What is a rune?
“A rune is a letter in a set of related alphabets native to the Germanic peoples. Runes were used to write Germanic languages before they adopted the Latin language.”
(From Wikipedia)
Probably the most well-known runic language is the scandinavian Futhark which is commonly used in divination today. However, you can find images of some other systems below. The earliest runic inscriptions date from around AD 150 starting with the most well-known Elder Futhark, the Anglo-Saxon Futhark and the Younger Futhark. In some ways they are similar to Egyptian hieroglyphics and were the predominant source of visual communication before writing in the Latin and subsequent English alphabets became popular.
FEHU
CATTLE - RUNE OF WEALTH AND FULFILMENT
Gemstone - Moss Agate
Colour - Light Red
Element - Earth and Fire
Gods - Frey, Freuya
Astrological Association - Aries
Tree - Elder
Plant - Nettle
URUZ
AUROCHS (WILD BULL OR OX) - Rune of Strength
Gemstone - Almandine
Colour - Dark Green
Element - Earth
God - Thor
Astrological Association - Tarurus
Tree - Birch
Plant - Iceland Moss
THURISAZ
THORN/GIANT - Rune of Chaos
Gemstone - Sapphire
Colour - Bright Red
Element - Fire
God - Thor
Astrological Association - Mars
Tree - Blackthorn
Plant - House Leek
ANSUZ
ESTUARY - Messenger or Odin’s rune
Gemstone - Emerald
Colour - Dark Blue
Element - Air
Gods - Odin, Eostre, Loki
Astrology Association - Venus
Tree - Ash
RAIDHO
WAGON - The Rune of Travellers
Gemstone - Chrysoprase
Colour - Bright Red
Element - Air
Gods - Ing, Nethus
Astrology association - Sagittarius
Tree - Oak
Plant - Mugwort
KENAZ OR KANO
TORCH - Rune of Fire
Gemstone - Bloodstone
Colour - Light Red
Element - Fire
Gods - Heimdal Freya, Freuya
Astrology association - Venus
Tree - Pine
Plant - Cowslip
GEBO
GIFT - Rune of Love and Forgiveness
Gemstone - Opal
Colour - Dark Blue
Element - Air
Gods - Odin, Gefn
Astrology association - Pisces
Tree - Pine
Plant - Elm
WUNJO
JOY - Rune of Joy
Gemstone - Diamond
Colour - Light Blue
Element - Ice (Water)
Gods - Odin, Frig
Astrology association - Leo
Tree - Ash
Plant - Flax
HAGALAZ
HAIL - Rune of Disruption
Gemstone - Onyx
Colour - Light Blue
Element - Ice (Water)
Gods - Urd, Heimdall
Astrology association - Aquarius
Tree - Ash
Plant - Bryony
NAUTHIZ
NEED - Rune of Necessity
Gemstone - Lapis Lazuli
Colour - Black
Element - Fire
God - Skuld
Astrology association - Capricorn
Tree - Rowan
Plant - Snakeroot
ISA
ICE - Rune of Ice
Gemstone - Cat’s Eye
Colour - Black
Element - Ice (Water)
God - Verdandi
Astrology association - Moon
Tree - Alder
Plant - Henbane
JERA
HARVEST - Rune of Success and Continuity
Gemstone - Carnelian
Colour - Light Blue
Element - Earth
Gods - Frey, Freuya
Astrology association - Sun
Tree - Oak
Plant - Rosemary
EIHWAZ
YEW TREE - Rune of Defence
Gemstone - Topaz
Colour - Magenta
Element - Earth, Fire, Air and Water
God - Ullr
Astrology association - Scorpio
Tree - Yew
Plant - Lilac
PERTHRO
UNKNOWN - Rune of Chance, Mystery and Science
Gemstone - Aquamarine
Colour - Black
Element - Water
God - Frigg
Astrology association- Saturn
Tree - Aspen
Plant - Aconite
ALGIZ
ELK ANTLERS - Rune of Protection and Opportunity
Gemstone - Aquamarine
Colour - Gold
Element - Air
God - Heimdall
Astrology association - Cancer
Tree - Spruce
Plant - Sedge Grass
SOWILO
SUN - Rune of Energy and Revelation
Gemstone - Ruby
Colour - White
Element - Air
God - Baldur
Astrology association - Sun
Tree - Juniper
Plant - Mistletoe
TEIWAZ
GOD TYR - Warrior’s Rune
Gemstone - Coral
Colour - Bright Red
Element - Air
God - Tyr
Astrology association - Libra
Tree - Oak
Plant - Aconite
BERKANA
BIRCH TREE - Rune of Fertility and Growth
Gemstone - Moonstone
Colour - Dark Green
Element - Earth
Gods - Nerthur, Holda
Astrology association - Virgo
Tree - Birch
Plant - Lady’s Mantle
EHWAZ
HORSE - Rune of Momentum
Gemstone - Iceland Spar
Colour - White
Element - Earth
Gods - Frey, Freuya
Astrology association - Gemini
Tree - Ash
Plant - Ragwort
MANNAZ
HUMANITY - Rune of Humanity
Gemstone - Garnet
Colour - Deep Red
Element - Air
Gods - Odin, Heimdall, Frigg
Astrology association - Jupiter
Tree - Holly
Plant - Madder
LAGUZ
WATER - Rune of Water
Gemstone - Pearl
Colour - Deep Green
Element - Water
Gods - Njord, Nerthus
Astrology association - Moon
Tree - Willow
Plant - Leek
INGUZ
SEED OR FERTILITY - Rune of Peace and Harmony
Gemstone - Amber
Colour - Yellow
Elements - Earth and Water
Gods - Ing, Frey
Astrology associations - Cancer, New Moon
Tree - Apple
Plant - Self Heal
OTHALA
INHERITANCE - Rune of Home, Family and Acquisition
Gemstone - Spinel
Colour - Deep Yellow
Element - Earth
God - Odin
Astrology association - Full Moon
Tree - Hawthorn
Plant - Clover
DAGAZ
Dawn or Day - Rune of Transformation
Gemstone - Chrysolite
Colour - Light Blue
Elements - Fire and Air
God - Heimdall
Astrology association - Full Moon
Tree - Spruce
Plant - Clary Sage
ODIN
THE UNKNOWABLE - Blank Rune
CWEORTH
Flames of a fire
CHALC
Dreams
STAN
Stone
GAR
Spear
AC
Oak tree
YR
Bow made from a Yew tree
IOR
The world serpent
EAR
Soil of Earth
SUN
New beginnings
MOON
Feminine energy
FLIGHT
Communication
RINGS
Connections
ROMANCE
Love and relationships
WOMAN
Healer, Nurturer, Carer
MAN
Provider, Protector
HARVEST
Rewards
CROSSROADS
Decisions
STAR
Wishes
WAVES
Flow
SCYTHE
Sudden change
EYE
Seeing the truth
SARATHAI
World Dragon
ARHAIN
Shadows, Night
LATHAIN
Storm, Wrath
ELUI
Ending, Denial
SAROIR
Eternity, Passion
CALADAI
Dragons, Lordship
ASUR
The eternal flame
BALANCED JOY
PROMOTE EASY BIRTH
GAIN INSPIRATION
SUCCESS IN LEGAL ACTION
REALISATION OF AMBITION
PROVIDE DIVINE ENERGY
PERSONAL WEALTH
FINANCIAL SECURITY
DISCOVERY OF HIDDEN
KNOWLEDGE
PERSONAL GOOD HEALTH
PROMOTE ENDURANCE
PROMOTE DETERMINATION
PROMOTE MEDICAL HEALING
PROTECTION FOR A VEHICLE
ELDER FUTHARK RUNE MEANINGS
Runes of the First Aett
Freya’s Aett - The Forces of Creation and the establishing of the Gods
PROMOTE LOVE FROM MAN TO WOMAN
BINDING POWER
PERSONAL MAGNETISM
READY POWER FOR INSTANT
DEPLOYMENT
SUCCESS IN SPEAKING AND
WRITING
PROMOTE CREATIVITY
PROMOTE LOVE FROM WOMAN TO MAN
FERTILITY AND GROWTH
SECURE JUSTICE
Codes Runicus circa 1300
Vellum manuscript
(Source - Wikipedia)
MEANINGS - Abundance - Success - Luck - Hopes - Property - Food - Possessions - Fertility - Security
MEANINGS - Abundance - Success - Luck - Hopes - Property - Food - Possessions - Fertility - Security
MEANINGS - Devil’s Rune - The Gateway - Adversity - Conflict - Chaos - Defence - Turbulent times - Catalyst for change - Suffering
MEANINGS - Communication - Reason - Self expression - Signals - Gifts - Creativity - Divine power - Inspiration - Blessings - Ancestors
MEANINGS - Journey - Departure - Arrival - Rhythm - Direction - Responsibility - Communication - Reconciliation - Agreement - Work - Destiny
MEANINGS - Enlightenment - Knowledge - Inspiration - Vision - Clarity - Insight - Opening - Revelation - Creativity - Understanding
MEANINGS - Gift - Partnership - Generosity - Exchange - Balance - Union - Connection - Trading - Love - Marriage - Agreement - Talents
MEANINGS - Joy, Hope, Fulfilment, Potential, Light, Restoration, Understanding, Pleasure, Comfort, Reward, Success, Peace, Good news, Wishes
Runes of the Second Aett
Heimdall’s Aett - The Norns and Wyrd, Development of consciousness and magic, psychological growth and personal development
MEANINGS - Disruption - Delay - Loss - Destructive forces of nature - Sudden change - Out of control -The past - Unresolved matters
MEANINGS - Need - Necessity - Friction - Constraint - Compulsion - Pain - Hardship - Sort out priorities
MEANINGS - Ice - Standstill - Restrictions - Delay - Challenges - Introspection - Waiting - Blockage - Inactivity
MEANINGS - Harvest - Fertility - One year - Cycle - Cause and effect - Reward - Abundance - Earth
MEANINGS - World tree - Transition - Balance - Enlightenment - Death - Regeneration - Flexibility - Perseverance - Stability
MEANINGS - Chance - Fate- Secrets - Gaming - Initiation - Unknown - Destiny - Mystery - Magic - Feminine - Birth rune - Laughter - Cup
MEANINGS - Protection - Shield- Self defence - Power - Spiritual path - Reaching out to the divine
MEANINGS - Life force - Clarity - Awakening - Understanding - Wholeness - Vitality - Success - Triumph - Positivity - Health
Runes of the Third Aett
Tyr’s Aett - Human condition, social aspects and spiritual transformation
NORTHUMBRIAN RUNE MEANINGS
WITCHES RUNE MEANINGS
HIGH ELF RUNE MEANINGS
CHAROI
Strength, Ferocity
DAROIR
Remembrance, Memory
QUYL-ISHA
Sorrow, Mourning
SENLUI
Swiftness, Accuracy
CYTHON
Wisdom, Fertility
CADAITH
Grace, Power
HARATHOI
Youth
SUCCESS IN BUSINESS
PERSEVERANCE,
EVERLASTINGNESS
THE GIFT OF JOY
PEACE, TRANQUILITY AND
UNITY
PROMOTE DISCIPLINE
ENHANCE ATHLETIC
PERFORMANCE
PROTECTION AGAINST EVIL
MAGIC
YENLUI
Balance, Harmony, Chaos
CEYL
Law, Order, Justice, Passion
SETHAI
Flight, Wind
SARIOUR
Moon, Magic, Fortune, Evil deeds
MENLUI
Water, Life, Majesty, Weakness
LECAI
Light, Nobility of the soul
ORIOUR
Blood, Birth
BIND RUNES
SAFE JOURNEY
FARSIGHTEDNESS
ENCOURAGE GOOD LUCK
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE POWER
HELP GIVING UP BAD HABITS
SUCCESS IN RISK - TAKING
PROMOTE EMOTIONAL
STRENGTH
A HAPPY FAMILY AND
MARRIAGE
ENCOURAGE A FINANCIAL
WINDFALL
MEANINGS - Masculinity - Bravery - Leadership - Justice - Dedication - Victory - Competitiveness - Honour - Authority - Morals
MEANINGS - Femininity - Fertility - Mother Earth - Nurturing - Rebirth - Growth - Healing - Renewal - Home - Family - New beginning
MEANINGS - Movement- Travel - Transportation - Duality - Progress - Horse - Progress - Trust - Change - Loyalty - Partnership
MEANINGS - Humanity - Self - Intelligence - Identity - Friendship - Modesty - Charity - Consideration - Devotion - Kindness
MEANINGS - Flow - Healing - Renewal - Intuition - Emotion - Dreams - Hopes and fears - The unknown - Body of water
MEANINGS - Goals - Growth - Change - Common sense - Home - Fertility - Gestation stage of projects and relationships
MEANINGS - Estate - Property - Inheritance - Family ties - Heritage - Tradition - Home - Possessions
MEANINGS - Breakthrough - Day - Dawn - Enlightenment - Transformation - Fresh start - Improvement - Awareness - Light - Hope
MEANINGS - Fate - Empty - Trust the Universe
MEANINGS - Purification - Destruction - Transformation
MEANINGS - Desire - Dreams - Inspiration
MEANINGS - Keystone of beliefs - Indicator rune -Obstruction
MEANINGS - Wait - Watch - Learn
MEANINGS - Potential - Growth - Perseverance
MEANINGS - Focus - Mindfulness - Artistry
MEANINGS - Boundaries - Protection - Opposites
MEANINGS - Death - Change -Transition - Let go -Move on
MEANINGS - Healing - Good health and vitality - Good choices - Good news
MEANINGS - Transitions - Changes are imminent - Secrets - Hidden agendas - Imagination
MEANINGS - Communication - Movement - Information - Travel
MEANINGS - Circumstances connecting people - Combining elements to create something new
MEANINGS - Emotional connections - Harmony - Soulmates
MEANINGS - Feminine energy - Creative abilities - Strong associations with the home - Mother
MEANINGS - Masculine energy - Empowerment - Action - Father
MEANINGS - Providing for oneself - Education - Investment in oneself - Blessings
MEANINGS - Major life decisions - Fear of moving forward - Being stuck
MEANINGS - Fulfil ambitions - Life purpose - Being accepted by others - Honouring oneself
MEANINGS - Movement - Flow in life - Deep connections to the spiritual world - Insecurity - Overwhelm - Out of control
MEANINGS - Final decisions - Endings - Completion - Danger - Walking away from a situation
MEANINGS - Lifting the veil - Psychic abilities - Need to focus
CYNATH
Chill, Death, Silence, Loneliness
THALUI
Hatred, Vengeance
ELTHRAI
Doom, Inexorable fate, Hope
SENTHOI
Unity, Loyalty, Broken promises
THANAN
Hidden power, Inner strength
URITHAIR
Destruction, Conquest
LACOI
Might, Glory, Fear of death
DYNAMIC POWER
PROVIDE ENERGY FOR SUCCESS
BOOST SELF-ESTEEM
MIND POWER
QUICK RESULTS
RAPID ACTION
ENABLE SEXUAL LOVE
ACADEMIC BRILLIANCE
RETURN ILL-WILL TO THE
ORIGINATOR
LASTING PARTNERSHIP
ENCOURAGE ETERNAL
LOVE
PROMOTE ASSERTIVENESS
PROTECTION OF HOME AND
PROPERTY
