How to interpret the Norse Runes

Would you like to peer into your future?

Have you got a burning question you would love to know the answer to? If the answer is yes - maybe it is time for you to unleash the power of the ancient Norse Runes!

The Norse Runes are an ancient method of divination shrouded in mystery. They are linked to the powers of the scandinavian Gods Odin, Freya, Thor, and Loki, and are based around a runic alphabet. Each rune has a different meaning and so is used to provide an answer to your question about either the future or the present.

How to do your own basic rune reading:

Firstly you will need to aquire some rune stones of your own!

There are many stores online or offline which can sell these to you - alternatively you may like to make your own.

Homemade runes can be as simple as runes written on scraps of paper - or as complex as beautifully finished designs carved into wood, metal or stone.

Before you start you rune reading it is effective if you can sit in silence for a minute or too, contemplating the essence of your question and clearing your mind of other distracting thoughts.

Then, when you feel ready and grounded, you can begin your rune reading.

The most basic rune reading to start with is a simple one rune answer to your question. Odin's Rune.

This is as simple as it sounds- literally just pull one rune from your rune bag. Next comes the interpretation - and in truth this is probably the hardest part.

How to interpret the runes:

An example of a short rune reading interpretation would be thus. I ask the question "Should I go to university?" I pull the rune "Wunjo". Quick answer: Yes. The rune of glory - success is yours if you're willing to work for it.

A more complicated rune reading is the Three Rune Spread.

Here you would pull three runes one after the other from your rune bag. In this case, the first rune you pull represents the situation as it is; the second rune represents the course of action called for; and finally the third rune represents the new situation that will evolve.

The Three Rune Spread can be extremely useful when you have more time to spare. Odin's Rune is great for a quick overview of a situation.

Here is a list of the Nordic runes and their meanings to help with your divination.

The meanings of the Norse runes:

Fehu

Fehu can mean gold, cattle, wealth and material possessions. Reward, nourishment, good health.

Uruz

Uruz represents good health, speed, strength, vigour, courage. New beginnings, an opportunity disguised as a threat.

Ansuz

Ansuz could refer to any deity, and is particularly associated with Odin. Knowledge, wisdom, and communication. Loki the messenger god. A message, instruction or good advice is coming.

Raido

An important rune for the Vikings; Raido signified a quest or journey. Meeting old friends or making new ones.Reunions, travel, vehicles.

Gebo

Gebo is often thought to mean a sacrifice to the gods or a gift. It also symbolises gratitude, balance, and harmony. Love and forgiveness. It can portend a windfall. Talents, artistic abilities, do not be afraid to show love and gratitude.

Wunjo

Wunjo is the rune of glory. It is associated with joy and comfort. Emotional satisfaction. Realisation of plans. Success. Happiness. Light. Success is yours if you are willing to work for it.

Thurisaz

Thurisaz is associated with the giants of Norse mythology. Chaos, evil, temptation, a warning, the god Thor and his hammer.

Kenaz

Kenaz represents a torch or illumination. Light, enlightenment, wisdom, the shedding of light on a situation. Sometimes can refer to a mental or physical wound or pain.

Hagalaz

Hagalaz is the rune for hail, disruption, interference, damaging natural forces.

Nauthiz

Nauthiz means need or necessity. It also is asscoicated with demands, personal compulsions, desire, deprivation, delay. Isa Isa means ice. Lack of change, stagnation, lack of emotion, safety, standstill.

Jera

Jera has links with the harvest and the passage of time ie one year. It also symbolises success, fertility, the fruition of plans, the reward for work. A good omen. Perth Mystery and chane, uncertainty, pot luck. A secret is revealed. Common sense needed. Science and technology.

Algiz

Algiz stands for protection, defence, self preservation. It also has links with opportunities for growth, a safe refuge, and rapid developments.

Sowilo

Sowilo represents the sun, a powerful element in pagan worship.It represents energy, revelation, wholeness, victory, discovery and positive power. You can do it!

Othila

Othila stands for inheritance or the passing on of property, possessions, or knowledge. Also the family, inheritance, and the acquisition of something.

Tiwaz

The rune of the war god Tyr- a rune which was often carved on weaponry. The rune of the warriar. Have courage, be brave, dedicated and clever. Leadership.

Berkano

Berkano is associated with Idun, the goddess of spring, and with fertility and new life. Physical beauty, new life, health, new adventures!

Ehwaz

Ehwaz is the rune for horse. Forward progress, momentum, speed. The time is right for progress. Be mindful and loyal to those around you. Also controlled change, partnership, and faithfulness.

Mannaz

Mannaz symbolises mankind or humanity. It is associated too with the self, the soul, other people, and the world in general. Cooperation, creativity, and intelligence.

Laguz

Laguz is associated with water. Thus it stands for cleansing action, fluidity, change, lack of control, the expression of emotions, powerful tides of emotions, overseas travled, unpredictability, variety, changeability, sensuality.

Ingwaz

Ingwaz can refer either to the Danish hero Ing or to the Danes in general. Peace, harmony, unity, agreement, undying love between romantic partners. A very peaceful positive rune. A beacon of light or inspiration.

Dagaz

Dagaz is the rune for the break of day. Thus is stands for transformation, radical change, inspiration, a major chage of direction, a successful conclusion, divine light, achievement and prosperity. The night is behind you!

Eithwaz

Eithwaz is the rune for yew, a sacred tree used to make rune wands. A time of transformation. Defensive power is yours. Use perserverence, patience, foresight against unexpected attack. Associated with magic and spirituality. Wisdom in adversity.

The Blank Rune (Not everyone uses this, a more modern development).

The rune of destiny. Odin's Rune. The will of the gods. Fate has taken over and you have no choice but to comply. The beginning and the end. A birth or a death (but often symbolic rather than actual - death of an old way of life or something like that).

Reversed runes? When a rune is lifted out of the bag reversed, or the blank side up, then it is commonly understood to have a slightly different meaning. This is a subject for a whole other day! In general however, the reversed meaning of a rune is the gentle opposite of the rune in the upright position.

For example, the opposite of Fehu, the rune of wealth and fulfilment could signify failure, poverty, unrequited love, or health issues.

A link to a very useful site with more detailed descriptions and pictures of each rune - http://www.runemaker.com/runemaker.shtml (Rune sets can also be purchased here)