Love Rune: Ancient Symbols of Affection and How to Use Them

Hello! My name is Julia, and I am a practicing runologist and author at RunicHub. In this article, I'll share everything you need to know about love runes – the runic symbols associated with love, affection, and relationships. We’ll explore which Norse runes symbolize love and partnership, how to use these runes (individually or in runic formulas (stavs)) to attract or strengthen love, plus real practices and tips from authoritative sources. By the end, you'll understand the meanings of the key love runes, learn some powerful love rune combinations, and get answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive into the mystical world of love runes.

In any spiritual practice, everything works if you believe in it!

What Are "Love Runes"?

Love runes are ancient runic symbols used to represent or influence matters of the heart – from romantic love to friendship, family bonds, or even self-love. In the time of the Vikings, runes were more than just an alphabet; they were believed to hold powerful magic – especially regarding love and relationships. Certain runes became associated with love’s many forms (romantic passion, marriage, familial love, etc.), and people used them in rituals and ceremonies. For example, the rune Gebo (ᚷ) was historically important in Norse wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the exchange of love and vows between partners. Runes like these were integral to Norse life, weaving the spiritual into everyday acts of love.

Today, when we talk about “love runes,” we usually mean specific runes from the futhark (runic alphabet) that carry meanings related to love, partnership, fertility, or emotional harmony. Modern practitioners and enthusiasts use these runes in talismans, divination, and love spells to attract a new partner, deepen an existing relationship, heal emotional wounds, or even cultivate self-love. Each rune has its own energy and symbolism, so choosing the right love rune depends on what aspect of love you seek – be it passion, trust, joy, fertility, or commitment.

Before we get into specific runes, an important reminder: using runes (or any spiritual tool) for love should be done with clear and positive intentions. Runes respond to the energy and intent you put in. If your goal is to invite genuine love or strengthen a healthy bond, the runes can act as guides and focal points for your intention. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all magic solution – think of them as helpers that amplify your own effort and belief. In Norse tradition, love was seen as a dynamic exchange, requiring participation from both partners. Similarly, working with love runes is a two-way street: you set the intention and do the work, and the symbols help channel that energy.

With that in mind, let's explore the key runes that symbolize love and what each of them means.

Key Runes of Love and Their Meanings

Several runes in the Elder Futhark are commonly associated with love, affection, and relationships. Each rune highlights a different facet of love – from romance and joy to trust and growth. Here are the most important love-related runes and what they represent:

Gebo (ᚷ) – The Rune of Partnership and Giving

Gebo – shaped like an "X" is often considered the primary love rune because it symbolizes gift-giving, exchange, and partnership. Its core meaning is the balance of giving and receiving in a relationship. In ancient Norse culture, Gebo was a crucial symbol in betrothal and marriage ceremonies, representing the mutual exchange of love and vows between two people. This rune teaches that love is a two-way street a gift that each partner offers and accepts in return. In modern use, Gebo signifies a harmonious partnership based on generosity, balance, and equality. Drawing or meditating on Gebo is a reminder that healthy love involves equal give-and-take, compromise, and support. If you’re seeking a lasting union or marriage, Gebo is an excellent rune to work with, as it carries the energy of commitment and sacred exchange in love.

Wunjo (ᚹ) – The Rune of Joy and Happiness

Wunjo is the rune of joy, bliss, and harmony, especially in the context of relationships. It looks like a flag or P-shaped symbol. Wunjo represents the happiness and contentment that come from love and companionship. In a loving relationship, Wunjo’s energy is that feeling of deep friendship, pleasure, and “my heart is smiling” vibe you get when things are going well. It signifies reciprocated love – both partners feeling happy, appreciated, and secure. Historically, Wunjo wasn’t explicitly a “wedding rune” like Gebo, but it certainly encapsulates the emotional fulfillment of being with someone who truly brings you joy. In practice, people use Wunjo to attract positive relationships and to foster harmony in the home. If you want to bring more joy into your love life or heal a relationship that has lost its spark, Wunjo is a powerful rune to invoke. It basically radiates “good vibes” between people. Some like to place Wunjo symbols in their home or wear it as jewelry to invite an aura of happiness and love into their daily life.

Ehwaz (ᛖ) – The Rune of Trust and Partnership

Ehwaz – which looks like the letter "M" or two interlocking e's – is the rune of partnership, cooperation, and trust. Its imagery is the horse, an animal that in Norse culture symbolized a strong bond between rider and steed. Likewise, Ehwaz represents a trusty partnership where two individuals move in tandem, supporting each other. In love, Ehwaz is all about loyalty, teamwork, and mutual understanding. It evokes the journey that two people take together, sharing both life's burdens and its joys. An old interpretation ties Ehwaz to the idea that a relationship should have a solid foundation – just as a rider trusts their horse completely, two partners trust each other. If you want to strengthen trust with your partner or ensure you both are “on the same team,” Ehwaz is the rune to work with. It’s often used in bindrunes for enduring love because it carries the energy of a bond that can adapt and thrive over time. Meditating on Ehwaz or carrying it with you can remind you to be cooperative and understanding with your loved one. It’s essentially the rune of relationship harmony through trust.

Inguz (ᛜ) – The Rune of Fertility and New Beginnings

Inguz (also written Ingwaz, looks like two X's or a diamond shape) is the rune of fertility, growth, and new beginnings. Named after the god Ing/Frey, Inguz is strongly associated with the seed of new life and the “fruitful” aspect of love. In the context of romance, Inguz can signal a new relationship blossoming or a stagnant relationship getting a fresh start. It’s an auspicious rune if you’re looking to start a family, as it’s tied to fertility and progeny. Historically, Inguz wasn’t just about literal fertility; it also symbolized the potential for a relationship to bloom and prosper, much like a well-tended garden. If you feel your love life could use a renewal or you’re hoping for a new love to enter your life, Inguz is a great rune to invoke. It encourages nurturing – reminding us that love grows when we invest time and care. Many people include Inguz in love spells when trying to conceive or when they want to “plant the seeds” for a new romance or fresh start with their partner. It carries very positive, hopeful energy for love.

Berkana (ᛒ) – The Rune of Love’s Growth and Healing

Berkana (ᛒ), symbolized by the birch tree, is the rune of birth, growth, and healing. This rune is often associated with feminine energy, nurturing, and the idea of rebirth. In terms of love, Berkana helps with healing past wounds and encouraging new growth in relationships. Think of Berkana as the gentle, caring aspect of love – like the warmth of a mother’s care or the healing that occurs in a safe relationship. If you’ve been hurt before or a relationship has gone through rough times, Berkana can assist in clearing old emotional baggage and starting anew. It’s also tied to family and domestic harmony, since birch trees were symbols of home and new life in spring. For couples trying to reconcile or rekindle affection, Berkana’s energy can be very soothing and restorative. Some practitioners meditate with Berkana to heal heart chakra energy or incorporate it into rituals meant to remove negativity between partners and foster forgiveness. Additionally, Berkana is another rune linked to fertility (like Inguz), emphasizing a healthy environment for love to grow. It’s perfect when you want to “refresh” a relationship or cultivate self-love and healing after a breakup.

Sowilo (ᛋ) – The Rune of Success and Vitality in Love

Sowilo (also called Sigel or Sol) is the rune of the Sun, representing success, vitality, and confidence. You might wonder, how does the sun relate to love? Well, Sowilo’s bright energy can illuminate your path in love and infuse you with confidence to attract what you desire. Often, finding love (or improving it) starts with a confident, radiant you – and Sowilo embodies that victorious, life-force energy. In love magic, Sowilo is used to bring clarity and luck to one’s love life. For example, if you’re unsure what you want in a partner or feel pessimistic about love, meditating on Sowilo might enlighten you about your true desires and boost your optimism. It’s also a great rune for confidence if you plan to put yourself out there – like going on dates or rekindling romance with your spouse – by helping you shine with your inner light. Some might draw Sowilo in the air or on a candle when doing a spell to attract a soulmate, as if saying “let the sun guide me to the right person.”

Essentially, Sowilo adds a boost of positive, successful energy to your love intentions, helping to banish doubts and encourage a bright outcome.

Ansuz (ᚨ) – The Rune of Communication and Connection

Ansuz is the rune of communication, wisdom, and divine insight – connected to the god Odin. While its primary meanings relate to knowledge and messages, Ansuz is very relevant for love because good communication is the key to any healthy relationship. In rune magic, Ansuz can be used to open up channels of communication and understanding between people. If you’re shy about expressing your feelings or there’s been a misunderstanding with someone you love, Ansuz can help clear the air. It’s said to strengthen the voice and help you speak from the heart. This rune is also helpful if you’re trying to reconnect with someone after a fight or a separation – it can assist in re-establishing dialogue and trust. Some ways to use Ansuz might be carving it on a blue candle (blue often symbolizes communication) or simply holding the rune and speaking your intentions aloud, asking for eloquence and clarity. Ansuz reminds us that words (and the honesty behind them) are magic in their own right. In love spells, people sometimes pair Ansuz with other love runes to ensure that as love comes in, so does understanding and honest communication. After all, a new romance sparked by magic won’t go far if you can’t talk to each other openly!

Jera (ᛃ) – The Rune of Cycles and Harvest in Love

Jera is the rune of the year’s cycle, harvest, and reward for efforts. Its symbol looks like two interlocking shapes forming a kind of spiral. In a love context, Jera represents the natural cycles of a relationship and the “fruits” of love – think of it as the harvest you reap after patience and nurturing. Jera is often associated with timing and reward. For example, if you’ve been steadily working to improve a relationship or patiently waiting for the right partner, Jera signals that your patience could soon pay off. It also has a link to fertility and family as the “harvest” of love – couples might use Jera when trying to conceive or to bless a long-term union with prosperity and harmony. Using Jera in love magic can help stabilize a relationship through its ups and downs, encouraging you to appreciate each phase (spring, summer, fall, winter – metaphorically) that love goes through. If you’re single, Jera can be a reminder that good things come in their season, so it encourages optimism and consistent effort in your love life. Many see Jera as a rune of long-term blessings – it’s great for marriage or committed relationships where you want enduring happiness that grows year after year.

Aside from these, other runes sometimes come up in love contexts. For instance, Mannaz – representing humanity – can highlight friendship and mutual respect as foundations of love. Laguz – the water rune – can relate to the flow of emotions and intuition in love. And Eihwaz – usually a rune of inner strength – can be seen as a symbol of self-love or personal growth which is crucial for healthy relationships. While not “love runes” per se, they remind us that love has many dimensions: friendship, intuition, self-love, etc. You can always include these in your practice if they resonate with your specific situation.

Now that we’ve covered the meanings of the major love runes, let's talk about how to actually use these symbols in practice – from creating runic love spells (bindrunes/stavs) to simple rituals and everyday practices to attract or strengthen love.

This rune symbolizes eternal love built on mutual exchange, harmony, and growth.

Using Runes for Love: Staves, Bind-Runes, and Practical Magic

Understanding rune meanings is only half the story – the real magic comes from using those runes with intention. In Norse tradition and modern rune magic, people often create bind runes (runic formulas or stavs) by combining multiple runes into one symbol for a specific purpose. Love is a very popular focus for bindrunes; by overlaying or linking runes together, you create a custom love charm that harnesses the power of each symbol in harmony.

What is a runic stav? It’s essentially a bindrune – a special combination of several runes drawn as a single intertwined design. The idea is that each rune contributes its energy, and together they form a kind of esoteric “spell” for a goal. For love, this could mean combining runes for passion, trust, and joy to cover all aspects of a happy relationship. Historically, the Vikings and other Germanic people did use bindrunes, and many bindrune inscriptions related to love and partnership have been noted by scholars.

How do you create a love bindrune? First, get clear on your intention (this is super important!). What exactly do you want? – A new romantic partner? Renewed passion with your spouse? Healing after a heartbreak? As one source wisely advises, before doing any love spell with runes, take time to define your goal (long-term relationship vs. short-term fling, etc.). Once you know your intention, choose 2–4 runes that align with that goal. For example, if you desire a balanced, joyful partnership, you might pick Gebo + Wunjo. If you want to remove obstacles and protect a love, you might add a protective rune too.

You then draw these runes so that they connect or overlap in a pleasing design (there’s no strict rule – it’s a creative, intuitive process). Visualize how their energies unite while you draw. Finally, you’ll want to “activate” or charge your bindrune with your energy – this can be done by holding it while meditating, speaking words of intention over it, or even doing a small ritual (like lighting a candle and focusing on the rune, or anointing it with oil).

Examples of Love Rune Formulas (Bindrunes)

To inspire you, here are a few popular love bindrune combinations from Norse symbolism and modern practice:

• Gebo + Wunjo – Harmony & Happiness in Love: This simple two-rune bindrune combines the gift of partnership (Gebo) with the joy of love (Wunjo). It represents a loving bond that is both balanced and filled with happiness. Practitioners use this to attract a happy, mutual love or to bless a relationship with harmony. (In essence, “may our love be a joyful exchange.”)

• Thurisaz + Gebo + Wunjo – Removing Obstacles in Love: Thurisaz (ᚦ) is a rune of breaking barriers or overcoming challenges (it’s like a thorn or hammer). When combined with the Gebo-Wunjo love duo, this trio bindrune is designed to remove any obstacles or negativity blocking a relationship. It was said to help a partnership withstand external hardships – facing difficulties together and guarding the love against interference. If you feel that external factors or past issues are impeding your love life, this formula focuses on protection and perseverance in love.

• Gebo + Ehwaz – Eternal Love & Loyalty: Blending Gebo’s partnership with Ehwaz’s loyalty and trust creates a powerful talisman for long-lasting love. This bindrune emphasizes faithfulness, teamwork, and enduring commitment. People refer to this as an “eternal love” symbol – great for married couples or those aiming for a forever kind of relationship. It basically says “may we ride together through life, faithfully.”

• Gebo + Wunjo + Berkana + Ehwaz – Love, Joy, Growth, and Trust: This is a more elaborate formula (often called the “Runebound Heart” in some modern spell kits). It combines four runes: Gebo (love exchange) + Wunjo (joy) + Berkana (growth/healing) + Ehwaz (partnership) to cover all bases – attracting a true love that is joyous, nurturing, and enduring. Such a stav is used to find a new love that grows into a lasting, happy relationship (or to bless an existing one with these qualities). (Source: various esoteric practitioners)

Feel free to experiment with combinations – there’s no single “right” love bindrune. The key is that each rune in the formula should have a purpose in your spell, and you infuse it with your personal intention. Always record which runes you used (so you don’t forget) and what your intention is.

Practical Tips for Using Love Runes in Rituals and Daily Life

You might be wondering, “Alright, I have a rune or a bindrune – what do I actually do with it?” Here are some practical ways to apply love runes in your spiritual practice, drawn from experienced practitioners:

• Create a Talisman: Carve or draw the chosen rune(s) on a physical object. For love spells, popular choices are red or pink candles, pieces of paper, wood talismans, stones, or jewelry. For example, you can inscribe a bindrune on a red candle (red symbolizes love/passion) and burn the candle while focusing on your desire. Or draw the rune on paper, fold it towards you (to attract), and carry it in your wallet or under your pillow. Wearing a rune pendant (like Gebo or Wunjo on a necklace) is another way to keep that energy with you at all times.

• Body Art and Anointing: Some people actually draw a rune on their body before social events or dates – for instance, drawing a tiny Wunjo or Gebo on your wrist or heart area (you can use skin-safe ink or even trace it with your finger) to emanate that energy. You could also anoint yourself with a little essential oil (rose or jasmine for love) in the shape of the rune on your skin as a subtle ritual before meeting someone. It’s like wearing a secret symbol that boosts your confidence and attraction.

• Meditation and Visualization: A very accessible practice is to meditate on a love rune. Sit quietly, visualize the rune symbol in your mind or look at an image of it, and imagine it glowing with energy. See that energy flowing into you. For example, visualize Wunjo’s warmth filling your heart, or Sowilo’s sunlight illuminating your aura for confidence. This can bring the rune’s vibration into your own energy field. You might receive intuitive insights about your love life during such meditations, or simply feel more aligned with your goal.

• Dream Work: Place a rune under your pillow or near your bed to invite dreams and guidance about your love life. For instance, if you’re unsure about how to proceed with a relationship, you could put Laguz (for intuition) or Ansuz (for insight/communication) under your pillow and see if your dreams offer clarity. Many find that sleeping with a rune nearby can produce helpful symbols in dreams or simply set your subconscious to work on the problem.

• Journaling and Affirmations: Incorporate runes into your affirmation or manifestation routines. You can write about your feelings or goals in a journal and draw a rune that corresponds next to your words. For example, write an affirmation like “I am attracting a loyal, loving partner” and draw Ehwaz beside it. This merges the rune’s power with the affirmation. Some also doodle bindrunes in art or vision boards for love. Be creative – the act of drawing the rune while focusing on your intention is itself a spell.

• Combining with Other Rituals: Runes can be used alongside other love magic techniques. You might place rune symbols in a candle spell, add a rune-inscribed paper to a spell jar, or even bake a rune shape into a cake (kitchen magic!) for you and your partner to eat. If you work with deities (like Freyja or Venus/Aphrodite for love), you can draw runes on their candles or offerings to amplify the intention. The rune Algiz (protection) is sometimes added around love runes to protect the work from negativity.

No matter which method you choose, charging the rune with your personal energy and belief is vital. Runes are tools – they carry ancient archetypal energies, but you are the one who activates them. In practice, this means as you carve, draw, or hold the rune, concentrate on your desired outcome. You might speak words like, “By the power of this rune, I invite true love into my life,” or any phrasing that feels right. Some people like to use visualization (seeing the outcome as if it’s happening) and feel strong emotion (joy, love, gratitude) to “seal” the intention into the rune.

Finally, a note on ethics and belief: Use love runes responsibly and respectfully. It’s advised not to try to bend someone’s will with magic (like a forced love spell on a specific person), as this is believed to backfire or create negative energy. Instead, focus on attracting the right person or improving the love that is freely shared. Runes work best when you approach them with a positive, honest heart and a willingness to also put in real-world effort (such as communicating openly, being kind, etc.). They tend to support harmony and will reflect the energy you put out. Also, remember that rune magic is not a guaranteed fix – as one source notes, love runes are not about instant magical solutions but rather reflective tools that help you gain insight and channel your own inner power toward love. In other words, they work if you believe in them. Your belief and intention are the secret sauce that makes these ancient symbols come alive in your life.

With all that said, working with love runes can be a beautiful and enlightening experience. Many people report feeling more confident, hopeful, and attuned to loving energies after incorporating runic symbols into their practice. Whether you’re casting a spell for new love, creating a bindrune for a happy marriage, or simply wearing a rune talisman to remind you of the love you deserve, you are participating in an age-old tradition of using sacred symbols to navigate the human heart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which Norse rune symbolizes love?

There isn’t a single “official” rune that means love in the way a heart symbol does, but the Gebo rune (ᚷ) is often regarded as the closest representation of love. Gebo symbolizes the gift-exchange between partners and was historically used in Norse marriage rituals to mark the bond of love. In essence, it stands for partnership, mutual giving, and balanced love – think of it as the rune of a committed relationship. Other runes also symbolize aspects of love: Wunjo (ᚹ) represents the joy and bliss of love, Ehwaz (ᛖ) represents trust and loyalty between lovers, and Inguz (ᛜ) represents fertility and new beginnings (great for starting a family or new romance). So, if someone asks for a “Norse love rune,” Gebo is a great answer, but it comes with friends – love in the runes is multi-faceted.

How do I use runes to attract love or a partner?

You can use runes for love in rituals and everyday practices to focus your intention on attracting a partner. First, choose a rune (or runes) that align with what you desire – for example, Gebo for a balanced loving relationship, or Wunjo for a joyful romance. A simple method is to create a talisman: carve or draw the rune on a red candle, a piece of paper, or a small stone. Light the candle or hold the object while clearly visualizing the kind of partner or relationship you want, and imagine loving energy coming to you. You can also wear the rune as jewelry or draw it on your body (some people lightly trace a rune on their wrist or heart area before a date for luck!). Another powerful practice is meditation – close your eyes and meditate on the rune symbol, feeling its energy attracting love into your life.

Consistency helps; carry the rune with you or place it under your pillow to keep the intention active daily. Remember to stay proactive in real life too (meet people, socialize) – the runes work in tandem with your actions. The key is believe in the outcome and put genuine energy behind it. Many practitioners say that by charging the rune with your desire and belief, you essentially program it to help manifest love for you.

What is a love bindrune, and how can I make one?

A love bindrune (or runic stav) is a custom symbol where two or more runes are combined into one design to serve a specific love-related intention. Making one is a creative and personal process. Here’s how to do it: (1) Determine your exact intention (e.g., “I want to attract a new loving partner” or “I want to reconcile with my current partner”). (2) Select the runes that represent facets of that intention. For example, for attracting a new partner you might choose Gebo (partnership) + Wunjo (joy) + perhaps Sowilo (success/confidence) to help you shine. For reconciling, you might choose Berkana (healing) + Ansuz (communication) + Wunjo (harmony). (3) Sketch the runes so that their lines intersect or unify in a pleasing way – you can get artistic, as long as all the individual runes are still somewhat present. There’s no strict rule: some bindrunes stack runes, others overlay them. (4) Activate your bindrune.

This is crucial – hold your drawn design and focus on your intention, imagining the symbol glowing with energy. You might speak a vow or incantation over it, or perform a small ritual like lighting a candle or using incense. For instance, one popular love bindrune is Gebo + Wunjo, which brings together partnership and happiness for a harmonious relationship. Some also include Thurisaz with love runes to break past obstacles in a relationship, or Ehwaz with Gebo for lifelong loyalty. After creating the bindrune, you can carry it with you, place it on your altar, or use it in any love spell as a concentrated symbol of your wish. Essentially, a bindrune is like crafting a unique “spell sigil” from the runes – it’s very personal and can be incredibly potent when done with focus and heart.

Can runes help improve an existing relationship?

Yes, you can absolutely use runes to strengthen and heal an existing relationship. Several runes are perfect for this purpose. For deepening trust and teamwork with your partner, Ehwaz (ᛖ) is ideal – it represents a loyal partnership where two people move forward together in harmony. You might create a small Ehwaz talisman for both you and your partner to carry, symbolizing your unity. For improving communication or resolving misunderstandings, Ansuz (ᚨ) is the go-to rune – it can help open up honest dialogue and understanding between you. You could, for example, light a blue candle (color of communication) carved with Ansuz when you need to have an important heart-to-heart talk. If the relationship has been through hurt or trust issues, Berkana (ᛒ) can help with emotional healing and a fresh start.

Consider doing a simple ritual where you write what you want to heal or forgive on paper, draw Berkana over it, and then safely burn the paper to release past pain, all while asking Berkana’s energy to renew your bond. Additionally, Wunjo (ᚹ) can be used to rekindle joy and affection – maybe place Wunjo symbols around your home or in a photo frame with you and your partner to invite happy vibes. Many couples also do joint rune meditations: for instance, both partners hold a piece of rose quartz with a rune inscribed on it and meditate together on the positive qualities they want to enhance. Remember, runes can’t force someone to change, but they encourage the right energies. Using them with mutual consent and positivity can act as a catalyst for the two of you to communicate better, trust deeper, and bring back the spark.

Do love runes and rune spells really work?

The effectiveness of love runes (or any magical tool) depends a lot on your belief, intention, and effort. Runes aren’t a guarantee that Prince or Princess Charming will knock on your door tomorrow – and reputable sources emphasize that they’re not a magical quick-fix or an “assured result” machine. Instead, think of runes as focus tools or energy symbols that help you align your mindset and intentions with the outcome you want. When you cast a rune spell for love, you’re really sending a message to your own subconscious and the universe about what you’re ready for. If you truly believe in what you’re doing, stay positive, and also take practical steps in your life (like going out to meet people, working on communication, etc.), the runes tend to “work” in the sense that they amplify your efforts and may attract opportunities.

Many practitioners (myself included) have anecdotes of rune workings that seemed to open uncanny coincidences – like suddenly meeting someone special after carrying a love bindrune, or feeling a relationship improve after doing a rune ritual. Skeptics might call it placebo or just heightened awareness, but from a runologist’s perspective that’s fine – the bottom line is your belief is the magic. As I often say, everything works if you believe in it. So if you approach love runes with genuine faith in their power and a clear intention, you’re far more likely to experience results than if you’re half-hearted. Additionally, rune magic often works in subtle ways: it might bring you insight about yourself, encourage you to make a change that leads to love, or gently shift energies around you. Be open to signs and ready to act on opportunities the runes help create. In summary, love runes do work, but they work with you, not for you – your own energy is a huge part of the equation.

Is it safe and ethical to use runes for love spells?

When used with good intent, rune magic for love is quite safe and ethically sound. Runes themselves carry neutral energy – they’re not “dangerous” on their own. The potential risk or ethical issue comes with how you use them. It’s important to never try to force someone’s free will with any magic, including runes. Casting a rune spell to make a specific person love you crosses an ethical line (it’s akin to magical coercion) and is believed to possibly backfire or create unhappiness in the long run. Instead, focus on spells that invite love generally or improve the conditions for love, which keeps things within the realm of positivity and harm-none. For example, a spell to attract “an ideal loving partner” is preferable to naming a specific person. Also, avoid sending negative energy (like runes to break up a couple – bad idea).

The Norse belief (and many other traditions) holds that what you send out returns to you, so working with runes to spread love, joy, and honesty will bring those back to you, whereas using them with selfish or harmful motives could bring negativity back onto you. In practical terms, using love runes is as safe as lighting a candle for hope – just be respectful. On the flip side, don’t become overly dependent on magic. Use runes as support, but still make wise decisions and respect others’ boundaries in real life. If you do a love spell and someone new comes into your life, treat that situation normally – get to know them, ensure they treat you well, etc.

Magic aside, every relationship requires effort and discernment. In summary, love runes are safe when used with respectful intentions. They actually encourage you to come from a place of love and positivity yourself, which is a beautiful thing. As long as your heart is in the right place, you can feel confident and even spiritually supported in your quest for love.

Are there runes for self-love or friendship love?

Absolutely. Love isn’t just romantic – and the runes recognize that. For self-love and personal growth, a wonderful rune to work with is Eihwaz (ᛇ). Eihwaz is traditionally about endurance and defense, but one insightful interpretation is that it symbolizes self-empowerment and the strength within – a form of self-love that is about valuing your own journey and wisdom. Meditating with Eihwaz or carrying it can help reinforce your self-confidence and resilience, which are foundations of loving yourself. Another one is Mannaz (ᛗ) – which represents “mankind” or the self in the community. Mannaz can remind you to be a friend to yourself, to nurture your mind and well-being (it underscores the idea that a healthy relationship with yourself improves all other relationship). Berkana (ᛒ), mentioned earlier, is also great for self-love especially if you’re healing – it promotes self-care, recovery, and starting anew with fresh positive energy. You might do a ritual bath with the Berkana rune drawn on a candle to symbolically wash away self-negativity and embrace self-love.

For friendship or familial love, runes like Wunjo work nicely since it covers the joy and support we get from community and friends. Gebo can also represent platonic partnerships – any relationship of mutual giving, not only romantic. If you wish to strengthen a friendship, you and your friend could exchange small objects with Gebo drawn on them as a token of your bond. Algiz (ᛉ), the protection rune, is sometimes used to protect those we love (placing Algiz around someone’s name or photo as a blessing), which is a form of love in action. It’s beautiful to remember that the Viking concept of love was broad – it included loyalty to friends, family bonds, and self-respect. In modern practice, you can harness runes to bolster love in all these forms. For example, a self-love bindrune might combine Berkana + Wunjo (to heal yourself and find joy in your own company). For friendship, Mannaz + Wunjo could celebrate a joyful human connection. The possibilities are endless. Ultimately, any rune that speaks to you can be purposed for self-love or friendship if you set that intention. Love runes aren’t limited to romance – they are there to help with the universal experience of love, including the love we give ourselves and others dear to us.

I hope this detailed guide has answered all your questions about love runes and given you plenty of insights and ideas to work with. From ancient Viking weddings to modern-day spellwork, runes have a long history of illuminating the path of love in its many forms.

Remember: the true magic of runes lies in your sincerity and belief. When you use them with a clear heart and positive intent, they become powerful allies in manifesting and nurturing love. Whether you're seeking a soulmate, reigniting the spark in your relationship, or learning to love yourself more, the runes offer timeless wisdom and support. Happy rune crafting, and may love in all its beautiful forms find its way to you!