There are different versions of the runic alphabets, each with its own name, meanings, shapes and uses. Here we provide information on the Elder Futhark Runic Alphabet which is the most common version of the runic alphabets used today.
The Elder Futhark Runic Alphabet contains 24 runes. The runes are broken into three sections, each one containing 8 runes. These sections are known as aett (meaning plural). This assists in remembering the order of the runes and also has some significance in their meanings.
A purchased rune set will often contain a blank rune. This blank rune has no meaning and should not be used in casting. Their purpose is to replace a lost rune if needed.
Each of the 24 Futhark Runes are identified below together with its image, followed by its rune name, phonetic name and the meaning used when casting the runes.
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Freyr / Freyja’s Aett
Fehu – domestic cattle, wealth. This is a sign of success and fulfillment of goals.
Meaning: Wealth
Element: Fire
Corresponding English Letter: F
Uruz – a wild ox. Represents physical strength and untamed potential. Energy and health.
Meaning: Strength
Element: Earth
Corresponding English Letter: U
Thurisaz – thorn or giant. Represents strength in facing an enemy. A reactive force.
Meaning: Force
Element: Fire
Corresponding English Letter: TH
Ansuz – ancestral god (Odin). Signals inspiration, true vision, truth, good health.
Meaning: ancestor, god
Element: Air
Corresponding English Letter: A
Raidho – wagon, chariot. Represents travelling, both spiritually and physically. Renewal and safe journey.
Meaning: Journey, wheel.
Element: Air
Corresponding English Letter: R
Kenaz – Beacon or torch. Represents vision, knowledge, creativity, inspiration.
Meaning: Torch fire, light
Element: Fire
Corresponding English Letter: K
Gebo – gift, partnership. Represents a gift of both sacrifice and generosity. Indicates balance.
Meaning: Gift
Element: Air
Corresponding English Letter: G
Wunjo – Joy, comfort. Represents harmony and spiritual reward.
Meaning: Joy, perfection
Element: Earth
Corresponding English Letter: W or V
Heimdall’s Aett
Hagalaz – Destruction, uncontrolled forces, testing, trials.
Meaning: Hail
Element: Ice
Corresponding English Letter: H
Nauthiz – Accomplish the impossible, necessity, innovation.
Meaning: Need
Element: Ice
Corresponding English Letter: N
Isa – Challenge or frustration. Authority, power. Symbol of masculinity.
Meaning: Ice
Element: Ice
Corresponding English Letter: I
Jera – A fruitful season. Hopes and expectations. Long term success and luck.
Meaning: Year, Good Harvest
Element: Earth
Corresponding English Letter: J or Y
Eihwaz – Reliability, trustworthiness. Potential. Motivation to succeed.
Meaning: Yew Tree
Element: Air
Corresponding English Letter: EI
Perthro – Uncertain meaning, secret. Determining the future. Feminine matters.
Meaning: Feminine
Element: Water
Corresponding English Letter: P
Algiz – Awakening, higher life, follow your instincts. Protection, defence.
Meaning: Elk, Protection
Element: Air
Corresponding English Letter: Z
Sowilo – Achievement of goals, success. Health, life-force.
Meaning: Sun
Element: Air
Corresponding English Letter: S
Tyr’s Aett
Tiwaz – Authority, leadership, self-sacrifice. Resolution of conflict.
Meaning: Tyr the Norse God of Justice
Element: Air
Corresponding English Letter: T
Berkano – Fertility, mental, physical and personal growth. Healing and protection.
Meaning: Birch Tree, Beloved
Element: Earth
Corresponding English Letter: B
Ehwaz – Represents a horse, car, boat, plane or other vehicle. Movement, change for the better.
Meaning: Horse, Friendship
Element: Earth
Corresponding English Letter: E
Mannaz – An individual, friends and enemies. Social order. Intelligence, ability.
Meaning: Mankind, Knowledge
Element: Air
Corresponding English Letter: M
Laguz – Healing power of renewal. Water, sea, an energy force. Imagination.
Meaning: Lake, Water
Element: Water
Corresponding English Letter: L
Ingwaz – Male fertility, gestation. Common sense, family love, caring, the home.
Meaning: True Love, Fertility
Element: Earth
Corresponding English Letter: NG
Dagaz – Breakthrough, awareness, clarity. Time to plan a new enterprise.
Meaning: The Day, Dawn
Element: Fire/Air
Corresponding English Letter: D
Othala – Property, homeland, inheritance. Land of birth, spiritual heritage.
Meaning: Ancestral Property
Element: Earth
Corresponding English Letter: O
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