Overview of the Elder Futhark
The Elder Futhark is the oldest known runic alphabet, consisting of 24 runes. These runes are divided into three groups, or aettir (plural of aett), each associated with specific deities and themes. They were historically used for writing, divination, and magical purposes.
The 24 Elder Futhark Runes
First Aett (Freyr’s Aett)
Associated with fertility, prosperity, and beginnings.
Fehu (ᚠ)
- Meaning: Wealth, prosperity, abundance
- Usage: Manifestation of material success or personal growth.
Uruz (ᚢ)
- Meaning: Strength, vitality, endurance
- Usage: Invoking courage and physical health.
Thurisaz (ᚦ)
- Meaning: Chaos, destruction, protection
- Usage: Breaking obstacles or warding off harm.
Ansuz (ᚨ)
- Meaning: Communication, wisdom, inspiration
- Usage: Enhancing clarity in thought and speech.
Raidho (ᚱ)
- Meaning: Journey, travel, movement
- Usage: Guiding transitions or spiritual journeys.
Kenaz (ᚲ)
- Meaning: Knowledge, creativity, illumination
- Usage: Igniting inner passions and gaining insights.
Gebo (ᚷ)
- Meaning: Gift, partnership, generosity
- Usage: Strengthening relationships or receiving blessings.
Wunjo (ᚹ)
- Meaning: Joy, harmony, success
- Usage: Bringing happiness and balance into life.
Second Aett (Heimdall’s Aett)
Focuses on challenges, justice, and transformation.
Hagalaz (ᚺ)
- Meaning: Disruption, hail, change
- Usage: Navigating upheaval or cleansing negative influences.
Nauthiz (ᚾ)
- Meaning: Need, constraint, resistance
- Usage: Overcoming obstacles through patience and resilience.
Isa (ᛁ)
- Meaning: Stillness, delay, reflection
- Usage: Cooling conflicts or promoting self-restraint.
Jera (ᛃ)
- Meaning: Harvest, cycles, reward
- Usage: Timing projects or reaping long-term rewards.
Eihwaz (ᛇ)
- Meaning: Endurance, transformation, protection
- Usage: Connecting with higher realms or invoking spiritual strength.
Perthro (ᛈ)
- Meaning: Mystery, fate, chance
- Usage: Exploring hidden knowledge or unlocking secrets.
Algiz (ᛉ)
- Meaning: Protection, defense, higher self
- Usage: Shielding from harm and enhancing intuition.
Sowilo (ᛊ)
- Meaning: Sun, success, vitality
- Usage: Attracting victory and promoting personal growth.
Third Aett (Tyr’s Aett)
Represents sacrifice, destiny, and the divine.
Tiwaz (ᛏ)
- Meaning: Honor, justice, leadership
- Usage: Seeking justice or developing leadership qualities.
Berkano (ᛒ)
- Meaning: Birth, growth, fertility
- Usage: Nurturing new ventures or promoting healing.
Ehwaz (ᛖ)
- Meaning: Partnership, trust, progress
- Usage: Building trust or fostering cooperation.
Mannaz (ᛗ)
- Meaning: Humanity, self, society
- Usage: Enhancing self-awareness or improving relationships.
Laguz (ᛚ)
- Meaning: Water, intuition, flow
- Usage: Enhancing psychic abilities or adapting to change.
Ingwaz (ᛜ)
- Meaning: Fertility, potential, peace
- Usage: Channeling creativity or starting anew.
Dagaz (ᛞ)
- Meaning: Dawn, awakening, breakthrough
- Usage: Invoking clarity or celebrating accomplishments.
Othala (ᛟ)
- Meaning: Heritage, home, legacy
- Usage: Strengthening family ties or preserving traditions.
How to Use the Elder Futhark Runes
Divination
- Casting Runes: Scatter runes and interpret their positions and relationships.
- Rune Draw: Pull one or more runes for guidance or insight.
Meditation and Visualization
- Focus on a rune’s energy to inspire specific qualities (e.g., strength with Uruz).
Magic and Talismans
- Carve or draw runes on objects (e.g., candles, stones) to amplify their energy.
Journaling and Self-Reflection
- Use rune meanings as prompts for introspection and personal growth.
Creating Bindrunes
- Combine multiple runes into a single symbol to represent complex intentions.
