Runic Aetts: A Wander through the Runes

The Runes are made up of an alphabet of 24 runic letters. They have been used in writing, divination, creating sigils and bind-runes. The meaning of the word Rune itself means mystery, secrets (in writing or speech). Like the Major Arcana in Tarot, they are grouped into three families or Aetts. Each aett is made up of 8 runes. Freyr’s Aett, Heimdall’s Aett, and Tyr’s Aett. Again, like the Tarot these three families of runes tell the story of life’s cycles.

Freyr’s Aett, like the first set of Major Arcana cards, represents our finding our way in the material plane and the accumulation of worldly goods. Heimdall’s Aett speaks of our growth and growing maturity and our place in the greater world (just as the 2nd set of Major Arcana cards). Tyr’s Aett deals with our developing spirituality and our legacy (finding our place in the Universe like the 3rd set of Major Arcana cards).

Sets of runes often also come with a blank rune called Odin’s Rune. It symbolizes what is not meant to be known yet. That which is hidden. While Odin gave his eye to be able to see all, we mere mortals must sometimes trust that things will be revealed when the time is right.

Let’s begin this wander through the Runes!

Freyr’s Aett

Freyr was the god of peace, fertility, rain, and sunshine. He was also the brother of Freyja.

1. Fehu (Feh-hoo)- Cattle/Wealth – F

Fehu represents material wealth or prosperity. This may either be won or earned. It is seen as good luck, abundance, and financial success. It may also represent social success. It is a rune of good fortune and security.

Reversed it may indicate a loss of material wealth, income, or a lessening of social status or self-esteem. Material struggles.

In the time of the Norse cattle was wealth!

2. Uruz (Ooor-rooz)- Ox – U

Uruz symbolizes the wild bull or Auroch. The ox representing strength, hard work, endurance, perseverance, and determination. It could indicate a time of great energy or motivation. Things may be moving at a greater speed. It could also indicate a time of good health or healing. It has masculine energy. It is an increase in power. Uruz also represents sexual energy and stamina.

Reversed it may point towards a period of ill health. A blockage. It may indicate a time where others are trying to dominate you. Or your own force and power is being misdirected.

This rune is sacred to Thor, god of strength and thunder. The ancient Auroch were very large wild oxen that roamed Europe at the time of the Norse. It is where the name Uruz comes from.

3. Thursaz (Thoor-eee-saz)- Thorn/Mallet/Giant – Th

Thursaz represent Mjolnir, Thor's Hammer. It also can represent a giant. It indicates a powerful direction of force or energy for either defense or destruction. Many see it as an indicator of conflict. This release of energy can be cleansing and purgative. It can indicate the need for contemplation on how to resolve or deal with the conflict.

Reversed it could indicate defenselessness, betrayal or spitefulness. Feelings of vulnerability.

A thorn bush can indicate dangers. Also, these waste land places like where thorn bushes were also places that were often used for ambushes.

4. Ansuz (Awn-zooz)- Message – A

Ansuz is rune of communication. It represents Odin's, the All Father, wisdom. There for it also indicates divine messages or insight. It can also stand for good advice, truth, inspiration, and enthusiasm. As a message from Odin, it can also be seen as a blessing. Odin was often a trickster himself so it can be a time to expect the unexpected. It can also represent Psychic power or wisdom. Listen to your intuition.

Reversed it could indicate miscommunication, misunderstanding or deceit, trickery and manipulation.

In Norse culture you always welcomed visitors with hospitality because Odin often traveled in disguise as an old wander. In this guise he would often give advice that could not always be taken at face value. There was usually a trick or double meaning that must be uncovered.

5. Raidho (Rye-d-ho) - Journey – R

Raidho represents the wheel and indicates a journey; whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. As physical travel it could mean a vacation, relocation with a job, a new home. A spiritual journey could mean discovering a new path or expansion of your current path. Emotionally it could be new perspectives. This is a run of transformation and development. When this rune shows up it is a time for making choices or the move to ensure all of your energy is being channeled in the right direction. It represents the cycles of life or wheel of the year.

Reversed it could be a blocked path. Or resistance to a direction you are taking or a move you are making. The difficulties in your path may mean you have lessons to learn before you can move on.

The Norse wheel is often associated with Thor and was worn as an amulet as a symbol of continuity, luck, and to keep you from losing your way.

6. Kenaz (Keh-nawz)– Torch – C, K

Kenaz is the flame or torch. It is often the light that comes after a period of darkness. It represents a beacon of truth and being guided by your own light. It may mean that a light will be shown on things that were previously in the shadows. Or that secrets will be uncovered. It may be the light of knowledge, creativity, or inspiration. You on the right path. Shining the light on your true calling. Like all fire it is energy and can represent regeneration.

Reversed it can be a lack of vision or inspiration. You are stuck in a rut. False hope. You may be going through a period of instability.

This rune is sacred to Heimdall who is the watcher or guardian of Asgard. He watches over the Bifrost (the bridge leading to Asgard).

7. Gebo (Geh-boh)– Gift - G

Gebo is the rune of gift. These gifts are not just possessions that are given to you. They are the gifts and talents that you have a well. Or the bountiful blessings that you will receive or give. This rune is indicative of generosity, charity, service, balance, and positive relationships.

There is not reversal of this rune.

Odin is often associated with Santa. Santa has his magical elves that make gifts. Odin that the dwarves or dark elves that make the magical gifts of the Norse Gods. Things such as Thor's hammer, Siff's golden hair, etc.

8. Wunjo (Woon-yo) – Joy – W

The run Wunjo represents a clan's flag, which in turn represents victory. Therefore, it is representative of joy, triumph, celebration and belonging. it also indicates the security and safety of the clan. The representation of clan also gives it the meaning of peace, harmony, prosperity, comfort, and spiritual rewards. It indicates situations changing for the better.

Reversed it can indicate conflict, sorrow, alienation, and loss. It can be a warning of impending strife in a situation.

Wunjo is associated with the goddess Freyja, the Norse goddess of love, beauty and fertility.

Heimdall's Aett

Heimdall was the watchman of the gods. He lived overlooking the Bifrost watched and listed to all. It was said his eyes were so good he could see grass grow and his ears where so good they could hear the sheep's wool grow.

9. Hagalaz (Hawg-ah-laz)– Hail – H

Hagalaz represents hail. Hail being a natural disaster that strikes out of nowhere and has the power to destroy much needed crops. As such is it indicative of sudden and cataclysmic change. It is similar to the Tower card in Tarot, representing unavoidable change that seems out of our hands. The level of destruction you encounter depends on how you weather the storm and if you can do so with grace. Some storms come to clear our path (like the Tower card in Tarot). The lesson of Hagalaz is the learn and grow from our mistakes and hardships.

There is no inverted meaning.

The rune Hagalaz was sacred to Heimdall and the goddess Mordgud, who is the keeper of the icy bridge to Helheim (or the underworld).

10. Nauthiz (Now-theez)– Needs – N

The rune Nauthiz means our needs. What do you need to feel emotionally fulfilled and stable. Are you balancing your time between work, play, and rest? This is a time to take assess where we may be currently lacking can help us take better care of our future selves. After all we cannot continue to pour from and empty cup. It can also indicate delays, restriction and lack. This is a time for patience. With all things there must be balance so it can also be a warning against greed and desire as this will only prove destructive.

Reverse it warns against hasty decisions and that you much take careful thought about any pending commitment.

Nauthiz rune was sacred to the Norns (who are the weavers of fate) and Nort (who is the goddess of night who gives birth to the day).

11. Isa (Eee-sah)– Ice – I

Isa is representative of ice. It is similar in meaning as the Hanged Man in Tarot. It indicates a need for a pause or wait. You may feel stuck as if in ice, but sometimes a break and a change of perspective is exactly what you need. Wait until you have gathered all the information, heard all side of the story. Properly do all of your research and due diligence. Or perhaps simple allow the Universe to unfold. The sacrifice of the "I" may be what is needed to proceed successfully. It may indicate frustration or psychological blocks. Other meanings may include. a coldness in a relationship. lethargy, or strong hidden forces.

There is no reversed meaning.

This is a rune of intensity. It intensifies any other rune associated with it in a reading.

12. Jera (Yair-ah)– Harvest – J

Jera means year and is represents the harvest. It indicates reaping what we sow. Enjoying the abundance of a good harvest. Count your blessings and express gratitude. If you are not feeling like you have many, a breakthrough may be on the way. It also represents the cycle of life and nature on Mother Earth. It is a rune of fertility. Things will succeed if you let them move at the pace they are meant to and not rushed.

It cannot be reversed.

This rune is sacred to Freya and Freyr, goddess and god of fertility.

13. Eihwaz (Ay-waz)– Yew – Ey, Ei, Y

In Norse mythology, Yggdrasill (the World tree) or Tree of Life, was a yew or needle ash tree. It relates to the cycle of life. It is similar in mean to the Death in Tarot. It symbolizes the death of an old way of being or a period of your life. This can bring enlightenment, wisdom, and a sense of purpose. It symbolizes the connection between the worlds. It can also represent divine protection.

Reversed this rune may mean you are dwelling on the past. It can also symbolize grief.

Yggdrasil connects the nine worlds. Niflheim, land of snow and ice. Midgard, the Earth where we live. Asgard, the realm of the Aesir gods. Alfheim, realm of the elves. Vanaheim, realm of the Vanir gods. Jotunheim, realm of the giants. Muspelheim to domain of the fire giant Surtr. Nidavellir, subterranean land of the dwarves. Hel, underworld, resting place of the dead.

14. Perthro (pear-throw)– Destiny – P

Perthro is the gambler's rune and represents the cup of dice and thus fortune. It indicates that things be come down to chance. IT could go either way depending on the roll of the dice. Learn to work with the cards you are dealt. In Tarot it would be similar to the Wheel of Fortune card. It can also represent hidden meanings, secrets and change. It can also represent the womb.

Reversed it can indicate loss of faith

In Norse mythology you had a personal female guardian spirit, your Hamingja. This is your luck spirit and when she is with you luck in in your favor, but if you doubt, she may turn her back on you and your luck will fail.

15. Algiz (Al-geez) – Elk – Z, X, Y

Algiz is the elk. The elk represent defence , protection, and shelter . You have the internal power to manifest your dreams. Your guides are protecting you and acting as a shield against evil. It can represent strong intuition and an awakening.

Reversed this rune could act as a warning or you could be feeling helpless or powerless.

Eikthyrnir is the elk that lived at the top of Yggdrasill on top of Valhalla. He was the source of water for the fallen heroes that dwell in Valhalla.

16. Sowilo (So-wee-lo) – Sun – S

The rune Sowilo represents the sun. This a happy symbol of joy, luck, abundance and good fortune. Success of your goals. Optimal health. Elemental power. A time to celebrate the success of your goals. Much like the Sun card in Tarot it is time to let your light fully. You are connected to your higher self. It can be a card of guidance, especially for sailors.

It has no reverse meaning.

This rune is sacred to Balder, the most beautiful and beloved of all the Aesir gods.

Tyr's Aett

Tyr, is the Norse Sky God of both war and justice.

17. Tiwaz (Tee-waz) – Victory – T

Tiwaz is the arrowhead of Tyr. It represents spearheading your way through you problems. It is also indicative of leadership skills, authority, and rationality. It point toward knowing your true strengths and a willingness to self-sacrifice for just cause. It can indicate victory in matters. It is a sign of bravery and steadfastness. Success in law and war. New partnerships will produce great things.

Reversed in can mean blocked creative energies, imbalance, and a lack of passion.

Tyr was the god that took care of and fed the wolf Fenrir when he was small and growing. The wolf came to trust him the most. When the wolf became much larger and was a threat to all the Aesir and they had the silk tread with which to bind him. It was Tyr who stepped up and offered his hand to be placed in the wolf's mouth as they bound him. When Fenrir realized it was a trick and he was bound, Tyr sacrificed his hand for the greater good.

18. Berkana (Bear-kano) – Birch – B

Berkana represents the Birch Goddess and as so also represents fertility and creation. It is the rune of birth, not just physical birth, but also the birth of ideas, plans, partnerships, and rebirth (new beginnings). In this it also represents mental and physical growth. It has regenerative power and a liberation of the spirit. It can also represent marriage.

Reversed and can point to rigidity and control. It also can indicate anxiety. It can mean there are hurdles whether physical or symbolic to that start or birth of a new idea or venture.

The Birch is sacred to the goddess Frigg, goddesses of fertility and marriage. The birth tree was believed to dispel evil.

19. Ehwaz (Ay-waz)– Horse – E, Eh

Ehwaz is horse. This was the main form of transport at the time. The horse was man's trust aid. This rune represents progress, particularly gradual and steady. Moving forward. Travel and change (A new job? A new career? A new residence? Maybe all three.) It can also be a spiritual journey and faith in one's destiny. It can also represent teamwork, trust, loyalty, and friendship. Animal instincts.

Reversed this rune can mean disharmony, distrust, and restlessness. Escape by traveling or running a way from a problem.

20. Mannaz (Mawn-awz)– Man --M

Mannaz represents man or really humanity and humankind. It encompasses yourself and your identity, as well as your relationship with others. Social order and cooperation. This includes our sense of morals and values. Culture and memory. When it comes to family this rune would suggest looking for middle ground.

Reversed it can mean self-delusion, manipulation and a feeling of isolation and not fitting in to society. A lack of common sense.

The first humans in Norse Mythology were Ask (male) and Embla (female). They were created by the gods.

21. Laguz (Lah-gooz)– Lake – L

Laguz is representative of water and thus our emotions, dreams, and intuition. It therefore also represents renewal, healing, heightened imagination, and psychic abilities. It is also the courage to trust in your intuition and psychic abilities. It can relate to mysteries, secrets, the unknown, and the underworld. The ebb and flow of the tides. Not just the physical tide, but the tide in situations.

Reversed it can be a disconnect from spirit which can lead to fear and misjudgment. Emotional turmoil. Sailing in stormy waters.

This rune is sacred to Njord, Norse god of the sea.

22. Ingwaz (Ing-ooz)– Fertility – Ing

Ingwaz represents the Earth God Ing and thus fertility and virility. Also, wellbeing, ancestry, family, lineage. It also points to lose end needing to be tied up. It is a rune of peace and prosperity. It is symbolic of the erect phallus. Projects, ideas, people all reaching their full potential.

There is no reversed meaning.

Ing or Yngvi was an older name for the god Freyr. Ingwaz also possibly translates to ancestor.

23. Othala (Oh-tha-la)– Heritage – O

Othala is the rune of inheritance. It speaks of lasting legacy and spiritual heritage. It signifies values aligning with what is truly important... communal prosperity and the fundamental values handed down to us. Property, old traditions and family values. Looking whether you may need to move away from the well worn ways in order to move forward. Freeing the individual from the clan or group. Wise use of resources.

Reversed this can indicate unwanted inherited issues and prejudice. Passed down family trauma. Family disputes and break ups.

This rune has been co-opted by the Neo-Nazis and white supremist; so use it...or display it was caution.

24. Dagaz (Dah-gaz)– Dawn – D(Dah-gaz)– Dawn – D

Dagaz represents the dawn. It is the coming of age and the ending of a cycle, much like the World card in Tarot. New beginnings and new breakthroughs are coming. Awareness and awakenings are possible. The transformative power of change and hope. It is a good time to embark on a new enterprise. Certainty and security. Awakening. Clarity. A balance between light and dark. Between times.

There is not reversal.

Dellingr is the Norse god of dawn. He is the personification of dawn. He is the Shining One.

Again, this is where we end and start again.