The Runes

The Runes are an ancient set of divination tools, originally used by the Nordic people, read very much like Tarot cards. (I myself am not very adept with the Tarot, but I seem to have taken to the Runes very well.) My main source of learning the Runes is an excellent book titled, A Practical Guide to The Runes by Lisa Peschel. I found it very well written, and easy to understand. This book is the main source for the information on these pages. I am just paraphrasing some of the information from the book. I must give the credit where it is due. Her wonderful book gives much more information than just what the Runes mean. It tells you how to make them, the many ways to use them, and more. I'll try to give a good amount of information on these pages, but I can't put the entire book here. I encourage anyone, if they are interested in the Runes to get this book. I have yet to find a book as helpful as this one.

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The term Reversed used here means that the Rune was cast upsidedown. Not all Runes have a reversed position.

	WYRD: The blank rune is a totally modern addition to the Furthark system. The concept it represents, however, was certainly well known to the ancient Rune-using people. It takes its name from the norse, Wyrd (pronounced "weird"), the collective term for the three Norse sisters known as the Norns, which are individually known as Urder, Verthandi, and Skuld - past, present, and future. They represented All Knowledge. WYRD is the cosmic power of Fate. It tells us that we must accept responsibility for our own actions, good or bad. When this rune appears in a reading, you may be certain that something unexpected will happen. The concept represented by WYRD is not concrete or of the world. It tells us that what is to come is in the hands of the divine.
	FEHU: To the Northern Europeans, this Rune meant cattle. In those times, cattle were a measure of a mans worth. They gave him status in the tribe, and kept him and his family alive. Through hard work and care, his herds would grow and prosper, and he would become richer. Even though, as time went on, and cattle were no longer the measure of wealth, FEHU remains a symbol of earned income - that which has to be worked for, but will produce an expected source of gain. This gain, however, does not necessarily have to be financial. In multiple rune readings, if it is paired with a love rune, it could represent a romantic gain. *Reversed:* FEHU Reversed represents a loss or dissapointment of some sort, if you continue on in the same way. In an otherwise positive reading, it could merely be a short delay. In a primarily negative runecast, it could represent a material loss that will not be able to be recovered. It may also tell you to give up on any plan that is underway, because it will not be very effective in the end.
	URUZ: URUZ is the rune of the wild ox, and is in many ways like FEHU. However, FEHU represents the domesticated cattle, whereas URUZ represents the vital, wild force of the strong wild ox. This great beast represented strength and virility, hence URUZ represents good health and strength. URUZ can sometimes represent the male in a relationship and signify strong emotions. It can also represent the true will of the querant - that which is truly desired. It will probably come to pass. This Rune rules over changes, usually sudden, unexpected ones. These changes are natural and should not be avoided. You may be called to give up something that you are overly attatched to in order for the true will to be achieved. URUZ signifies an eventual improvement, but only after diligent application of your resources and much effort. *Reversed:* URUZ Reversed shows that you have failed or are about to fail to take advantage of the moment. You may have passed up a good opportunity because of petty worries, or allowed low self esteem to hold you back. This Rune can also represent a weak will or a lack of motivation, such as allowing someone else that you view as a more important individual to tell you how to live your life. As a rune of health, it could indicate a minor illness of some kind in the near future. For males, this may indicate a problem, either physiological or psychological, of a sexual nature. Even reversed, URUZ can indicate a sudden change. In a primarily negative runcast, it may be better to let this change pass you by, as it will only bring more trouble.
	THURISAZ: This Rune has many associations with protection and luck. This Rune my tell of a stroke of unexpected good luck, usually from an equally unexpected source. You will be "in the right place at the right time." Occasionally, however, THURISAZ will appear to tell you that your streak of good luck is about to come to an end. Take care not to sink yourself too deep in your own self assuradness, because at this time you could be in for a rude awakening. Evaluate the situation before you plunge in. In this case, it can show that you are being stubborn in some way. The result you have in your heart may not be easily attainable because of your attitude of "I'm right, your wrong." *Reversed:* THURISAZ Reversed indicates much the same as it does upright. The main difference is that you or the person you are reading for will not want to take heed of the advice. You are set on this action and full of yourself. The consequences of blindly following your path are even worse than when the Rune is upright. You will need to express much caution with your current situation. Any hasty action is bound to cause regrets.
	ANSUZ: The meaning of this rune is mouth and usually indicates the spoken word, taking of adviceor aquiring wisdom. It can indicate an exam of some sort, either written or oral. This rune tells you to put fears aside, as it indicates the ability to perform very well and with ease. It indicates the need for careful thought, often coupled with advice from another. Heed the advice from those that may be more experienced and wiser than yourself. ANSUZ tells us that the advice will be honest and helpful. *Reversed:* ANSUZ Reversed shows lies, trickery, and deciet. Don't believe what you hear at this time, and get a second opinion when you are in doubt. Someone else has their best intrests in mind, not yours. Any advice at this time will be selfish and biased. A superior might be trying to interfere with your plans. This rune can also indicate a failure or refusal to learn from life's lessons. It could also indicate troubles in a course of study as well.
	RAIDHO: This Rune means wagon and indicates movement. RAIDHO indicates travel, usually for pleasure. It will often indicate a safe and pleasant journey, without mishap, and perhaps with good friends. Sometimes this journey may be a journey of the soul. If you are already following your soul's path, keep on it. This Rune can also indicate that it is a good time to enter into discussions or negotiations. Often RAIDHO will indicate that you are at two minds on a situation, feeling that either decision will turn out well. RAIDHO cautions you to be on the lookout. Pay attention to the "small print." *Reversed:* RAIDHO Reversed takes on bad tones of all the aspects of RAIDHO upright. It can indicate a trip that you must take, that most likely will come at an unexpected time or for unexpected reasons, such as visiting a friend or relative that is sick. Or it may indicate someone visiting you at a bad time. It can indicate a problem or delay in your travels, or an upsetting of your plans. You may wish to postpone a journey that you have planned.
	KENAZ: KENAZ is a rune of fire - the friendly, controlled flame of a torch or hearth fire. It represents strength, energy, and power. It indicates the importance of a positive attitude. It is one of the most helpful Runes when you are experiencing problems of any sort. It indicates a relief from worries and a time when troubles are few and small. It can indicate good things coming into your life. This would be a good time to start something new, perhaps even a romantic relationship. *Reversed:* KENAZ Reversed is an indication of an ending. It represents a loss or an offer withdrawn. You may feel that you have made bad judgments or that your vision has been obscured, confusing you and making matters worse. In the case of romance, both parties may feel that they have done all that they were meant to do together, and should go their separate ways. Do not cling to a failing relationship, whether it be a personal one or a business one.
	GIFU: GIFU means gift. It has no reversed position, and it almost always has a positive meaning. It signifies a fortunous outcome in any situation at this time. GIFU also indicates a partnership of some sort. It is not uncommon for this rune to indicate an important development in a romantic relationship. It can indicate things such as marriage, or a commitment to a long term relationship. It can indicate a gift or generosity coming to your life, be it a material gift or emotional gift. Sometimes, however, GIFU can merely indicate that the problem at hand is emotional in nature. It can often indicate that relief from your troubles is close at hand.
	WUNJO: WUNJO means joy, and when upright will always indicate happiness coming into your life. It is telling you to be happy! Often, it indicates the object of the inquirers affections. In this case, it indicates an activity with this person ending with happy results. *Reversed:* The meaning of WUNJO Reversed is exactly the opposite of its upright meaning. You may be going through a difficult time, with much unhappiness. It can indicate job disatisfaction, or an emotional disappointment or delay. WUNJO reversed shows a need for caution, such as putting off an important decision to a better time.
	HAGALL: HAGALL is a rune of limitations and delays. It represents all forces outside your control. It is a symbol of disruption, either good or bad. But since this disruption is caused by forces beyond your control and impersonal, it usually takes on a negative tone. Sometimes this rune will inform you that your future is in the hands of another, an unknown or impersonal figure. HAGALL is an indication that the time is not right for any new starts. Sometimes delays and limitations are necessary. Fighting against Fate will only bring grief.
	NIED: NIED, a rune of delay, tells us to have patience. It tells us that, as tiresome as delays might be, things will work out in the end. No amount of haste or worry will make things work out any faster. NIED signifies a time of passing through a difficult learning situation. It also might signify the need to think twice before starting any new projects. It show that you do not have the strength or energy at this time to carry them successfully. It indicates your needs rather than your wants. You should ask yourself if you are worry about minor inconveniences, which you are blowing out of proportion, or if you really have a problem. *Reversed:* NIED Reversed tells you that you should really think twice before starting anything you might have planned. It shows you starting off on the wrong foot. If you continue in this direction, NIED reversed shows inevitable failure. Don't make hasty, impatient descisions - they will only lead to dispair. If you are not honest with yourself and others, and except responisibility for your actions, some outside force will step in and make you pay your dues.
	ISA: ISA signifies a cessation of activities - a freeze. All plans should be put on hold for the moment until a better time. It also often indicates a cooling trend in a relationship, business or emotional. There may be bitter feelings and possibly even a separation or severed ties. In emotional relationships, the problem is most often a breach of loyalty of another, but can also be on the part of the querant. This problem, however can usually be resolved within a short time.
	JERA: JERA is a Rune of harvest, and indicates a reaping of rewards for efforts expended. This may be a good deed returned for a good deed given, or a material reward for an investment of some sort. JERA is also a Rune of legalities and justice, indicating that the querant is concerned over some legal matter. However, it does not always signify a positive outcome. Since the harvest can only come after spending much care and energy, it indicates that events must come to pass in their own good time. If things are going badly, it could indicate that problems can be alleviated through much dilligent effort. It could also be a warning not to speak badly of others until all the facts are known.