The Elder Futhark - Runes

My magickal journey personally started with runes and I still have such a strong connection to them that I got a rune circle tattoo.

Runes are like a ancient alphabet, just that every "letter", every rune hold special power and symolizes more than just a vowel or consonant.

In northern mythology, Odin, the god father, sacrificed his eye to receive the knowledge of the runes, which he latter passed on to the other deities and to humanity. The elder furthak is in this legend the oldest man known alphabet. 

It contents out of 24. 25, if you count in Odins rune . Each of this little symbols have their own powers.

Runes are considered an oracle. They will tell you about unseen things and the true nature of things. They will show you what's hidden, as well as the past, the present and the future.

You can draw them and put them in spread like you would do it with tarot.

My favorite spread is a simple three runes spread. Ask the runes a silent question and focus on it while drawing them. The first rune will show your past or obstacle, the second one will show you the present or the action you should take and the third rune will tell you about the future or the outcome.

Another of my preferred spreads is the Celtic cross (I do the same preferably in tarot).

Celtic Cross Spread

1. Expresses the matter or question at hand

2. Shows the forces that may hinder or oppose the matter or question at hand

3. Represents the underlying influences of the matter at hand or question

4. Shows the influences that are passing or coming to an end

5. Denotes the influences that may become important in the medium to long term

6. Represents the influences on the questioner in the near future

7. Represents the fears and negative feelings that the questioner may have

8. Denotes the outside influences of friends and/or family

9. Stands for the beliefs and hopes of the questioner

10. This rune shows the final outcome of the question or matter at hand

11. Further explination on final outcome

12. Further explination on final outcome

You can use runes also as protection, carry it increased in a gem or wood or a stone in your pocket. Draw it on your skin or sew it in your clothing to benefit form the magick of the rune.

Here are the runes of the Elder Fuhtark and their major meanings:

Fehu - Cattle, Abundance and Posession, Honesty

This rune symbolize fulfillment, both material and mental. You should care for what you have.

Uruz - Aurochs, Strengt and Courage, Independence, Graditute

The rune of rebirth. Your time of reign will come after your time of service.

Thurisaz - Giant, Motivation and Change

This rune symbolize the change from old too new. Before stepping into the new, come to an end with the past. Dare to make that step!

Ansuz - God, Imagination and truth

The first rune shows the process of transformation. Be open and ready for a change. Recognize the divine in yourself.

Raido - Riding, Journey and Destiny

Self-healing by connection two sides. Forgive in order to heal.

Kenaz - Bore, Knowledge, Creativity

You are in a moment where enlightenment is just around the corner. Be open and focus, leave the confusion past behind.

Gebo - Gift, Connection

You can be one not only alone with yourself, but in relationships, friendships, spiritual paths. Gebo shows you a connection and a gift.

Wunjo - Joy, Harmony, Pleasure

The time of hard work is coming to an end. Enjoy the fruits of your labour and look for new things.

Hagalaz - Hail, sudden change and destruction, anger

Hagalaz is telling you, there is a abrupt stop. Break free from whatever is holding you back and be cautious!

Nauthiz - need, necessity and delays 

Life´s not only light and easy, a time of pain and suffer is necessary. Work with it and let anger and obstacles be your teacher.

Isa - ice, challenge and inactivity, fear

Passivity is needed before every rebirth. Cleanse yourself and find new beginnings in old.

Jera - year and earth, harvest, patience

This rune symbolize total mastering. Loving resistance and steadily growth will lead to greatest fulfillment.

Eihwaz - yew tree, stability, reliability and enlightenment

Practice patience! You need strength to break free from blockades and obstacles.

Perth - unknown, magic, mystery, secrets 

This rune shows mystery and transformation. Work your mind around with an open view on change.

Sowulo - sun, energy, wholeness

Notice, what you were searching for to reach, is already present. You hold greatest strength. Show it and regenerate yourself!

Teiwaz - the god try, thor´s rune, justice and leadership

Direct your attention to your inner self. Don't fight your own I. This rune shows a male energy and activism.

Berkana - birch, personal growth, potential

Growth will come to you based on patience, hard work and modesty.

Ehwaz - horse, progress, loyalty and partnership, forgiveness

The rune of movement - a new job, travels and moving. Your elan decides your way.

Mannaz - man, selfnessness, culture, innocences

Highest attention, do not rest on your achievements. Be spontaneous and adventures!

Laguz - water, potentiality, flow

Preserve, without judging. Trust the universe to bring you to the place where you belong.

Inguz - the god Ing, new beginning, fertility, fear

Trust your intuition. End what you've began and you will find harmony and order.

Dagaz - day, awareness and hope

The last rune of the cycle. Change will come and turn around you/your life, so you will shine. A new day supersede the dark night.

Othila - inheritance, traditions, home and goddess, grief

Shed the old and profit from what you can leave behind.

Algiz - protection, power and self defense

New events and obstacles will appear. Act wisely and you will not be overwhelmed.

Notice that the spelling and the way the runes are drawn can vary a little bit. When using the Magick of runes, trust your intuition. It knows everything ;)

I hope I could show you a little bit about Celtic runes today and hope you had fun reading.

Till next time and blessed be,

Silver