Runes: Meaning and Description

Hello! My name is Julia, and I am a practicing runologist. In this article, I'll share firsthand all my most valuable knowledge about runes – their meaning, description, and ways of use. Without any unnecessary fluff, we’ll examine the history of the runes’ origin, their magical and esoteric aspects, break down the meaning of each rune, and also learn how to use them in divination. I’m sure these details will be especially interesting to anyone looking for information on the meaning and description of runes.

Content:

• What are runes?

• History of the Runes and Mythology

• The Futhark Alphabet

• The Meanings of the 24 Runes

• Divination with Runes

• Using Runes in Magical Practice

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are runes?

Runes are the letters of a particular ancient Germanic alphabet (the futhark) that appeared around the 2nd century A.D. and were used by the peoples of Scandinavia and other parts of Northern Europe. The word “rune” originally means “mystery” or “secret” in the languages of the ancient Germanic peoples. Runes were originally a writing system – that is, they were used to carve inscriptions on stone, wood, or metal. The runes had angular, straight-lined shapes – most likely because they were carved on hard surfaces such as wooden tablets or rocks.

However, runes are not just an alphabet. From the very beginning, they were ascribed a special sacred significance. Each rune was considered to carry a certain magical meaning and energy. The ancient Scandinavians believed that runes were connected to secret forces of nature and the gods, and could serve as keys to wisdom and prophecy. It’s no coincidence that the very name “runes” is related to the concept of mystery. Runic symbols were carved not only for writing, but also for protection (in the form of amulets), for rituals, healing, and of course for divination. For example, archaeologists find many everyday objects with runic inscriptions – weapons, jewelry – which were worn as talismans. Thus, from the start runes had a dual nature: on one hand a practical use as a script, and on the other an esoteric one, as bearers of mystical meanings.

History of the Runes and Mythology

Historically, the first confirmed runic inscriptions date back to the 2nd–3rd centuries AD. The runic alphabet that is most well-known today is called the Elder Futhark. It consisted of 24 characters and was used by Germanic and Scandinavian tribes during the Iron Age and the Viking Age. Thanks to the Vikings, runes spread throughout Scandinavia, the British Isles, and even reached continental Europe. Gradually, with the adoption of Christianity, runic writing fell out of use, but by that time it already had a rich magical reputation.

According to Norse mythology, the origin of runes is explained as a divine gift. The legend of Odin says that the supreme god Odin voluntarily sacrificed himself to gain knowledge of the runes’ secret. He hung for nine days and nights, pierced by his own spear, on the World Tree Yggdrasil, taking no food or drink. At the end of this grueling ordeal, Odin saw the runes – the hidden secrets of the universe – and grasped their knowledge. After that, he shared the runes with humans, revealing these magical signs to them. Thus, in the myths, runes are presented as a sacred gift of the gods, granting access to ancient wisdom and power. No wonder each runic symbol is traditionally associated with a specific Norse deity or natural force.

Interestingly, even the Roman historian Tacitus in the 1st century AD mentioned a divination ritual among the Germanic tribes: they cast wooden sticks inscribed with symbols and interpreted the signs that turned up. This is essentially the earliest description of rune divination. Thus, the use of runes in divination has very deep roots.

The Futhark Alphabet and the Structure of the Runic System

The classic ancient runic alphabet is called the Elder Futhark (named after its first six runes F – U – Þ – A – R – K). It consists of 24 main runes, each of which corresponded to a certain sound (letter) and at the same time had its own name and symbolic meaning. The entire futhark is divided into three groups of eight runes, which are traditionally called ætts (from the Old Norse word “ætt,” meaning “clan” or “family”).

• First ætt (Freya’s ætt) – includes the first eight runes. It is associated with themes of material well-being, abundance, life force, and basic life blessings. This is like the level of the world’s creation and the establishment of order: the runes of the first ætt are responsible for prosperity, fertility, health, and joy.

• Second ætt (Heimdall’s ætt) – includes the next eight runes. Its meanings are related to trials, changes, overcoming difficulties, and transformation. Here arise concepts of obstacles, necessity, fate, protection – all the things people go through in life as they face challenges and change themselves.

• Third ætt (Tyr’s ætt) – includes the final eight runes of the futhark. It symbolizes spiritual development, higher values, issues of honor, love, self-knowledge, and connection with the divine. The runes of the third ætt encompass ideas of self-sacrifice, wisdom, justice, growth of the soul, and unity with one’s kin and ancestors.

The division into ætts is mentioned in some sources on runology, although this structuring may be a later tradition. Nevertheless, it helps to memorize and systematize the meanings of the runes.

It is important to note that each rune has multiple levels of meaning. Typically, we consider three aspects:

1. Rune name – the historical name, often associated with an object or concept (for example, Fehu means “cattle,” Gebo – “gift,” Tiwaz – “the god Tyr,” etc.).

2. Graphic symbol – the visual shape of the sign itself, which can also evoke associations.

3. Deeper energy or meaning – the archetypal sense invested in the rune as a magical symbol.

In divination, one more facet is added: the rune’s position. Many runes (though not all) can come out upright or reversed, and the interpretation depends on that. An upright position usually carries the rune’s basic or “direct” meaning, while a reversed position warns of a distortion or obstacle, i.e. gives a slightly different shade of meaning (often the opposite). For example, the rune Wunjo upright means joy and success, whereas reversed it signifies sorrow or discord. We will take this into account in the descriptions.

The Meanings of the 24 Runes of the Elder Futhark

Now let’s consider each of the twenty-four runes of the Elder Futhark – its name (from the Old Norse tradition), approximate pronunciation, and main meaning in the context of divination and magic. I’ll provide a brief summary of each rune’s essence, without excessive details, so that you get a clear idea.

• Fehu (ᚠ) – wealth, abundance. Symbolizes material wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Indicates acquisitions, luck in finances, and the fulfillment of desires achieved through effort. (Reversed: loss, deprivation.)

• Uruz (ᚢ) – strength, vital energy. Means the power of natural forces and health. This rune represents inner strength, masculinity, endurance, and transformative changes for the better, often associated with overcoming illness or weakness. (Reversed: loss of strength, illness.)

• Thurisaz (ᚦ) – protection, challenge. Literally “giant, thorn.” This rune signifies the need to confront unwelcome conflicts or threats. It personifies protection, the ability to defend one’s boundaries, and also warns of possible danger or abrupt changes. (Reversed: vulnerability, loss of control.)

• Ansuz (ᚨ) – inspiration, knowledge. The name is linked to the Aesir gods (Odin). The rune symbolizes a divine message, wisdom, communication, and learning. It indicates receiving important information, advice from a wise mentor, or an epiphany. (Reversed: deception, misunderstanding, confusion.)

• Raidō (ᚱ) – journey, path. Means a road, moving forward, progress. In a spread it indicates a trip, a change of scenery, or the development of a situation. Associated with choosing the right time and direction. (Reversed: delays, stagnation, or going in the wrong direction.)

• Kenaz (ᚲ) – illumination, creativity. Literally “torch,” or according to one version “ulcer/disease.” It symbolizes inner light – knowledge, art, the revelation of talents, clarification of a situation. The Kenaz rune brings clarity, helps to see the hidden and transform through understanding. (Reversed: extinguishing of inspiration, instability.)

• Gebo (ᚷ) – gift, partnership. Means the exchange of gifts, energy exchange, cooperation. This rune is about the balance of giving and receiving, about love, friendship, and forging alliances. Drawing Gebo often indicates collaboration or a gift of fate. (Reversed: It is considered that Gebo has no reversed meaning – a gift remains a gift.)

• Wunjo (ᚹ) – joy, luck. A symbol of joy, happiness, harmony, and success. It foretells the fulfillment of wishes, a favorable completion of affairs, a period of happiness and mutual understanding. Often signifies a celebration, achieving a goal, family happiness. (Reversed: sorrow, disappointment, discord.)

• Hagalaz (ᚺ) – destruction, chaos. Literally “hail” – a sudden natural strike. This rune signifies unexpected upheavals, crisis events that, however, have a purifying character. Hagalaz is a symbol of a trial that one must go through for further growth. (Reversed: not used, since the symbol is symmetrical.)

• Nauthiz (ᚾ) – need, constraint. Means a situation of necessity, lack or compulsion. This rune points to internal or external limitations, pressure of circumstances, or enforced patience. Nauthiz’s advice is to show perseverance and discipline, to learn a lesson from need. (Reversed: burnout, ignoring your true needs.)

• Isa (ᛁ) – ice, stagnation. It symbolizes stasis, pause, a freeze in the situation. When Isa comes up, it often means that now is a time of standstill and waiting; progress is temporarily halted. The rune of ice advises you to have patience and remain calm. (Reversed: no separate meaning, since it looks the same.)

• Jera (ᛃ) – harvest, cycle. The name means “year.” Jera is the rune of fertility and reward for efforts. It points to reaping the fruits of labor, the arrival of a favorable period after hard work. It is also a symbol of the yearly cycle and the change of seasons – reminding that everything happens in its own time. (Reversed: not applicable, Jera has a single meaning.)

• Eihwaz (ᛇ) – transformation, protection. Connected with the World Tree (yew). Eihwaz personifies transitions between worlds, death and rebirth, the end of one phase and the beginning of a new one. It is also considered a powerful protective symbol, linking the earthly and the heavenly. Helps to endure changes steadfastly and be transformed. (Reversed: not applicable.)

• Perthro (ᛈ) – mystery, fate. The historical meaning of this rune is not completely clear (possibly “lot, chance”). In divination, Perthro means hidden forces of fate, secrets that will only be revealed later. It often indicates a surprise, the unveiling of a secret, or the need to accept the game of chance. A rune of mysteries and karmic cause-and-effect connections. (Reversed: disappointment, loss of faith, a “run of bad luck.”)

• Algiz (ᛉ) – protection, guardianship. The shape of this rune resembles a figure with raised arms or an elk’s antlers. Algiz is a powerful ward, a symbol of higher protection. It speaks of the need for caution, warns of danger, but at the same time gives support from above. Often it means a guardian angel, protection of loved ones, an intuitive sense of threat. (Reversed: feeling of helplessness, vulnerability.)

• Sowilo (ᛋ) – sun, success. The rune of victory, triumph, and a successful conclusion. Sowilo embodies the sun’s energy – life force, joy, enlightenment. It indicates being in a winning position, achieving a goal, luck in undertakings. Often means that “the darkness will dissipate, a bright period is coming.” (Reversed: not applicable, as the symbol doesn’t change when flipped.)

• Tiwaz (ᛏ) – honor, justice. Named after the god Tyr. This is the warrior’s rune, symbolizing valor, self-sacrifice, and loyalty to duty. Drawing Tiwaz speaks to the need to show determination, stand up for a just cause, and uphold the principle of honor. It often indicates victory if one acts with noble motives. (Reversed: passivity, lack of courage or authority.)

• Berkana (ᛒ) – birch, birth. A rune of the feminine principle, fertility, and family well-being. Berkana means growth, development, the birth of something new – be it the birth of a child, the creation of a family, or the start of a project. It is a symbol of maternal care, healing, and the home hearth. (Reversed: fruitless efforts, stagnation without result.)

• Ehwaz (ᛖ) – horse, forward movement. It personifies cooperation (horse and rider), progress through partnership, trust and loyalty. It indicates steady, confident advancement, a relocation or changes for the better through joint efforts. (Reversed: restlessness, distrust, delays in movement.)

• Mannaz (ᛗ) – person, self. The rune of human nature and community. Mannaz is connected to intellect, memory, and the traditions of society. In a spread it can signify the querent themselves or an important person to them. It also symbolizes finding oneself, self-knowledge, and interaction with the collective. (Reversed: isolation, alienation, self-deception.)

• Laguz (ᛚ) – water, intuition. The energy of flowing water – intuition, emotions, the flow of life. Laguz means diving into the subconscious, trusting your feelings, adaptability. It often advises to “go with the flow,” be flexible, and listen to your inner voice. It is also connected with feminine energy and the healing powers of water. (Reversed: blockage of intuition, fear of change.)

• Ingwaz (ᛜ) – fertility, completion. The name comes from the fertility god Ing (Freyr). Ingwaz is a rune of creative energy, of potential that must be realized. It often means a successful completion of a phase, a result after which a new beginning comes. It symbolizes family happiness, continuation of the lineage, inner completeness, and peace after a job well done. (Reversed: not used.)

• Othala (ᛟ) – heritage, lineage. The rune of ancestral property and inheritance. It means heritage – not necessarily material, but also cultural or spiritual. Associated with home, family, traditions, homeland. In divination it points to family values, ancestral legacy, as well as issues of property or housing. It can mean finding one’s place in life. (Reversed: burdens of familial problems, inability to “break away” from old patterns.)

• Dagaz (ᛞ) – day, dawn. The last rune of the futhark, it symbolizes great awakening and transformation. Dagaz is the rune of dawn, illumination, a major turning point in life for the better. It points to a moment of “breakthrough” from darkness to light, the successful end of a dark period, a new epoch. A very positive sign, promising clarity, intuitive understanding, and happiness. (Reversed: not applicable, it is symmetrical.)

As you can see, each rune is a rich symbol that combines a simple image (for example, ice, sun, horse) with a deep conceptual meaning. Together, the 24 runes form a kind of model of the universe, describing different spheres of a person’s life: from material wealth and relationships to the spiritual path and destiny. No wonder runes are called the language of archetypes. In divination, combinations of these symbols provide a multifaceted picture of a situation.

Divination with Runes – How Does It Work?

In modern practice, runes are widely used for divination and self-analysis. I want to note right away that rune divination is not a direct prediction of a guaranteed future. Rather, it’s a way to peer into the depths of the subconscious and understand hidden influences on a situation. By drawing certain symbols, the runologist reads advice and warnings that reflect the likely course of events under the current set of circumstances. The future is not carved in stone – runes only help you realize where you are heading and what options are open to you. If the forecast is unfavorable, a person always has the freedom to change their actions and, accordingly, change the outcome.

How does the divination work? Usually you need a full set of 24 runes (some sets include a 25th blank rune, which we’ll talk about below). The runes are mixed in a pouch. After posing a question or turning to the runes for advice, the practitioner draws a certain number of symbols. There are many spreads: from a simple one-rune advice for the day to complex combinations. One popular layout is a three-rune spread. In it:

• the first rune (on the right) shows the essence of the current situation or question,

• the second (in the center) – the main challenge or obstacle,

• the third (on the left) – a possible solution or outcome under the given conditions.

For example, I often use this spread for quick analysis: the first rune tells what is, the second – what hinders, the third – what to do. This format is surprisingly good at clarifying any problem. Another option is to draw a rune of the day each morning to get advice for the coming day.

When divining, it’s important to get into the right mindset: I usually light a candle, spend a few seconds breathing calmly, and formulate the question as clearly as possible in my mind. Then I make sure to mix the runes in the pouch, trusting my intuition, and draw the needed number of symbols. If any come out reversed, I take that into account in the interpretation (as we mentioned, for most runes this changes the meaning). Next, I carefully analyze the combination of symbols, “listening” to the associations. Rune interpretation is a creative process that involves not only knowledge but also the diviner’s intuition. Often the meaning isn’t immediately clear; the runes sort of give a hint and “nudge” you toward the answer, and the understanding of the spread may come later, once you reflect on the message received.

In my practice, I’ve noticed that runes answer questions in very figurative ways. For example, if a person is about to overcome difficulties, Hagalaz (storm, trial) might come up, and next to it Raidō – the road. Or for a question about a new venture, it’s common to get a combination of Fehu (resources, profit) and Sowilo (success) – which quite straightforwardly points to good fortune in the undertaking. In this way, runes provide food for thought, highlighting the key elements of a situation. It truly is an ancient “language of the Universe,” allowing you to receive advice and see the hidden connections between events.

Using Runes in Magical Practice

Besides divination, runes have long been used in various esoteric practices. Each rune carries its own vibration, so they are used individually or in combinations to attract the needed energies. For example, runes are drawn or carved on amulets for protection, luck, love, and so on. For instance, amulets with the rune Algiz (for protection) or Fehu (for wealth) are popular. Runologists also compose runic formulas (stavs) – special combinations of several runes written as one – which serve as a kind of spell for a specific goal (protection of the home, healing, success in affairs, etc.).

Meditating on runes allows you to feel their energy more deeply: for example, by holding a rune in your hands or visualizing its symbol, you can focus on its meaning and receive insights. Many practitioners advise making a rune set yourself – carving them on wood or painting them on stones – as this way you establish a personal connection with each symbol and charge them with your energy. In fact, I made my first set myself from a slice of an apple tree branch, and to this day I consider it the most “talkative” one.

The main thing is to work with runes respectfully and with a pure intention. You must not try to harm anyone with their help or use them out of selfish motives – it’s believed that this can bring negativity back onto you. Runes support harmony and require responsibility from the one who turns to them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are runes and what are they used for?

Runes are ancient symbols – originally the letters of the Germanic alphabet – that served both for writing and for magical purposes. Each rune has its own name and sacred meaning. Runes are used for divination (receiving advice, predicting future trends), for protection and attracting what is desired (inscribing them on amulets and talismans), and also simply as a tool for self-discovery. Simply put, runes are needed to establish a connection with the wisdom of the universe and the subconscious, to get answers to pressing questions and obtain the support of higher powers.

Is it true that runes predict the future?

Runes do not show the future as something rigidly predetermined – they rather help you understand the present situation and suggest a likely outcome if nothing is changed. In divination, runes sort of reflect your current life path and indicate where it leads if the same circumstances continue. If you don’t like the predicted option, you can always adjust your behavior, and the future will change. Thus, runes work not as a fatal verdict, but as a compass or mirror: they reveal hidden influences, warn of possible difficulties, give advice. Many note that rune spreads greatly develop intuition and help you see what you hadn’t realized before.

How many runes are in the runic alphabet, and why is there a blank rune in the set?

The classic Scandinavian alphabet – the Elder Futhark – consists of 24 runes. Sometimes a so-called blank rune (Odin’s rune) is added to them, but historically the blank rune is a modern innovation. No evidence of using an empty symbol is found in ancient times. The blank rune was introduced in the late 20th century for divination, an idea popularized by Ralph Blum in 1982. Some practitioners use it as a sign of “the unknown/fate in God’s hands,” others set it aside immediately, considering that there is no point in a blank stone. In total, a set can have 24 or 25 runes. But for divination the basic twenty-four are quite enough. If you come across a set with a blank rune, it’s up to you to decide whether to work with it or not. The classical tradition manages without it, and I personally also prefer not to use the blank rune.

What do I need to start doing rune readings?

First, you will need a set of runes – 24 (or 25) stones, wooden tiles or other objects with runic symbols on them. Nowadays you can buy them (there are sets made of wood, stone, crystals and even on cards) or make them yourself. For beginners, I recommend initially getting a ready-made inexpensive set – for example, wooden or stone – together with a pouch for storage. By and large, the material of the runes does not affect the result; your mindset is what matters. Besides the runes, it’s advisable to have a small cloth or mat to lay down when doing a reading – this creates a special space and prevents the runes from getting lost.

Can you make runes yourself, and how should they be stored?

Yes, making your own set is a great idea. Many runologists are sure that runes carved or painted by your own hand are charged with the creator’s energy and work more powerfully. You can take slices of wood, pebbles or even clay and apply the symbols (with paint, by burning or carving). It’s a creative and meditative process that brings you closer to each rune. Runes should be stored carefully: usually they are kept in a pouch made of natural fabric or in a wooden box.

It’s important that the set is your personal one; it’s not recommended for outsiders to touch your runes. If that happens – some practitioners perform a cleansing, for example, smudging the set with herb smoke or leaving it overnight under the moonlight. But overall, it’s enough to treat the runes with respect, and then they will remain your faithful counselors for many years.

Is rune divination dangerous?

The runes themselves are neither evil nor good – they are a tool. Danger can only lie in improper use. If you inquire about something with bad intentions or try to harm others with the help of runes, that is ethically wrong and can result in negativity for you. In the Norse sagas there are hints that incorrect use of runes is fraught with troubles. Therefore, stick to noble intentions. The second aspect is psychological: the results of divination can strongly influence your decisions. You shouldn’t rely on the runes blindly or do readings too often out of anxiety. It’s better to use them as a hint, not as a final verdict.

With a reasonable, respectful approach, rune divination is a safe and even beneficial practice of self-discovery. They help you sort yourself out and understand the situation, and do not summon any dark forces (that’s a myth). I always begin any work with runes with a positive attitude and gratitude, and then the experience works out for the good.

I hope this detailed overview of runes, their meanings and descriptions was helpful and informative for you. Runes are an amazing tool, proven by centuries. From material matters to spiritual quests – they can shed light on any aspects of life, suggest a solution and support with advice. Remember: the key is sincerity of intentions and respect for the ancient wisdom contained in these symbols. Then the runes will surely reveal their secrets to you and become a reliable guide on your journey. I wish you the best of luck in mastering the art of runes!