There is a thought percolating within you today that it is time to start exploring the beauty of planet earth. It is that hidden yearning of wanting a new perspective on your life and your surroundings that is the catalyst to accept the gift to start making the changes without concern for you protection from any harm that may come.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
So, with my book (North Sea Rune Poems) coming out next month, it has made me think about rune lore and rune casting, and it makes me a little disappointed that there's so much focus on the Elder Futhark in the occult and pagan circles and barely any focus, from what I've observed, on the Younger.
I'd write my own system but honestly, aside from the meanings of each rune in the Younger Futhark, I wouldn't even know where to begin. That and I'm doubtful it would cause much more interest in the Younger Futhark even if I did write my own system.
I have a question on Runes that I can’t find *anywhere* if there’s simply not an answer... fine but like... the fact that I haven’t found any sort of a hint of an answer is frustrating.
So there’s Witches Runes and Futhark Runes... I see mostly information on Futhark.. but where did witches runes originate? Or I guess which practice or religious uses witches runes over Futhark? & is it considered disrespectful to study one or the other outside any specific religion or practice?
I’m drawn to Futhark runes and want to learn more but I cannot find anything on witches runes it seems they’ve popped up out of nowhere.. I know it’s silly to get hung up on but I feel as though the answer to like all these ‘clicking’ is on the tip of my tongue.
Reading your candid takes on 'candy coated' practices brings me odd comfort. I have studied and worked with Runes many years and even started selling a deck. Then it all started feeling.. weird and shallow? I felt snobby and arrogant to feel that way but had to walk away from the community. I couldn't shake that it felt more and more fluffy and ornamental rather than.. serious life work I guess? Hard to put in words. I now don't openly share about my beliefs and practice even though it's a bit lonely. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Yeah no problem! If it makes you feel better, I actually have a friend who's constructing a rather deep runic divination method involving the use of a special kind of board, so it is possible to use the runes in a deeper sense. It just requires intimate working knowledge of the occult 'cause you'll need to make it yourself, but that's not something for most people, including me.
This isn't rhetorical. I actually want people to respond with answers. You can do it anonymously if you want. As specific as possible please. I'm specifying this because usually when I ask questions like this I get a dozen likes and no answers.
If you're into runes and you've recommended books (or websites, or whatever) about runes to people, what is it about those books that you identify as good or bad? How do you know it's good? Why are some books better than other books? If it's more "accurate," accurate to what? And how do you know?
