Runes of the Elder Futhark 

By: Rev. Tommy Rogers

Futharks: What are they?

  Just as our alphabet is named after its first two characters alpha and beta, the runic systems are often called Futharks as this is the first 7 letters of those systems.  To be clear on a matter that can cause some confusion to beginners, you will notice that F.U.TH.A.R.K  is spelled with the first SEVEN letters of the system, but by using only the first SIX runes of Freyia's Aett.  This is because the rune Thurisaz  has the phonetic value of ' TH ' and not just the letter ' T '.  The reason
that I am clarifying this is because I have seen it assumed more than once by those new to the runes, that the letter 'H' in F.U.TH.A.R.K. is representative of the rune Hagal and not a part of the 'TH' of Thurisaz.

  There are quite a few different Futharks, the oldest version that is known is the Elder Futhark, which I use in this lesson. Elder Futhark is sometimes referred to as the common Germanic Futhark, but there are others such as the Anglo-Saxon Futhark, the Younger Futhark, the Viking Futhark, and so on.  Also, I would like to point out that there are no such runes as the commonly claimed "Witch's Runes" that people speak of in some circles.  There is also no such thing as "Wiccan Runes" as Wicca is a religion and runes are an ancient system of writing that also have magical properties because of their inherent energies which were and are commonly used to augment and enhance magical workings.  ALL  Futhark runes are either Germanic, European, or Norse ( Scandinavian ) in origin.  Witch's Runes, Wiccan Runes, and the like simply do not exist and are purely fictional.

Futharks:  A Brief History

    The earliest recorded runes were used by the early Germanic tribes of central Europe and are believed to date back 1,700+ years ago, though many think they date back much earlier.  There are many arguments surrounding the origin of the runes, some saying that they originated from Turkish alphabets whereas others, Latin and Greek. The latter theories are the most popular since there are many common characters to be found in these that also appear in the runic system. 

Rune Meanings

   You will work with the "Elder Futhark" in this lesson, the runic alphabet which is a composite of the runic symbols most commonly used in northern Europe. The names of the runes of the Elder Futhark are speculative recreations of what linguists call "Proto-Germanic", which stems from "Proto-Indo-European".

  There are many versions of the runic alphabets. Each has variations in names, shapes, esoteric meanings and magical uses. One should not mix Futharks or the intent or meaning becomes confused. The Elder Futhark, the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, and the Younger (or Scandinavian) Futhark are the most frequently seen versions of the runic alphabets in use  today.  The runes are broken into three sections or groups of eight, called the Aetts (Aettir, plural). This helps one to remember their order, and later, you will see, also has significance in magical uses.  It is recommended that you first work with and learn Freyia's Aett until you are comfortable with your understanding of those runes, then add Heimdall's Aett to those of Freyia's and use those together until at last you can add the third and final Aett of Tyr the Warrior God and have an intimate working knowledge of the "Aettir" (the entire Futhark system).
 
  Rune users disagree on whether or not to place a different meaning on a rune that falls in an inverted or reversed position. Some runes look the same upside down and right side up.  Some examples of these being the runes Gebo, Nauthiz, Isa, Jera and Eihwaz as well as a few others.  These runes cannot be "Reversed". Nevertheless, any of the runes may appear as a "Merkstave" (which literally means "dark stick" and implies a "dark" meaning), depending on how the runes are cast. Note that a "Reversed" or "Merkstave" meaning is not the opposite of its primary meaning, but usually has a more negative connotation.

Rune Uses

  The runes are thought of as an ancient writing system but they surpass these limitations by also incorporating the  social ideologies of a given tribe.  Example:  Sowulo = sun = health = s). The use of runes is limitless and bound only by the imagination and creativity of the caster.  They have been found inscribed onto many surfaces of differing materials over the last few centuries and have been used for spells, divination, poems and ornamentation. When used for divination they are most commonly cut onto small parts of a branch of a fruit bearing tree and/or they can be painted onto almost any surface. For this practice it is generally considered best to use natural materials such as crystals, stones and wood.

The Blank Rune

  You may have picked up a book about runes or purchased a rune set that includes a "blank rune", "Odin Rune" or "Wyrd Rune". This is a very strong clue that author is not an authority on runes. There is no historical support for a "Blank Rune" in runic divination.  There is no historical evidence that Runemasters of old ever used a blank rune in their castings. It's self-evident because a rune is a symbol, not the token that carries it.  A blank stone or wooden disk is simply what it is, blank!  Have you ever seen a blank symbol? In typing, a blank symbol in a line of text is just a space, as even our alphabet can be thought of as a kind of rune since it is a "form of writing" as the Futharks are.  Blank runes are an oxymoron.  
If you buy a set of runes that come with a blank, save the blank one in case you lose one of your runes and need to use the blank to make a replacement.  This is the only good thing about receiving a blank with your set.

Tarot versus Runes

  To me, either system is a good way to divine the secrets of  Fate, Destiny, or what ever you believe guides us to our end.
I personally believe that we chose our own paths, and "Fate" has nothing to do with what happens to us in our lives. To me, Fate is a way for one to excuse not having control of ones life and the outcome of events.  It means that one has been complacent, and allows life to have control of the individual instead of the individual taking control of life.  There are things beyond our ability to control, to anticipate, or to overcome, but for the most part we have free will and the freedom of choice, and therefore are most oft times completely responsible for what befalls us in our lives.  You may or may not agree, and little does it matter one way or another.  Either way,  runes such as the Elder Futhark can provide sometimes much needed guidance from our Ethereal friends of the Realms of Fae.  

  I have included a few of the differences between Tarot and Runes below so that you can discern a few of the differences between the two systems.  

1.  Runes aren't divided into Arcana like Tarot Decks and are used for more specific types of questions, whereas Tarot Decks are a more broad reading and less specific.   

2.  Runes can also be used by drawing one rune at a time for an answer as opposed to doing a spread, which is a common practice of Tarot Readers. 

3.  Runes are generally easier for a beginner to learn and master than Tarot Decks as they have only 24 symbols to remember rather than 78.

4.  Runes are easily created by an individual whereas to
create ones own Tarot Deck is a HUGE undertaking that most of us have not the time and / or energy for.

Merkstave and Reversed Runes 

  The act of " casting runes" means literally that, "casting" the runes. Usually this is done by casting the runes onto a flat surface such as a table or even the ground, and usually onto a cloth of some kind.  The Caster can use a " Lot Cup" or other container ( even his or her hands if he or she wishes)  to hold the runes which then are shaken, stirred, or otherwise scrambled before the runes are then thrown ( cast ) and scattered, landing as they will upon the divining area in front of the one doing the casting.  You may choose to use Tarot-like spreads in your rune castings. ( I have a few examples of rune spreads later on in the lesson. )   The meaning is then divined and interpreted by the Castor.  

  Idea:  When casting stone or wooden runes, some of the runes will land sideways, at odd angles, or in opposition to the rest.  These are called " Merkstave" and are the runes which cannot be reversed because they look the same either way.   This ensures a negative connotation which represents special areas that we need to work on.   Many Tarot spreads use this technique as well.  I believe that they give me  vital information on such things as, " What is holding me back from attaining my desires?", and/or " What are the lessons that I must learn and master before I can advance further toward my goal?"  

  My purpose for Merkstaves is to  show me the issue(s) that I need to pay special attention to.  Sometimes the issue or issues may be of a nature that I do not want to acknowledge, am trying to suppress or trying to ignore all together!  When I reach one of these runes, I ask myself the following:  "Can I address the issues that this rune brings to light?  Do I have the strength?  The ability?  The willpower?  The Wisdom?  Can I make a solemn promise both to the Ether and to myself that I WILL do what must be done no matter how unpleasant the doing may be?"  If the answer is yes,  then I proceed with the rest of the reading.  If the answer is no, my reading is over at that point.  Reason being, that the rest of the runes within the reading assume that the advice of the Merkstave rune has been heeded, and will be dealt with accordingly when time, place, and opportunity permit.  Otherwise, the meaning of the rest of the runes in the reading become lost to me because of my failure or inability to confront the Merkstaves issue(s), and the rest of the reading becomes null, and void.  If you do not like the prospect of abandoning a reading in the middle, do not despair!  All you need to do is either: 

A.  Continue the reading to see how events will unfold if you were to  heed the Merkstave rune.  

Or:

B. ( If you are using a spread instead of a casting ), take up all of the runes from the first one beyond the Merkstave rune to the end result ( since you have chosen not to heed the Merkstave rune ), and cast a fresh set to finish the spread. You can use these fresh runes to tell  you what may come to pass if you do not heed the Merkstave rune as soon as possible.

   As I have implied above, however, you do not have to use Merkstaves in your readings if you do not wish it.  The purpose of using Merkstaves in this lesson is that not all of the runes are reversible as you should have read earlier on.  However, the non-reversible runes can still lay in opposition.  Not acknowledging Merkstaves puts your readings at a serious disadvantage and an unpredictable imbalance, which I personally feel will give you a false reading and an inaccurate final result.  After all, not all of the runes can affect the reading to their full potential if they cannot have negative connotations, although the runes themselves may be obviously reversible.  Using Merkstaves insures that even those runes that are non reversible can have a negative connotation giving balance to your readings.  After all,  how practical is it to have certain runes only have positive meaning in every single reading? Especially when those negative connotations may be vital and are not there?  This makes ALL of the runes equal in both aspects of positive and negative which provides in effect, a balanced, stable and unbiased reading.  Let it be noted that this is ONLY my personal opinion, and in no way an iron clad and unbreakable law when casting runes.  Feel free to cast your runes as YOU see fit.  

The Aettir Deities of the Elder Futhark System of Divination

Freyia or Freya 
Norse Goddess of love, beauty and destiny.

  Freyia is the Norse goddess of love, fertility, war, and wealth. She was the daughter of Njord, and the sister of Frey. Her daughter, by her husband, Od, is named Hnoss, who is so beautiful that whatever is valuable and lovely is named "treasure" after her. She lived in Folkvang (an eternal battlefield) and each day chose half of the slain warriors to split with Odin. She somehow lost her husband, Od, and cried golden tears for him. Many believe Od is Odin.  Od is also represented by the dark serpent on the left side of the Caduceus and represents the "Left Hand Path" or the darker side of magic.  Freyia's chariot was drawn by cats and she owned the precious Brisinga-men's necklace, which she acquired by sleeping with four dwarves. She also owned a feather coat which she could use to fly between the worlds.  She was also known as the goddess of magic and divination.

  Freyia was one of the few Norse female characters who had a major role, an exception to the general rule of lower status for goddesses compared to gods. She was revered by women.  Some sources say Friday is named after her.   Freyia is much more a goddess of lust, being identified with sexual freedom. In this way she was almost identical to Aphrodite, as both were well-known for their numerous partners.
  
  While one of Freyia's prized possessions was her famous necklace, Aphrodite, similarly, was renowned for her girdle. In many stories, both goddesses were asked to "lend" these adornments to others.  Because of her association with divination, Freyia has some of the characteristics which the Greeks assigned to Apollo. 

  Freyia is associated with the first rune in her Aett which is Fehu ( f) as this rune represents cattle and wealth and Freyia is a goddess of wealth.  In ancient times, one's livestock herd determined wealth.  The number of a person's cattle dictated his/her status within a tribe.  In those days, wealth not only meant a person's current worth but their ability to create and/or maintain their worth and wealth.  One must have had some sort of sense about him if he was wealthy.  This sense is what Fehu refers to.  

Heimdall
The Norse guardian of the gods.

  Heimdall is the god of light, the son of nine mothers (variously given as the daughters of Geirrendour the Giant or of Aegir). He was born at the end of the world and raised by the force of the earth, seawater and the blood of a boar. Because of his shining, golden teeth he is also called Gullintani ("gold tooth"). His hall is Himinbjorg, The Cliffs of Heaven, and his horse is Gulltop. Heimdall carries the horn Gjallar.

  He is the watchman of the gods and guards Bifrost, the only entrance to Asgard, the realm of the gods. It is Heimdall's duty to prevent the giants from forcing their way into Asgard. He requires less sleep than a bird and can see a hundred miles around him, by night as well as by day. His hearing is so acute that no sound escapes him: he can even hear the grass grow or the wool on a sheep's back grow also. At the final conflict of Ragnarok he will kill his age-old enemy, the evil god Loki, but will die himself from his wounds.

  As the god Rig ("ruler"), Heimdall created the three races of mankind: the serfs, the peasants, and the warriors. It is interesting to note why Heimdall fathered them, and not Odin as might be expected. Furthermore, Heimdall is in many attributes identical with Tyr. Heimdall is also known as Hagal and is represented by the rune Hagalaz ( h ) in this deck.

Tyr
the Norse God of single combat and heroic glory.

  The original Germanic god of war and the patron god of justice, the precursor of Odin. At the time of the Vikings, Tyr had to make way for Odin, who became the god of war himself. Tyr was by then regarded as Odin's son (or possibly of the giant Hymir). He is the boldest of the gods, who inspires courage and heroism in battle. Tyr is represented as a man with one hand, because his right hand was bitten off by the gigantic wolf, Fenrir (in old-Norse, the wrist was called 'wolf-joint'). His attribute is a spear; the symbol of justice, as well as a weapon.  At the day of Ragnarok, Tyr will kill the hound Garm, the guardian of hell, but will die from the wounds inflicted by the animal. In later mythology, "Tyr" became understood  to mean "god". He is also known as Tîwaz, which is another name for the rune ( t ) that is called "Tyr" in this deck, Tiw and Ziu.

Purpose of the Aetts

  Runes are divided up into sets of Eight called the "Aetts", representing the three streams of Mind and Matter in which Rune Power can be called upon, harnessed and utilized to have a desired outcome or effect.  An example of this being to invoke a particular rune to lend its attributes and/or special powers and abilities to a working or ritual.  The first Aett is known as the " Earth Family " and is under the influences of the Norse Goddess Freyia.  The second Aett is under the " Warrior Family " and under the influences of the God known as Heimdall or Hagal.  The third and final Aett is in the " Heaven Family " and under the influences of the God Tyr.  This can seem in error since Tyr is a "Warrior God", however, the association stands as is because, if you will remember from reading above, Hiemdall is credited as being the  creator of the "Warrior Race" of mankind.  It is only natural for one to erroneously associate Tyr with the second Aett and the Warrior Family.  The three Aetts together called  "the Aettir", represent the Psychological, Practical and Organizational Worlds respectively.

Runes in Divination and Conclusion

  As with all things concerning spiritual matters, it all boils down to personal preferences with what methods you use to divine.  In fact, a little creativity on your part can go a long way if you were to design and use your own custom layout or spread.  This makes the experience of reading the runes much more intimate and personal to you, the Caster.   Below this paragraph are  three example spreads to get you started.  Notice that all of these three example spreads allow for  Reversed cards, but only one allows for an intentional 
Merkstave.  In the Thor's Hammer spread I recommend you place an intentional Merkstave in position six as it asks specifically for a Merkstave answer to that question.  The first three runes of the Elemental Spread may seem like they should be Merkstave, but if you look closely and think, you will see that in this instance, the lessons you must learn could go either way except for possibly the Spiritual lessons of Fire, rune position number three, however I believe that making this rune an intentional Merkstave is pushy at best.  Use your own judgement and do what you think is best for you.   

  To start, you should begin by thoroughly scramble or mix the runes and place them in their relevant positions within your chosen spread ( if you choose to use a spread versus a casting ).  (A piece of advice: the runes can sometimes be a bit vague, so do not only read them as singular statements,  but rather, try and form an intuitive blend of the meanings.  Almost like an overall story if you will).  There are a limitless amount of variations for you to explore in your spreads.  Really, the sky IS the limit!  Have fun exploring the possibilities.  Study with a friend.  Laugh at yourself when you are mistaken in remembering a meaning,  make up silly sayings, or acronyms that will help you to remember better the next time.  If learning is all work and no fun then it becomes a chore, and chores sometimes go undone in these cases and for this reason.  You will begin to discover how the runes can be combined in subtle ways so that each one augments and amplifies the one that comes after it, and that rune, in turn, does the same for the next. You may notice too  that third rune amplifies the power of the Rose Quartz, which augments the potency of the Blue Vervain, Lavender, and Orris Root, which are three of the dozens of ingredients in your potion, which is bubbling away in your Cauldron, and so on, and so on, etc, etc! This, in combination with your energies, and the energies of certain gemstones upon your Altar, the energies of your improvised battery of Elder Futhark Runes ( which is in effect what you have created ), the energies of the Watchers and their Elements, the energies inherent in the Cosmos that we personify as Deity, chanting, singing, all of this can aid you in raising a truly awe inspiring Cone of Power from which you can work great works of Rite and Ritual.  Learning the basic meanings of the Elder Futhark is just the beginning of a journey that can take you to the stars and beyond! Remember well these words.  Though we have this physical body, we ARE in essence a spiritual being. Magic is our right by design if we are but willing to learn to embrace it.  The same is true for all of us who choose to KNOW, to WILL, to DARE, to BE SILENT and last but not least, to HARM NONE.	

 On that note, may good fortune smile upon your efforts and bring you much joy in your divining!  Blessed Be!

-Rev. Tommy Rogers ( A.K.A Straboh )

If you should choose to use spreads with your casting, I have included a few example spreads to get you started.  Notice that the only spread with a Merkstave is the Thor's Hammer Spread.  This is because a Merkstave is not necessary in any of the spreads if you do not wish.  As I have said, " I believe it gives your readings balance but you may  believe otherwise and that is just fine."  Also, you can place a Merkstave rune intentionally in ANY position of a spread if you want to know what is, has, or will potentially in the future, keep you from your objective or goal.  What is important, is that you practice with your runes no matter what your preferences on Merkstaves.   "Experience is the best teacher!"

The Three rune spread

    2
1     3

  1.  Past
  2.  Present
  3.  Future

The elemental Spread

   4
2   3
   1

   1.  Earth - Represents all physical lessons that you must learn to attain wisdom and not repeat past mistakes.
   2. Water - Represents emotional lessons that you must master to  make progress. ( especially those of the heart )  
   3. Fire - Represents spiritual lessons you need to pay heed to that are closely linked to your unfolding future.
   4. Air - Represents the place where you should seek outside wisdom and/or council for the future when needed.

Thor's Hammer Spread

  9
7  8
  6 <-- should be placed Merkstave
  5
  4
2  3 
  1

   1.  What mask do I show the world?
   2. What fears are within me?
   3. What am I seeking?
   4. How should I best approach this?
   5. What do I hope to become?
   6. What is stopping me?
   7. What is my destiny?
   8. What do I need to learn to find my true self?
   9. What is my true self? 

Each rune listing is in the order of: 

Corresponding Aett, rune symbol, rune name, letter of correspondence to the English alphabet, meaning, Merkstave meaning, and finally association.

Freyr/Freyia's Aett

1.  f  Fehu (F: Domestic cattle, wealth.) Possessions won or earned, earned income, luck. Abundance, financial strength in the present or near future. Sign of hope and plenty, success and happiness. Social success. Energy, foresight, fertility, creation/destruction (becoming). 

  Fehu Reversed or Merkstave: Loss of personal property, esteem, or something that you put in effort to keep. It indicates some sort of failure. Greed, burnout, atrophy, discord. Cowardice, stupidity, dullness, poverty, slavery, bondage.

Associations:
Colour: light red
Tree: Elder
Herb: Nettle
Gemstone: Moss Agate

2.  u  Uruz: (U: Auroch, a wild ox.) Physical strength and speed, untamed potential. A time of great energy and health. Freedom, energy, action, courage, strength, tenacity, understanding, wisdom. Sudden or unexpected changes (usually for the better). Sexual desire, masculine potency. The shaping of power and pattern, formulation of the self. 

  Uruz Reversed or Merkstave: Weakness, obsession, misdirected force, domination by others. Sickness, inconsistency, ignorance. Lust, brutality, rashness, callousness, violence.

Associations:
Colour: dark green
Tree: Birch
Herb: Sphagnum Moss
Gemstone: Carbuncle

3.  t  Thurisaz: (TH: Thorn or a Giant.) Reactive force, directed force of destruction and defense, conflict. Instinctual will, vital eroticism, regenerative catalyst. A tendency toward change. Catharsis, purging, cleansing fire. Male sexuality, fertilization. (Thorr, the Thunder god, was of Giant stock.)

  Thurisaz Reversed or Merkstave: Danger, defenselessness, compulsion, betrayal, dullness. Evil, malice, hatred, torment, spite, lies. A bad man or woman. 

Associations:
Colour: bright red
Tree: Thorn
Herb: Houseleek
Gemstone: Sapphire

4.  a  Ansuz: (A: The As, ancestral god, i.e. Odin.) A revealing message or insight, communication. Signals, inspiration, enthusiasm, speech, true vision, power of words and naming. Blessings, the taking of advice. Good health, harmony, truth, wisdom. 

  Ansuz Reversed or Merkstave: Misunderstanding, delusion, manipulation by others, boredom. Vanity and grandiloquence. (Odin is a mighty, but duplicitous god. He always has his own agenda.)

Associations:
Colour: dark blue
Tree: Ash
Herb: Fly Agaric
Gemstone: Emerald

5.  r  Raidho: (R: Wagon or chariot.) Travel, both in physical terms and those of lifestyle direction. A journey, vacation, relocation, evolution, change of place or setting. Seeing a larger perspective. Seeing the right move for you to make and deciding upon it. Personal rhythm, world rhythm, dance of life. 

  Raidho Reversed or Merkstave: Crisis, rigidity, stasis, injustice, irrationality. Disruption, dislocation, demotion, delusion, possibly a death.

Associations:
Colour: bright red
Tree: Oak
Herb: Mugwort
Gemstone: Chrysoprase

6.  k  Kenaz: (K: Beacon or torch.) Vision, revelation, knowledge, creativity, inspiration, technical ability. Vital fire of life, harnessed power, fire of transformation and regeneration. Power to create your own reality, the power of light. Open to new strength, energy, and power now. Passion, sexual love. 

  Kenaz Reversed or Merkstave: Disease, breakup, instability, lack of creativity. Nakedness, exposure, loss of illusion and false hope.

Associations:
Colour: light red
Tree: Pine
Herb: Cowslip
Gemstone: Bloodstone

7.  g  Gebo: (G: Gift.) Gifts, both in the sense of sacrifice and of generosity, indicating balance. All matters in relation to exchanges, including contracts, personal relationships and partnerships. 

  Gebo Merkstave (Gebo cannot be reversed, but may lie in opposition): Greed, loneliness, dependence, over-sacrifice. Obligation, toll, privation, bribery.

Associations:
Colour: deep blue
Tree: Ash/Elm
Herb: Heartsease
Gemstone: Opal

8.  w  Wunjo: (W or V: Joy.) Joy, comfort, pleasure. Fellowship, harmony, prosperity. Ecstasy, glory, spiritual reward, but also the possibility of going "over the top". If restrained, the meaning is general success and recognition of worth. 

  Wunjo Reversed or Merkstave: Stultification, sorrow, strife, alienation. Delirium, intoxication, possession by higher forces, impractical enthusiasm. Raging frenzy, berzerker.

Associations:
Colour: yellow
Tree: Ash
Herb: Flax
Gemstone: Diamond

Heimdall's Aett

9.  h  Hagalaz: (H: Hail.) Wrath of nature, destructive, uncontrolled forces, especially the weather, or within the unconscious. Tempering, testing, trial. Controlled crisis, leading to completion, inner harmony. 

  Hagalaz Merkstave (Hagalaz cannot be reversed, but may lie in opposition): Natural disaster, catastrophe. Stagnation, loss of power. Pain, loss, suffering, hardship, sickness, crisis.

Associations:
Colour: light blue
Tree: Ash/Yew
Herb: Lily of the Valley
Gemstone: Onyx

10.  n  Nauthiz: (N: Need.) Delays, restriction. Resistance leading to strength, innovation, need-fire (self-reliance). Distress, confusion, conflict, and the power of will to overcome them. Endurance, survival, determination. A time to exercise patience. Recognition of one's fate. Major self-initiated change. Face your fears. 

  Nauthiz Reversed or Merkstave: Constraint of freedom, distress, toil, drudgery, laxity. Necessity, extremity, want, deprivation, starvation, need, poverty, emotional hunger.

Associations:
Colour: black
Tree: Beech
Herb: Bistort
Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli

11.  l   Isa: (I: Ice.) A challenge or frustration. Psychological blocks to thought or activity, including grievances. Standstill, or a time to turn inward and wait for what is to come, or to seek clarity. This rune reinforces runes around it. 

  Isa Merkstave (Isa cannot be reversed, but may lie in opposition): Ego-mania, dullness, blindness, dissipation. Treachery, illusion, deceit, betrayal, guile, stealth, ambush, plots.

Associations:
Colour: black
Tree: Alder
Herb: Henbane
Gemstone: Cats-eye

12.  j  Jera: (J or Y: A year, a harvest.) The results of earlier efforts are realized. A time of peace and happiness, fruitful season. It can break through stagnancy. Hopes and expectations of peace and prosperity. The promise of success earned. Life cycle, cyclical pattern of the universe. Everything changes, in its own time. 

  Jera Merkstave (Jera cannot be reversed, but may lie in opposition): Sudden setback, reversals. A major change, repetition, bad timing, poverty, conflict.

Associations:
Colour: light blue
Tree: Oak
Herb: Rosemary
Gemstone: Cornelian

13.  y  Eihwaz: (EI: Yew tree.) Strength, reliability, dependability, trustworthiness. Enlightenment, endurance. Defense, protection. The driving force to acquire, providing motivation and a sense of purpose. Indicates that you have set your sights on a reasonable target and can achieve your goals. An honest man who can be relied upon. 

  Eihwaz Reversed or Merkstave: Confusion, destruction, dissatisfaction, weakness.

Associations:
Colour: dark blue
Tree: Yew
Herb: Mandrake
Gemstone: Topaz

14.  p  Perthro: (P: Lot cup, vagina.) Uncertain meaning, a secret matter, a mystery, hidden things and occult abilities. Initiation, knowledge of one's destiny, knowledge of future matters, determining the future or your path. Pertaining to things feminine, feminine mysteries including female fertility, and vagina. Good lot, fellowship and joy. Evolutionary change. 

  Perthro Reversed or Merkstave: Addiction, stagnation, loneliness, malaise.

Associations:
Colour: black
Tree: Beech
Herb: Aconite
Gemstone: Aquamarine

15.  z  Algiz: (Z or -R: Elk, protection.) Protection, a shield. The protective urge to shelter oneself or others. Defense, warding off of evil, shield, guardian. Connection with the gods, awakening, higher life. It can be used to channel energies appropriately. Follow your instincts. Keep hold of success or maintain a position won or earned. 

  Algiz Reversed: or Merkstave: Hidden danger, consumption by divine forces, loss of divine link. Taboo, warning, turning away, that which repels.

Associations:
Colour: gold
Tree: Yew
Herb: Angelica
Gemstone: Amethyst

16.  s   Sowilo: (S: The sun.) Success, goals achieved, honor. The life-force, health. A time when power will be available to you for positive changes in your life, victory, health, and success. Contact between the higher self and the unconscious. Wholeness, power, elemental force, sword of flame, cleansing fire. 

  Sowilo Merkstave (Sowilo cannot be reversed, but may lie in opposition): False goals, bad counsel, false success, gullibility, loss of goals. Destruction, retribution, justice, casting down of vanity. Wrath of god.

Associations:
Colour: white/silver
Tree: Juniper
Herb: Mistletoe
Gemstone: Ruby

Tyr's Aett

17.  t Tiwaz: (T: Tyr, the sky god.) Honor, justice, leadership and authority. Analysis, rationality. Knowing where one's true strengths lie. Willingness to self-sacrifice. Victory and success in any competition or in legal matters. 

  Tiwaz Reversed or Merkstave: One's energy and creative flow are blocked. Mental paralysis, over-analysis, over-sacrifice, injustice, imbalance. Strife, war, conflict, failure in competition. Dwindling passion, difficulties in communication, and possibly separation.

Associations:
Colour: bright red
Tree: Oak
Herb: Sage
Gemstone: Coral

18.  b  Berkano: (B: Berchta, the birch-goddess.) Birth, general fertility, both mental and physical and personal growth, liberation. Regenerative power and light of spring, renewal, promise of new beginnings, new growth. Arousal of desire. A love affair or new birth. The prospering of an enterprise or venture. 

  Berkano Reversed or Merkstave: Family problems and or domestic troubles. Anxiety about someone close to you. Carelessness, abandon, loss of control. Blurring of consciousness, deceit, sterility, stagnation.

Associations:
Colour: dark green
Tree: Birch
Herb: Lady's Mantle
Gemstone: Moonstone

19.  e  Ehwaz: (E: Horse, two horses.) Transportation. May represent a horse, car, plane, boat or other vehicle. Movement and change for the better. Gradual development and steady progress are indicated. Harmony, teamwork, trust, loyalty. An ideal marriage or partnership. Confirmation beyond doubt the meanings of the runes around it. 

  Ehwaz Reversed or Merkstave: This is not really a negative rune. A change is perhaps craved. Feeling restless or confined in a situation. Reckless haste, disharmony, mistrust, betrayal.

Associations:
Colour: white 
Tree: Oak/Ash
Herb: Ragwort
Gemstone: Iceland Spar

20.  m  Mannaz: (M: Man, mankind.) The Self; the individual or the human race. Your attitude toward others and their attitudes towards you. Friends and enemies, social order. Intelligence, forethought, create, skill, ability. Divine structure, intelligence, awareness. Expect to receive some sort of aid or cooperation now. 

  Mannaz Reversed or Merkstave: Depression, mortality, blindness, self-delusion. Cunning, slyness, manipulation, craftiness, calculation. Expect no help now.

Associations:
Colour: deep red
Tree: Holly
Herb: Madder
Gemstone: Garnet

21.  l  Laguz: (L: Water, or a leek.) Flow, water, sea, a fertility source, the healing power of renewal. Life energy and organic growth. Imagination and psychic matters. Dreams, fantasies, mysteries, the unknown, the hidden, the deep, the underworld. Success in travel or acquisition, but with the possibility of loss. 

  Laguz Reversed or Merkstave: An indication of a period of confusion in your life. You may be making wrong decisions and poor judgements. Lack of creativity and feelings of being in a rut. Fear, circular motion, avoidance, withering. Madness, obsession, despair, perversity, sickness, suicide.

Associations:
Colour: deep green
Tree: Willow
Herb: Leek
Gemstone: Pearl

22.  q  Ingwaz: (NG: Ing, the earth god.) Male fertility, gestation, internal growth. Common virtues, common sense, simple strengths, family love, caring, human warmth, the home. Rest stage, a time of relief, of no anxiety. A time when all loose strings are tied and you are free to move in a new direction. Listen to yourself. 

  Ingwaz Merkstave (Ingwaz cannot be reversed, but may lie in opposition): Impotence, movement without change. Production, toil, labor, work.

Associations:
Colour: yellow
Tree: Apple
Herb: Self-Heal
Gemstone: Amber

23.  d  Dagaz: (D: Day or dawn.) Breakthrough, awakening, awareness. Daylight clarity as opposed to nighttime uncertainty. A time to plan or embark upon an enterprise. The power of change directed by your own will, transformation. Hope/happiness, the ideal. Security and certainty. Growth and release. Balance point, the place where opposites meet. 

  Dagaz Merkstave (Dagaz cannot be reversed, but may lie in opposition): A completion, ending, limit, coming full circle. Blindness, hopelessness.

Associations:
Colour: light blue
Tree: Spruce
Herb: Clary
Gemstone: Diamond

24.  o  Othala: (O: Ancestral property.) Inherited property or possessions, a house, a home. What is truly important to one. Group order, group prosperity. Land of birth, spiritual heritage, experience and fundamental values. Aid in spiritual and physical journeys. Source of safety, increase and abundance. 

  Othala Reversed or Merkstave: Lack of customary order, totalitarianism, slavery, poverty, homelessness. Bad karma, prejudice, clannishness, provincialism. What a man is bound to.

Associations:
Colour: deep yellow
Tree: Hawthorn
Herb: Clover
Gemstone: Ruby