Before today's alphabets and the Roman and Greek alphabet system, there was the language of the ancient world, a language used amongst the people of historical Europe, before the arrival of Christianity. This language is from the time of the Vikings and the Celts and the alphabet was the main form of writing text and inscriptions, followed by Germanic European cultures. This is the language of the runes, which was used from 150 AD to 1100 AD. There were many strains of the runic alphabet system but all traces and evidence of such strains have been lost to the march of time. Three main forms remain: the Elder Futhark, the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc and the Younger Futhark. Who and what formed such alphabets remains a mystery, all that is known is they are of European inception. The interesting fact about this ancient European alphabet, is that its letters were used not only for writing but also represented divine or magical symbols. The word "rune" itself means secret or whisper and is derived from the Gothic word
Runa. These symbols were not used to predict the future, rather they were regarded as a way of seeking advice from the gods and served as oracles. Below various rune
symbols and their meanings are listed.
Rune Chart with Symbolic Meanings
Note: The runes here are according to the
Elder Futhark standard of runic alphabets and are broken into groups of 8, known as ętt.
Freyr's Ętt
 Fehu |
| Rune No. 1 |
| Other Names: Feoh, Frey, Feo |
| Meaning: Wealth |
| Any form of wealth, riches or material gain and riches is represented by this rune. Wealth can be financial in the form of income, bonuses, unexpected windfalls and success or emotional wealth such as love, old and new, forging bonds etc. This rune's reversal indicates a loss in fortune and riches or failure in succeeding. |
 Uruz |
| Rune No. 2 |
| Other Names: Urz, Ur, Uraz |
| Meaning: Aurochs (wild ox)/strength |
| This rune represents a wild animal, prized for its strength and power. A deeper meaning is of internal mental fortitude and vision, of facing challenges and making new beginnings. In the masculine form, it is manhood and for women, it is femininity. Inverted, this symbol indicates weakness or lack of power. |
 Thurisaz |
| Rune No. 2 |
| Other Names: Thor, Thorn |
| Meaning: Giant |
| A force or tower of strength standing up to challenges. Emotional forces like anger and hate can be controlled and used. But your own strengths can end up destroying you. This rune has a very ambiguous meaning, it can be viewed as a positive or negative rune. |
 Ansuz |
| Rune No. 4 |
| Other Names: Ass, Os, Aesir |
| Meaning: Odin (ruler of Asgard, major Norse god), Holy being |
| This is the rune that represents Odin and is also the rune of communication, revelation and prophecies, especially of a divine nature. It essentially represents words or messages conveyed through speech. It can represent a test, examination or written information in the near future. When reversed, it represents the god of mischief Loki and hence warns of tricks and subterfuge. |
 Raido |
| Rune No. 5 |
| Other Names: Rad, Reid, Radh |
| Meaning: A vehicle, riding, journey |
| One can travel over roads and streets and one's life can take many twists and turns and different directions. Such forms of travel are represented by this rune. Raido refers to the journey of life itself, how your decisions can change your path. It also symbolizes the need to change oneself, through a journey of self-awareness. Its inverse can mean stagnation or a lack or change. |
 Kenaz |
| Rune No. 6 |
| Other Names: Kano, Kaunan, Kaunaz, Kauno |
| Meaning: Fire, torch |
| The rune of burning light, heat and warmth physically and mentally, an awakened and enlightened mind. This rune represents a mind opening itself to new ideas, revisioning old thoughts and being creative and exploring different types of knowledge. A light being shone in the shadows to banish the darkness of ignorance. Its reversal signifies a loss of awakened knowledge or the arrival of darkness on an important path. |
 Gebo |
| Rune No. 7 |
| Other Names: Gyfu, Geofu |
| Meaning: Gift, love |
| The spirit of giving, through physical gifts or emotional help is reflected in this rune. This rune represents a present, an act of generosity, a boon or a skill. It also follows the "what goes around, comes around" philosophy, where an act of kindness should always be returned and you owe the giver gratitude. Plus, one good deed in turn should lead to another, so doing good deeds to others is also advised. |
 Wunjo |
| Rune No. 8 |
| Other Names: Wunjo, Wyn |
| Meaning: Joy |
| The spirit of happiness, feelings of wellbeing, being loved by someone and reveling in the relationship or enjoying good health and wealth is represented by this rune. Pleasure and harmony with family, friends and work will reign. Emotions and feelings are represented by this rune over materialistic wealth. If inverted, it symbolizes difficulties and obstacles in the path to find happiness, such as sadness, misunderstandings, lack of communication. |
Heimdall's Ętt
 Hagalaz |
| Rune No. 9 |
| Other Names: Haegl, Hagal, Haal |
| Meaning: Hail |
| This rune symbol represents one of the harsher forms of weather, that things are going to change. It means a disturbing or disruptive force is going to affect your life. External and internal forces are at work but soon the storm will fade away and peace and calm will prevail. |
 Naudiz |
| Rune No. 10 |
| Other Names: Nauthiz, Nyd, Naudr, Nied, Noicz |
| Meaning: Need or necessity |
| Need can be a want or a wish or a necessity that has to be addressed. Need can also mean desperate circumstances or hardships that one must solve or handle. This rune urges one to realize what one truly needs to survive and live and acknowledge what is important and what is not. |
 Isaz |
| Rune No. 11 |
| Other Names: Isa, Is, Iss, Isar |
| Meaning: Ice |
| Symbolically this symbol represents the thin form of an icicle. It is meant to represent the coldness and frigidity of ice, that one must tread carefully across such bodies. This rune can mean a freezing or suspension of plans, they must be delayed until some time, when their outcome will be more fruitful. |
.
 Jera |
| Rune No. 12 |
| Other Names: Ar, Ger, Jeran, Jeraz, Jara, Gaar |
| Meaning: Year/harvest |
| The fruit of labor or reward for effort is what this rune represents. Jera depicts the success and fruition of plans. After planning and carrying out steps and working, one can expect a suitable harvest or yield. |
 Eihwaz |
| Rune No. 13 |
| Other Names: Eo, Eihwaz, Eihwas, Erwaz, Ezck |
| Meaning: Yew tree |
| This rune symbolizes the strength and fortitude of the yew tree against that which would harm it. It is meant as a rune of protection and defense, even in the face of an ambush. Knowledge and skill through difficult times. The spirit and mindset meant to endure even the worst. |
 Perth |
| Rune No. 14 |
| Other Names: Peorth, Pertho, Perb, Peordh, Pertra |
| Meaning: Dice cup/chance |
| This is the rune of mystery and chance. The future is always ambiguous and unknown and the appearance of this symbol means a hidden matter or underlying secret meaning or a gamble with an unpredictable outcome. Inverted, it symbolizes hidden agendas or hidden failure and loss. |
 Algiz |
| Rune No. 15 |
| Other Names: Elhaz, Eolh, Algir, Elgr |
| Meaning: Elk |
| The physical form of this rune symbol closely resembles the antlers of the mighty elk, an animal that is always aware of its surroundings, looking out for danger, yet, capable of facing any threat in its path. It is also likened to a hand raised in a defensive gesture. This rune represents protection and defense against elements of harm. If reversed, it can indicate unsafe defenses or being open to attack. |
 Sowilō |
| Rune No. 16 |
| Other Names: Sowulu, Sigel, Sugil, Sowilo |
| Meaning: Sun |
| Symbol of power and strength. It also symbolizes one's spirit rising or awakening from darkness. Success and goals will be reached. This rune represents power and vitality, revitalizing your life force and providing you with the energy to attain your goals. It also means brightness chasing away the darkness. |
Tyr's Ętt
 Tiwaz |
| Rune No. 17 |
| Other Names: Teiwaz, Tyr |
| Meaning: Warrior |
| This rune represents the Norse god of War, Tyr. It protects those who fight, whether in a physical battle or in a battle of wits. The rune symbolizes triumph and victory in any competition. Its reverse symbolizes defeat and time to retreat wisely. |
 Berkano |
| Rune No. 18 |
| Other Names: Berkanan, Beorc |
| Meaning: Birch tree or goddess |
| A symbol of fertility and rebirth. This rune symbolizes the chance of a new bright beginning or something old regrowing itself. Recovery and renewal of objects, ventures and personal relationships can occur. If reversed, decline or decrease in growth could take place. |
Ehwaz |
| Rune No. 19 |
| Other Names: Eoh |
| Meaning: Horse |
| This symbol represents the animal horse and also a means of transportation, to get from one point to another. A deeper meaning is of being on the right track to prosperity. Reversal indicates slowness and taking steps backwards. |
 Mannaz |
| Rune No. 20 |
| Other Names: Manwaz |
| Meaning: Mankind |
| This rune represents the spirit of humanity, from those close and personal to perfect strangers, irrespective of gender. Even your individuality and spirit, how you treat others and how others treat you can be represented. Its reverse symbolizes solitude and isolation, from humanity around you. |
 Laguz |
| Rune No. 21 |
| Other Names: Lagu |
| Meaning: Water |
| This is the main rune of water in all its forms from a tiny pond to the mighty ocean. Water has high tides, flows and ebbs. It cleanses all in its path. Conducting any aquatic activities will be most fortuitous with the appearance of this rune. This rune in reverse, can drown or submerge you. |
 Ingwaz |
| Rune No. 22 |
| Other Names: Inguz, Ing |
| Meaning: The hero-god Ing |
| This rune symbolizes peace and unity, of people coming together and relationships being strengthened by love for one and other. A cycle of life is complete, a plan has come to fruition and relief at this result is felt. |
 Othila |
| Rune No. 23 |
| Other Names: Othala, Odal, Othel |
| Meaning: Home/property |
| Attaining wrath through inheritance or gains being passed down from one generation to another, is symbolized by this rune. It might not be material wealth, family strengths and features can be inherited too. Its reversal indicates an empty inheritance. |
 Dagaz |
| Rune No. 24 |
| Other Names: Dag, Daeg |
| Meaning: Day |
| This rune represents the coming of a new day or the turning of the night into day. A new direction, hope and a new start or a satisfying ending is conveyed. Time to step out from the darkness into the light. This is also the rune of transforming power. |
To cast runes, a priest of Odin would spread out a white cloth and lay the rune stones on it. Then with his eyes blindfolded or raised upwards, he would pick 3 runes from the cloth and would predict the outcome of a venture or answer a question, based on their interpretation. This alphabet may now exist only in occult circles and the inscription stones in museums but as such the runic alphabet remains an important and fascinating pre-Christian language of the Old World.
