Viking Magic Runes Mythology Symbols And Meanings

The runes are the ancient Nordic characters mainly used in Scandinavia. Apart from being used in writing, they were also carved on the surfaces of animal hides, wood chips, stones, crystal, metal or jewels. In addition, they were used in divination as magical characters. The runes on every runestone describe the story and meaning of these ancient characters. It is related to an ancient art of divination, which is currently still popular in the UK, Norway, Sweden, Denmark as well as Iceland and Faroe Islands.

The meaning of runes

The word “runes” was possibly derived from “runa” in Gothic language, which meant “whispering in secret”. Later it was applied to a set of Nordic or Germanic alphabet originally used for magic purposes. In divination with runes, every character has its corresponding interpretation and other additional deep meaning. Apart from being related to “runa” in Gothic language, the word “rune” was also believed to be derived from “raunen” in Germanic language, which meant “cutting” or “carving”.

The origin of runes

The origin of runes remains unclear today. The runic spells used by ancient Nordic people appeared in historical records as a result of word-of-mouth between the 1^st and 2^nd century BC. And the trade between the Nordic region and Mediterranean region facilitated the formation of runes. At first, the runes were a kind of natural magic system. It was related to seasons, emphasized natural power and state, and brought people enlightenments and oracle.

The legend of runes

As we just said above, the origin of runes remains unclear today. According to legends, the runic divination system was created by the lord god Odin, who obtained the wisdom of runes, that is, the wisdom of Mimisbrunnr, at the cost of losing his right eye. It is said that Odin hung himself on the World Tree Yggdrasil for nine days and nine nights to think about the mystery of universe, so as to obtain superior wisdom. And he understood the runes when he got down from Yggdrasil.

A description of runic alphabet

There were 24 characters and a “null character” (blankstone) in runic alphabet. Strictly speaking, null character is not runic character, but it was often used in divination to stand for infinite possibility and unforeseen possibility in life. Therefore, we can see 25 runestones today. The runestone can be made with any natural substances. It is best to be two-palm-sized so as to wrap 25 divination stones, no longer than 4cm, no wider than 3cm and no thicker than 1cm.

In ancient times, runes could not only be used in divination but also used to seek desired results. When people had desires or wishes, they picked out corresponding characters from runic alphabet, wrote them down on paper or carved them on wood and stones, and carried them with themselves at all times. When the runic scripts worked and wishes came true, they would be burnt devoutly and respectfully. People also believed it is polite to appreciate the help of runic alphabet. In the sense of modern psychology, the ritual to prepare for runic scripts requires spiritual concentration and peace. It might make people’s mind start an optimal operation and best process for an expected future. Such use of runic scripts is not for foretelling or seeing through the future, but creating the future.

Various versions of runes

Elder Futhark/ancient runes

Elder Futhark consists of 24 characters divided into three groups of eight, known as an ætt. They are said to be the oldest version of runic alphabet and were once used by Germanic people in Europe and particularly Scandinavia. Other versions were possibly developed on the basis of it.

Gothic runes

Goths developed an early branch of runes, which was the version of ancient runes used in Gothic language till being replaced by a new version around 500 AD.

Younger Futhark

Younger Futhark consists of 16 runes which began to be used in Scandinavia around 8^th AD. It was a runic alphabet developed from Elder Futhark, also known as the Viking runes for its usage from the Viking Age. During the Viking Age, it was the main alphabet used in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Slightly different versions of Younger Futhark were created after integrating into local culture.

Medieval (Latin) runes

When Christianity was introduced into Scandinavia, runic alphabet was replaced by Latin alphabet, which was basically developed from Younger Futhark with some variation.

Armanen runes

Armanen runes consist of 18 characters barely different from Elder Futhark. But it was created by a German, Guido List. Today it is still used by some Germanic paganism.

Anglo-Saxon runes

Anglo-Saxon people brought runes to European continent in the 5^th century, and they added a few new characters to Elder Futhark and developed it up to 33 runes.

Northumbrian Runes

Northumbrian Runes was an extended version of Anglo-Saxon runes, which added 4 more runes to the Anglo-Saxon runic alphabet, making the total of 33 runes.

Runes and their meaning

Rune 1 Mannaz

MANNAZ – The Self
Remain modest – that is the right of the oracle. Be in the world, but not from the world. Stay receptive to impulses, that come out of the divine in the inner and outer sphere. Seek to live the usual life in an unusual manner.

If you take the ‘itself’ rune and cut through it in the middle, you are going to receive the rune of joy and its reflection. So there is a fine warning not to be careless. The acrobatically dancing energy of the balance is asked here to bring its higher itself. Nothing in the excess – that was the second request that was to be read at the entrance to the delphish temple. The first advice read: Recognize you yourself!

Rune 2 Gebo

GEBO – a Partnership, a Gift
If this rune is pulled, that is a sign that unity, union or partnership is near. But you are requested, not to throw yourself into this connection. A true partnership can only consist of two independent, healthy beings, that preserve there own independence also in this union. This advice is important at all levels: in romantic relationships, in commercial things, simply in partnerships of every type.

Rune 3 Fehu

FEHU – Property, Food, Livestock
Fehu is the rune of fulfillment: ambition satisfied, salary received, fulfilled love. It also promises food, from the commonplace to the holy divine. This rune requires a deep exploration of the importance of profit in your life. Another aspect of Fehu is the conservation and preservation of what has already been won. Caution and vigilance are necessary, especially in happy times. Even if there is a reason for celebration, don’t be distracted by reckless bliss.

Rune 4 Othila

OTHILA – Separation, Withdrawal, Heir
This is the time of your ways separating. Old skin must shed, outdated relationships need to be given up. If this rune appears, a “molting” is necessary. Othila is a rune of the radical separation. Obedience and probably also withdrawal is necessary – to know, when and how you need to withdraw, and to actually have the determination, to do it. Property is also an aspect of this rune, because Othila is the rune of the acquisition and profit. The profit however, that “heir”, which you receive, could likely be made of something that you need to abandon. This process can be especially hard if that what needs to be abandoned is something of your cultural heir and backing. Not ‘rigidly’ but rather like a ‘river’ is the correct attitude to have. And yet – you have to wait that the universe begins to act.

Rune 5 Uruz

URUZ – Power, Manhood, Femaleness, A Wild Bull
The rune of the termination and new beginning. If it is pulled, it means that the life you used to live has grown out of its frame and needs to be left behind now, so that the life-energy can liberate itself, like a rebirth, into a new one. Be prepared for the chance, that hides itself behind the costume of loss. At the same time modesty is demanded, because in order to rule, you must serve first.

Rune 6 Perth

PERTH – Initiation, Something Concealed, A Secret Thing
Deep, inner trans formative powers are interacting, but what you are going to get out of them isn’t easy to recognize. An integrity – concealed, disguised, secretly hidden. After all, what is going to heal us and our soul is a deep mystery. On the side of the material world there probably will be surprises; unexpected profits are nothing to be excluded. Nothing less than a renewal your spirit is the risk you take. The old way found its end: You simply cannot repeat the old things any longer without suffering. However, you always have a chance: Either you see all negative as a “misfortune”, or you recognize the entire as a hindrance stretch, an inaugural way that you have to follow at this moment.

Rune 7 Nauthis

NAUTHIS – Compulsion, Necessity, Pain
Our lesson is the necessity of bearing strong enforcement. Your positive aspects can be controlled by the people who surround you. To pull this rune means to get a hint that there is going to be stagnation – an occasion to re-consider your plans carefully. It is the time to pay off old guilt and even if it’s easy it is time to restore balance. Therefore improve, reconstruct, organize: if the fishermen cannot pull out, they repair their fishing nets. You must deal with and face your own demons. So keep your anger as well as your impulses under control. Modesty and a good mood are essential in such times.

Rune 8 Inguz

INGWUZ – Fertility, New Beginning, The God-Hero
It is the completion of the initiation that Inguz needs. It may indicate a time of joyful liberation, a new life, a new way. As a rune of great power it means that you have the strength to reach you completion, the solution from which there is a new beginning. The completion, the finish/finalization is most important. This Rune indicates that you have to fertilize the soil for your own liberation. Everything is changing, and we cannot live constantly in the midst of obstacles.

Rune 9 Algiz

ALGIZ – Protection, Sedge and Rushes, a Moose
This is about the control of emotions. During transition periods, changing the course of life and accelerated self-change, it is important not to rush into emotions, either positive or negative. Remember that early action and right conduct are the only real protection. No matter whether your business flourishes or fades, don’t worry. Maybe you don’t win, but you will never lose, because you will always learn from what has happened. Moderation and civility are the strengths of the protective forces of this rune.

Rune 10 Einwaz

EIHWAZ – Defense, Defensive Forces, Yew
During our tests, we gather the strength to ward off, repel blockades and defeat. At the same time we develop an aversion to the pattern of behavior that lead to tense situations in our lives. Patience is the advice of Eihwaz. No hassle, no action or yaw for a desired result is necessary. Perseverance and caution are required. Avoid foreseeable difficulties by doing the right thing. Eihwaz means to see, despite inconveniences and discomforts, growth is still encouraged.

Rune 11 Ansuz

ANSUZ – Signals, Messenger Rune, The God Loki
The keyword is receiving – messages, signals, gifts. Even a timely warning can be received as a gift. If the messenger rune brings holy knowledge, one is probably blessed. Put effort into every meeting, visits and accidental encounters, be especially attentive and aware – in particular with people, that are wiser than yourself. In the opposite situation, Ansuz says: Think of the positive aspects of the unfortunate.

Rune 12 Wunjo

WUNJO – Joy, Light
This rune is the fruit-bearing branch. Time of travail is gone and to some extent you have found yourself. The necessary change is now behind, and you are free to receive its blessing, either material or emotional or an increased well-being. Wunjo is a rune of restoration of a harmonious combination of limtting the ego with the higher self. Properly seen, everything is a test. Consciously in the present, honest to the others and with confidence in your way, you should know that you cannot fail.

Rune 13 Jera

JERA – Harvest, Fertile Phase, One Year
Jera, eine Rune des guten Gelingens, bezieht sich auf jede Aktivera, a rune of good success, refers to any activity or effort you devote yourself. To see this rune is an encouragement to remain in good spirits. But you should know that quick results cannot be achieved. A period is always associated, therefore the keyword “one year”, which stands as a symbol for the full cycle of time that is before the harvest or exemption/liberation.

Rune 14 Kenau Kano

KENA/ KANO – Opening, Fire, Torch
This is the rune of opening, the new clarity, the expulsion of the darkness that has obscured/covered a part of your life. Now you are free to experience the joy of giving. Kano is the rune for the morning full activity, for sincerity, clarity and concentration, which is all important if you are getting ready for your job. This rune offers its protection: the more light you have, the better you can see what is irrelevant and outdated in your setting.

Rune 15 Tyr Teiwaz

TYR, TEIWAZ – Warrior Energy, the God Tiu
This is the rune of the spiritual warrior. His fight is always the limiting ego. His will is strengthened by the act, but the warrior outcome, and he always knows that he cannot do anything but hinder himself because the will of heaven will prevail – these are his marks. This rune also contains the energy of the distinction. Patience is the virtue of this rune. You are asked to look inwardly, to dive down to the foundation of your life. If you dedicate your question to a certain case, an idea, a certain way, the Warrior Rune recommends perseverance, even if sometimes endurance is required in the form of patience. What are your priorities? How do you use your energy? The Rune Teiwaz stands for courage and devotion.

Rune 16 Berkana

BERKANA – Growth, Rebirth, Birch
Berkana, the rune of the life process, another cycle rune, which stands for fertility, which leads both symbolically and actually to growth. Berkana is about the power to influence development and the nature in which it flows into your body. Its action is gentle and penetrating. Scatter the resistance first, then accomplish your work. To make this possible, your wish must be clear and controlled. Conversely, events, or, more likely character aspects distract the growth of new life.

Rune 17 Ehwaz

EHWAZ – Movement, Progress, Horse
Ehwaz is a rune of passage, of transition and movement: location changes, relocation, new attitudes or new life. This rune also represents movement, such as improving a situation. This rune is combined with gradual development and continuous progress, even slow growth of some changes and transformations. Conversely, movement that seems to block. Make sure that what you do or do not do happens at the right time. There are no missed opportunities, we only need to recognize that not all opportunities are intended for us.

Rune 18 Laguz

LAGUZ – Flowing Water, The Driving
Invisible forces are at work here, creative and productive forces of nature. The attributes of this rune are water, liquid, ebb and the flow of tides and emotions, of careers and relationships. The key to success lies in the contact with your intuitive knowledge, in the mood for your inner rhythms. Conversely, warning against exaggeration, from excessive striving. An advice against the attempt to overestimate your own forces or to work over the top for your own property.

Rune 19 Hagalaz

HAGALAZ – Destructive Forces Of Nature, Elemental, Hail
Change, freedom, invention and caution are attributes of this Rune. To pull it indicates the existence of an urgent need in your psyche to free itself from the confines of identification with material reality, and to experience the world of archetypal thinking. The Rune of elementary destruction and of things that are completely outside your control. Hagalaz is only upright, not vice versa, and yet it always works through the reverse. If you pull this rune, you can expect resolution, because it is the big ‘awakening. The more serious the damage is in your life, the more important and contemporary are the requirements for your further growth.

Rune 20 Thurisaz

THURISAZ – Gateway, the Location Of Non-Doing
With the symbol of the gateway the rune shows that there is work for you, and both inside and outside of yourself. Thurisaz is the Rune of non-doing, therefore the gateway is not to reach, or to pass through without contemplation. This rune reinforces your patience, now is not the time to make decisions. Thurisaz, conversely, requires contemplating. Urgent decisions may be regretted later on, probably because you are acting out of weakness.

Rune 21 Dagaz

DAGAZ – Breakthrough, Transformation, Day
If it is pulled, it shows a greater thrust or breakthrough in the process of self transformation. In every life there is at least one point that –it is detected and accepted- it is going to change this life forever. So you can have absolute trust, even when the moment requires that you jump empty-handed into the void. Sometimes this Rune leads also to a major phase of success and thrive.

Rune 22 Isa

ISA – Stagnation, That Which Hinders, Ice
The winter of the spiritual life has come upon you. You may find yourself trapped in a situation whose importance you cannot recognize effectively. You are powerless to do anything other than to bend, or even pass on a long-held desire. Try to find out what it is, what you hold, the effect of this situation and let it go. Enter by and be silent, because what you see is not necessarily a consequence of your actions and habits, but the circumstances of the time, against which you cannot do anything. To yield shows courage and wisdom.

Rune 23 Raidho Raido

RAIDHO, RAIDO – Communication, Agreement, Reconciliation, A Journey
This rune is about the communication, the mood of something that has two sides, two elements, and about a different reunion. Here grows the intrinsic value, and at such times, we must remember that it is not envisaged that we rely totally on our own strength, but instead ask ourselves what is the right action.

Rune 24 Sowilo Sowelu

SOWILU, SOWELU – Wholeness, Vitality, The Energy Of The Sun
This rune stands for wholeness – so for that which our body needs. It embodies the impulse for self-knowledge. As a great power rune Sowelu shows that the life force can be available for you and that there is a time to recharge and regenerate again. Here again a warning of being too cocky. Meditate on Christ’s words: I can do nothing of myself. From our own strength we cannot do anything.

Rune 25 Odin Das Unwisbare

ODIN – The Unknowable, The God Odin
Empty is the end, empty is the beginning. Like the phoenix from the ashes it rises – from what we call fate. The surrender of control is the supreme challenge for a spiritual warrior. If you drag the blank rune, take courage. Trust that the universe will make self change in your ongoing life progress.

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