Rune Meanings and the Elder Futhark
Runes, the enigmatic symbols from the ancient world, have captivated us for centuries. They are not just letters, but vessels of deep meaning, communication and mysticism. This blog will touch on the history of runes to reveal their origin, evolution, and enduring legacy in the magical world, and present our interpretation of the Elder Futhark rune meanings.
The Rök runestone, Ödeshög Municipality, Östergötland, Sweden
Origins in the Nordic World
The story of runes begins in the Nordic and Germanic regions of Europe. The earliest runic inscriptions date back to around 150 AD. These alphabets, known as "futhark" after the first six letters (F, U, Þ, A, R, K), were used by the early Germanic peoples.
The Elder Futhark: The First Runic Alphabet
The Elder Futhark, the oldest form of the runic alphabets, comprises 24 characters. Each rune is not just a letter but a symbol with its own name and meaning, often linked to Norse mythology and beliefs. They were used for various purposes, including writing, divination, and magical rituals.
The Viking Era: Transformation and Expansion
During the Viking Age (c. 8th to 11th centuries), runes underwent significant changes. The alphabet evolved into the Younger Futhark with a reduced number of 16 characters. This period saw the runes spread across the Viking world, from Scandinavia to far-flung areas like Britain and Greenland.
The Runes in Medieval Times
In the medieval period, runes continued to be used, particularly in rural areas of Scandinavia. However, with the spread of Christianity and the Latin alphabet, the use of runes gradually declined. Despite this, they retained their mystical and magical connotations.
The History of Runes in the British Isles
The history of runes in the British Isles is a tale of cultural exchange, migration, and adaptation. Runes, the ancient scripts of the Germanic peoples, made their way to the British Isles through various channels, leaving traces of their presence and influence in this diverse and storied region.
Roman Influence: The Roman occupation of Britain from 43 to 410 CE brought with it the Latin alphabet. While the Romans themselves did not use runes, their contact with Germanic tribes on the European continent may have indirectly introduced the runic script to the British Isles.
Anglo-Saxon England: The Anglo-Saxon migration to England in the 5th and 6th centuries CE played a significant role in the introduction of runes to the British Isles. These Germanic settlers brought their runic writing traditions with them. Runic inscriptions on various artefacts, such as jewellery, weapons, and burial stones, bear witness to their presence.
Christian Adaptation: With the spread of Christianity in the British Isles, the Latin alphabet became the dominant script for written communication. However, runes did not disappear entirely. They were occasionally used in Christian contexts, often to inscribe religious texts or mark grave sites.
Norse Influence: The Viking Age, which spanned from the late 8th to the early 11th century, saw Norse raiders and settlers establish a significant presence in parts of the British Isles, especially in northern and eastern regions. This influence extended to runic inscriptions on objects like rune stones, memorial stones, and personal belongings.
The Manuscripts: One of the most famous runic artefacts from the British Isles is the Ruthwell Cross, an Anglo-Saxon cross from Scotland adorned with runic inscriptions. Additionally, the Franks Casket, a unique whalebone chest, features runic inscriptions alongside Latin text. These artefacts provide valuable insights into the coexistence of different scripts and cultures.
Decline and Preservation: Over time, runes gradually fell out of use in favour of the Latin script. Nevertheless, their memory and significance were preserved, especially in regions with a strong Norse heritage, such as the Orkney and Shetland Islands. In these areas, runic inscriptions persisted well into the medieval period.
Today, the legacy of runes in the British Isles lives on in archaeological discoveries, historical records, and the interest of modern practitioners of runic magic and divination. While the Latin alphabet became the standard for written communication, runes continue to whisper their ancient secrets, connecting the present to the fascinating tapestry of the past in this diverse and historically rich region.
Runes in Modern Times: Revival and Popular Culture
In modern times, there has been a revival of interest in runes, partly fuelled by their portrayal in popular culture and their association with paganism and esotericism. This revival is particularly noticeable among those who follow neo-pagan and New Age spiritual paths, such as Wicca. These symbols serve as a bridge to our ancestors, offering insights into their world and beliefs. Whether used for historical research, artistic inspiration, or spiritual practice, runes continue to enchant and inspire us.
Using runes in magic and spiritual practice
Understanding rune meanings involves a deep dive into the symbolism and historical context of each symbol. Whether you're interested in divination, spellwork, or simply uncovering the wisdom of the past, rune meanings hold valuable insights. Practitioners often use runes for:
Divination: Casting or drawing runes to gain insights into life path, decisions, and future.
Spell work: Inscribing runes on candles, crystals, or other magical tools to amplify the power and intent of spells.
Meditation: Meditating on individual runes or combinations to connect with their energies and wisdom.
Talismans and Amulets: Wearing or carrying runic symbols as protective talismans or amulets.
Elder Futhark rune meanings
Runes, the ancient alphabetic symbols used in various Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin alphabet, hold a variety of meanings that differ depending on cultural, historical, academic and personal perspectives.
In historical terms, runes were primarily used for inscriptions, offering insights into the languages and practices of early Germanic peoples. From a cultural viewpoint, they have been imbued with mystical and divinatory properties, especially within Norse and other pagan traditions. Modern interpretations often draw on these older beliefs, integrating them into various neo-pagan practices, including Wicca.
Each rune symbol is generally associated with a specific sound, concept, or element of nature, but their meanings can vary significantly depending on the interpretive framework used, ranging from literal phonetic significance to complex symbolic and spiritual interpretations. Below are the general meanings that we have gained in over 30 years of spiritual practice, and we always recommend researching and working with the runes to discover how each rune and meaning resonates with you.
The illustrated runes below are available as PNG and SVG files from our Etsy shop.
Upright meaning: Protection, defence, and weathering the storm.
Reversed meaning: Vulnerability, lack of protection and being caught off guard.
Upright meaning: Communication, mysteries and writing.
Reversed meaning: Miscommunication, lies and trickery.
Upright meaning: New beginnings, birth, fertility & regeneration.
Reversed meaning: Difficult or failed start to a plan or project.
Upright meaning: Transition, day, light, divine message & renewal.
Reversed meaning: Dagaz has no reversed meaning.
Upright meaning: Travel, mobility, change of location, boundaries.
Reversed meaning: Stagnation in your location, freedom or creativity.
Upright meaning: Major transition, rebirth, life and death.
Reversed meaning: Eihwaz has no reversed meaning.
Upright meaning: Wealth, prosperity and good luck.
Reversed meaning: Material loss, greed and financial struggle.
Upright meaning: Giving and receiving of gifts, exchange and love.
Reversed meaning: Gebo has no reversed meaning.
Upright meaning: Disruption, change, delay, hail and hostility.
Reversed meaning: Hagalaz has no reversed meaning.
Upright meaning: Sexuality, fertility, ancestry and energy.
Reversed meaning: Inguz has no reversed meaning.
Upright meaning: Ice, deadlock, frozen, waiting and renewal.
Reversed meaning: Isa has no reversed meaning.
Upright meaning: Harvest, fertility & growth, reaping what you sow.
Reversed meaning: Jera has no reversed meaning.
Upright meaning: Fire, heat, warmth and flame of knowledge.
Reversed meaning: Fire though bright can burn.
Upright meaning: Journey by water, travel overseas, inner journey.
Reversed meaning: This is a difficult time for travel and journeys.
Upright meaning: Talents, creativity, love, inspiration, partnership.
Reversed meaning: Talents being wasted or laying dormant.
Upright meaning: Hardship, struggle, karmic challenge and bonds.
Reversed meaning: Naughiz has no reversed meaning.
Upright meaning: Home, property, security, inheritance and contentment.
Reversed meaning: A loss of security or home.
Upright meaning: Pleasure, fun, gaming, celebration and play.
Reversed meaning: A lack of fun, sadness and melancholy.
Upright meaning: Movement, progress, journey and action.
Reversed meaning: A failed journey and a lack of progress.
Upright meaning: Enlightenment, growth and prosperity, energy.
Reversed meaning: Sowulo has no reversed meaning.
Upright meaning: Challenge, disorder, difficulties and pain.
Reversed meaning: Intense storms of challenge and difficulty stand in your way.
Upright meaning: Opposition, battle, bravery, justice, warrior.
Reversed meaning: A lost cause, a futile battle, refusal to let go.
Upright meaning: Initiation, strength of will and rite of passage.
Reversed meaning: Fear of difficulties or failure.
Upright meaning: Joy, happiness, bliss, blessings and good wishes.
Reversed meaning: Negativity, unhappiness and loneliness.
How to read runes for beginners
Reading runes can be a fascinating and enriching practice, particularly in the context of divination, personal reflection or spiritual growth.
Each method of rune reading has its own strengths, and the choice of technique often depends on the question at hand, the context of the reading, and personal preference.
Rune reading methods you might explore:
Single Rune Draw: This is a simple method where you draw one rune from a bag whilst focusing on a question that you would like more clarity on.
Rune Spread: Similar to tarot card spreads, rune spreads involve laying out multiple runes in a specific pattern. Each position in the pattern has a meaning, and the rune in that position speaks to that aspect of the question or situation. Common spreads include the three rune Past, Present, Future or the Five-Rune spread.
Rune Casting: This involves casting a handful of runes onto a cloth or surface. The pattern they fall in and their proximity to each other can be interpreted. Some practitioners focus on the runes that land face up, while others consider the position and orientation of all runes in the casting.
Runic Meditation: In this method, you focus on a single rune, delving deeply into its meanings, mythologies, and associations. This can be a form of meditation or a way to deeply connect with the rune's energies and insights.
Daily Rune: Drawing a rune each day to provide guidance or reflection for the day ahead. This practice can help in attuning oneself to the runic energies and developing a deeper understanding of each symbol over time.
Combining Runes with Other Practices: Some incorporate runes into other spiritual practices, like using them in conjunction with crystal healing, incorporating them into spell work, carving into candles, drawing on talismans or using them as part of a larger ritual.
Journaling with Runes: After drawing a rune or doing a spread, write about your interpretations, feelings, and insights. This can help deepen your understanding and create a personal connection with the runes.
