The Norse magic runes hold a significant symbolic value in the ancient Norse culture. Runes were used as a form of writing and communication, but they also possessed a deeper spiritual and magical meaning. The symbols were believed to carry power and the ability to connect with the divine, making them an essential part of Norse religious practices and beliefs. Each rune had its own unique meaning and significance. These meanings were often associated with the natural elements and forces of the world. For example, the rune ᚨ (Ansuz) represented the divine breath and communication.
Panel 1:
No sun sought and no sax stone scarred
No man laid it nude as the niþ runs
No bewildered men lay it aside
Then the state s priest, if it is an official consultation, or the father of the family, in a private one, offers prayer to the gods and looking up towards heaven picks up three strips, one at a time, and, according to which sign they have previously been marked with, makes his interpretation. The runes were originally carved into wood, stone, or other materials, and were often used for practical purposes such as marking property or recording trade transactions.
For example, the rune ᚨ (Ansuz) represented the divine breath and communication. It was associated with the god Odin, who was the god of wisdom and knowledge. This rune symbolized the power of words and speech, emphasizing their magical and transformative nature.
The Meanings of the Runes
This page is the fourth part of a five-part article on the runes. The other four parts are:
This section provides the sign, name, phoneme (sound), and short description of the meaning of each of the twenty-four runes that comprise the Elder Futhark. The given meanings are based on the medieval Rune Poems (which are conveniently available online here) exclusively. Where our present knowledge isn’t extensive enough to give an explanation of which one can be reasonably certain, this is noted and the meaning is left unexplained or only partially explained. This article is hardly the place for esoteric speculations, which have been avoided. (If you’re interested in going beyond the evidence and using less academically acceptable means of discerning other meanings of the runes, you have to do that yourself. The books on my list of The 10 Best Books on the Runes might help.)
Name: Fehu, “cattle.” Phoneme: F. Meaning: wealth.
Name: Uruz, “aurochs.” Phoneme: U (long and/or short). Meaning: strength of will.
Name: Thurisaz, “Giant.” Phoneme: Th (both soft and hard). Meaning: danger, suffering.
Name: Ansuz, “an Aesir god.” Phoneme: A (long and/or short). Meaning: prosperity, vitality.
Name: Raidho, “journey on horseback.” Phoneme: R. Meaning: movement, work, growth.
Name: Kaunan, “ulcer.” Phoneme: K. Meaning: mortality, pain.
Name: Gebo, “gift.” Phoneme: G. Meaning: generosity.
Name: Wunjo, “joy.” Phoneme: W. Meaning: joy, ecstasy.
Name:Hagalaz, “hail.” Phoneme: H. Meaning: destruction, chaos.
Name: Naudhiz, “need.” Phoneme: N. Meaning: need, unfulfilled desire.
Name: Isaz, “ice.” Phoneme: I (long and/or short). Meaning: unknown (the rune poems are ambiguous and contradictory).
Name: Jera, “year.” Phoneme: Germanic J, modern English Y. Meaning: harvest, reward.
Name: Eihwaz, “yew.” Phoneme: I pronounced like “Eye.” Meaning: strength, stability.
Name: unknown. Phoneme: P. Meaning: unknown. (Note: the theory that this rune’s name was “Pertho” is just speculation. No one really knows, because the Viking Age and medieval sources are too vague.)
Name: unknown (the rune poems are contradictory). Phoneme: Z. Meaning: protection from enemies, defense of that which one loves.
Name: Sowilo, “sun.” Phoneme: S. Meaning: success, solace.
Name: Tiwaz, “the god Tiwaz.” Phoneme: T. Meaning: victory, honor.
Name: Berkanan, “birch.” Phoneme: B. Meaning: fertility, growth, sustenance.
Name: Ehwaz, “horse.” Phoneme: E (long and/or short). Meaning: trust, faith, companionship.
Name: Mannaz, “man.” Phoneme: M. Meaning: augmentation, support.
Name: Laguz. Phoneme: L. Meaning: formlessness, chaos, potentiality, the unknown.
Name: Ingwaz, “the god Ingwaz.” Phoneme: Ng. Meaning: fertilization, the beginning of something, the actualization of potential.
Name: Othalan, “inheritance.” Phoneme: O (long and/or short). Meaning: inheritance, heritage, tradition, nobility.
Name: Dagaz, “day.” Phoneme: D. Meaning: hope, happiness.
RUNES USED AS MAGICAL SYMBOLS
The word rune means “secret”, “mystery”. In the sagas we learn that the word rune is not just used about carved signs, but also for certain songs, magical formulas, secret skills, and for secrets hidden in skaldic poetry.
**The runes also had a practical purpose in divination and spellcasting.** They were used in rituals and ceremonies to gain insight, knowledge, and guidance from the gods. By casting the runes and interpreting their meanings, individuals could seek solutions to their problems and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Furthermore, the symbols themselves were considered to possess inherent power. It was believed that by inscribing or wearing a specific rune, one could tap into its energy and draw strength or protection from it. This belief in the magical properties of the runes laid the foundation for the use of talismans and amulets in Norse culture. In addition to their individual meanings, the arrangement of the runes in a specific order was also significant. Certain sequences of runes, known as bindrunes, were created by combining multiple symbols into one. These bindrunes were believed to hold even greater power as they merged the characteristics and energies of the individual runes. **Overall, the Norse magic runes were symbols of divine power, wisdom, and connection to the gods. They were not merely an alphabet or system of writing, but rather a profound tool for magical and religious practices. The runes were a means of communication with the divine, a tool for divination, and a source of personal empowerment. Their symbolic significance still resonates in modern times, as they continue to be used in spiritual practices and as a reminder of Norse mythology and culture.**.
Reviews for "Norse Magic Runes as a Gateway Between Worlds: The Symbolic Significance of Divination"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Symbolic significance of Norse magic runes". The book failed to provide any meaningful analysis or insight into the topic. The author seemed to ramble on without any clear direction or purpose. It felt like a jumbled collection of random thoughts and personal experiences rather than a cohesive exploration of the runes' symbolism. I was left more confused than enlightened after reading this book.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star - This book was a complete waste of time. The author's writing style was unnecessarily convoluted, using overly complex language and obscure references that made it difficult to understand the main points. Furthermore, the lack of clear organization and structure made it difficult to follow any coherent argument. The content itself felt shallow and lacked any depth or originality. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in Norse magic runes.
3. Mark Johnson - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Symbolic significance of Norse magic runes," but was left unimpressed. The book provided a basic overview of the runes and their historical context, but failed to delve into any meaningful analysis of their symbolic significance. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their personal experiences and anecdotes rather than offering any substantial insights. I was left wanting more depth and substance from this book.
4. Emily Anderson - 1 star - I found "Symbolic significance of Norse magic runes" to be incredibly dull and unengaging. The author's writing lacked any excitement or passion, making it a chore to read. The content itself was repetitive and lacked any fresh perspectives. It felt like a regurgitation of information readily available elsewhere. I was expecting a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of Norse magic runes, but was sorely disappointed by this book. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
5. Michael Thompson - 2 stars - "Symbolic significance of Norse magic runes" was a letdown for me. The author failed to present a clear thesis or argument throughout the book. The chapters felt disjointed and lacked a cohesive structure, making it difficult to follow the author's train of thought. I was hoping for a deeper exploration of the mystical and symbolic aspects of Norse magic runes, but this book only scratched the surface. Overall, it left much to be desired and did not meet my expectations.