Elder Futhark: Rune Meanings, Reversed Rune Meanings, How to Cast Runes, Bindrunes

Learn the meanings of runes, reversed rune meanings, the history of the Elder Futhark and how to cast runes in the blog, below.

The Elder Futhark runes are the oldest known runic alphabet and were used by the early Germanic tribes in Northern Europe. The word "Futhark" is derived from the first six runes in the runic alphabet, much like how "alphabet" comes from the first two Greek letters, alpha and beta. Elder Futhark runes were primarily used for writing inscriptions on stone, wood, or other surfaces, as well as for divinatory and magical purposes. 

Facts About the Elder Futhark Runes:

• Origins and Age: Elder Futhark runes date back to the 2nd to 8th centuries AD. They evolved from earlier runic scripts and were used by Germanic peoples, including the Vikings and the Goths.

• Alphabet: The Elder Futhark consists of 24 characters, or runes. These runes are divided into three groups of eight, known as ættir. Each ætt has its own distinct set of meanings and associations.

• Writing and Inscriptions: Runes were typically inscribed on various surfaces, such as stones, wood, weapons, and personal items. These inscriptions served various purposes, including marking ownership, providing information, and commemorating events.

• Divination: Elder Futhark runes were also used for divination or fortune-telling. This practice is known as runic divination or casting the runes. It involves drawing runes randomly from a set and interpreting their meanings in the context of a question or situation.

• Meanings and Symbolism: Each rune has a specific name and symbolic meaning. For example, "Fehu" represents wealth and possessions, while "Ansuz" symbolizes divine inspiration and communication.

• Magick and Ritual: Runes were believed to have magical properties and were used in various rituals and ceremonies. Inscribing runes on objects or wearing runic symbols was thought to provide protection or enhance specific qualities.

• Language and Transcription: Elder Futhark runes were used to write in the early Germanic languages, including Old Norse, Old English, and Old High German. The runes can be transcribed into modern alphabets, making it possible to read runic inscriptions.

• Survival and Revival: While the use of Elder Futhark declined over time with the spread of the Latin alphabet, interest in runes experienced a revival during the 20th century. Today, they are often associated with Neopagan and New Age spiritual practices, as well as historical and cultural studies.

What is the Elder Futhark? What Are Runes?

The Elder Futhark consists of 24 runes, each with its own name and associated divinatory meanings.In runic divination and magical practices, some practitioners choose to work with reversed or inverted runes, just as in Tarot card readings, where reversed cards are used to convey different meanings or nuances. However, the use of reversed runes is not as standardized as it is in Tarot, and interpretations can vary among practitioners. Reversed runes are sometimes referred to as "merkstave" (meaning "dark stick" or "shadow stick") to denote their inverted position.

These reversed meanings provide an alternative perspective in runic divination but should be used in conjunction with your intuition and the specific context of a reading. Runic interpretations can vary significantly among practitioners, so it's essential to develop a personal understanding of the runes that resonates with you.

Keep reading to learn all about how to read runes, rune meanings and reversed rune meanings.

Elder Futhark Rune Meanings and Reversed Rune Meanings:

Here are the names of each rune and their commonly ascribed meanings:

1. Fehu (ᚠ):

Keywords: Wealth, cattle, prosperity, abundance, financial gain.

Fehu represents wealth, prosperity, and abundance. In divination, it signifies financial gain, material possessions, and success in material matters. It can indicate a period of growth and flourishing.

Reversed Meaning: Financial loss, poverty, lack of abundance, misplaced priorities.

2. Uruz (ᚢ):

Keywords: Strength, physical health, vitality, endurance, determination.

Uruz signifies strength, vitality, and physical well-being. In divination, it represents inner power, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles. It may suggest a time of inner growth and self-improvement.

Reversed Meaning: Weakness, illness, lack of vitality, feeling overwhelmed.

3. Thurisaz (ᚦ):

Keywords: Gateway, protection, defense, change, chaos.

Thurisaz is a rune of change and chaos. In divination, it can indicate a period of disruption or challenges, often leading to transformation and personal growth. It encourages readiness to face difficulties.

Reversed Meaning: Protection, defense, overcoming obstacles, transformation.

4. Ansuz (ᚬ):

Keywords: Divine inspiration, communication, knowledge, wisdom.

Ansuz represents divine inspiration and communication. In divination, it signifies messages from the spiritual realm, enhanced knowledge, and effective communication. It may suggest a time of clarity and insight.

Reversed Meaning: Miscommunication, confusion, lack of clarity, blocked intuition.

5. Raido (ᚱ):

Keywords: Journey, travel, movement, progress, personal development.

Raido symbolizes journeys and travel. In divination, it suggests movement, progress, or a physical journey. It may also represent personal development and inner exploration.

Reversed Meaning: Delays in travel or progress, personal stagnation, obstacles.

6. Kaun (ᚴ):

Keywords: Fire, creativity, passion, transformation, enlightenment.

Kaun is associated with fire and creativity. In divination, it signifies passion, inspiration, and transformation. It can indicate a period of heightened creativity and motivation.

Reversed Meaning: Burnout, creative block, misdirected passion, chaos.

7. Gebo (ᚷ):

Keywords: Gift, partnership, union, balance, reciprocity.

Gebo represents the concept of giving and receiving. In divination, it symbolizes partnerships, unions, and reciprocity. It may suggest a need for balance and fairness in relationships.

Reversed Meaning: Imbalance in relationships, giving without receiving, discord.

8. Wunjo (ᚹ):

Keywords: Joy, happiness, harmony, success, fulfillment.

Wunjo signifies joy and happiness. In divination, it represents harmony, success, and emotional fulfillment. It suggests a period of positivity and contentment.

Reversed Meaning: Unhappiness, unfulfilled desires, disharmony, setbacks.

9. Hagalaz (ᚺ):

Keywords: Hail, disruption, chaos, challenges, natural forces.

Hagalaz is a rune of disruption and challenges. In divination, it can indicate obstacles, unexpected events, or a period of chaos. It encourages adapting to change.

Reversed Meaning: Release from challenges, natural order restored, calm after the storm.

10. Nauthiz (ᚾ):

Keywords: Need, resistance, constraint, patience, lessons.

Nauthiz represents need and resistance. In divination, it signifies constraints, delays, or challenges that must be faced. It encourages patience and learning from difficulties.

Reversed Meaning: Freedom from constraints, overcoming difficulties, personal growth.

11. Isaz (ᛁ):

Keywords: Ice, stillness, stagnation, reflection, inner self.

Isaz is associated with ice and stillness. In divination, it symbolizes a period of stagnation or reflection. It may suggest the need for inner contemplation and self-assessment.

Reversed Meaning: Thawing, movement, resolution of stagnation, inner awakening.

12. Jera (ᛃ):

Keywords: Harvest, cycles, reaping what is sown, patience.

Jera signifies harvest and cycles. In divination, it represents reaping what has been sown, a time of fruition, and patience. It encourages an understanding of life's natural rhythms.

Reversed Meaning: Delayed rewards, missed opportunities, need for patience.

13. Eihwaz (ᛇ):

Keywords: Yew tree, defense, stability, endurance, transformation.

Eihwaz is a rune of defense and stability. In divination, it signifies endurance, protection, and the ability to withstand challenges. It may suggest a need for inner strength.

Reversed Meaning: Resistance overcome, defense strengthened, transformation.

14. Pertho (ᛈ):

Keywords: Mystery, secrets, chance, hidden influences.

Pertho represents mystery and hidden influences. In divination, it symbolizes uncertainty, secrets, or unexpected events. It encourages embracing the unknown.

Reversed Meaning: Secrets revealed, hidden influences exposed, clarity.

15. Algiz (ᛉ):

Keywords: Protection, defense, sanctuary, divine connection.

Algiz is associated with protection and sanctuary. In divination, it signifies defense, safety, and divine guidance. It encourages seeking inner strength and protection.

Reversed Meaning: Vulnerability, lack of protection, the need for caution.

16. Sowilo (ᛊ):

Keywords: Sun, success, energy, power, victory.

Sowilo represents the sun and success. In divination, it symbolizes energy, power, and victory. It suggests a period of illumination and achievement.

Reversed Meaning: Delays in success, personal power blocked, challenges.

17. Tiwaz (ᛏ):

Keywords: Tyr (the god of war), justice, courage, self-sacrifice.

Tiwaz is linked to the god of war and justice. In divination, it signifies courage, self-sacrifice, and taking decisive action. It encourages a sense of honor and duty.

Reversed Meaning: Injustice, lack of courage, imbalance in conflict.

18. Berkano (ᛒ):

Keywords: Birch tree, growth, fertility, new beginnings, nurturing.

Berkano represents growth and new beginnings. In divination, it symbolizes fertility, nurturing, and renewal. It suggests a time of personal and creative growth.

Reversed Meaning: Delayed growth, nurturing neglected, lack of new beginnings.

19. Ehwaz (ᛅ):

Keywords: Horse, partnership, teamwork, progress, movement.

Ehwaz signifies partnership and teamwork. In divination, it represents cooperation, progress, and movement. It encourages working together toward common goals.

Reversed Meaning: Hindered progress, conflict in partnerships, obstacles.

20. Mannaz (ᛘ):

Keywords: Man, humanity, social connections, self-awareness.

Mannaz represents humanity and social connections. In divination, it signifies relationships, self-awareness, and community. It encourages understanding and collaboration.

Reversed Meaning: Isolation, disconnection, lack of self-awareness or understanding.

21. Laguz (ᛚ):

Keywords: Water, emotions, intuition, healing, the unconscious.

Laguz is associated with water and emotions. In divination, it symbolizes intuition, healing, and the unconscious mind. It suggests connecting with your feelings and inner guidance.

Reversed Meaning: Emotional turmoil, blocked intuition, lack of healing.

22. Ingwaz (ᛜ):

Keywords: Ing (the god of fertility), completion, harmony, inner peace.

Ingwaz represents completion and inner peace. In divination, it signifies harmony, fulfillment, and a sense of balance. It encourages finding peace within yourself.

Reversed Meaning: Unfulfilled completion, imbalance, disharmony.

23. Dagaz (ᛞ):

Keywords: Day, breakthrough, transformation, enlightenment.

Dagaz signifies day and breakthrough. In divination, it symbolizes transformation, enlightenment, and positive change. It suggests a time of clarity and new beginnings.

Reversed Meaning: Delayed enlightenment, resistance to change, missed opportunities.

24. Othala (ᛟ):

Keywords: Ancestral property, inheritance, heritage, family, home.

Othala represents ancestral property and heritage. In divination, it symbolizes family, home, and a sense of belonging. It encourages connecting with your roots and traditions.

Reversed Meaning: Disconnection from heritage, instability in family or home, lack of inheritance.

These meanings are based on traditional interpretations of the Elder Futhark runes and are often used in runic divination or as symbols in various spiritual and cultural contexts. Keep in mind that interpretations may vary among practitioners, and modern uses of the runes can incorporate personal or contemporary meanings as well.

An example of a Bindrune using Elder Futhark runes.

What is a Bindrune? How to Create a Bindrune.

A bindrune is a combination of two or more runes that are merged together to form a single symbol. This symbol is believed to contain the combined energies and meanings of the individual runes, often with a specific intention or purpose. Bindrunes are used in runic magic, a form of magical practice that involves working with runic symbols for various purposes.

Here's how bindrunes are typically created and used in magical rituals:

1. Selection of Runes: The process begins by selecting the runes that correspond to the desired intention or outcome of the magical working. Each rune has its own symbolic meaning, so choosing the appropriate runes is crucial.

2. Combination: The selected runes are then combined into a single symbol. This can involve overlapping or intertwining the individual runes in a way that creates a visually appealing and harmonious design. The arrangement is often done intuitively or based on traditional bindrune designs.

3. Intention and Activation: The bindrune is charged with intention. This can involve meditating on the desired outcome, reciting incantations or affirmations, or performing other rituals to infuse the bindrune with energy.

4. Application: Bindrunes can be used in various ways, depending on the practitioner's goals. Common applications include inscribing the bindrune on objects (such as candles, amulets, or talismans), drawing it on the body, or including it in written spells or charms.

5. Rituals and Spellwork: Once the bindrune is activated and applied, it is believed to work as a symbol of power, focusing the energies of the selected runes toward the intended purpose. This might include protection, healing, attracting love, enhancing creativity, or any other goal.

6. Maintenance: In some cases, the bindrune may need to be recharged or renewed periodically to maintain its effectiveness, especially if the desired outcome has not been fully achieved.

Runic magic and bindrunes are often associated with modern Neopagan and esoteric practices rather than historical Viking or medieval runic usage. The effectiveness of runic magic, including bindrunes, is a matter of personal belief, and results can vary widely among practitioners.

When working with bindrunes or any form of magical practice, it's essential to approach them with respect, mindfulness, and a clear understanding of your intentions. Many practitioners also emphasize ethical considerations, ensuring that their magical workings are in harmony with their values and do not harm others.

Elder Futhark runes. Keep reading to learn how to cast runes for fortune telling rune reading.

Casting Runes: How to Cast Runes for Divination

Casting runes and interpreting them is a practice known as runic divination or runecasting. It's a method of seeking insights, guidance, or answers to questions by using the symbols of the runic alphabet. Here are the basic steps for casting and reading runes:

Materials Needed:

1. A set of runic stones or tiles, each marked with one of the 24 Elder Futhark runes.

2. A casting cloth or surface, which can be a piece of cloth or simply a cleared and consecrated area.

How to Read Runes for Fortunetelling:

1. Prepare Your Space:

   - Find a quiet and calm space where you can focus your energy and intention. This area should be free of distractions.

2. Clear Your Mind:

   - Take a few moments to clear your mind and focus on your question or intention. It's essential to be in a receptive and open state of mind.

3. Shuffle the Runes:

   - Hold the rune stones in your hands and focus on your question or intention. Shuffle or mix the runes while concentrating on your query.

4. Casting the Runes: There are various methods for casting the runes. Here are two common approaches:

     - Single Rune Draw: After shuffling, draw a single rune from the bag or mix. This method is simple and provides a straightforward answer.

     - Three-Rune Spread: Select three runes from the shuffled runes and place them face down on the casting surface. The positions can represent past, present, and future or can have other meanings depending on your tradition.

5. Interpret the Runes: Once the runes are cast, you can begin interpreting them. Consider the following aspects:

     - The individual meanings of each rune.

     - The position and orientation of each rune.

     - The intuitive or symbolic impressions the runes evoke.

     - The context of your question or intention.

6. Read the Runes:

   - Begin interpreting the runes based on your knowledge of their meanings and the insights they offer. Keep in mind that intuition plays a significant role in runic divination.

7. Record the Reading:

   - Document the runes drawn and your interpretations. This can help you reflect on the reading's meaning later.

8. Reflect and Act:

   - Consider the insights gained from the runic reading. How do they relate to your question or situation? Use your intuition and judgment to decide how to proceed or what actions to take based on the reading.

9. Thank and Close:

   - Express gratitude for the guidance and insights received during the runic reading. Close your divination session with respect and appreciation.

Runic divination, like other forms of divination, relies on symbolism, intuition, and personal interpretation. The meanings of the runes can vary among practitioners, so it's valuable to develop a personal connection with the runes and their symbolism over time. Regular practice can deepen your understanding of runic divination and enhance your ability to derive meaningful insights.