Self-help: The Wicca Way looks at how modern Wicca can change the way you see yourself and the world around you for the better. Harnessing the energy of the universe to guide you to a healthier, happier life.
Runestone Guidance
Water and Earth
What Are Runestones?
Runestones, are part of an ancient alphabet known as the Elder Futhark, that have been used for divination and magical purposes since around the 2nd to 8th centuries. Each rune not only represents a phonetic sound but also holds its own distinct meaning and symbolism.
There are 24 runes, often arranged into 3 groups of 8, with each group being called an ætt or clan. There is much debate around the origins and purpose of runes but the etymology originates from a Proto-Germanic form for rūnō, which may be translated as 'secret, mystery; secret conversation; rune'. Throughout cultures and through the ages, the rune has been linked to secrets and mystery.
As their name suggests runes where often carved onto stones or even pieces of wood from a sacred tree or bones from a sacred animal. They would be cast and then interpreted according to how they landed and their proximity to one another. The interpretation would also be influenced by the question being asked or the problem that needed to be solved.
Here's a list of the 24 rune stones from the Elder Futhark along with their basic meanings
Fehu (ᚠ)
Wealth, abundance, and financial strength in the face of adversity.
Uruz (ᚢ)
Strength, health, wild, untamed energy, and freedom.
Thurisaz (ᚦ)
Defence, protection from enemies, and the power to resist unwanted conflicts.
Ansuz (ᚨ)
Revelation, wisdom, and communication from the divine or higher self.
Raidho (ᚱ)
Travel, both physical and life's journey, and seeing the right direction.
Kenaz (ᚲ)
Knowledge, enlightenment, and a beacon of light in the darkness.
Gebo (ᚷ)
Generosity, gifts (either physical or of the spirit), and balance in relationships.
Wunjo (ᚹ)
Joy, pleasure, harmony, and reward after toil.
Hagalaz (ᚺ)
Disruption, chaos, destructive, uncontrollable forces.
Nauthiz (ᚾ)
Need, hardship, survival, and lessons learned the hard way.
Isa (ᛁ)
Ice, stillness, blockages, and a time to pause or halt action.
Jera (ᛃ)
Harvest, fruitful completion of cycles, and rewards for diligence.
Eihwaz (ᛇ)
Endurance, perseverance, and protection from harm.
Perthro (ᛈ)
Mystery, fate, and the unseen elements of life.
Algiz (ᛉ)
Protection, a shield, and the connection between gods and mankind.
Sowilo (ᛋ)
Success, honor, health, and the power of the sun.
Tiwaz (ᛏ)
Justice, leadership, and victory in battles of all kinds.
Berkano (ᛒ)
Birth, new beginnings, and the nurturing aspect of femininity.
Ehwaz (ᛖ)
Movement, change, and progress. The horse and its rider.
Mannaz (ᛗ)
The self, individualism, and the human condition.
Laguz (ᛚ)
Water, intuition, and the flow of emotions and creativity.
Ingwaz (ᛜ)
Fertility, the gestation period, and internal growth.
Dagaz (ᛞ)
Daylight, breakthrough, and clarity. A major awakening or revelation.
Othala (ᛟ)
Inheritance, heritage, and home. The culmination of one's personal and ancestral wealth.
These meanings are traditionally interpreted in the context of divination and personal insight. As mentioned earlier, rune readings involve casting these stones and interpreting their positions and relationships to answer questions or explore situations. Here at Modern Wicca Craft we do not use bones for our runes but instead harness the energy from flowing water and earth by picking stones from the river. For more insight into rune stones and how to use them, or to buy a set of hand carved stones picked from the rivers of Britain please click here.
