Learning the RunesBy Melanie Runes are the primary alphabet (called the Futhark) used in Old Northern Europe to mark place names, seal marriage contracts and, by a few feisty Vikings, as graffiti. Each rune has its own meaning which is intricately woven from Norse Mythology. The term Futhark refers to the first 6 characters of the 24 character runic alphabet. It is carved into wood or stone to create a set of Runes. Like the climate they come from, Runes are both optimistic and dark, bold and humorous. They are filled with primal power and quiet cunning. When you are divining or reading the Runes, you are navigating this treacherous landscape in order to unlock that person’s life and mind. You are taking a moment in time to reveal their personal fate. The key to learning this Futhark is to get to know the mythology, traditions and ways of life of these people. Freya Aswynn (author of Northern Mysteries and Magick) does this the best so I am going to use her theories of the Three Aetts (24 runes divided into sets of three) and integrate some of my own insights to provide basic interpretations for individual runes. I am being deliberately broad in an effort to pique your interest and inspire further study. Some notes about my interpretations: First, I’m using present tense. However, if your instincts call, you may also apply these interpretations to the near future or past. Also, some of the definitions refer to an outside person; however, they may also refer to aspects of the subject’s own personality. Finally, these interpretations represent runes in their standard, upright position. Some of the runes can be read backward or upside down, which changes their meaning. It is perfectly valid to read them either way. I worked with runes for years before I started using inverted or reversed meanings. Happy reading! The Creation Aett:
The first set of 8 Runes represents the creation of the world and the raw innocence of new life. These Runes have an older and more primal resonance, which is important to remember when working with them. If you are struggling to come up with the perfect interpretation of these runes, you’re working too hard. creation aett | Fehu | “Wheat”
Phonetic Value = F
You have wealth in a tangible way. |  | Uruz | “Bull”
Phonetic Value = U
You have the strength to rise to a challange. |  | Thurisaz | “Thorn”
Phonetic Value = Th
A primal conflict is interfering with your peace. |  | Ansuz | “Odin”
Phonetic Value = A
Rational thought is useful in brining clarity. |  | Raido | “Wagon”
Phonetic Value = R
You are in a state of transition or on a trip. |  | Kenaz | “Tourch”
Phonetic Value = K
You’re having a flash of inspiration that is both basic and life changing. |  | Gebo | “Gift”
Phonetic Value = G
You’re benefiting from a “gift for gain” or a fair exchange. |  | Wunjo | “Wish”
Phonetic Value = V or W
You’re in a state of bliss and your wishes are coming true. | The Need Aett:
In the second Aett, destructive forces are introduced in the form of Hail, Need and Ice. In order to manage these destructive forces, mankind was given important tools represented by the last 5 runes in this aett. These runes are among the most powerful and beneficial. Need aett | Hagalaz | “Hail”
Phonetic Value =H
Plain and simple. You’re in the middle of a hailstorm. Run for cover. |  | Nauthiz | “Need”
Phonetic Value =N
Through your hunger you will get your desire… whatever the cost. |  | Isa | “Ice”
Phonetic Value =I
Your goals are in stasis. The only way to break through is time or force. |  | Jera | “Year”
Phonetic Value = J or Y
Be patient, your goals will come to you in a gentle cycle of time. |  | Eihwaz | “Yew”
Phonetic Value =E
You are zeroing in on your target. |  | Pertho | “Lot Box”
Phonetic Value =P
You’ve pulled the fate rune. Whatever it is, you must leave it to fate. |  | Algiz | “Protection”
Phonetic Value =A
Forces inside or out are protecting you or something cherished. |  | Sowulo | “Sun”
Phonetic Value = S
You’re riding a great wave of good luck or creative energy. | The Mankind Aett:
In this Aett, mankind steps on to the scene. Its focus is on the more mundane aspects of life like scratching a living out of a hostile environment or creating alliances with neighbors. Though the lives we lead are very different from the original users of this Futhark, it is amazing how relevant they remain. creation aett | Teiwaz | “Tyr”
Phonetic Value =T
A powerful masculine figure is stepping up to responsibility with honor. |  | Berkana | “Birch”
Phonetic Value =B
A powerful feminine figure wants to nurture and help you. |  | Ehwaz | “Horse”
Phonetic Value =E
You are cooperating with what the universe wants for you. |  | Mannuz | “Man” or “Mankind”
Phonetic Value =M
You are getting along with people who can help you. |  | Languz | “Lake”
Phonetic Value = L
You are on a spiritual journey and learning more about your instincts. |  | Inguz | “Frey” or “Freja”
Phonetic Value = ING
Sex, Sex, Sex…
Can also mean Completion. |  | Othila | “Inherited Land “
Phonetic Value = O
You are being affected by your past. |  | Dagaz | “Day”
Phonetic Value = D
Watch out, everything’s about to change. | This is not meant to be a last stop for you, but rather a first. Find or make a set of Runes and play with them. Put them under your pillow. Chant with them as you learn how to say their names. Make things for them. Lay them out, put them in groups to tell stories. If two or three of them have similar attributes, set them aside and ask yourself why. Really, whatever works, just put in the time. Your runes come to you with a relatively clean slate. As you learn, you are teaching them to connect with their history. Reputable rune authors do not give you easy answers. Learning Norse Mythology is the most important step you can take. Once you connect with the runes, they will give back to you and start a lifelong give-and-take relationship. What Our Clients Say About Melanie Read More Articles by Melanie:
Recommendations for Further Study:
Northern Mysteries & Majick
By Freya Aswynn. Llewellyn Publishing.
If you read only one book on the Runes, this is it. Aswynn is a revolutionary author whose work in demonstrating the futility of ignoring the feminine when working with Runes cannot be overlooked. In this, I consider hers to be the first complete book on the Runes. Her section about the individual Runes is thoroughly drenched in mythology, yet her ideas regarding this lore are fresh and modern. Nordic Runes
By Paul Rhys Mountfort. Destiny Books.
Published 8 years after Aswynn, this almost encyclopedic book is very organized and well laid out. He provides uniformity by including both basic information and Myths & Legends in his section on each individual Rune. When I was exploring reversed meanings of the Runes, I found him particularly helpful. Not all Runes can be or should be reversed and I loved the fact that he had those that could sectioned off in each of the chapters. The Norse Myths
By Kevin Crossley-Holland. Pantheon Books; a division of Random House Inc.
As grand as the idea of going straight to the source is, Norse Mythology, in it’s original text, uses difficult language and is best delved into after getting a good acquaintance with the stories in modern language. That’s what this book does. It tells the stories both beautifully and accurately. It shows the humor, beauty and brutality of Norse mythology. | 
