Runes: Meaning, Lore and Divination

by WoodlandStar in Folklore, August 9, 2009

The ancient Norsemen used runes for divination as well as communication. What is important to understand is that each rune actually had a meaning beyond its name in the alphabet.

Z 15 Elhaz (Protection/Elk)

The primary issue is a shield of protection. It should be a warning in a cast for the individual to be on their guard and proceed with caution. In some casts it could be interpreted as a sign of danger. However, it can also protect, therefore it must be interpreted in relationship to other runes. Used wisely it can be set as a protection for others. In times of great stress and danger, it can be used as an amulet to protect. A negative aspect might suggest a break with divine forces. However, under all circumstances, regardless of opposing forces, the shield will prevail.

S 16 Sowilo (Guidance)

The primary issue is guidance and counsel. It is that power of light (sun) which melts all resistance including Isa. A very powerful rune that represents the very fires of the primordial universe. It is a force of protection and purification. In a rune cast it is very positive regardless of any other aspecting because it is so potent.

T 17 Tiwaz (Balance and justice)

The primary issue is justice and order. Unlike Sowilo, which is offensive, Tiwaz is a rune of defensive protection. That is in a rune cast it can be expected that the unbiased sharp edge of justice and order will prevail. It relies on knowledge and facts and once these are made clear, order will result. In a sense it is that which combats chaos and disorder.

B 18 Berkano (Fertility)

The primary issue is new beginnings This rune speaks to the issues associated with female energy. It is a rune of fertility and hope. It is the life force of growth and beauty. In a rune cast it might suggest romantic involvement and love. At the esoteric level it represents “Mother Earth”. It resists all perversion and encourages health and harmony. In times of stress this rune states that comfort and relief are at hand.

E 19 Ehwaz ( The Horse )

The primary issues are trust and cooperation. This is the rune which suggests an attitude of reliance. The kind of reliance that is often seen between old friends. It is the frame of mind which fosters teamwork and allows things to move forward because there is no ego resistance or fear of loss of one’s individuality. In a cast it might be suggestive of the teamwork seen between husband and wife or business partners. It forecasts harmony and cooperation.

M 20 Mannaz (Man)

The primary issue is the human intellect and reasoning skill. It is that force which distinguishes humans from other forms of earthly life. As an example a butterfly is a form of beauty and is distinguished by it’s beauty. So too with mankind, the earthly trait is intellect and reasoning which allows potential for an escape from instinct and fixed behavior.

L 21 Laguz (Water)

The primary issue is cleansing and often healing. It is probably one of the least understood runes and is often misinterpreted as a necessary burden of life. Quite the contrary it is in fact a that which will replenish the essence of the life force. It can be perverted when cast against others. This would result in deception and illusion. However, it is a rune which forecast change. The transition will test one’s strength, but in the end your goal will be reached.

ING 22 Ingwaz (Domestic order)

The primary issue is domestic order and household affairs. It represents a quiet time in which the simple aspects of daily functioning need to be addressed. It is the the force which unites families and maintains the tranquility of the home. In a rune cast it suggests wholeness and well being within the family unit. A time of rest at home before one must face the rigors of the harsh elemental forces.

D 23 Dagaz (Dawn)

The primary issue is the closing of one event and the beginning of another. It is the druidic “time between times.” That which rises (slowly) to the surface and casts light on old fears and concerns. The night is left behind and a new dawn has come. It allows a fresh start and new growth. It cannot be perverted. If there is a negative aspect it is only in the sense that the rune does not appear in a cast. There is no opposing force which can prevent the “Dawn” Of New Beginnings”.

O 24 Otala (Home)

The primary issues are house and property. As an energy force it involves our ancestral roots. It is likely related to the second insight in the Celestine Prophecy. In a rune cast it could refer to inheritance or gifts. Usually these are related in some aspect to our family and those possessions that are handed down from one person to another.

Casting

Ask any question then toss all 24 runes on a flat surface. Eliminate those that are face down. Attempt to see how each definition of the runes might apply to the question. A rune that covers another rune is something that inhibits or hides. Those close to each other may work in a cooperative effort: but this really depends on which runes are influencing each other. As an example Gebo and Hagalaz next to each other could be interpreted as ‘a destruction of what is but this is actually a gift from the gods. What you see as a loss will eventually be reveal itself as a stroke of good luck.’

Writing in Runes is Right to Left

Words having “th” in sequence such as the word ”the” are written using the thurisaz rune for the ”th” sound.