Rune Reading

About the runes

The Elder Futhark is the oldest runic alphabet, used by Germanic peoples from about the 2nd to the 8th century CE. Its 24 letters were mostly carved as inscriptions — names, memorials, makers' marks. Their use for readings is a modern practice; the meanings here draw on the medieval rune poems and today's popular interpretations.

Draw one rune as a theme for the day, or cast three for a situation: what is going on, what stands in the way, and where it is likely to lead. Each rune is read upright only.

The 24 runes of the Elder Futhark

Freyr's ætt

Freyr's ætt — the first eight runes: wealth, strength, journeys and the gifts of everyday life.

• Fehu — cattle, wealth
• Uruz — aurochs, wild ox
• Thurisaz — giant, thorn
• Ansuz — god, mouth
• Raidho — ride, journey
• Kenaz — torch
• Gebo — gift
• Wunjo — joy

Hagal's ætt

Hagal's ætt — the middle eight: hardship, waiting, change and the forces you can't control.

• Hagalaz — hail
• Nauthiz — need
• Isa — ice
• Jera — year, harvest
• Eihwaz — yew tree
• Perthro — lot cup, mystery
• Algiz — elk-sedge, protection
• Sowilo — sun

Tyr's ætt

Tyr's ætt — the last eight: justice, growth, partnership, people and home.

• Tiwaz — the god Tyr, justice
• Berkano — birch
• Ehwaz — horse
• Mannaz — man, humankind
• Laguz — water, lake
• Ingwaz — the god Ing, seed
• Dagaz — day, dawn
• Othala — inheritance, homeland

FAQ

For entertainment and reflection only. A rune reading can't predict the future or replace advice from a doctor, lawyer or financial professional.