Runes of the Elder Futhark
                                                      by Balder

Introduction

Runes letters (or staves) as a group is known as the Futhark. Futhark actually 
spells the first six rune staves of the oldest set, knows as the Elder Futhark. 
Essentially there are four periods through which the shapes of the Runes, and 
their numbers, changed. The various sets of these Runes are known as the Elder 
Futhark, Frisian Futhark, Aramen, Futhark, and the Younger Futhark. The rune 
staves are organized into three groupings, known as Aettes. The Aettes are 
Freyja's Aette, Hagals Aette, and Tyr's Aette. This grouping focuses aspects of 
the rune staves with regard to their respective secrets and the god/dess they 
are attributed.

The word Rune itself means "whisper" or "secret". It is the nature of the Rune 
to keep within them the secrets of the multiverse, that is, the various realms 
the cosmos is based upon. The world within which we live is but only the 
material layer, that of Midgard (middle garden), and while Midgard was set as 
the center through which all passes, this realm is by no means the only nor most 
significant one. Through the veils which we draw while casting, we become 
increasingly aware of how much these other planes or spheres of existence 
effects us. Whether directly or indirectly, the forces hidden within the outer 
regions of the multiverse moves among us, changing some forever. Those that 
practice and extend their tendrils of awareness become attuned to those forces, 
and in time learn to shift them to that persons will. This is what we essential 
call Magick. Runes are the symbolic representation of the 
forces that comprises the multiverse. In them all things can be revealed or 
manipulated. It is, however, with great undertaking and wisdom that these forces 
can be called.

Odhinn represents the Vitki (magician) that travels on the ecstatic journey 
towards enlightenment. In his journeys of discovery, he often made a sacrifice 
of himself to gain further knowledge. Odhinn sacrificed his eye to the Well of 
Mimir where he learned a great many things. He learned from Freyja the secrets 
of the Seid of which she was high priestess among the Vanir. Still he sought 
more and clearer wisdom's and thus hung himself upon the Great Tree Yggdrasil 
for nine days and nights until the Runes were revealed in the surface of the 
well where one of its might roots delved. Odhinn is the Hanged Man..the seeker 
of knowledge, even if at his own cost.

Technique

Runes have been traced to many uses. They represented the letters of their 
alphabet in their mundane use. They were used in purposes in divination by 
casting chips or slender sticks of wood with a rune carved or painted in blood 
on each, often called "blood-twigs" in the sagas. More importantly, they were 
used in the evocation or enchanting of items to offer protection, health, or to 
give an item certain magickal abilities - such as carving runes upon the blade 
of a sword.

I have read peoples concept, with regard to divination, in a use of runes the 
way many people practice tarot readings. A brief word on this.

The Runes Staves

Fehu : F

Property, wealth (cattle, gold, material gain)

The basic meaning is wealth in the sense of material gain, whether via money or 
possessions. In their time, cattle was a measuring of one's wealth. Fee, or 
payment, comes from this root of this stave. It may also be interpreted as an 
increase of fellowship and friendship, a wealth of another kind.

Sharing or "loaning" cattle to others who then returned the cattle with 
"interest" in the form or a larger herd or other property was a way of 
increasing wealth. Those who herded the cattle often kept them safe by invoking 
magical powers to call and to protect their cattle. Audhumla, the primal cow, is 
also invoked by Fehu ( see Uruz ). While often considered a creative force, 
Audhumla can be a dynamic, shaping force. Cattle, as they were considered 
valuable, were suitable for sacrifice and offerings at festivals.

Gold, being one of Freyja's attributes is also associated with Fehu. There is 
the story of how Freyja was lured from Odhinn's side by dwarves with a beautiful 
necklace of gold (in exchange for relations with them).

This is essentially the wealth or increase in prosperity that comes form one's 
energy and wise use of resources. Relating this back to the concept of cattle 
and raising livestock, it can be said that ones efforts and possessions produced 
of themselves (breeding).

Divination: Wealth or prosperity due to efforts

Magickal: Fruition of ones efforts, to increase. The will behind to act, and 
thus the property of the result. An active catalyst of gain.

Uruz : U

Primal force, strength.

Audhumla, the great cow (primal force) which was formed from the dripping rime
produced from the meeting of the fires of Muspilheim and the yeast laden ice of 
Neiflheim. She was the "shaping force" that licked the ice into the form of the 
primal giant Ymir, and was the source of sustenance for him.

The auroch is the wild ox, large and fierce. It is protective when in defense of 
its territory or young. Though controllable, the Ox is undomesticable and can be 
dangerous. Uruz is associated with the primal creative force, primitive, 
earliest or original.

Divination: A formative or protective force, unmanifested but which can shape 
things to come.

Magickal: Force and freedom, or a force always straining to be free if 
contained. The runemaster or Vitki (magician) learns to direct it with the 
knowledge of its wild nature.

Thurisaz : Th

Thor, the enemy of unfriendly forces; The thorn on brambles.

Thurisaz is a force of defense and destruction. "Bramble" or thorny bushes were 
used to "fence" and protect boundaries. One form of Norse/Germanic execution was 
to throw criminals "into thorns", pikes which were stuck into the earth.

Thor is the god that protects sacred enclosures in much the same way that the 
thorny hawthorn, blackthorn, or rose does. It is the thicket that protected 
Sleeping Beauty's castle, the hedge that surrounded sacred enclosures. The thorn 
or the "spindle" was used to put "sleep" spells on beings, even those on a 
cosmic level, and was equally a thorn of awakening.

No matter how beautiful the rose, one should be careful to watch for thorns. The 
TH-rune is also associated with the thurs, (pl. thursar) or a "giant" in the Old 
Norse. There were several groups of these beings, the "rime-thurses"  or frost-
giants, were wise (or witless.. according to various sources) and very old and 
who fought with the gods. They are primal forces, elemental in nature.

Divination: A rune testing and challenge. Also as protection and defense, both 
in passive (bramble fences) or active (Thor himself as guardian) nature.

Magickal: Protection from harmful forces. Barrier to effects of chaos or 
resistance.

Ansuz : A

Windblown cloak of Odhinn, giver inspired speech (Ond)

This is the rune of inspired speech and incantation as a creative expression. It 
is linked with the ancestors, the magic of speech which passes along knowledge 
with the breath of life, the passing of knowledge through the spoken word, as 
differentiated from the written. It is the rune of the poet, the saga, the seer, 
those of inspired speech. It thus represents the ecstasy of inspiration, the 
"swan song" chanting out one's life as he or she prepares to meet death, the 
first cry of a newborn baby. It is whistling in the dark to banish fear. It 
encompasses the power of suggestion and sublimation.

Divination: Words of inspiration, enthusiasm, transformation, manipulation, 
encouragement, compassion.

Magickal: Increases the active powers of Ond, inspires speech, writing and 
poetry. It can be used for the acquisition of inspiration, and understanding of 
inspired words.

Raido : R

A cosmic chariot, solar chariot. A chariot of a god or goddess; The Ecstatic 
journey

Rhythm and movement are important to the concept of Raido. The sound and dance
of the ecstatic traveler who is carried on a circular journey. The spiral 
journey of the sun on it's annual course from North to South and back, as in the 
journey of Nerthus and Freyr's processions. It is the wheeling of stars around 
the cosmic axis. It can be thought of as the chariot of Thor or Freyja or any 
other cosmic "transportation." As the chariot is primal forces controlled by 
conscious thought.

Divination: It can mean a possible or necessary journey in a reading, or 
transportation. It can mean a path or road, a way through a dilemma. It can be a 
journey in consciousness, or a change in viewpoint.

Magickal: Transformative change, shifting of energies. The evoking of  discovery 
or ancient knowledge's.

Kenaz : K

Torch, the of bearing illumination

It is the flame of transformation and regeneration. It is associated with kin 
and the sacred fires of sexual generation as well as the "kith and kin" who 
gather around the hearth. It is the flame of the forge, the volcano and deep 
earth energies. It is the controlled flame of the artist and craftsman. It 
"breaks out" in unexpected ways, and holds the power to create and/or destroy. 
It is a primal force of creation, in the myths it is fire and ice that produce 
the life force.

Ken in English and kennen in German are also terms meaning "to know." They are 
also related to Old English Cen, "to know" or "to beget." It is a fire that is 
expressed in physical forms, and knowledge that although intuitive is obtained 
through physical means and experience.

Divination: It can be a symbol of a sexual relationship or the product of that 
relationship. It can be a craft or a creative outlook. It can be the "barrier" 
that must be crossed to reach the inner secrets -- the light in the journey of 
the shaman or hero through the labyrinth darkness and mystery.

Magickal: Bring about change, or effect a transformation, or create. It must be 
used carefully and in a controlled manner or it will break out with destructive 
results. It is dynamic energy, used for discovery and as a catalyst.. but must 
be carefully watched and maintained.

Gebo : G

Exchanged gifts

Gebo represents hospitality, generosity and giving. It is the joining of giver 
and the one who receives. As Thorsson points out in "Futhark: A Handbook of Rune 
Magic" it also has the meaning of a gift from the Deities, particularly through 
union. He relates the gift to the wisdom received by the hero from the valkyrja.

It is a form of the solar wheel used traditionally on the saffron colored sweet 
rolls which celebrate the changing of the seasons and the gifts of grain and 
wealth from the gods which is given back in the form of sweetened offerings.

It is a symbol of exchanged vows, marriage, ecstasy both physical and mystic. In 
the Norse traditions a gift required "a gift."

Divination: A sacrifice, giving and receiving, exchange, marriage, partnership, 
increase because of consolidation.

Magickal: Promote harmony in the exchange in forces or energies. To bring about
union, receive divine instruction and gifts, increase magical power.

: W

Happiness and joy, glory. The battle well-fought and won. A wand. Prosperity and 
good fellowship. Peacefulness.

There is a term in Anglo-Saxon, "wuldortanas", which is "glory twigs." which 
many experts associate with the rune.

It is especially good in bind runes for ensuring victory. Old Norse _vend_or 
Vindr, "Wind." As such wynn, or vend, can be visualized as a wind-vane, which 
shows "which direction the wind is blowing." Wend, also means to change the 
direction of something, to turn or to run with or against the wind. To change 
one situation into another, is another use of Wunjo both magically and in 
divination. It is, in its essence, that which is favorable.

This rune also suggests the peaceful joy found in the shamanic ecstatic state of 
bliss, that place where the spirit can travel and experience a pleasure and 
peace that the body cannot travel to. In this, there are many joy's, that of 
love, sexual, a simple contentedness or at ease. Wunjo can promote these things 
and indicate a time of favor. For this reason, Wunjo appears significantly in 
sex magicks in that attempt to promote the harmony of forces between two people 
and their energy, as well as the increase of energy to achieve ecstatic bliss.

Divination: Favorable time ahead, the victory in a struggle, calm waters.. 
potentially a happy love.

Magickal: Promote accord in energies, increase favorable outcomes, build 
energies in that of emotions.

Hagalaz : H

Hagalaz hail, egg (?)

The Anglo-Saxon rune poem refers to "hail" as being "grain" which falls and 
turns into water after being tossed about by wind. The layered nature of a 
hailstone was recognized, as well as the potential for destruction and the 
transformative qualities. The concepts that surround Hagalaz recognize that the 
destructive potential for hail out of season is balanced by the potential for 
transformation that will bring new fertility and growth as it thaws.

It can be seen as representative of the cosmic "egg" that primal layered egg of 
ice that was transformed in combination with fire. Out of the primal chaos which 
we think of as destructive comes a tangible force that carries the potential for 
destruction and/or transformation. The transformation from destruction to 
fertility comes after "being tossed by the winds," and in its own season.

Hagal represents a dramatic event or trauma which comes from outside your own
immediate perceptions. It represents a deep reshaping. The rune is deeply 
integrated into the mysteries of renewal through destruction, the shaman who, 
like Odhinn, loses all in order to find his or her own personal power. It is the 
rune of winter, the grain of that season. It is a crystalline form, one that is 
sharp and hard, yet clear and possibly deadly. It has also been said that it is 
a rune of the bridge of the cosmos, Bifrost, and the dangerous path between 
worlds or experiences which can bring transformation or destruction.

Divination: Difficult period change, but for the better. A problem or situation 
that may have more than one layer or facet to them. Transformation after the 
storm.

Magickal: To promote change and transformation, usually a hastening of events to 
"bite the bullet" and deal with matters at hand. The wrapping or layering of 
forces or energies to be stored and later released.

Nauthiz : N

Need

Naudhiz is another of the cosmic forces which is recognized as being a "shaping" 
power which form the fates of the world and mankind. It is associated with the 
Nornir who are the "shapers." In the rune poems it represents the layered 
concept of necessity providing the friction that leads to transformation. It 
represents the fire bow which engenders the "need-fire." It is the cause of the 
spark that leads to the fire. The friction that begets the raging flames.

It is a rune of desire that produces the "need-fire" that drives a man or woman 
to obtain that which he or she desires. It is strongly associated with love 
magic, and the driving desires that produce not only the heat of sexual desire, 
but that of the desire to obtain or achieve. It is representative of the 
"spinning tree" or the windy tree which was the source of all fertility. The 
fire that combines with the cosmic ice to achieve transformation.

If directed, and used with knowledge and wisdom, the need-fire becomes creative 
and procreative. If used unwisely it can become a force for destruction burning 
to useless ashes. It is the step just before Kennaz. It can also be the release 
of the Hail to that of its waters.. Haglaz transformed into Laguz via the heat 
and fire it promotes.

It can be used to obtain a lover, to eliminate hate and strive, develop will and 
resistance.

Divination: A time of action ahead. Pay strong attention to drives, ambitions, 
and energies that shape your path.

Magickal: Promote love and sex magicks. Increase will and internal strength or 
integrity. A catalyst to release via its energy.

Isa : I

Ice

It is the primal ice, the icy stream (or glacier) that flows from Niflheimr. Is 
an "elemental" rune. It's form can be seen in nearly all of the other runes. It 
is associated with the rime-giants, the hrimthursar, and the wisdom of age. Ice 
can be considered "static" as many do, however, ice whether one is speaking of 
the rune or of actual ice is a mysterious substance. Isa can bring things to a 
halt, or place something in suspension. But the mysterious flow of the glacier 
is also inherent in Isa, as it is related to the primal stream. Ice can also be 
an expansive force, or one that crushes anything caught in its grasp.

It can provide a bridge over an expanse of dark water, or a dangerous trap. It 
is self-contained, and as such has the power of control and constraint. It 
should be used cautiously. It is all things Ice can be.. mysterious, revealing, 
beautiful, dark, dangerous.. Its is the cessation of motion within it, the 
placing of dynamic energies into a statis. The formation of something less 
tangible into a more tangible.. energy into matter.. idea into event, as well as 
the unstoppable force.

Divination: Potential dangers unseen or something unavoidable ahead

Magickal: Placing energies or events in statis. Transformative from energy to 
matter or intent to event.

Jera : J / Y

The (good) year, harvest

It is the completion of a cycle, a season, or a year, representing the dynamic 
rotation and changes of the cycles. It is the fruitful completion of a cycle, or 
the eternal contrast of opposites which provide a whole. It is invoked for a 
good season (or harvest) and is associated with fertility. The name is similar 
to "Ari" which is another OldNorse word for eagle, a solar symbol. In either 
case it is the energy which brings to fruition our efforts.

Magically it is used to invoke fertility and increase, or to bring something to 
fruition or completion. It can bring peace and harmony. It represents the nearly 
universal law of harvest. What was sown will be reaped. It is the path or cycle 
of Sowing, Growing, and Harvesting.. as well as the time when the lands lay 
fallow until the following year.

Divination: Watch to reap what has been sown, things may be coming about.. 
prepare.

Magickal: Evoking the potential of energies to be released. To bring about the 
events which you prepare for.

Eiwaz : EI / I

Yew tree

Eiwaz represents the spinning World Tree, Yggdrasil. It is the axis about which 
all else revolves and spins out of. It contains the mystery of life and death. 
It is a life giving force which has its roots in the Underworld, and death. The 
yew is a powerful stave of protection and banishing, not only because of its 
association with the forces of life and death, but because of its association 
with the bow made of yew wood. The yew bow was an extremely powerful weapon, 
thus associating itself with the power of active defense, and death. The 
spinning Yggdrasil, from which all else revolves, is also thus the sustainer of 
thing. In it is the both creation and destruction.. the process of Birth, 
Evolution, and Entropy.

Divination: It suggests the passage and communication between different worlds 
and layers of reality, that of spirit and living. Possibly a new or different 
stage on life.

Magickal: A rune of wisdom when invoked in accessing the mysteries of Yggdrasil. 
It can take the natural state of energy or events to the next logical step. 
Evoking powers of active defense.

Perthro : P

Dice cup or Lot cup

Perthro is one of the mysteries of the runes. As a container with the lots of 
life, Perthro represents the opportunities of chance which can not be 
controlled. However the pieces fall, the player must move boldly taking what is 
cast and make up for in skill and wisdom any lack in luck itself. It contains 
the mystery of the Nornic runes. It is the rune of the vitki, the one who seeks 
the mysteries of the cosmos through the understanding of synchronicity. It is 
the rune of the warrior who constantly tests himself against chance and luck, 
even to that of Fate.

The Norns were the aspects of time an Fate. Thus, this rune is frequently 
associated with the Norns for it is upon their shoulders that events fall. Even 
the gods were subject to the path of the Norns and the chance of pure luck. To 
some, the roles of luck and fate seem somewhat contradictory. Fate and chance 
are the aspects of forces to which we are subjected to. All events and things 
are under their domain. This too, may also lead one to believe that this rune is 
also thus closely related to chaos energy and magicks.

Divination: Taking a gamble, unexpected turn of events

Magickal: It is the mystery of luck and life, the applying to the Norns for a 
favorable fate. Influencing chance. Shaping chaotic energies.

Elhaz or Algiz: E

Protection, the antlers of the Elk, the splayed hand thrust forward

The Old English name, "elk-sedge" is a kenning for sword, and thus may represent 
a two-edged blade. It can be seen as the godhi or gydhja ( priest or priestess) 
in the attitude of addressing or invoking the gods. Thorsson gives the esoteric 
interpretation of the name as the protective forces, valkyrijur. It can 
represent the splayed hand, the horns of the elk, a swan in flight, the branches 
or a tree, a divergence or convergence of paths or forces. It is a sign used to 
promote victory and protection. The Gothic word "alhs" or sanctuary is also 
closely related. If you look at the rune, and were to enclose it with a circle, 
you would also have the commonly displayed "peace" symbol. In this instance, the 
peace is found within the containing circle, protected.

This symbol has also been found repeating itself on the horizontal axis, where 
there is another "divergence" facing the bottom as well. This would give the 
appearance of branches of the tree with the inclusion of roots in the earth. 
This variation is usually indicative of the World Tree, Yggdrasil, as well.

Divination: A change in apparent directions, divergence or convergence. The need 
of caution.

Magickal: To strengthen magical power, as well as the life force. Protective 
energy to hold back the negative.

Sowilo : S / Z

Sol / Sun

The S-rune is that of the sun, part of the solar wheel. Both the words "sol" and 
"sunna" for the sun in Old Norse are feminine in nature as were the cosmic 
forces represented by the sun. It is the counter-force to Isa, or the cosmic 
ice. The S-rune is often connected to the lightning bolt, or a flash of 
inspiration or ecstasy. It strengthens the spiritual and psychic powers and 
abilities, increasing spiritual might. It provides "enlightenment" and success 
through individual will. The sun is referred to as the White Sow even today in 
Scandinavian countries.

It is a rune of education and understanding, as well as one that transforms ice 
to water, a transformative force. It can represent high achievements, honor and 
obtained goals. It is power radiating, from the source and lighting all it 
touches. It can be healing as well as a cleansing energy or light. Also, this 
can be the persistence of an influence or energy to which things may flourish, 
or be steadily weathered away.

Divination: A positive influence, transformation or change in a slow but steady 
nature to the positive.

Magickal: Heightening spiritual or magickal strengths. Healing. Transformations 
evoked, clearing of negative energies.

Tiwaz : T

The god Tyr -- A spear point, or arrow. A guiding star.

The T-rune is primarily one of justice since Tyr is the Norse god who presided 
at the "thing", (the Germanic general judiciary assembly). Judgment was not 
always arrived at by discussion, judgment by arms was a common concept to the 
Norse/Germanic cultures. It is associated with the idea that "justice will 
prevail." The Old English Rune Poem, says Tir is a star, it keeps its faith 
well. It is always on its course over the mists of night. It is represents the 
guiding principles which are steadfast and can be relied on to judge one's 
position.

This is also a powerful striking rune, for it was on Odhinn's spear that oaths 
were recorded. Violations of the oaths to Odhinn were to be met with a swift and 
destructive action. Swearing upon Odhinn spear was to hold a vow to one's death 
or incur the gods wrath. Because the spear is so involved, it is often observed 
that this is the masculine energy evoked. In sex magicks it is a symbol of the 
male, or power, and of surety. In defense, it is the potential to strike.

Divination: Judgments, matters of law, decisions, or guidance. being examined by 
outside factors or individuals. Needs for cautious weighing and judging.

Magickal: It can be invoked where justice should be done. Gather forces to apply 
swiftly and surely. Increase sexual energies in men.

Berkano : B

Birch, the birch goddess, birch twigs

The B-rune is related to the Great Mother, the Earth Goddess. It is the mother 
of manifestation and of birth and rebirth. The birch tree was often planted 
before a home to protect it in Scandinavian countries, and the custom continued 
to be observed in America where settlers built new homes. It is used in 
"birthing" new ideas, bringing them to life. The birch is frequently the wood 
from which many a wand was also carved, thus the striking of an object or 
magickally charged item with the wand is thought to be the releasing action of 
energies applied before. It can represent or bring about a rebirth in spirit, as 
well as the renewal of spring after a period of winter.

It is representative of the Feminine energies at work. Nurturing, frequently 
subtle, and thus thought to be the counterpart to the energies found in Tiwaz.

Divination: Subtle forces at work, a period of release from pressures or events, 
usually resulting in transformation.

Magickal: Used in protective work, in concealment or quietness, promoting safety 
or secrecy. Release of nurtured energies. Increase sexual energies in women.

Ehwaz : E

Horse, or ehwo: the "two" horses

Ehwaz is associated with "twin" gods or heroes, the divine twins, or two horses. 
The Saxon conquers of Britain were Hengist and Horsa (stallion and horse). It is 
the harmonious relationship between two forces. With its close connection to the 
horse it is also a symbol of fertility, and partnerships. These partnerships 
thus act as one, although from two or more distinctly different parts.

The Ehwaz was connected closely to the concept of a man's fetch, the spiritual 
"horse" that carries one on the journey between worlds. It is the rune of 
Sleipnir, Odhinn's eight legged horse which bore him on journeys across both 
Asgard and Midgard. Also, it was upon Sleipnir that Hermod rode to the 
netherworld to Hella's domain to request that Balder be returned to the living 
gods. It facilitates "soul travel" or the shaman's journey. As such it can be 
used to obtained hidden knowledge or knowledge from a distance. The term 
"nightmare" is closely related, the spiritual horse we ride during the night as 
we sleep.

It can represent a journey in consciousness, a swifter travel then that of 
Raido, and one that is protected or guided. Either deeper within or in the 
Astral. Although the fetch is in many ways symbolized by the horse, the fetch 
may be of man, woman, or any spirit form. Any sprit guide you work with closely 
may be one's fetch. Carl Jung also thought that a persons sexual opposite or 
"shadow-self" is closely if not directly related to the concept of the fetch. 
Its well known that the Valkeryie also acted as servants to Odhinn, and were 
also termed "fetch-wives".

Divination: Emphasis on partnerships and working together A guide or assistance
from another.

Magickal: Increase in fertility. Forces or energies working smoothly together. 
To deepen one's spiritual journeys or ask for a guide on such journeys. Enhance 
communication to the Fetch-Spirit within.

Mannaz : M

Human, mankind

The Old English Rune Poem says: (Mann) is, in his mirth, dear to his kinsman; 
although each shall depart from the other. It is a rune of the human existence, 
of which life and death are both part. It is the rune of mortality. It also 
represents interdependence and support, as well as duty and responsibility. No 
individual is independent of others, each is part of a larger pattern. We are 
individuals, but in a society.. for all there are roles which, whether we 
realize it or not, all effect.

The similarity to Dagaz should be noted, here, the cyclical pattern is "smaller" 
the microcosm of mortality compared to the larger cycles of the cosmos. It is 
the cycles of causality within the domain of mankind.

Divination: an individual (man or woman) or a group plays a major role. Inner 
qualities that represent one's connections to other people. Volunteer work, 
healing, a friend needing your aid.

Magickal: Invokes assistance, and bonding with close friends or the community. 
It is a rune of social order and can invoke cooperation among energies at work.

Laguz : L

A body of water (or laukaz: leek)

The sea and other bodies of water, like the earth, were considered a source of 
wealth and fertility and an expression of the unconscious and undiscovered 
mysteries of life and death. The Aegir, the gods and goddesses of the sea, both 
gave and took life and offered fertility and wealth. They were the brewers and 
the Norse looked at the foaming vat of beer and related it to froth of the 
ocean. Mead brewed during the full moon was often given as a gift to newly-weds 
.. thus the term Honey-Moon.

It represents ebb and flow, and dark currents. Those currents may be soft and 
trickling, or sweeping and forceful. It can carve through rock and yet be moved 
by one's hand. Laguz can be the water in a well, bubbling up from secret depths, 
or dark and still, reflecting and yet revealing nothing beneath the surface. It 
seeks its own level, taking the path of least resistance at times, at other 
times sinking into the earth to rise in a distant place. The ship burials, and 
stone "boat" graves reveal the association of water with the journey of death, a 
rite of passage.

Representing the Well of Wyrd, Laguz holds all the secrets of the unconscious 
and the collective or universal knowledge. It represents psychic abilities. It 
is the ale which can be charged with runic knowledge. It is the reflection in 
which we gain a new perspective, and the depths to which we look for 
understanding.

Divination: It is the unknown, the primeval water of birth and creation as well 
as death and the abyss.. the shadows that lurk below.

Magickal: Develop second sight and increase psychic powers, reveal hidden 
events, knowledge, or new perspectives.

Ingwaz : Ng

The god Ing / Freyer

Ingwaz is associated with Nerthus as well as Ing, and thus also Freyer. It is 
primarily a rune of fertility and growth. The circuit of the wagon that was 
associated with their respective worship, represented the "king's circuit", the 
walking of the bounds, or the circuit of the sacred wagon which insured 
fertility to the land. It is a rune of ritual embodying action on behalf of the 
earth and mankind. Just as the greening of the earth follows the northerly 
progression of the sun, and retreats in it's wake, the rune is one of movement 
as well as action and reaction.

It is a rune of invocation and action, as well as responsibility. It is a rune 
of warmth and inner fire. It can be used to stimulate the growth of slumbering 
abilities into full growth. It is the container of energies to be released to 
promote growth. Ing is closely related to Jera, as well that of the respective 
runes for male and female fertility. The seed from which things will grow and be 
transformed.

Divination: A gradual change, the seed which must be, or has been sown.

Magickal: Hold energies to be released in a gentle transformative nature. 
Increase fertility.

Othala : O

Ancestral property

Othala is the rune of the sacred enclosure, the homeland, the village, the 
homestead. It is the family group, its customs, lands and language as well as 
the duties and responsibilities that go along with maintaining family ties. Its 
the concept of ones ancestry, not only of the immediate and extend family, but 
also that of long bloodlines.. the root of one's birth. It can be used to invoke 
a solid and peaceful family or group life, and to continual growth and 
prosperity. It is the "inherited" wealth that comes from one's ancestors, the 
customs as well as property or physical attributes. It represents the wise 
management of family assets or one's family or kin.

It is the divine ancestry from which man is related. The qualities of spirit 
from us to our deities. It is the link that draws us to our roots, our deepest 
behaviors and characteristics from events and lineage which we may not be aware 
of. Its the final link and bond to the beginning of our existence from the gods.

Divination: Attention to domestic matters, focus on the home or relatives.

Magickal: Linking to our deities, becoming aware of our ancestral ties and
potentials. Promotes peace and prosperity within the family.

Dagaz : D

Day or Twilight (the border of the new day)

Dagaz refers to the a day, a period of darkness and light, since the Norse 
counted their days from evening to evening, with the mid-point being dawn and 
the rising of the sun. It is the rune of awakening, and metaphorically, of 
rebirth. It represents a time that cannot be defined, a place between places 
that are yet still interdependent of the other.

It is a rune of paradox, the balancing of opposites and movement, not as 
contradictions and opposition, but as counterbalances and compliments. It 
represents light, paradox. It is the rune of "clear vision" and "enlightenment." 
It represents time and space, and the weaving movement of the loom of life. One 
can also liken this rune to that of the symbol of Yin-Yang. In this we also see 
the theory of Dynamic energies, as well as that of the living counterpart.

Often, Dagaz is found as the last rune of the Futhark, which is the position 
that I prefer. However, Eldred Thorsson's maintains that the arrangement might 
normally appear with Othala last is it implies the final, and ancient link, 
between our knowledge that of Ancestry.

Divination: It is the rune of polarization, of sunlight, and good fortune. A 
period of new beginnings.

Magickal: It can be invoked to bring new awareness or an awakening of the 
senses. A shifting of balances, of energies, or forces.

Closing Comments

It is important to remember that it is the journey of the Shaman, the Vitki, the 
Runester, that defines their skill and insight as to the secret of the Runes. 
This document serves only as a foundation to the wonder and power behind the 
mysteries presented here.

A few suggestions follow to help you with your workings:

Meditate on the shape and form of each Rune. Each has their own specific 
vibration and sound. Try to feel them with all your senses, allow yourself to 
experience each one and think upon the sensations.

Reading, lots of it. Edred Thorrson has some excellent works available to the 
public. Among them are "Futhark: " and "RuneLore". Both of these works are very 
thoroughly researched and provides many insights as to the construct of the 
Norse concept of the Metaverse / Multiverse.

Use them in your regular workings. As you begin to work with Runes, you will be 
able to perceive their subtleties and raw strength. I would suggest setting them 
with your candles or tarot when working with spells. The presence of the Runes 
with your normal workings will strengthen the patterns which you weave, and the 
skill you have over your well practiced elements may shed light on some of the 
Runic mysteries. Trace them in the air before you, and envision their shape and 
patterns as you work them.

I don't recommend carving Runes until you feel much more comfortable with their 
workings. There are many stories that demonstrate the workings of Runes by the 
unskilled that had far less than positive effects. Don't do anything permanent 
until you feel like you have a firm grasp on the energies you are working.