More about the Elder FURThARK of the Norwegian Runes
Runes are an ancient alphabet used for writing, divination and magic. The carved stones were common in northern Europe, Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Iceland from about 100 B.C.E. to 1600 C.E. Runic inscriptions have been discovered in North America, supporting claims that Vikings arrived in the Americas long before Columbus.
The word "Rune" actually means mystery, secret or whisper. Each has a story and esoteric meaning and carries a close relationship to a Norse God.
The Old Germanic Runic alphabet, or Elder Furthark, contains 24 Runes. The first six Runes of the alphabet spell out the word ‘FUTHARK’. The alphabet is divided into three aetts (or sets.) Each creates a division of the Runes and reflects the age-old division of nurturer, warrior, and priest/king. The Runes represent a journey in which a traveler encounters obstacles, receives gifts and learns vital lessons. The messages reflect patterns and cycles common to the Norse world-view.
The eight Runes of the First Aett belong to Freya, the Fertility Goddess. Her letters are associated with family and survival, and represent ‘the nurturer.’
1. Fehu: Cattle, physical and financial needs, prosperity and money, promotion, self-esteem. Rewards for past efforts.
2. Ūruz: Meaning: Wild Ox, sexuality, fertility, passion, vitality, instinct and wildness.
3. Thorisaz: Meaning: thorns, protection, giants, hardship, a painful occurrence, discipline,
4. Ansuz: Divine Breath, justice, a shaman, authority figure, leader, wise decisions, communication
5. Raidho: Wheel, a journey, quest, progress, life lessons, destiny.
6. Kēnaz: Flame, creativity, inspiration, wisdom, insight and the solution to a problem.
7. Gebō : Gift, generosity, unexpected good fortune, partnership.
8. Wunjo: Joy, recognition, success, reward, joy, bliss, contentment, achievement of goals.
The Second Aett, belonging to Heimdall, is about meeting challenges, transcending creaturely comforts and learning to become more ‘God-like.’ Therefore, this set signifies hardship and change, and represents ‘the warrior.’
9. Hagalaz: Hail, disruption, wild power in untamed nature, strength
10. Nauthiz: : Necessity, constraint, need, resistance (leads to strength), self-initiated change
11. Isa: Ice ~ standstill, time to turn inward, wait for what is to come, self-control,
12. Jera: Harvest, fruitful season, time of peace and happiness, plenty, reward, proper timing
13. Eithwaz: Yew-tree, defense, release, letting go, enlightenment, endurance, initiation, protection
14. Perthro: Dice cup, gamble, Taking chances, determining your path, knowledge of future patterns, evolutionary change
15. Algiz: Protection, awakening, higher life, connection with the gods, continuity, and nurturance of life force
16. Sowelu: Sun, wholeness, self-knowledge, guidance, hope, goals achieved, power of self-renewal
The Third Aett belongs to Tyr, the deity of justice and war. These eight Runes represent experiences that transform individuals to live for a higher cause. This aett represents the king/priest.
17. Taiwaz: Sacrifice, truth, justice and right action
18. Berkana: Divine feminine, the birch tree, and growth
19. Ehwaz: Partnership, horses, love, speed and connection
20. Mannaz: Mankind, social order, and the divine within
21. Laguz: Water, emotion, magical power and the depths
22. Inguz: The seed, potential and growth
23. Dagaz: New Day, enlightenment, balance
24. Othala: Inheritance, ancestry, homeland and homestead, all leading back to the beginning – Fehu.