The Runes

Descriptions and Meanings

(M) Jera

A 'greater than' sign (>) above a 'less than' sign (<).

Normal: Beneficial outcomes apply to what ever endeavor you have undertaken. It may take time for no quick results can be expected. A span of time is always involved. Not even the farmer can speed the harvest by tugging on the young shoots. At the end of the season, rejoice in abundance.

Inverted: None

(N) Kano

A 'less than' sign (<).

Normal: This is the Rune of the opening. Light now breaks through and dispells the clouds. Through awareness of the light, understanding is now available to you and you may be able to spread the light and understanding to others. You are now the center where harmonic and beneficent forces meet.

Inverted: Clouds are now beginning to cover the sun. A partnership may be passing away. If so, remember that it is then no longer appropriate or valid for you in this stage of development. Remember however that failure to notice this passing away will result in a missed opportunity. Give up gladly the old so that the new can be received.

(O) Teiwaz

An upward pointing arrow.

Normal: Look within and delve down to the foundations of your being. Here you will find your deepest needs, and most powerful resources. Examine newly formed partnerships, for there may be great works for you both to perform together. This is a Rune of dedication and perseverance. Patience may be called for now. Your real enemy just might be yourself.

Inverted: Danger may arise from hasty or illtimed actions. Associations may be short lived, but remember that they have served their purpose. Are outcomes your goal, or are you focused on the task for its own sake? Look within for the answer.

(P) Berkana

Shaped like the letter 'B', except the the two rounded portions are made from straight lines, like the 'greater than' sign >.

Normal: Delve into things deeply, with care and awareness. Resistance must be dispersed first, then work may be begun. If you have dark corners, clean them out now. If you need help to cleanse the corners, seek an expert. Only then can the harvest ripen. Inverted: There is interference with growth now. If you feel disheartened for not taking the right action, relax. You may have the chance to act again. Examine your motives. Are you putting your wants before the wants of others?

Inverted: None

(Q) Ehwaz

A large capital letter 'M'.

Normal: Transitions and physical shifts are occurring now. Steady growth and development slowly accumulate."As I cultivate my own nature, all else follows. "Face the future with assurance.

Inverted: If movement is blocked, be sure that what you are doing is correct action. There are no missed opportunities; we have to recognize that not all opportunities are not for us. What is yours will come to you.

(R) Laguz

The right half of an upward pointing arrow.

Normal: Reorganize and re-align. Contact your intuitive self, and success will follow. Relate to yourself correctly. Immerse yourself in the experience of living without evaluating or understanding.

Inverted: Do not over reach yourself. Excessive striving can be damaging. Are you really drawing upon your wisdom of instinct? Go within yourself and honor your receptive side.

(S) Hagalaz

Shaped like the letter 'H', with the horizontal bar at a slight angle slopping to the right.

Normal: There is a need to break free from constricting circumstances. There are some things beyond your control. Though this Rune has only an upright position, it operates through reversal. You may feel as though you are waking from a long sleep and take some time to come to your full senses. There may be a loss before there is a great gain.

Inverted: None

(T) Raido

Shaped like the letter 'R' with the rounded upper portions made of two straight lines like the 'greater than' sign >.

Normal: Communication is addressed by this Rune, especially when it has two sides. Inner worth increases, but we must remember that we are not intended to rely on our power alone. Ask guidance from the Powers above, and know that in so doing, you will be doing the right action. Waiting may be just the right action to take. If you wait, remove resistance while waiting.

Inverted: Personal relationships are accented now. Break-ups may be more plentiful than unions now. Keep a sense of good humor no matter what happens. Even failures may be re-routed opportunities.

(U) Thurisaz

A vertical line with a 'greater than' sign attached to the middle. The line extends above and below the > sign.

Normal: There is work to be done, both within yourself and without. You may be ready to contact the Divine. You can now see that which is hidden inside, and know that in so doing, you will be doing the right action. Waiting may be just the right action to take. If you wait, remove resistance while waiting.

Inverted: Personal relationships are accented now. Break-ups may be more plentiful than unions now. Keep a sense of good humor no matter what happens. Even failures may be re-routed opportunities.

(V) Dagaz

An elongated 'X' with both the left and right sides being close into triangles by vertical lines.

Normal: A major breakthrough is at hand. The right outcome is inevitable, but not predictable. Timing is correct. If followed by the blank Rune, the transformation may be so total as to portend a death, a successful conclusion to your passage. The dawn has given way to full daylight. But remember not to collapse yourself into the future, for that would be reckless.

Inverted: None

(W) Isa

A vertical line.

Normal: Winter has come upon you. You seem to be frozen in ice and can not move. Positive accomplishment is unlikely now. A cold wind is reaching you over the ice flows of outmoded habits. Try to discover what it is that you are holding onto that prevents the spring from arriving. Shed the outdated, and the thaw will follow. It may be that you have no control over the conditions causing the winter. In this case remember that this is the way of Heaven and Earth; winter follows autumn, but spring will always follow winter. Watch for signs of spring.

Inverted: None

(X) Sowelu

Shaped like a single vertical bolt of lightening.

Normal: What you are striving to be, you already are. This is the time for recharging and regenerating yourself. You may have to retreat from pressing situations, but make it a retreat in strength, not weakness. Let the Sun illuminate the secrets you hid even from yourself. Always remember however, that by yourself you can do nothing. Only when you rely on the Divine can you accomplish anything of greatness.

Inverted: None

(Y) Odin

This is the blank Rune.

Normal: The unknowable and unseen is active in your life at this time. In the beginning there was nothing, and in the end, nothing remains. Control can not be used on that which does not yet exist. As with the Fool in the Tarot, you may have to leap over the precipice into the void. But do so empty-handed and with utter faith. What becons is the creative power of the unknown.

Inverted: None