"Futhark" is the Norse equivalent of "Alphabet." Just as "Alphabet is formed by the first two Greek letters, alpha and beta, so futhark is formed by the first six letters of Old Norse.
Throughout the ages weaving through Northern European history, the runes have held a deep fascination and mystical quality to both Teutonic and Celtic peoples alike. Serving as an alphabet, the runes evolved naturally over the course of time into four distinct alphabets: the Elder Futhark, the Younger Futhark, Anglo-Saxon Futhark & Armanen Futhark.
Dating back to about 300 BCE the Elder Futhark, as we have chosen to use here, is still the most popular and widely used. The actual origin of the Runes is lost in prehistory, possibly dating back to Hyperborean times. In the Wotanist pantheon the giant Mimir, as the possessor of the well of wisdom, is credited as the inventor and source of the Runes.
The Runes support our quest for fulfillment. Helpful tools such as the Runes, if used in the proper spirit, allow us to experience harmony and clarity in our daily lives.
Underlying the whole, outward runic concept we find a far deeper arcane aspect, formulating the universal mysteries. Each rune consists of three profound elements:
1) a sound (song), 2) a stave (shape), 3) a rune (hidden lore).
Of this triad no rune can stand lone of itself. To master the Runes one must learn to grasp these principles and use them effectively.
One of the important things we must focus on is to know our own inner essence, as individuals and as a folk. We, as the children of our noble ancestors and our archetypical gods, represent the collective consciousness of our race; we really have it all. What we have to do is strengthen and refine this ancient bond. We have to look within ourselves and the runic triad to understand the pathways which will open the doors to our genetic and nature-based instincts.
Each person is the center of his existence. The geometric Runes are a symbolic chart to show us the flow of influences around us and guide us in our understanding. Once we understand them, we can then incorporate the best ways to use them.
The runic system in essence is much like a map of the cosmos and the human consciousness combined. It is a system of Gnostic learning and a language of what has been learned. Runes quite often weave deep into the human emotions. In the first step, we find that each rune has characteristics and emotion suitable to that rune alone. It is helpful to learn exactly what rune fits what emotion. Then, we need to learn the other aspects of each rune. To make a rune work, one must be able to feel it first. The effort invested will determine how fast one learns. However, it takes time and some people learn faster than others.
It is important to learn the Runes thoroughly, names, definitive characteristics and emotions that they evoke. Runes create a balance within themselves and help us discover our essence and true nature. The more we learn about the Runes the more they become incorporated into our lives. There are many books available on Runes, and it is advantageous to study as many as possible. Some are good and some are not. In time it will become evident which books best illuminate the subject. One's frame of mind influences the way the Runes work and act. Respect for each rune will provide a way to explore the unknown forces at work in our lives, thereby heightening self-awareness and the mystery of our existence.
Wotan hung on the World Tree Yggdrasill for nine days and nine nights, sacrificing himself to himself to learn the mystery of the Runes. May they guide you, also.
unbewildered, unspoilt,
They are wholesome to have;
Thrive thou with these then,
When thou hast learnt their lore,
'Til the Gods end thy life-days.
Volsunga Saga
Wealth(f) Fire generation, fire-borer, livestock, property, to grow, to wander, to destroy, to shred Green tourmaline
The first of the runes, it literally means cattle and takes shape from their horns. It stands for material wealth, fertility and tamed earthly energy that can be controlled by the human will. Fehu is the essence of mobile power and strength, but a potential source of disruption, as well. It is related to the Vanir deities Njord, Frey and Freyja. This is a rune of duty, of good for good, of true worship and of health.
Primal strength(u) The primordial, eternity, primal fire, primal light, primal bull aurochs, the afterlife Tiger's eye
This is the rune of the aurochs, a magnificent wild bovine of ancient Europe. Interpretively it is the horn of the aurochs or falling drizzle. It represents untamed earthly energy, primal shaping forces that cannot be controlled by human will. The U rune is the mother of manifestation. Uruz is the forming force, not the form itself. It defines the origin and destiny of all things. As the rune of vital strength and virility, a life force of the masculine polarity, Uruz teaches patience, endurance, courage and the application of aggression at the right time under the right circumstances. Uruz is used to enhance independence and leadership abilities and to aid in the growth of "wisdom."
Defense (th) Thunder, thunderbolt, lightning flash, thorn Bloodstone
This stands for both a thorn and the god Thor. A powerful defensive rune, it employs the destructive force that is sometimes necessary in battling enemies and chaos, although it can sometimes cause chaos. A rune of lightning and thunder, of life and polarity, Thurisaz governs regeneration and fertilization.
Gods(a) Reception - transformation - expression, inspiration, death - mysteries Lapis lazuli
Derived from the Aesir, associated with "the mouth of god," specifically Wotan's, this rune stands for wisdom and divine inspiration. Consciousness, intelligence, poetry, magic, ecstasy and order are, also, ruled by Ansuz. It is the wisdom of ancestral memory and that "small voice within." Ansuz is instrumental in the creation of mankind. It is a rune which works magnetic and/or hypnotic speech.
Motion (r) Right action and order, religion, ritual, rhythm Jacinth
The rune of the natural order, of the cycles of days, seasons and years, it is the right way, the path of the sun and the journeys of people and the migration of animals. Raido governs the rhythms of music and dance. It is a rune of rebels and giving rein, also, relative to Thor and Folk-soul. This rune has been interpreted variously as "wagon," "chariot" and "riding." Raido is a rune of spiritual development.
Illumination (k) Kinship, learning, teaching Flint
The rune of the torch and controlled fire or energy, this is the fire of regeneration through death or sacrifice. It represents the hearth and creation, as well as cremation. Kenaz is associated with knowledge, teaching and doing. Connected to inner guidance, it is the rune of human passion, lust and sexual love, also, a rune of the artist and craftsman.
Gift (g) The high gods, gifts, generosity, hospitality Emerald and Jade
Exchanging gifts binds people together, it binds a leader to his followers and seals alliances between clans. This was the idea behind sacrifices or gifts to the gods, which should bring favors in return. Gebo brings friendship, loyalty and hospitality, a rune often used in "love magic."
Joy (w) Joy, harmony, respect, honor, pride and fellowship Topaz and rose quartz
It stands for personal wholeness and perfection. Wunjo battles against discouragement and sadness to bring cheerfulness and courage in both the individual and the group. Clan-centric and binding of kin, this is a rune of emotional healing and self-confidence, the will to win.
Constraint (h) The right moment, keep and save Crystal
Named after hail, this rune is seen to be the framework of the universe, the guide to evolution. It is the unity of fire and ice, which were seen in the old mythologies as the two primal elements. It is a rune of harmony and completeness. The rune of hope, renewal and lusty youth, Hagalaz contains the potential energy of neutral power in the multi-universe, which is born from the dynamic generating, evolving unit of fire (energy) and ice (anti-matter). The H rune describes the eternal cosmic harmony. As the Rune mother, it signifies the realms of the underworld and personal unconsciousness.
Necessity(n) Norn, compulsion of fate Obsidian
The need rune, this symbolizes the heroic power to survive and thrive in times of crisis and stress. Its shape symbolizes the bow-drill used in old times to kindle the need fire. It represents coming into being, manifestation and is a rune of protection, especially spiritual protection. Nauthiz is the force of friction and resistance which builds up the individual strength and will.
Stasis (i) Iron, ice Herkimer diamond
Isa is the rune of ice and inaction. Ice is seen as one of the primal elements; fire is the other. It represents drawing into the center of one's being, giving calm in times of strife. The Isa rune is the force of attraction, gravity, inertia, entropy in the multi-universe. Isa is a symbol of the individual ego and concentrating force that holds the ego-self together. It is the rune of control and defense.
Year(y) Cyclical development, solar year, reward, fruition Moss agate
Literally meaning "year," this rune represents natural cycles, such as the progression of the seasons, sowing and reaping, birth, death and rebirth, and the rewards or penalties for one's action. Jera represents a masculine fertility force associated with Freyr. Jera symbolizes the interlocking forces of fire (summer) and ice (winter) as compliments of each other. It is a rune of awareness and patience.
Yew tree (ei) Vertical cosmic axis, endurance, protection Smoky quartz
Meaning yew tree, it symbolizes the cosmic tree, Yggdrasill, seen as the central axis of the world. As such, it allows communication and travel to other realms of being. This rune contains the mystery of life and death, and mystically unifies them in essence. It is a life-giving force and the mode by which that force is sustained. Eihwaz represents the dynamic and outgoing and is associated with Vuldar, god of the winter sky.
Womb, dice cup (p) Time, cause and effect, evolution - change Layered onyx
Symbolizing the dice cup or chance happenings, this represents "orlog" or "wyrd," both of which are similar to the modern concept of "fate." Orlog is the primal layers of past action and events that guide and affect the present and future wyrd. Pertho is the rune of time and excitements, both pleasant and unpleasant. It is a rune of feasting, dancing and laughter, also, intellectual knowledge and divination.
Elk (z) Life, protection, connection between gods and men Black tourmaline
Also known as algiz, it is symbolic of a spread hand or an elk's antlers, both being signs of active defense. A rune of protection and of purifying, it is associated with a swan or a valkyrie and with striving towards one's potential. Elhaz is the life symbol and was often carved into spears for protection and victory.
Sun (s) Solar wheel, goal and path, success, guide Norse sunstone
Rune of the sun and the power it radiates, its shape is that of a lightning bolt. It represents the primal fire that reacts against ice. It is the power of the human will, of victory and success. The rune of Heimdall, the messenger of Wotan, symbolically says "Bear it or be it."
Cosmic pillar(t) Justice, self-sacrifice, spiritual discipline, world order Bloodstone and hematite
Tiwaz is the rune of Tyr, the god of law, justice and war, who brings victory to the side which most deserves it. It embodies honor, duty and unselfishness, sacrificing oneself for the good of others. It is a rune of divine order. A three-fold mystery is contained in Tiwaz: justice, war and world-column.
Birch tree (b) Birth - life - death cycle, containment, earth mother Jet
This rune means birch goddess and symbolizes Nerthus, earth mother. It rules over the stages of life as well as death, gestation and rebirth. It conceals, nurtures and protects, as does the womb and the tomb. Berkano is a rune of the Vanir and of hidden transformation and growth.
Horse (e) Harmonious duality, marriage, trust, loyalty Turquoise
This signifies a horse and, also, a harmonious and loyal partnership, such as between a horse and rider, husband and wife, business partners or a king and his subjects. Identified with twins, such as the Saxon conquerors Hengist (stallion) and Horsa (horse). Ehwaz is connected with fertility and thus to Freyr. It represents a rune of trust and loyalty. Ehwaz is a symbol of the ideal man-woman relationship and thus is the mystery of lawful marriage.
Human being (m) Divine structure, intelligence, divine ancestor and sky father Amethyst
The M rune stands for man or human, especially that divine spark within each person, connected to the god Heimdall (also known as Rig), who was said to be the progenitor of mankind. Mannaz is the rune of the conscious, rational mind and intelligence, it describes the Germanic peoples as being the progeny of the gods. It is the stave of the "perfected man," the complete human being, for good drink, especially mead, for the builders and innkeepers, comrades-in-arms and bachelors.
Flowing water (l) Primal water, passage to and from life, growth Malachite
This rune means water. It stands for the deep water of the subconscious from which come wisdom and intuition. It is the primal waters of life. Laguz symbolizes both the waters of birth and those waters crossed after death. This rune represents the basic life energy in the universe and the secret source of all organic life. Symbolic of phallic power (virtue) and fertility in the physical as well as mental realms.
Expansive energy (ng) Potential energy, gestation Ivory
The masculine consort of the earth goddess, this rune is named for the earthly god, Ing. It was later associated with the god Frey. Ingwaz represents the seed with its stored power and potential that must undergo a gestation period before manifestation. This rune is the male counterpart to the Berkano rune.
Day (d) Light, polarity, synchronization Fluorite
This is the point of balance between the pairs of opposites. It is the instant of dawn or dusk. It is the awakening of the transcendent consciousness, often described as a blinding flash of inspiration that unites the individual with the universe and reveals the mystery of being. Dagaz is a concept of synthesization of opposites that goes beyond their perceived opposition. In Dagaz, language fails, Dagaz is chiefly useful as a rune of meditation.
Home, possession(o) Inherited power, sacred enclosure, preserved freedom Petrified wood
The O rune represents land or real property, especially ancestral lands. On another level it represents the genetic structure given us by our ancestors as well as ancestral memory and inherited spiritual power. It is preserved clan and tribal law on a spiritual level. In Wotanism it is a rune expressed by the kindred, as a rune of Wotan's might as Allfather. Othala represents personal love of folk and nation.