Runes

Runes are an ancient writing system used by Germanic peoples from the 1st century AD until the Middle Ages. They were traditionally inscribed on stones, wood, bone, and other materials, and were used for divination, communication, and magic. Each rune has a name and a specific meaning, as well as various interpretations based on context and the individual using them. Here is a brief overview of the 24 runes in the Elder Futhark, the most widely used runic alphabet.

1. Fehu – “cattle” or “wealth”
2. Uruz – “aurochs” or “strength”
3. Thurisaz – “giant” or “thorn”
4. Ansuz – “god” or “communication”
5. Raido – “riding” or “journey”
6. Kenaz – “torch” or “knowledge”
7. Gebo – “gift” or “partnership”
8. Wunjo – “joy” or “bliss”
9. Hagalaz – “hail” or “destruction”
10. Nauthiz – “need” or “necessity”
11. Isa – “ice” or “stasis”
12. Jera – “year” or “harvest”
13. Eihwaz – “yew” or “reliability”
14. Perthro – “dice cup” or “mystery”
15. Algiz – “elk” or “protection”
16. Sowilo – “sun” or “success”
17. Tiwaz – “Tyr” or “justice”
18. Berkana – “birch” or “birth”
19. Ehwaz – “horse” or “movement”
20. Mannaz – “man” or “humanity”
21. Laguz – “water” or “flow”
22. Ingwaz – “Ing” or “fertility”
23. Dagaz – “day” or “transformation”
24. Othala – “inheritance” or “ancestry”

It’s worth noting that there are many variations of the runic alphabet, and the meanings of the runes can vary depending on the tradition and context. Additionally, the runes have been adapted and used for modern purposes, such as personal growth, meditation, and self-exploration.