Runes are ancient symbols used for over 1,800 years as both a writing system and spiritual tool. Originating from the Elder Futhark, a 24-character runic alphabet, these symbols hold deep meanings tied to cosmic principles, Norse mythology, and spiritual energy. Historically, they served purposes like protection, guidance, and communication with unseen forces. Today, runes are used in rituals for divination, setting intentions, and healing.
Key points:
- Elder Futhark: The oldest runic system with 24 symbols divided into three groups (ættir), each reflecting different energies.
- Mythological Roots: Odin’s self-sacrifice to gain rune wisdom highlights their divine origin.
- Modern Uses: Runes are drawn for daily guidance, cast runes for divination, or combined into bindrunes to amplify intentions.
- Healing and Energy: Specific runes like Uruz (strength) and Wunjo (joy) support physical and emotional well-being.
Runes connect the physical and spiritual realms, offering insights and energy to guide personal growth and rituals.
Origins and Spiritual Significance of Runes
Runes in Norse Mythology
The story of Odin’s sacrifice, as told in Hávamál, highlights the divine origin of runic wisdom. Odin endured nine nights hanging from Yggdrasil, wounded by his own spear and without food or drink, to gain knowledge of the runes. During this ordeal, he gazed into the Well of Urd and claimed the runes, emphasizing that this wisdom was not a human creation but a gift earned through great suffering. The Hávamál recounts his experience:
"I know that I hung on a windy tree nine long nights, pierced by his spear, dedicated to Odin, myself to myself, on that tree of which no man knows from where its roots run." - The Poetic Edda, Hávamál
The Norns - Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld - further solidify the divine nature of runes. These beings carved runes into the trunk of Yggdrasil, shaping the destinies of all creatures across the Nine Worlds. Their actions highlight the runes' dual role as tools of fate and symbols of spiritual power, reinforcing their connection to the divine and their importance in rituals and ceremonies.
Runes as Bridges Between Realms
For ancient peoples, runes were more than just a means of communication - they were seen as channels for cosmic energy. Unlike the Latin alphabet, which was designed to record sounds, each rune carried a deeper meaning tied to universal principles. For example, Fehu symbolized wealth in motion, while Thurisaz represented reactive energy. Inscribing a rune was believed to invoke the power it embodied.
Runes served both practical and spiritual purposes without distinction. A single inscription could function as a name marker, a memorial, and a protective charm all at once. This seamless blending of everyday and mystical uses allowed runes to remain relevant even after the Latin alphabet became dominant for daily writing between 700 and 1,100 CE. Their enduring association with hidden knowledge ensured their continued use in divination, protection, and ritual practices long after their practical applications faded.
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Runic Magick: How to use the runes in spellwork || THE RUNES #7
The 24 Elder Futhark Runes: Meanings and Energies
The 24 Elder Futhark Runes Organized by Aett with Meanings
The Elder Futhark is the oldest known runic alphabet, made up of 24 symbols used by Germanic and Norse peoples between roughly 150 CE and 800 CE. Each rune carries three dimensions: its physical form, its name, and its spiritual energy. Andrea Shelley explains:
"The meaning of rune is 'secret' or 'mysterium'; each symbol has a deeper meaning above and beyond the sound it makes in language".
Archaeologists have uncovered around 350 Elder Futhark inscriptions on artifacts like weapons and memorial stones. The earliest complete sequence of the 24-rune alphabet appears on the Kylver Stone in Gotland, dated to around 400 AD. However, runic inscriptions were rare - only one has been found for every 170 graves in Alemannia. This historical backdrop highlights the sacred and selective use of runes, especially in rituals.
Rune Categories and Their Uses
The 24 runes are divided into three groups of eight, known as ættir (singular: ætt), meaning "families" or "clans." Each ætt is connected to Norse deities and reflects different stages of life and spiritual growth, allowing practitioners to focus on specific energies during rituals.
- Freyr and Freyja's Aett: These runes - Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raidho, Kenaz, Gebo, and Wunjo - are tied to physical prosperity, beginnings, and creativity. They aid in manifesting resources, health, protection, and inspiration.
- Heimdall and Hagal's Aett: Including Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Perthro, Algiz, and Sowilo, this group addresses transformation, challenges, and fate. These runes guide through crises, encourage resilience, and support internal growth.
- Tyr (Tiwaz)'s Aett: Focused on spiritual development, justice, and legacy, this set includes Tiwaz, Berkano, Ehwaz, Mannaz, Laguz, Ingwaz, Dagaz, and Othala. They help with self-reflection, ethical courage, community ties, and honoring ancestral connections.
The first rune of each ætt - Fehu, Hagalaz, and Tiwaz - is often called a Mother Rune, setting the tone for the rest of the group . Practitioners often meditate on one rune daily over 24 days to absorb the wisdom of each ætt in sequence.
Key Runes and Their Applications
Runes have practical uses in rituals, each offering unique guidance and energy. Here are a few examples:
- Ansuz (ᚨ): Represents divine communication and wisdom. Practitioners chant its name (galdr) during meditation to gain clarity and inspiration or to receive spiritual messages.
- Ehwaz (ᛖ): A rune of partnership, trust, and movement. It is commonly used in rituals to strengthen teamwork, foster trust, and ensure steady progress through collaboration.
- Wunjo (ᚹ): Symbolizes joy, harmony, and fulfillment. Rituals involving Wunjo celebrate achievements, nurture emotional well-being, and promote group harmony.
For protection, practitioners often combine Algiz (shielding), Thurisaz (defensive strength), and Eihwaz (resilience). Transformation rituals might include Dagaz (awakening), Eihwaz (life/death cycles), and Hagalaz (controlled crisis). Communication-focused work may pair Ansuz (divine speech) with Ehwaz (message movement).
Another common practice is creating bindrunes, where two or more runes are merged into a single design to focus intent. For instance, combining Fehu (wealth) with Wunjo (joy) creates a symbol for "joyful prosperity." These bindrunes can be carved into wood, bone, or stone, worn as jewelry, or drawn on altars. This allows practitioners to carry their intentions into daily life or concentrate energy during ceremonies.
Using Runes in Spiritual Rituals
Runes, often seen as simple symbols etched onto stones, take on a deeper role when used in spiritual rituals. They shift from static images to dynamic tools, offering guidance and insights that tap into the subconscious. As Rune Dictionary puts it:
"Rune casting is like a mirror, reflecting back what you are doing and offering choices for what you can do to create a different future."
The way you work with runes depends on your intention. Drawing runes involves selecting them blindly from a pouch, making it perfect for structured spreads or specific questions. On the other hand, casting involves tossing the runes onto a cloth and interpreting those that land face-up, as well as their positions relative to each other. This approach feels more fluid and can uncover surprising connections.
Rune Casting and Divination
To begin a rune reading, it’s helpful to prepare your space. Cleansing with sage or incense and using a dedicated rune cloth can create a sacred boundary for your practice. Some also cleanse their runes between readings using methods like smudging, placing them under moonlight, or using sound tools like bells or singing bowls. A few moments of deep breathing or meditation can help you focus and set the tone for the session.
Popular spreads include:
- Single Rune Draw: Offers daily guidance or a quick insight.
- Three-Rune Spread: Often interpreted as Past/Present/Future or Problem/Obstacle/Solution.
- Five-Rune Cross: Places a central rune at the core issue, with surrounding runes representing influences from above, hidden factors below, the past on the left, and future possibilities on the right.
- Nine-Rune Cast: Scatters nine runes, where those closest to the center hold the most significance. Clusters and face-down runes can hint at emerging possibilities.
If a rune lands upside down - called a merkstave - it might represent a reversed meaning or encourage reflection on its energy.
These methods not only provide guidance but also help integrate runic wisdom into daily life.
Runes in Personal Rituals
Runes can also be woven into everyday routines to strengthen your connection with their energy. For example, drawing a rune each morning can set the tone for your day. Reflect on its theme and observe how it manifests in your activities. Pair the rune with an affirmation - like using Sowilo (associated with victory) alongside the phrase "I am radiant" - to keep its energy in focus.
You can also meditate with a rune by holding it and visualizing its energy, which can open pathways to intuitive understanding. Beyond personal reflection, runes can become physical tools in your environment. Place them on an altar to anchor intentions, wear them as pendants to carry their energy, or carve them into wood or bone to create protective charms. Combining multiple runes into a bind rune can amplify intentions, such as protection or healing.
Creating Rune Rituals
For more focused work, crafting specific rune rituals can bring clarity and transformation. Start by defining your intention. Instead of asking yes/no questions like "Will I get the job?", try framing open-ended ones like "What do I need to know about my career path?" Decide whether you’ll draw or cast the runes, and interpret their positions based on both their meanings and your intuition. Writing your insights in a journal can help you track patterns and deepen your understanding over time.
Select runes that align with your goal. For instance:
- Protection: Algiz, Thurisaz
- Healing: Berkana, Uruz, Laguz
- Prosperity: Fehu
- Breakthroughs: Sowilo, Dagaz
The material of your runes can also enhance your practice. Stone offers grounding, wood carries a sense of organic growth, and crystals like amethyst may heighten intuition.
Dayna Schmidt-Johnson, Resident Astrologer at Writual Planner, highlights the personal nature of working with runes:
"The true secret to using runes is to infuse your readings with your intuition. After all, you are the conduit between an otherwise ordinary piece of stone and a magical, mystical world."
Runes for Healing and Energy Work
Runes offer more than just insights into the future - they can also support physical recovery, emotional release, and spiritual alignment. By intentionally working with runes, you can tap into their energy to address imbalances and restore harmony within your body and mind. They serve as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, enhancing overall well-being.
Healing with Rune Energies
Each rune carries a unique energy that supports different aspects of health. For example, Uruz is known for promoting stability and strength, particularly in the skeletal and muscular systems, making it helpful when your physical endurance is running low. Kenaz works on inflammation, fever, and bruising by drawing out illness. Meanwhile, Fehu, when paired with Berkano, supports internal balance and renewal, benefiting breastfeeding mothers and those undergoing restorative processes.
Runes also play a role in emotional healing. Wunjo fosters joy and harmony, helping to ease anxiety and heal emotional wounds. Laguz, often associated with water, aids in cleansing the mind and breaking free from repetitive negative patterns or emotional blockages. As Joanne Walmsley from Sacred Scribes explains:
"Illness is your body's way of warning you that you are doing something that is causing 'dis-ease' or disharmony to your being."
To harness the healing energy of runes, you can lie down, relax, and place the rune on the area of concern. During meditation, visualize the rune’s energy entering your body and harmonizing your energy field. Another method involves carving runes into candles - such as Tiwaz for strength - and focusing on the energy they emit as the candle burns. Sunset is an ideal time for these practices, as it encourages a calm and focused environment, free from distractions.
These practices help set the foundation for balancing and revitalizing your energy.
Balancing Energies with Runes
Runes also align well with practices like chakra balancing, enhancing their healing properties. For instance, Fehu grounds the root chakra, while Nauthiz helps uncover hidden fears related to stability. At the solar plexus, Wunjo boosts self-confidence and assertiveness. For the heart chakra, Gebo encourages love and connection, while Isa promotes introspection at the throat chakra, especially when dealing with self-expression.
Combining runes with crystals can amplify their effects. As Divine Warrior notes:
"When you combine a specific rune with a specific crystal, you are not simply adding one system to another. You are creating a resonance between two systems."
For example, pairing Sowilo with tiger's eye enhances vitality at the solar plexus, while Berkano carved into tree agate supports heart-centered healing. Pairing Dagaz with Sowilo can provide energy during life transitions, and Uruz combined with Jera helps rebuild strength over time. Carrying a rune like Sowilo as a talisman can boost your energy when you're feeling drained, or you can create a Berkano charm on wood during a full moon to encourage renewal.
These techniques demonstrate how runes can be integrated into daily life, offering support for both physical and emotional well-being.
Deepening Your Connection with Runes
Strengthen your bond with runes through consistent, intentional practice. Over time, these ancient symbols evolve from static images into dynamic energies that enrich your rituals and divination work.
Meditation with Runes
Meditation helps you move beyond intellectual understanding, transforming runes into intuitive, living energies. As Donald Tyson, author and researcher, puts it:
"Before the runes can be effective for works of magic or divination, they must be understood on the intuitive level and made to come alive in the unconscious."
To begin, create a calm environment. Wear loose clothing, remove anything restrictive, and avoid distractions (wait at least two hours after eating). Before focusing on a rune, ground yourself by imagining roots extending from your feet into the earth.
Select one rune to work with. Focusing on a single symbol prevents mental overload and allows for deeper connection. Trace the rune in the air with your finger, picturing a glowing, 18-inch version of it. Visualize this symbol clearly and retrace it mentally as needed. You can enhance this practice by chanting the rune’s name, such as saying "Fay-hoo" for Fehu, letting the sound resonate through your body.
Aim to meditate for 15 to 30 minutes daily, ideally at the same time and place. The goal isn’t to force insights but to develop a natural, sustained awareness of the rune during your session. Afterward, jot down your thoughts and emotions in a journal. Over time, you’ll notice recurring themes and track your growth.
Once you’ve built this intuitive connection, you can take it further with visualization techniques to activate the rune’s energy.
Visualization and Rune Energy Activation
Visualization builds on meditation, bringing rune energy into a more tangible form. Picture the rune glowing brightly on the astral plane, almost as if it has a physical presence. This isn’t ordinary daydreaming - the image should feel vivid and persistent.
When drawing or visualizing runes, use strokes that move downward and to the right. Imagine the rune filling with a warm, golden light, charging it with your intention. For deeper engagement, hold a physical rune in your hand, close your eyes, and explore its symbolic world to uncover its meaning.
Pair these visualizations with affirmations to amplify their power. For instance, while visualizing Algiz, repeat, "I am protected." If working with Fehu, affirm, "I attract abundance." Practicing this daily over several weeks embeds the rune’s energy into your subconscious, sharpening your focus and enhancing your intent.
These techniques blend seamlessly into your rituals, boosting both the precision of your divination and the potency of your energetic work.
Conclusion
Runes are more than just ancient symbols - they are dynamic forces that connect your conscious mind to a deeper, ancestral wisdom. As anthropologist Erik Olsen puts it:
"Runes were understood not simply as letters but as mystical forces that revealed the hidden workings of the universe."
Incorporating runes into your spiritual practice shifts it from passive reflection to active engagement. Instead of offering rigid predictions, runes highlight current patterns and possibilities, helping you make thoughtful decisions and steer your own path. Each rune represents universal themes - like strength, protection, and transformation - encouraging you to explore the influences shaping your life and face challenges with purpose.
What makes runic practice so compelling is its connection to life's natural rhythms. These symbols remind us of the cycles of beginnings, transitions, and endings that we all experience. Whether you’re pulling a rune each morning for guidance, crafting protective charms, or using them in healing rituals, runes act as steady anchors for your intentions.
If you’re new to working with runes, start small. Draw one rune each morning and observe how its energy resonates throughout your day. Keep a journal to track recurring themes and insights. Over time, you’ll build a personal connection with these symbols, turning them into trusted allies on your spiritual journey.
FAQs
How do I choose the right rune for my intention?
When working with runes, begin by clarifying the energy or result you aim to focus on. Each rune carries its own meaning - whether it's protection, prosperity, or guidance. Take time to reflect on the traditional symbolism tied to each rune and how it connects to your intentions. Rune casting can also reveal insights based on the patterns or positions where the runes fall. Above all, let your intuition guide you in choosing the rune that feels most aligned with your purpose.
What does a reversed (merkstave) rune mean in a reading?
When a rune appears reversed (merkstave), it often calls for introspection and careful consideration. This positioning might point to challenges ahead, encourage you to address specific habits or patterns, or shed light on areas where personal development is needed. While it can act as a warning, it could also uncover hidden chances or unexpected benefits. Always interpret its significance thoughtfully, keeping the reading's context in mind.
Are bindrunes safe to use, and how do I make one?
Bindrunes can be a meaningful and safe tool when crafted with care and a clear understanding of the runes involved. To create one, select runes that resonate with your specific intention or goal, then combine them into a single, unified design. Be mindful to avoid blending runes that might carry opposing or clashing energies. If you're new to this, keep your designs simple and focus on the purpose you want the bindrune to serve. They can be used respectfully in rituals or worn as jewelry, often for protective or positive intentions.