Calming Magic

About Runes

There are several different varieties of runes, from several different places around the world. They were originally a system of writing for various Germanic languages before the Latin alphabet gained dominance. The Elder Futhark specifically dates back to the second century and was thought to be used not just for communication, but also for divination, protection, and other forms of magic. The word rune translates to “secret,” and only the wisest and bravest would attempt to interpret or use them. If you were, say, a Viking chieftain and needed some advice on whether the seas were fair for exploration, you would consult with your erilaz (sorcerer advisor), who would cast the runes onto a cloth and entreat them to determine the best course of action.

The truth is, there isn’t much in the way of direct evidence that runes were employed for divination, though divination is the most common use for runes today. There isn’t much in the way of direct evidence of what runes were used for at all—or anything about what life was like so long ago for that matter. More than anything, all that we have are the stories we tell, the stories that were passed down to us from the ones who were there. Did some things change in the telling and retelling? Probably, but it is through stories that we understand ourselves and the world around us, and these stories have informed how we approach and use runes.

Because of this murky history, you can find varying interpretations behind each of the runes. Since we don’t know precisely what they meant, we have all told different stories about them. And in fact, as you work with them, you will come to tell your own stories and give them your own meanings—that flexibility is part of their magic. Runes were—and still are—carved onto stone tiles, which are typically kept in a small cloth bag. They can be used as an oracle, much in the way you would work with a tarot deck. But rune-casting is much simpler, though much more open to interpretation. You will need a cloth for casting—typically a white cloth, but it doesn’t truly matter. You just need something that will create a boundary for your runes and hold them so you can read them.

FEHU (Cattle)

It’s a rune of abundance, luck, and energy. It represents new beginnings and the ability to create wealth—be it monetary or simply the means to live in the way that you want to. It also urges you to safeguard this wealth, as it was not easily won.

URUZ (Aurochs; wild ox)

This is a call to be wild, to push beyond your boundaries. It asks for determination, even stubbornness, and can be used for healing as well.

THURISAZ (Giant, thorns)

This rune asks you to protect yourself and can provide protection. Chaos may be at hand, but you can hunker down and stay out of the coming storm.

ANSUZ (Divine breath)

Ansuz represents divine order and stability. It also aids in communication, as it asks you to listen while knowing that you too will be heard.

RAIDHO (Journey)

As the Vikings were adventurers and explorers, so too can you be. But doing so takes planning and careful thought, for this is not a journey to be undertaken lightly.

KENAZ (Torch)

A rune of knowledge and inspiration, Kenaz asks you to strive for learning and perfect your skills with creativity, putting yourself into your work.

GEBO (Gift)

This can mean generosity, a literal gift, but it is also a reminder that when you live among others, gifts cannot stand alone: what you receive, you should give elsewhere in return.

WUNJO (Joy)

This kind of joy can come through desire and romantic love, but also through contentment and harmony. Wunjo can dissipate pain and suffering and is an indication that good things are coming your way.

HAGALAZ (Hail)

This is a difficult storm. It is a crisis, even a catastrophe, and like hailstones it will hurt. But while hailstorms come on suddenly, often without warning, they do pass quickly and melt away without much lasting damage.

NAUTHIZ (Necessity)

There is work that needs to be done, and it isn’t work we want to be doing. It may come in a time of hardship, where we learn the lessons we need to move toward the promise of Fehu.

ISA (Ice)

This rune is about stillness and concentration, but also about feeling stuck—when it appears, it indicates that everything is grinding to a halt. But you can use this forced rest to see what you might’ve been missing in the rush.

JERA (Harvest)

This rune represents the cycle of life, how we continue onward and forward always. There is a sense of peace in that.

EIHWAZ (Yew tree)

A rune of birth and death, symbolizing new beginnings. It can be used for protection and power during transitions.

PERTHRO (Fate)

This rune is hard to interpret, as it represents secrets and the unknown—that which cannot be grasped, but still influences us. When it appears, it is a reminder that there are forces beyond our control, but we should do our best with what we can control.

ALGIZ (Elk)

This rune symbolizes our connection with the gods. When it appears, it is a call to listen to your intuition, and it can also be used as a protective talisman.

SOWILO (Sun)

A guide to finding light in dark times. Sowilo invites strength, confidence, and a sense of wholeness. There has been a struggle, but you are finding your way through.

TIWAZ (Creator)

When this rune appears, it is a call to sacrifice. You may find that the answer is to choose the greater good—it is the right thing to do.

BERKANO (Birch tree)

This is a rune of creativity and fertility. It harnesses all the aspects of feminine power: insight, healing, nurturing, and rebirth.

EHWAZ (Horse)

A horse represents freedom, motion, and independence, but also cooperation, for you must learn to work together to get where you want to go.

MANNAZ (Humankind)

Mannaz is about the importance of community, of responsibility to others and the joys of living in harmony. It is also a rune of intelligence.

LAGUZ (Water)

Water contains multitudes—life, dreams, mystery, imagination, and emotion. It is our source, and we cannot live without it, though we will never entirely understand it.

INGUZ (Seed).

This rune of creativity and fertility is about internal work, about creating a force within yourself before sharing it with others.

OTHALA (Household).

This is about your home and hearth, and the comfort and protection they provide. But it is also about your family, including your ancestors, and what you have inherited from them.

DAGAZ (Dawn)

Dawn represents the balance between the light and the dark. We can, and must, hold both within us at all times, for only then can we live as we truly are.