Runes

Origins of Norse Runes

The origins of Norse Runes are somewhat shrouded in mystery, as the earliest surviving examples of runic inscriptions date back to the 2nd century AD. It is believed that the runes were developed by Germanic tribes as a way of recording information and communicating with one another.

The runes were originally carved into wood, stone, or other materials, and were often used for practical purposes such as marking property or recording trade transactions. However, as the use of the runes spread, they also came to be associated with magical and mystical properties.

Evolution of Norse Runes

Over time, the use of Norse Runes evolved and changed, with different symbols and variations emerging. Some runes fell out of use, while others were modified or combined with other symbols to create new meanings.

One notable example of this evolution is the Younger Futhark, which was a simplified version of the original runic alphabet that was developed in the 9th century. This version of the runes was better suited to the Norse language, and it became the dominant form of runic writing in Scandinavia.

Meanings of Norse Runes

While the meanings of individual Norse Runes can vary depending on the context in which they are used, there are some general associations that are commonly accepted. For example, the rune Fehu is often associated with wealth and prosperity, while the rune Uruz is associated with strength and vitality.

Other runes have more complex or nuanced meanings, such as the rune Isa, which can represent both stillness and stagnation. Some runes, such as Eihwaz, are associated with both endurance and resilience, making them particularly powerful symbols.

F – Fehu (ᚠ) - Wealth and prosperity

The Norse Rune F represents cattle and wealth. Fehu embodies luck, abundance, and prosperity.

This powerful rune symbolizes fulfillment and the attainment of one's ambitions. It signifies receiving a well-deserved salary, experiencing true love, and being blessed with an abundance of food. However, Fehu also warns about the importance of preserving and conserving one's wealth and resources. In times of happiness and success, caution and vigilance are crucial to ensure that one does not become distracted by reckless joy.

To fully understand the significance of Fehu, it is essential to explore the role of wealth and profit in one's life. This rune reminds us that while material possessions and financial stability can bring comfort and security, they should not become our sole focus in life.

U/V – Uruz (ᚢ) - Strength and vitality, power, femaleness, a wild bull

The Norse rune Uruz, represented by the Aurochs, a now-extinct type of cattle, represents strength and vitality, and it is associated with power, manhood, and femaleness, much like a wild bull.

Uruz carries a significant symbolism of power, strength, courage, creativity, and endurance. This rune represents a termination and a new beginning, signaling that the old way of living must be left behind to make room for new life energy to emerge, like a rebirth. While this may entail some loss, one must be prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead.

However, one must remain modest and serve first, recognizing that the liberation of life energy comes with a responsibility to use it wisely. Overall, Uruz is a powerful and dynamic rune that urges us to tap into our inner strength and vitality, embrace change, and live our lives with courage and creativity.

TH/þ – Thurisaz/Purisaz (ᚦ) - Embodying Protection, Defense, and Catharsis, Giant/Thor

Thurisaz, the rune associated with the Norse gods Thor and the giants, represents strength, defense, and protection. It's a symbol of catharsis, helping release negative emotions. The gateway to the rune reminds us to contemplate before making decisions, reinforcing the importance of patience. This powerful rune can fortify defenses and create a safe space, warding off harm and promoting personal growth.

A – Ansuz (ᚨ) - Wisdom and communication, God

The Ansuz rune, associated with the Norse god Odin and Loki, symbolizes wisdom, truth, communication, and inspiration. This messenger rune reminds us to receive messages and signals as gifts, especially those that bring divine knowledge. It is essential to pay attention to those wiser than ourselves and find positivity in unfortunate situations. By embracing a positive perspective, we can continue to grow and evolve.

R – Raido (ᚱ) - Travel, journeys, wheel, movement, and destiny

The Raido rune represents travel, journeys, and destiny. It symbolizes communication, agreement, and reconciliation, reminding us to be open to different perspectives. When embarking on a journey, we must seek support from others and not rely solely on our own strength. By embracing the unknown, we can find new opportunities for growth and development.

In summary, the Raido rune reminds us to embrace our destiny and journey, and to communicate and reconcile with those around us. By doing so, we can find new paths for personal development and growth.

C – Kaunan/Cen (ᚲ) /Kenaz/KENA/ KANO: - Creativity, inspiration and Transformation

This rune symbolized by a torch, represents creativity, inspiration, and transformation. It signifies illumination and regeneration, bringing new clarity and revealing hidden aspects of our lives.

This rune encourages us to embrace new beginnings with sincerity, concentration, and activity. It reminds us to let go of outdated and irrelevant aspects of our lives and focus on the present. By doing so, we can experience the joy of giving and receiving protection in the form of increased clarity and understanding.

In summary, the Cen/Kaunan/Kenaz rune invites us to embrace our creativity, find new inspiration, and transform our lives by shedding light on the darkness within.

G – Gebo (ᚷ) - Gifts and partnerships

This rune represents a gift, whether a physical one or any other definition of the word gift. It can also represent a partnership or love.

The second rune in the Norse alphabet is GEBO. It symbolizes coming together, a partnership, or a gift. When this rune is drawn, it is an indication that unity or union is on the horizon. However, caution is advised as you should not blindly throw yourself into any connection that presents itself. The formation of a true partnership requires two individuals who are both independent and healthy, and who can maintain their independence even within the union. This advice is applicable in all aspects of life, whether it be romantic relationships, business dealings, or partnerships of any kind.

W – Wunjo (ᚹ) - Joy, light and happiness

Stands for human connection, hope, harmony, and comfort. This rune symbolizes a fruitful outcome after a time of struggle and change. It represents the restoration of balance between the ego and higher self, and the possibility of material or emotional blessings. Wunjo encourages living in the present, being honest, and having confidence in oneself.

H – Hagalaz (ᚺ) – Destructive forces of nature, chaos

This rune represents radical change and loss due to uncontrollable forces. It signifies freedom, invention, caution, and the need to break free from material identification. Hagalaz only works in reverse, and you can expect a resolution if you pull this rune. The more damage in your life, the more critical the requirements for your growth.

N – Nauthis/Naudiz (ᚾ) – Hardship and endurance, Self-reliance, Necessity, Pain

This rune symbolizes survival, necessity, and hardship. It reminds us of the importance of endurance and self-reliance in difficult situations. If you pull this rune, it may indicate a period of stagnation or the need to reconsider your plans. It's time to pay off old debts and restore balance. Stay humble, keep your impulses under control, and face your demons. Use this time to improve, reconstruct, and organize.

I – Isa/Isaz (ᛁ) - Ice, Stillness and challenge

This rune symbolizes a time of quiet and challenge, where self-control, concentration, and patience are necessary. You may feel stuck in a situation and powerless to change it, but it's important to let go of what's holding you back and be patient. Sometimes, it's best to yield and wait for the circumstances to change.

J – Jera (ᛃ) - Harvest and growth, Fertile phase, One year

The rune of peace, rewards for hard work, prosperity, and fruitfulness.

This rune represents peace, prosperity, and rewards for hard work. It encourages remaining in good spirits and reminds us that results take time, often a full cycle of a year. Jera symbolizes the period of growth before the harvest or fruition.

Y/æ – Eihwaz (ᛇ) – Endurance and resilience, Defense, Defensive Forces, Yew

The Eihwaz rune represents endurance, resilience, and defensive forces. It is associated with the Yew tree, which is known for its strength and longevity. When we face challenges and obstacles, Eihwaz reminds us to gather our strength and defend ourselves against adversity. It also encourages us to develop a sense of patience and avoid hasty actions that may lead to further difficulties. Instead, we should focus on doing the right thing and remain steadfast in our efforts. The Eihwaz rune teaches us that growth is possible even in the face of discomfort and inconvenience.

P – Peorth/Perþ- (ᛈ) - Hidden secrets, Chance, luck, magic, and mystery

It represents initiation and new beginnings, inviting us to take risks and explore uncharted territories.

This rune suggests that there may be unexpected opportunities or challenges on the horizon. It encourages us to trust our instincts and take a chance, even if the outcome is uncertain. We should be open to new experiences and embrace the unknown with curiosity and excitement.

At the same time, Perthro also reminds us to be mindful of the consequences of our actions. We should approach any new opportunities with respect and caution, as they may have hidden risks or require sacrifices.

X/Z – Algiz (ᛉ) - Protection and defense, Sedge and Rushes, a Moose

The Algiz rune represents protection, courage, and moderation. It emphasizes the importance of controlling our emotions during times of change and transition. With this rune's divine energy, we can find strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether we experience success or failure, we can learn and grow from every situation. The protective forces of Algiz encourage us to act with civility and moderation in all aspects of our lives.

S – Sowilo (ᛋ) – Sun - Success and victory, Vitality, The Energy Of The Sun

SOWILU, SOWSOWELLWholeness, The Sowilo rune symbolizes success, vitality, and the energy of the sun. It represents the impulse for self-knowledge and the need for wholeness and health. It reminds us to be humble and not to rely solely on our own strength. The Slavic runes, unlike the Scandinavian ones, have only 18 characters and are named after pagan gods and various phenomena. These runes were used by ancestors to teach about destiny and protection from dark forces.

T – Tiwaz (ᛏ) – Justice and fairness, Warrior Energy, the God Tiu

Tiwaz (ᛏ) is the rune of victory, justice, and balance. It represents the leadership and authority of the Viking age warrior. Tiwaz symbolizes the spiritual warrior's fight against the limiting ego and contains the energy of extinction. Patience is essential for this rune, as it encourages us to look inwardly and dive down to the foundation of our lives. Tiwaz encourages perseverance and courage in pursuing our priorities and using our energy wisely.

B – Berkanan (ᛒ) - Birth, fertility and Fresh starts

Berkana, the rune of life processes, symbolizes birth, fertility, growth, and new beginnings. It represents the power to influence development and the flow of life energy. Its gentle and penetrating energy suggests removing resistance before taking action. To do this effectively, it is important to have a clear and precise intention. However, distractions or aspects of one's character can hinder the growth of new life.

E – Ehwaz (ᛖ) – Horse - Partnership and teamwork, Movement, Progress, Horse

Ehwaz is a rune that represents fluid movement, partnership, swiftness, trust, teamwork, and harmonious relationships. It signifies passage, transition, and movement, which could be a change of location, attitude, or life. This rune is associated with gradual development, continuous progress, and even slow growth. If movement seems blocked, it is essential to ensure that actions occur at the right time. Not all opportunities are meant for us, so recognizing this fact is crucial.

M – Mannaz (ᛗ) - Human nature and community, Man

A rune to represent friends, self, and mankind. It can also denote social order, intellect, mind, and memory.

MANNAZ represents the self. To embody this concept, one must remain humble, as it is the right of the oracle. One should engage with the world but not be consumed by it. Instead, one should remain open to the impulses that arise from the divine in both the inner and outer spheres. Living an extraordinary life requires breaking free from the ordinary.

If one were to take the 'itself' rune and slice it down the middle, the resulting halves would be the runes of joy and its reflection. However, one must exercise caution and avoid recklessness. The acrobatic energy of balance must be harnessed to bring oneself to new heights. At the entrance to the Delphi temple, one would see the second request to avoid excess. The first request, on the other hand, reminds us to recognize ourselves.

L – Laguz (ᛚ) – Water - Emotions and intuition

Laguz represents the flow of water and all the emotions and intuition that come with it. It is also associated with renewal and dreams. This rune reminds us that invisible forces are at work and encourages us to connect with our intuitive knowledge and inner rhythms. However, it also warns against excessive striving and overestimating our resources. Success lies in finding balance and going with the flow.

ŋ -Ingwaz (ᛜ / ᛝ) –INGWUZ/Inguz: Fertility and new beginnings, God-Hero in Norse mythology

This rune signifies unity and harmony, and is often interpreted as the completion of an initiation or a journey. It suggests a time of liberation, where one can start anew and embrace a new way of life. As a rune of inner strength, Ingwaz indicates that one has the power to reach their goals and achieve completion, paving the way for a new beginning.

The completion or finalization of a project or goal is especially important with this rune. It is also a reminder to nurture the soil for new growth and to embrace the changing nature of life, as we cannot constantly live amidst obstacles.

D – Dagaz (ᛞ) – Awakening and transformation, Breakthrough, Transformation, Day

Dagaz (ᛞ) is a rune that represents the dawn, awakening, and new challenges or adventures. It signifies a breakthrough or a moment of transformation in one's life journey. When this rune is drawn, it indicates that there is a need for change in order to achieve personal transformation. This can be a scary prospect, but it is essential to trust in the process and take the leap, even if it means taking a risk and venturing into the unknown. This rune can also indicate a phase of success and prosperity.

O – Othila/Opila/Opala (ᛟ) - Ancestral heritage and inheritance

This rune represents ancestral possession, home, abundance, inheritance, and legacy. It indicates a time for separating from old ways and shedding outdated relationships. A "molting" is necessary for growth and progress. Othila is a rune of ethical separation, and it requires obedience and withdrawal, knowing when and how to let go, and having the determination to do it. Property is also an aspect of this rune, as Othila represents acquisition and profit. However, the profit received could require letting go of something, possibly a cultural heritage or background. The correct attitude is to flow like a river, not rigidly, but still waiting for the universe to act. 

AWNL and Norse Runes

At AWNL, we are passionate about creating handmade jewelry that reflects the mystical and powerful nature of runes. Our designs draw inspiration from the ancient Nordic tradition of runic symbolism, and we infuse each piece with a modern twist.

We believe that there is a deep and powerful energy that flows through all things in nature and that by tapping into this energy, we can connect with the spiritual essence of our world. For us, the runes represent a way of harnessing this energy and unlocking its full potential.

Our bracelets and necklaces are crafted with care and attention to detail, using only the finest materials. Each piece is unique, and we take great pride in the fact that our customers can wear our jewelry with confidence, knowing that it has been made with love and dedication.

We believe that our runes' jewelry is more than just an accessory – it is a reflection of a spiritual living style that is grounded in the power of nature and the symbolic meaning of the runes.