ORIGIN OF THE RUNES

Scholars have yet to agree on a generic source of the Runic alphabet. Some advocate that the Greek alphabet, c.600 BCE is a prototype, while others have proposed that the Latin alphabet is the source, although neither claim has been proven.

Another theory suggests that the Runes may have originated in the ancient Etruscan cultures of northern Italy. To support this theory, scholars point to the discovery of 26 bronze helmets, that were found in 1812 at Negau in the Austrian Empire. these helmets, dating from the 3rd century.

BCE have a Germanic inscription engraved in the Etruscan script on them that includes the words "Harigast I Teiva". Translated, these words are an invocation of the war-god Harigast.

Other scholars propose that the Runes developed from the Hallristningar rock carvings. The symbols were carved in the latter part of the Stone Age or early Bronze Age and have been discovered in parts of northern Italy, Austria, and southern Germany. these Runes, their pictorial symbols, and associated song names and lore, were the ancestral inheritance of the North Germanic peoples migrating south from Scandinavia.

One historical fact is certain, that the earliest inscriptions so far found were written from right to left, indicating an alphabet at least as old as Hebrew language.

The shape of the Runic letters, based on vertical and diagonal strokes, and avoiding horizontals and curves, suggests that this was an alphabet designed for carving in wood.

 

EXPANSION OF RUNES THROUGH EUROPE

The current revival of interest in Runes reflects the fact that we are today searching for a deeper spiritual meaning to our lives, and seeking a more natural way of living through the ancient skills and wisdom of our ancestors.

The growth and influence of Runes were linked to the expansion of the Germanic tribes as the imperial power of the Roman Empire declined. by 410 CE the Visigoths (or West Goths, an ancient Teutonic people who began moving out of northern Europe), had sacked Rome and established their own empire. They invaded Spain, and occupied many parts of it right up until the Moorish conquest in the 8th century. Britain was also dominated by Germanic tribes - The Saxons, Jutes, and Angles - and by the end of the 6th century consisted of several kingdoms. The three largest were Northumbria, Mercia, and Wessex.

 

From "Runes" by Catherine J. Duane & Orla Duane

1. FEHU/FEOH/THE F-RUNE
POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Wealth is a comfort to everyone,
yet each must give freely,
if he will glory in heaven.

THE RUNE:

The Fehu or Feoh Rune denotes the use and misuse of power. Fehu refers to cattle, and is a sign of wealth and prosperity. The Rune represents plenty, but also adds that wealth must be shared with others to win favour. Generosity is an important feature in many literatures.

This is the first Rune of the Frey's Aett or group or family, and strongly connects to the god of Fertility, known as Frey.

INTERPRETATION:

This Rune can help in recognizing the true value of things. Possessions are not an end in themselves but a means to an end. While money can give access to power, the greatest (truest) power is the potential within us. This form of power cannot be bought, but must be developed and cherished. The moon in Fehu suggests domestic security and wealth. It can also signify over-dependence on a mother. When Mercury is with Fehu they may bring about brilliant insight into financial matters, but when Mars is with Fehu there can be anger and forcefulness that may lead to frustration and to injury.

The number associated with Fehu is one that signifies unity. The colour red, meaning magic power and strength, is also associated with the Rune Fehu. The tree associates with this Rune is the elder, that represents endings and beginnings.

The planetary deity Odin, together with the goddess Frigg, rules, over the Rune Fehu.

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2. URUZ/UR/THE U-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

The wild ox is fierce,
with horns above,
a bold fighter who
steps the moon,
almighty.

THE RUNE:

This Rune is known as Uruz/Ur/the U-Rune. It is the symbol of the wild ox or aurochs. According to Viking legends, these now extinct animals were of great strength, fast-moving, and could carry great loads.

INTERPRETATION:

This Rune indicates power but there is also a danger in untamed power. As the strong beast cannot be pushed, care must be taken to use power and energy wisely. The Rune encourages us to face the obstacles and challenges in life without fear.

According to Nordic mythology Uruz represents the space that lies between Cosmic Ice and Cosmic Fire, and contains the power of essence. The tree associated with Uruz is the silver birch, is symbolic of rebirth and new beginnings. The planetary deity Urd rules over the Rune Uruz.

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3. THURISAZ/THORN/THE TH-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Thorn is very sharp
to everyone,
bad to take hold of,
severe to those who
rest among them.

THE RUNE:

This Rune is associated with the god Thor and is named Thurisaz/Thorn/the Th-Rune.

Thor in folklore was an aggressive personality and there are many stories of his battles with monsters. This Rune therefore relates to standing one's own ground firmly and being assertive.

Thurisaz is said to be the symbol of the ice demon that fed on human flesh. The people of antiquity had a fear of being frozen to death in the cold climate of the north and being attacked by wild animals and then consumed.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune can help you to overcome fears. It can help one to break down barriers. When the solar powers are with Thurisaz it indicates a defensive nature and also carries the feeling of masculine energy. Because the blackthorn is a dense bush and has many thorns, it is usually associated with the Rune Thurisaz.

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4. ANSUZ/OS/THE A-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Mouth is the origins of speech,
the support of wisdom,
and for everyone a blessing and a confidence.

THE RUNE:

Ansuz means god and connects with Odin and the ash tree, the wolf and the raven. The essentials of this Rune are related to communication, wisdom and ideas.

INTERPRETATION:

This Rune is considered one of luck and can be used as a general invocation of the beneficial powers of the earth. It can also be used in creative work. We are warned to be on our guard when we play with words, since they can cause harm.

Ansuz is connected to the god Odin and also the ah tree with its deep and strong roots. This Rune is a symbol of primal power.

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5. RAIDO/RAD/THE R-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Riding in the hall is very pleasant,
it is more strenuous sitting on a strong horse,
covering the mile paths.

THE RUNE

This Rune is said to relate to journeys inwardly and outwardly. The Rune is also used in invoking the spirits of the dead. It is a symbol of change in oneself.

INTERPRETATION This Rune signifies travel, movement, new horizons and changes in life. It can also mean a crisis, a challenge to the way things are. Results do not come without sacrifice.

Raido is representative of the bright power of the sun-wheel. The oak tree, strong and durable, is connected to the Rune Raido.

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6. KAUNAZ/CEN/THE K-RUNE - INNER LIGHT

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Torch to all living is pale and bricht,
it burns most where noble folk rest.

THE RUNE

The sixth Rune is related to the word "kerman" in Old German and means "knowing". The god related to this Rune is Heimdall, the shining god. The Rune is connected to fire.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune suggests new energy and a positive outlook emanating from within.

The Pine tree, that is long and slender, is associated with Kaunaz and helps one to value knowledge. The herb associated with Kaunaz is the cowslip, and this Rune is said to contain female energy.

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7. GEBO/GYFU/THE G-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Gift is for everyone
Glory and exaltation,
and for the needy
a help and sustenance.

THE RUNE

The Gebo Rune is a reminder that there is a price to pay for wisdom and insight. It suggests the sharing of good fortune with those who are less fortunate.

INTERPRETATION

The Rune indicates compassion and generosity of spirit.

Gebo is associated with the colour deep blue, and the herb connected to it is the heartsease. Gefn is the deity, and Gebo has the symbolic meaning of sacred mark. The ask or elm are he trees that are connected to this Rune.

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8. WUNJO/WYN/THE W-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Joy is needed not
by those that have
little want and sorrow
and have increase and bliss.

THE RUNE

This Rune is associated with Odin, who was also called Woden, in his role as the bearer of gifts and signifies contentment and joy. The symbolism of Wunjo is drawn from the weather-vanes used in Scandinavia.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune suggests comfort, good fortune and happiness. It could signify a positive solution to any problems in either personal or business matters.

Symbolically, Wunjo means flat or weather-vane and is associated with the deities of Odin and Frigg. It represents the colour yellow, the herb connected to it is flax and the tree it represents is ash. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

9. HAGALAZ/HAEGEL/THE H-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Hail is the whitest of grains,
it sweeps from the sky,
its whirled by the wind,
and turns to water.

THE RUNE

This Rune is a symbol of ice and hail and is identified with the gods Urd and Heimdall. This Rune represents the potential within us.

INTERPRETATION

The Rune in this case helps to banish boredom and enables one to accept the challenges of difficult and frustrating situations.

The symbolic meaning of Hagalaz is the serpent, light blue is its colour and the ash and yew trees are associated with this Rune.

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10. NAUTHIZ/NYD/THE N-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Need is narrow in the breast,
but can often be a help,
if attended to early.

THE RUNE

Nauthiz relates to need, necessity and compulsion. The goddess associated with this Rune is Nott (goddess of night) who was the mother of Dag (god of day).

INTERPRETATION

The Rune represents great opportunities and success. With patient planning, problems can be overcome.

Nauthiz is associated with the deity Skuld, and has black as its colour. The Rune is associated with the trees beech and rowan and the herb snakeroot.

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11. ISA/IS/THE E-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Ice is cold and slippery,
it glistens like glass,
is as bright as gems,
the field wrought with frost
is fair to the sight.

THE RUNE

Symbolically this Rune resembles an icicle. The goddess connected with this Rune is Vardandi (one of the three Norns, or northern goddesses of fate.) Ice is slippery, like a floor made from glass, but it is nevertheless also beautiful.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune encourages meditation and as a result answers to problems may surface. Isa is the Rune of self containment and can help one to recognise the powers within.

Isa is associated with the god Verdandi and is symbolic of the icicle and the primal ice of Niflheim. Like Nauthiz, the tenth verse, its associated colour is black. The corresponding tree for this Rune is the alder and the herb connected to it is henbane.

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12. JERA/GER/THE Y-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Year of fruitfulness,
is the hope of everyone,
when the gods allow the earth,
to give her bright increase
to rich and poor.

This Rune refers to the annual harvest period. It is a symbol of community and festival and is a representation of actions that are right and good. The god Frey is identified with Jera.

INTERPRETATION

The Jera Rune is a symbol of gradual improvement and is helpful during changes in our lives. It also enables us to be joyful, to celebrate life and enter more deeply into harmony with nature.

Jera, whose colour is light blue, is connected to the herb rosemary and the oak tree.

The god associated with this Rune is the fertility god, Free and it is representative of both male and female energy. The Rune Jera corresponds with the earth.

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13. EIHWAZ/EOH/THE EI-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Yew is outwardly
a smooth tree,
Hard and fast in the earth,
the shepherd of fire,
twisted beneath with roots,
a pleasure on the land.

THE RUNE

This Rune represents a powerful woman who is able to bring about good or evil. This Rune is also connected to death and for this reason can be frightening.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune teaches that there is nothing to fear. Death is another path on the journey of life. Transformation and development are inherent in life and offer limitless possibilities if we are willing to embrace the challenges on offer.

Eihwaz's symbolic meaning is the yew tree, a sign of protection and it is associated with Ullr. Its colour is dark blue and is representative of male energy.

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14. PERTHO/PEORTH/THE P-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Chess is ever play and laughter
to the proud,
where the warriors sit
in the beer hall
cheerful together.

THE RUNE

Of all the Runes this one is the most mysterious. The Rune is a symbol of the boundary between life and death. Pertho is the symbol of the goddess Frigg.

INTERPRETATION

Pertho corresponds to the aspen or beech tree and has as its symbolic meaning the womb, or a dice cup. The herb connected to it is aconite and the colour is black.

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15 ALGIZ/EOLA/THE Z-RUNE

POEM: (associated with this Rune)

Sedge grows in the fern,
flourishing in water,
burning the blood of everyone who touches it.

THE RUNE

This Rune is used to ward off evil. It is said to relate to the elk, to the yew tree, and to sedge. The god connected to this Rune is Heimdall.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune has uses in healing and protection, and can help to achieve a state of enlightenment.

Algiz corresponds to the colour white and the yew tree. The herb connected to it is sedge and this Rune has as its symbolic meaning an open hand, the flying swan and the elk.

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16. SOWULO/SIGEL/THE S-RUNE

POEM (associated with this Rune)

Sun to the seafarer
is always confidence,
When they move across
the fishers' bath,
'til the sea-horse
brings them to land.

THE RUNE

This Rune refers to the sun as a guiding light to seafarers. The Rune is used as a symbol of salvation, light and order against the forces of chaos and darkness. Sowulo is also representative of the god Baldur.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune helps us to contact our inner life force and indicates a need for a deeper spirituality. With the Sowulo Rune we reach the end of the second group of eight Runes.

Sowulo is associated with the colour gold, the herb mistletoe, and the juniper tree. Baldur is the deity connected to this Rune, and it represents the male energy.

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17. TEIWAZ/TYR/THE T-RUNE

POEM (associated with this Rune)

Tyr is a token
which has the confidence
of nobles,
It is ever moving
and in the darkness
of night never rests.

THE RUNE

Tyr the Norse god is concerned with law and order, war, and justice. This Rune represents a spearhead and is a symbol of divine justice, of strength, purpose of will, power and of courage and determination.

INTERPRETATION

The Rune is used when courage and determination are needed and can help us take responsibility for our own actions.

Teiwaz is associated with the oak tree and represents bright red. Its symbolic meaning is the value of the heavens over the cosmic pillar.

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18. BERKANA/BEORC/THE B-RUNE

POEM (associated with this Rune)

Birch is fruitless
but bears twigs without increase,
it is beautiful in its branches,
is laden with leaves,
heavy in the air.

THE RUNE

This secret Rune is sacred to the godess Freya. It is a Rune of healing, of atonement for past deeds and indicates regeneration. The Rune is also used in the aid of childbirth.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune is useful in relationships to restore a state of love and fruitfulness. It is also used in times of new beginnings.

Berkana corresponds to the deity Holda and is connected to the birch tree. The corresponding colour is dark green and this Rune represents female energy.

Regeneration and birth are associated with Berkana.

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19. EHWAZ/EH/THE EH-RUNE

POEM (associated with this Rune)

Horse is the joy of nobles,
where heroes wealthy on
their horses exchange words,
to the restless it is a comfort.

THE RUNE

In mythology, this is the Rune of the horses, that were regarded in many ancient cultures as sacred animals. The god associated with this Rune is Frey.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune is used when one needs help from the divine in times of trouble. It is also used for communication and helps restore a sense of control and balance.

Ehwaz is associated with the herb ragwort and with the oak and ask trees. This Rune is linked to the deity Frey and the corresponding colour is white.

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20. MANNAZ/MAN/THE M-RUNE

POEM (associated with this Rune)

Folk in their happiness
are dear to their kindred,
yet all must depart
from each other,
because the Gods commit
the body to the earth.

THE RUNE

This Rune is sometimes said to be the Rune of the god Heimdall. It relates to man as a species and is a Rune associated with relationships and kinship.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune holds the power to enable human beings to become integrated and to know themselves.

Mannaz, whose symbolic meaning is that of the marriage of heaven and earth, is linked to the deities of Heimdall, Odin and Frigg. This Rune represents both male and female energy and is connected to the holly tree. The herb with which it corresponds is madder.

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21. LAGUZ/LAGU/THE L-RUNE

POEM (associated with this Rune)

Water to land-folk,
seems tedious,
if they venture forth in
an unsteady boat,
the sea wavers will foam
and the sea horse heeds
not the bridle.

THE RUNE

Ancient tradition believed humanity originated from the sea. Water is a sacred and spiritual symbol and is associated with this Rune. The Rune relates to the seal, the gull and the willow tree and has connections with the god Njord.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune indicates transition from one state to another. It helps us to integrate the ebb and flow of life.

Laguz, the sea wave, or waterfall is linked to the osier tree. The associated herb is the leek. The corresponding colour is deep green and the connected deity is Njord, god of the sea. This Rune is representative of female energy.

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22. INGUZ/ING/THE ING-RUNE

POEM (associated with this Rune)

Ing was first seen among
the Eastern Danes,
departing over the waves,
his wagon ran behind,
thus the warriors named him.

THE RUNE

Ing was one of the gods of fertility. The Saxon kings of northeast England claimed that they were descended from him. This Rune is associated with this god.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune is concerned with the male fertility and suggests new birth. Inguz also symbolises a journey into the inner depths of the soul, where harmony and balance can be found to reside. Inguz could also signify the successful completion of a difficult task.

Inguz has associations with the apple tree, that is fragrant and graceful. The Rune is linked to Frey, god of fertility and natural fruitfulness, whose main attribute was his erect penis. It is represented by the male genital organs and may be the equivalent of the female Pertho.

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23. OTHILA/ETHEL/THE O-RUNE

POEM (associated with this Rune)

Home is beloved of everyone,
if they can enjoy their
rights and labour,
and prosper in peace.

THE RUNE

Concerned with matters of the home. The ancient peoples were more respectful of the wisdom of their ancestors than we are today. The Rune is used to invoke ancestral powers and is associated with the god Odin.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune can be used to help develop latent talents, to guard family fortunes and to achieve great success.

Othila, connected to the god Odin, has as its symbolic meaning land or property. The colour associated with this Rune is deep yellow, and it is also linked to the hawthorn tree and clover.

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24. DAGAZ/DAEG/THE D-RUNE

POEM (associated with this Rune)

Day is the gods' messenger,
the light of the gods
is happiness and consolation
to rich and poor.

THE RUNE

This Rune is connected to awakening the power that a new day brings. It is also concerned with the god and sage Heimdall.

INTERPRETATION

The Rune Dagaz is used to enable transformation to take place in life. It helps one to realise that light and darkness in life are opposites sides of the one coin and that synthesis is possible. It also indicates the need for hard work.

Dagaz, which is linked to the deity Heimdall, is representative of male energy and is associated with the spruce tree.

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25. WYRD - THE BLANK RUNE

POEM (There is no poem associated with this Rune)

THE RUNE

Wyrd, which means "to turn" is known as the Blank Rune and has no connections with gods, plants or animals. This Rune is concerned with fate or destiny. It represents the unknown factor.

INTERPRETATION

This Rune is indicative of a major change in one's life and can even suggest death to a situation or event, or to a way of life.

Wyrd is the mother of the Norns, the primitive goddess of fate, and she governs the Web of Wyrd (pattern of cosmic destiny) between the root and the branch of Yggdrasill (the tree of life).

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*** From "Runes" by Catherine J. Duane & Orla Duane