norwegian, “Giant causes the sickness of women; bad luck pleases nobody.”

Icelandic, “Giant is the torment of women, and the dweller of rocky vales and husband of Varthrun the giantess.”

Ansuz

Letter-A

God/goddess-The aesir, Odin

Meaning-Aesir, the ancestor god

Association-communication with the gods, wisdom, divine power, knowledge, creativity, understanding, passing tests, understanding, communication

Rune Poems- Old Norse, “Mouth is the source of the word, bringing wisdom and counsel to the wise, hope, inspiration, and a blessing to all.”

Norwegian, “Rivermouth opens most journeys; but the sword belongs in it’s sheath.” Icelandic, “Odin is the ancient creator, and Asgards king and lord of Valhalla.”

Raidho

Letter-R

God/goddess-Sol

Meaning-Wagon or chariot

Association-Rythme, journey, travel, personal development, change, evolution, decisions, taking the opportunity, movement

Rune poems- Old Norse, “Riding is easy for heroes inside a hall; it’s much harder astride a strong horse pounding against the great mile.”

Norwegian, “Riding is said to be the worst for horses; reginn forged the best sword.”

Icelandic, “Riding is a sweet sitting and a swift journey and the toil of the horse.”

Kenaz

Letter-K and C

God/goddess-Loki

Meaning- the torch

Association-Knowledge, Light, warm, illumination, visions, enlightenment, intuition, learning, Improvement, creativity, Inner voices, Breakthroughs

Rune poems-Old Norse, “The torch we know by its flame, which brings illumination, and light wherever noble souls encourage.”

Norwegian, “Ulcer is the curse of children; grief turns us pale.”

Icelandic, “Ulcer is the bane of children and a grievous blight and the house of rotting flesh."

Gebo

Letter-G

God/goddess-Odin

Meaning-gift

Association-Love, partnership, giving and receiving gifts, generosity, sacrifice, balance, joy in relationships, talents, abilities

Rune Poem-Old English, “A gift returns to adorn the giver with greatness and honor; it helps and heartens those who have nothing.”

Wunjo

Letter-W

god/goddess-Baldr

Meaning-Joy

Association-happiness, light, perfection, comfort, harmony, recognition of worth, reward, success, good health, prosperity, flourishing, bliss

Rune poem-Old English, “Joy comes to you who know no sorrow, blessed with grain and plenty, content in a strong community.”

Halagaz

Letter-H

God/Goddess-Hel

Meaning-Hail

Association-interference, disruption, corrections, changes for long-term good, change, being tested, nature, overcoming obstacles, wrath, chaos, misfortune, transformation

Rune poem-Old English, “Hail, whitest of grains, whirls down from heaven, is tossed by the wind, and turns water.”

Norwegian, “Hail is the coldest of grains; All-Father shaped the world in ancient times.”

Icelandic, “Hail is cold grain and a shower of sleet, and the bane of snakes.”

Nauthiz

Letter-N

gods/goddess-Skuld

Meaning-Need

Association-resistance, demand, desire, personal development, constraint, willpower, endurance, self-reliance, patience, necessity, kindling passion, recognizing your needs

Rune poems-Old English, “Need constricts the heart but can bring help and healing if heeded in time.”

Norwegian, “Need leaves one little choice; the naked freeze in the frost.”

Icelandic, “Need is the bondmaid’s grief, and a hard condition to suffer, and toilsome work.”

Isa

Letter-I

God/Goddess-Skadi

Meaning-Ice

Association-cold, lack of change, stagnation, challenge, self-control, harsh reality, concentrated self, clarity, watching and waiting, delay, obstacles, danger

Rune poems-Old English, “Ice is cold and slippery; jewel-like and glistening, fair to behold, the frozen field.”

Norwegian, “Ice we call the board bridge; the blind need to be led across.”

Icelandic, “Ice is the rind of the river and roof of the waves, and a mortal danger.”

Jera

Letter-J

God/goddess-Freyr, Idunn

Meaning-Year, Harvest

Association-cycles, harvest, efforts rewarded, plenty, good spirits, change, completion, fertility, growth

Rune poems-Old English, “Harvesttime brings joy when the goddess Earth gifts us with her bright fruits.”

Norwegian, “Harvesttime brings bounty; I say that Frothi is generous.”

Icelandic, “Harevsttime brings profit, and a high summer and a ripened field.”

Eihwaz

Letter-Ei, Y

God/goddess-Ullr, sometimes Skadi

Meaning-Yew tree

Association- strength, endurance, protection, movement, balance, death and life, Yggdrasil, change, magic, rebirth, friendships

Rune poems-Old English, “Yew has rough bark without but holds the flame within; deeply rooted, it graces the land.”

Norwegian, “Yew is winter’s greenest wood; it splutters when it burns.”

Icelandic, “Yew is a taut bow, and brittle iron and the arrow of Farbauti.”

Perthro

Letter-P

God/Goddess-The Norns, Frigga

Meaning-Lot cup/casting cup

Association-fate, gambles, hidden things, unknown outcomes, chance, destiny, pregnancy/birth, luck, common sense, revelation,

Rune poems-Old English, “Gaming means to play and laughter among the high-spirited who sit merry together in the mead hall.”

Algiz (Elhaz)

Letter-Z

God/goddess-All the Aesir, Heimdall

Meaning-Elk, the white elk

Association-Protection, awakening, teachings of the divine, ward off evil, defense, guardianship, opportunity to grow, fulfilling dreams, employment, shelter

Rune poems-Old English, “Elk sedge grows in the fen, waxing in the water, grimly wounding; it burns the blood of those who would lay hands upon it.”

Sowilo

Letter-S

God/Goddess-Sol, Baldr

Meaning-The Sun

Association-motivation, action, the sun, guidance, health, victory, cleansing, life purpose, enlightenment, spiritual will, goals, light, energy, self-confidence

Rune poems-Old English, “The sun guides seafarers who ferry across the fish’s bath until the seahorse brings them to land.”

Norwegian, “Sun is the light of the world; I bow to its holiness.”

Icelandic, “Sun is the sky shield, and a shining radiance, and the nemesis of ice.”

Tiwaz

Letter-T

God/Goddess-Tyr

Meaning-The god Tyr

Association-Courage, victory, peacekeeping, faith, loyalty, leadership, logic, sound judgment, compassion, honor, passion, masculine energy, truth revealed

Rune poems-Old English, “Tiw is a sign that spells confidence to the noble; unfailing, it holds true though the night clouds.”

Norwegian, “Tyr is the one-handed of the aesir; often has the smith to blow.” Icelandic, “Tyr is the one-handed god, and the leavings of the wolf and ruler of the temple.”

Berkano

Letter-B

God/Goddess-Nerthus, Freyja, Frau Holle

Meaning-birch tree

Association-New life, life changes, growth, healing, new beginnings, femininity, birth, regeneration, renewal

Rune poem- Old English, “The birch thought fruitless sends out countless shoots; leafy branches, high crowned, reach to the sky.”

Norwegian, “Birch has the greenest-leafed branches; Loki brought the luck of deceit,”

Icelandic, “Birch is a leafy limb and a little tree and a youthful wood.”

Ehwaz

Letter- E

God/Goddess-Freyja, Gullveig, sleipnir, loki

Meaning-horses

Association-momentum, trust, harmony, change, healthy relationships, progress, transportation, loyalty

Rune poem- Old English, “The horse brings Joy; proud on its hooves, by heroes praised, it is a solace to the restless.”

Mannaz

Letter-M

God/Goddess-Odin, Thor, Heimdall

Meaning-Mankind

Association-Humanity, soul, divine influence, social order, society, friendship, teamwork, self, family, support

Rune poems-Old English, “We are each other’s mirth yet must one day take leave, for the gods will allot our frail bodies to the earth.”

Norwegian, “Man is the waxing of dust; mighty is the hawk’s talon span”

Icelandic, “Man is the joy of man and the increase of dust and the adorner of ships.”

Lagaz

Letter-L

God/Goddess-Loki, Freyja, Hel

Meaning-Water, Lake

Association- Emotion, cleansing, intuition, dreams, flow, guidance, love, memory, feminine, physic abilities, renewal

Rune poems-Old English, “Water to land folk seems never-ending when they set sail on a heaving ship; the huge waves overwhelm them and the seahorse won’t head the bridle.”

Norwegian, “Waterfalls free from the mountain; gold trinkets are so highly prized.” Icelandic. “Water wells from the spring and the great geyser and the land of fish.”

Inguz (Ingwaz)

Letter-Ng

God/Goddess-Freyr, Ing

Meaning-The ancient god

Association-love, peace, internal growth, harmony, approval, agreement, completion, Masculinity, time of rest, goals, common sense, home, channeling force

Rune poem-Old English, “Ing, first seen by the East Danes, later rode his wagon away eastward over the waves; thus was the great god named.”

Dagaz

Letter-D

God/Goddess-Dagr, Baldr, Sol

Meaning-Day, dawn

Association-Dawn, daylight, change of direction, prosperity, clarity, awakening, breakthrough, hope, completion, balance, transformation

Rune poems-Old English, “Day is the gods’ messenger; the light of the gods grants ecstasy, good hope, and a boom to all.”

Othala

Letter-O

God/Goddess-Odin, Hel

Meaning-Home, Ancestors

Association-Family, inheritance, Home, Knowledge from the past, heritage, experience, value, group prosperity, positive mental state, good health, good financials

Rune poem-Old English, “Home is loved by all who prosper there in peace and enjoy a frequent harvest.”

Bind runes

Bind runes are 2 or more runes combined to make one bigger Bindrune. Used historically as a way to shorten up writing or just as a fun way to write, we now use them as stronger versions of runes, or as a way to have many runes together without having to write them all out.

Famous ones, Vegvisir and Aegishjalmaur (Helm of Awe) aren’t runes or bind runes, but instead Sigils that came around centuries after the Viking Age, and were found to be from the 1800s. Vegvisir is a path finder, not a compass. The Helm of Awe is used as a warding symbol but historically wasn’t actually used for anything as far as our sources note.

Resources

https://oreamnosoddities.com/blogs/news/how-to-make-a-bindrune-Bindrune explaining

https://oreamnosoddities.com/blogs/news/rune-meanings-the-elder-futhark-elder futhark source

http://www.shieldmaidenssanctum.com/blog/2019/3/12/the-elder-futhark-runes-and-their-meanings- elder futhark sources

https://youtu.be/nK51UmwJxRU-bindrune source from witches view with a little misinfo on Helm of Awe and Vegvisir

https://youtu.be/wG9d95vJibk-Bindrune source from Jackson Crawford

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLATNGYBQ-TjrPCf9YGy0qzqca1ypcGs50-Jackson Crawfords videos on runes through historical source

https://youtu.be/IROvre0w6hc-Vegvisir info

https://youtu.be/kW9KbtjyHN4-intro to runes

https://youtu.be/Gjmxu7z04kk-explaining the connection between the runic writing and languages

“Runes For Beginners” Lisa Chamberlain

“A Little Bit Of Runes” Cassandra Eason

“Nordic Runes” Paul Rhys Mountfort

“The Poetic Edda” Translated by Jackson Crawford

“Tales Of Norse Mythology” Helen A. Guerber

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F5INHBpAeUZ8Ux632760FbNQ0SUHDUGX/view?usp=drivesdk-Reading Past Runes book

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p5L1BFpUFRte-BVq7XgBdXLjAqqZKKkI/view?usp=drivesdk-Nine Doors Of Midgard book

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EGtRedzunDGtUYkAbtdDrOQS0ppBBH9t/view?usp=drivesdk-The Big Book Of Runes book

[iris-drawssandwiches]

I like how an acceptable way to solve something in my math class is to write magic runes into the paper while chanting calzone. My math teacher doesn't understand why it works but it always gets the right answer so why stop me. Most times I just use the machine as it works just as well! But when we aren't allowed to use the machines I break out the runes and chant as I write them. I then am the first one with an answer!

[drelsy]

[yes-sikorskiy-yuriy]

[merino-the-satyr]

My first post should be my most important post, I dare say, so... Everyone, meet Pepe! I pray to Pepe when I need luck, things are going bad or when my health is not that well and then things end up doing good and/or better! Last time I asked Pepe for Argentina winning the America Cup, mostly because I wanted to see Di Maria in his last big game before retiring, since he's been my favourite from my teens up to today. My beloved wife also gifts small things to Pepe with me, one day I will have a rather appropiate altar instead of my old bookshelf for that. May the gods and fey bring you riches and the sweetest of fruits!

[clusterpuppy]

Had therapy today and also had a reading from a really amazing rune reader at a shop I like, and I’m feeling particularly good!! The reader gave me one of his altar tiles that he made that had Odin engraved on it because he said I should take it cause I needed it more and sorta imparted my energy on it. Eeeee I’m just so stoked!! It was lovely and I feel much clearer and better :-))

[apiswitchcraft]

understanding norse runes: a historical and modern perspective pt. 2

Here's part two! If you need clarification on anything please lmk! <3

For part 1 click here.

ᚺ hagalaz

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Hail is the whitest of grain;

it is whirled from heaven's loft

tossed about by wind gusts,

then melts into water."

NORWEGIAN:

"Hail is the coldest of grains:

Christ created the primaeval world."

(not the Christian Christ, just an epithet for Odin)

INTERPRETATION: Starting out strong, hagalaz thankfully only has one meaning, and that's "hail." Unrelatedly, this rune is also one of the first overtly negative runes (of course, the meaning truly depends on the surrounding staves you pull, but nevertheless), representing uncomfortable change, possibly a crisis. Associated with the goddess Hel, it represents both her aspects: the cold goddess of death, and the plentiful goddess of life. Hagalaz shows us that change is on the horizon, but that it will be a time of learning, of becoming evermore wiser. Similar to The Moon card in tarot, this stave also represents the secrets of the runes, the dark side. A side we nevertheless have to confront in order to overcome great stressors. Doubtlessly, this transformation will cause us some pain, but hail is considered the seed of possibilities. Though in solid form it may hurt or harm us, when melted it may nourish the struggling sapling. It has great potential, especially considering this is the ninth rune, a number that appears repeatedly in Norse Mythology. This stave has us confronting our worst fears and suffering, and telling us to learn from them, to become a better person. We have to create our own inner harmony, despite whatever may get in our way.

ICELANDIC:

"Hail is cold grain

and driving sleet

and sickness of serpents."

KEY WORDS: Disruption, upheaval, catalyst, potential

ASSOCIATIONS: Hel, the Norns (specifically Urdh, the past), Heimdall

ᚾ nauthiz

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Need is nearest to the breast,

yet often proves to children of men

a source of help and healing

if they heed it betimes."

NORWEGIAN:

"Need leaves little choice;

the naked man is chilled by frost."

INTERPRETATION: A rune often associated with the Norns, especially Skuld (the future), nauthiz is all about "necessity" and inevitability. The future is inescapable, but it can be used to our advantage. To understand this rune, we have to understand our own needs and purpose(s) as well. Usually, these are outside of our control. A lack of food caused by war creates a necessity for food. It is outside of the individual sufferer's hands. However, it can spur a person to act in whatever way they can, it's the spark of what is called the "needfire," vital to cause and effect. Need defines action defines life. Yes, this rune can be interpreted as a negative one, no doubt. But, again, runes are not as simple and straightforward as Tarot. If you pulled kenaz with nauthiz, you might look more closely at the "needfire" aspect of this reading, or if you pulled wunjo you might see this as more of a needs to an end. Which, really, that's all this rune represents: the needs to an end. You are not stuck in this state of lack, rather it is the lack that will turn the Norns' bow-drill to usher in a new era. Whereas hagalaz is more of a rigid, set in stone, nauthiz is about moving on from that suffering.

ICELANDIC:

"Need is distress of thrall-woman

and state of oppression

and hard work."

KEY WORDS: Necessity, inevitability, the future, constraint, hardship

ASSOCIATIONS: The Norns (specifically Skuld)

ᛁ isa

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Ice be overcold, unmeasurably slippery,

glisteneth clear as glass, to gems likest;

a floor by frost wrought, fair to be seen."

NORWEGIAN:

"Ice we call the broad bridge;

The blind man must be led."

INTERPRETATION: Isa, true to its similar pronunciation, just means "ice." In this way, it has two divinatory meanings: one as an unmoving, unwavering shield, and one as a static, frozen object/individual. It can help to lessen disturbances and chaos, to soothe the fires of the earlier runes. This stave can mean stasis, but it can also mean clarity, a deep concentration. Stuck in the ice, you would have an awful long time to think, no? Rest is important for all things, but especially so in times of chaos. When the fires of kenaz or thurisaz get too hot, isa is there to cool things down. Furthermore, though, this rune can represent an unwilling stagnation, a frustrating situation or relationship. Stuck quarreling with a lover, this rune would be emblematic of how the reader would be feeling in that moment. Similarly, we can take this rune to represent the present, the Norn Verdandi. As a rune of advice, the reader is being told to watch and wait, to get a lay of the land before continuing onward. As much as a swirling blizzard can freeze you out, an igloo can keep you safe from the perils of frostbite, so it all depends on the adjacent runes in the reading. What do you need before you can continue? What is the crux of what's holding you back? All of these are things you need to consider.

ICELANDIC:

"Ice is bark of rivers

and roof of the wave

and destruction for doomed men."

KEY WORDS: Stagnation, pause, waiting, patience, preservation

ASSOCIATIONS: The Norns (especially Verdandi)

ᛃ jera

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Summer is called joyful, when God lets,

holy heaven's king--shining fruits

be born from earth for rich and poor."

INTERPRETATION: An often encouraging stave to pull in a reading, jera's literal translation is "year." In the harsher climates of the North, it is easy to lose track of the four seasons, and have the warmer and colder months blend together. In this way, jera represents not only summer, but also a good harvest. Every year, as the wheel of the year makes its rounds, crops must be yet again sown, cared for, and yielded. The old is reborn and the young turns to old. A symbol of dance, play, and marriage, this rune can also be associated with Freyja and Freyr, two deities strongly associated with the summertime. In divination, jera advises us to see everything as a constantly moving cycle. As soon as bad things come, they will leave, and good things replace them. Nothing is permanent, not even our most cherished. If blocked or neglected, a poor harvest is almost assured, and suffering is indicated. But when nurtured the right way, it can heal the deepest wounds and give rebirth to the greatest joys. An emphasis is also placed on creating new relationships and strengthening existing ones. Cherish your friends and family whenever possible.

NORWEGIAN:

"Harvest is a blessing to men;

I say that Frodhi was liberal."

ICELANDIC:

"Harvest is a blessing to men

and good summer

and fully ripe crops."

KEY WORDS: Harvest, cycle, repetition, plenty

ASSOCIATIONS: Freyja and Freyr

ᛇ eihwaz

ANGLO-SAXON:

"The yew outside is a rough-barked tree,

but strong and firm, guard of fires,

by deep roots upheld, joy to the home."

NORWEGIAN:

"Yew is the greenest of trees in winter;

when it burns, it sputters."

INTERPRETATION: Eihwaz is known as the "yew," and often represents Yggdrasil, the World Tree that Odin hung himself from over nine days and nine nights for the knowledge of the runes. Because of this, this stave often represents spiritual enlightenment, and connection between the physical and metaphysical realms. As the yew was consistently used for bow-making, this is a rune also associated with hunting and the wild (and furthermore masculinity, but I find that to be a bit sexist). A bridge between life and death, sky and earth, the heavens and the Underworld, eihwaz is a great rune for communing, divination, or necromancy. It is a connection between paradoxes, between opposites, and is also associated with graveyards. But no matter what, these connections have to be made thoughtfully, and with great trepidation. Carelessness has no place in this space, as it could just as easily turn from good to bad. -==32

ICELANDIC:

"Yew is bent bow

and brittle iron

and Farbauti of the arrow."

KEY WORDS: Enlightenment, transformation, connection, paradox

ASSOCIATIONS: Odin, Yggdrasil

ᛈ perthro

INTERPRETATION: Considering it was a letter commonly used, perthro has a fairly ambiguous meaning of "lot cup" or "game piece." Either way, the literal interpretation involves the drawing of lots, and chance. Divination wise, perthro is said to represent both the dice and the mode of throwing the dice, simultaneously mysterious and all-knowing. Considering this wealth of knowledge that perthro is said to contain, it is no wonder that it is heavily associated with Mimir, who is renowned for his wisdom. Furthermore, because of it's association with vessels (odd, I know), this stave also represents with the female womb and childbirth. For this reason, it is also associated with Frigg, a seeress and goddess of childbirth. Frigg, though she is said to know all, she also tells nothing. This doubles down on the mysterious, hidden powers of perthro, being both the runes themselves and their meanings. Additionally, being a rune of fate, it represents the Norns as a whole, and their powers.

ANGLO-SAXON:

"The chess piece means play and laughter

where in the middle, the warriors sit

in beerhall blithely together."

KEY WORDS: Fate, luck, mystery, secrets, feminine energy

ASSOCIATIONS: Mimir, Frigg, Norns

ᛉ algiz

INTERPRETATION: Aha! My favorite rune, how exciting. A rune meaning "elk," algiz is a powerful protective symbol. Considering the imagery of an elk, we can draw connections to god of the hunt, Freyr, who is often depicted with antlers. From Freyr we can then discern meanings of sexual awakening, the fighting spirit, and divine communication. With it's three pronged appearance we can create a number of different interpretations: the elements, a sacred forest grove, masculinity/femininity, the Yggdrasil, and even the Bifrost. I've also seen people consider it as a double-edged sword of a stave, a protective symbol but only as long as you have enough power and discipline to wield it. This is especially pertinent if we consider this as a rune of divine protection, as it would be doubtlessly foolhardy to demand protection from the gods while giving nothing in return. A weapon that can be wielded by you or against you.

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Elk-sedge is found most often in fens,

waxes in water, wounds grimly,

with blood burns whatever warrior

that goes to grasp it."

KEY WORDS: Protection, guardian, sanctuary, the hunt

ASSOCIATIONS: Freyr

ᛊ sowilo

ANGLO-SAXON:

"Sun to seamen is a hope on high

when they ferry over the fishes' bath

until the sea-horse brings them to land."

NORWEGIAN:

"Sun is the light of the lands;

I bow to heaven's doom."

INTERPRETATION: Alright! Last one for this aett, sowilo means "sun." Not only the literal sun, this stave represents the force of the heavens, the wealth that it provides and the harm that it can cause. It brings illumination and clarification, as it also shows us where our path lays--what our goals may be. If we consider a connection between the sun god Apollo (a bright, beautiful youth) and Baldr (also a bright, beautiful youth), then new aspects can be revealed to us such as victory, strength, life force, and energy. It encourages us to have hope in our future, and to look towards the horizon. Just like the wheel of the sun whirls around the cosmos, so too does sowilo encourage us to break our stagnation and act. What we desire is within our grasp, all we have to do it reach out and grab it! This rune is one of great positivity and encouragement, and is a pleasure to see in a reading.

ICELANDIC:

"Sun is shield of the sky

and shining ray

and destroyer of the ice."

KEY WORDS: Success, illumination, achievement, energy

ASSOCIATIONS: Baldr

[bowldrips]

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

[andromedasdomain]

Weekly Rune to Start Off the Week: 10/16/2023

ᛣᛗᛁ

ᛣ Elhaz Reversed- Losing touch with your intuition, sense of vulnerability. Stay on guard for any trouble but don't become paranoid or filled with fear. Take care of your physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional health. Avoid making hasty decisions. Use your intuition to distinguish who is trying to take advantage of you, for your protection. ᛗ Mannaz-  Humanity, the self, support, assistance, intelligence, family. Remember that we, humans, are one and cannot make progress on our own, we need each other. If there is tension between what you perceive as your place in the Universe and who you are, it is best that you maintain self-awareness and choose carefully how you approach some situations (listen to your intuition). Keep an open mind when it comes to receiving help from others and lending a hand to people in need. ᛁ Isa- Obstacles, standstill, stagnation, delay, coldness. You are advised to accept your circumstance as a reality, focusing your energy on making progress to be ready once you are able to. Don't give up trying; don't assume that it is over, this situation is temporary and doesn't mean things won't work out in the end. Evaluate things from a cool perspective and ask yourself if you have been open and expressive about your feelings lately.

[drawing-cards]

Speaking of Spirits

I don't know if this is common knowledge, but spirits like to communicate through dreams most of the time. I remember when I had just got my set of runes that I picked out from my fave metaphysical shop and had the weirdest dream ever a few days after. I spent some time getting to know my runeset, looking at the meanings, casting them, and attempting to make rune circles. I was doing anything that would require me to keep the runes in my hands. I had built such a strong connection with them that one night, I had a really vivid dream about cutting my hand and bleeding into the runes.

I woke up confused as fuck because I would never dream about cutting myself on purpose, let alone think about it normally. After doing a little research, I found that back in the day nordic diviners would bleed into their runes to strengthen the relationship they had with the spirits affiliated with the runeset they owned. This allowed for better runic circles to be cast and better divination through them.

Some of my friends who also had runes had similar dreams where their runes would ask for a blood favor after so long. It was really comforting knowing that I was not the only one. In retrospect, I could never bring myself to bleed over my runes, but I do use them when I can to ensure that I can sustain my relationship with them. If I can learn more about the runes academically and magickally then maybe I'll consider it in the future, but I'd have to really think about it. I think that was one of my first direct spirit encounters too.

[saganssorcery]

𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Thurisaz

Today we may be faced with some kind of chaotic force that wishes to disrupt our day. While there is a chaotic element to fight against, Thurisaz gives us the means to protect ourselves against it too. Make sure that you are prepared and have your wards up, you don't want to be caught unawares if something disrupts you, or someone attempts to attack you, let that be mentally, magickally or physically. Remember you are strong and powerful and have every right to defend yourself or your loved ones if you have to. Use the tools at your disposal, mental or otherwise and direct your actions and thoughts towards triumphing over any chaos you may be exposed to.

©️Sagans Sorcery 🔥 🖋️

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[instant-ramen]

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