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Rune Meanings for Modern Day: An Introduction to Runes
Runes are an ancient form of writing used in northern Europe, including Germany, Scandinavia, and the British Isles. The listing below is a very basic chart of Scandinavian rune meanings known as the “elder Futhark.” In modern times, people often use runes for divination, in writing magical texts or spells, or as talismans.
You may have heard of or encountered the runic alphabet before but been mystified by its cryptic appearance. Unlike the alphabet we use today, each rune acts as a symbolic representation for some aspect of life. Once you understand these meanings, runes can become a powerful tool for divination, spellwork, and more.
The Elder Futhark consists of 25 runes (24 with characters and one blank rune). The image below provides the name and symbol for each rune, and the following chart describes the historical rune meanings and what it may signify in divination.
| Letter | What it means | What it may signify | |
 |
Wyrd ( ) |
Odin |
All knowledge, cosmic power, fate, destiny, gateway, blank space, void |
 |
Fehu (f) |
Cattle |
Wealth, prosperity, status, power |
 |
Uruz (u) |
Aurochs (ancient cow) |
Strength, courage, determination |
 |
Thurisaz (th) |
Thor, or a giant |
Protection, obstacles, stubbornness |
 |
Ansuz (a) |
Voice of the gods |
Wisdom from a higher source |
 |
Raidho (r) |
Wheel |
A journey, whether physical or otherwise |
 |
Kenaz (k) |
Torch |
Knowledge, study, skill, ideas |
 |
Gebo (g) |
Gift |
Gift, love, union, mutual responsibility |
 |
Wunjo (w) |
Joy |
Good luck or good news, family, harmony |
 |
Hagalaz (h) |
Hail |
Disruption, misfortune, shock |
 |
Nauthiz (n) |
Need |
Poverty, distress, something lacking |
 |
Isa (i) |
Ice |
Stasis, stillness (desirable or otherwise) |
 |
Jera (j) |
Year |
Success, productivity, cycles |
 |
Eihwaz (ei) |
Yew tree |
Change, flexibility, empowerment, safety |
 |
Perthro (p) |
Cauldron or dice cup |
Mystery, chance, seeing the future |
 |
Algiz (z) |
Elk |
Protection, communication, friendship |
 |
Sowilo (s) |
Sun |
One’s will, success, good health & fortune |
 |
Tiwaz (t) |
Victory |
Justice, leadership, self-sacrifice |
 |
Berkana (b) |
Birch tree |
Feminine energy, nurturing, love, beauty |
|
Ehwaz (e) |
Horse |
Service, trust, self-control, a helper |
 |
Mannaz (m) |
Man |
Self, rational thought, friends, consciousness |
 |
Laguz (l) |
Lake |
Water, intuition, scrying, dreams, the moon |
 |
Ingwaz (ng) |
Ing (fertility god) |
Sexual energy, fertility, union, intense creativity |
 |
Othila (o) |
Homeland |
Home, family, inheritance, ancestors |
 |
Dagaz (d) |
Day |
Beginnings & endings, cyclic change, destiny |
We love the rustic, natural feel of wooden rune sets, which are perfect for beginners! The physical weightiness of wooden or ceramic rune tiles can’t be beaten, especially when you take the time to cast them as part of a ritual or ceremony.
If you want to deepen your knowledge of runes and rune-casting for divination, healing and more even further than this introductory post, there are several excellent books about runes you may be interested in adding to your reading list. Some focus more on history and lore of runes while others are geared for more of a practical, hands-on approach to working runes as part of your spiritual practice.
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