Today’s Rune is the last one in the Elder Futhark Script. There is one more that is considered a modern addition and even though some of the rune sets don’t include it, mine does. So, I will cover it next week.
Anyway, today’s Rune is Othala (oh-thee-lah).
As the final rune of the Elder Futhark, Othala is the rune of heritage and speaks to what we come into this world with, in terms of who we are born to and raised by. This rune may refer to the literal inheritance of land or other property, but most often it is about the intangible things we inherit from our family origin. No matter how we may resemble or differ from the rest of our family, and no matter how far from home we have traveled or how independently we have established ourselves, all of us carry traits, beliefs, habits, and influences from our family of origin.
When Othala comes up in a reading, it may indicate that the aspect of your current situation is related to your background, perhaps unconscious beliefs you absorbed as a child, or some other element that shaped your upbringing.
Othala is often associated with wealth, not moveable wealth, such as cattle, but ancestral wealth in the form of land. In some cultures, land may not be sold, but instead, is always passed down, keeping a strong foundation of community, families, clans, and cultural traditions rooted in place.
If you live close to your extended family, Othala may suggest that you lean on them for emotional or material support in a challenging matter, or you could be called upon to provide support to a family member in need. Of course, this can also apply if you live further away, although in this case, the rune could be nudging you to check in with your people back home.
In many readings, Othala points to a tension between the traditions you inherited and the current way you’re approaching your life.
It can also represent maintaining a status quo – the way things have always been done. In an ever-changing world, it’s up to you to distinguish between what is useful to hold on to and what needs to be discarded so that you can live and grow in your own authenticity on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
Reversed, Othala often points to conflict and disharmony with family. Patience and careful observance are recommended with as much emotional detachment as possible. Othala in the reversed position can also indicate feeling alone, isolated from family or community.
The birthdates associated with this rune are May 29th to June 14th.
Writing and Music 
At first, I thought you meant genetics–nature over nurture–but then, later, I thought you actually meant much more. Almost a family culture. What an interesting rune, Jan.
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Sorry for the confusion, Jacqui. I agree this is a most interesting rune and one I’d welcome in a reading. Thank you for stopping by!
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Not your fault at all. It’s my newness to runes. I’m enjoying the journey.
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What an interesting rune, Jan. It made me think of our last discussion about selling family land, as well as my role of caretaker for my parents and how that continues to present challenges as I age. Lots of old family stuff coming up and careful choices to make. Thanks for the insightful share. ❤
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My pleasure, Diana. I can see where this rune caused some thought on your part. In a reading, the other runes around this one would tell more of a story and paint a fuller picture. Thank you for stopping by!
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I have a bag of runes that I refer to a lot. They are uncanny. My favorite oracle.
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An interesting rune, Jan…Family is very important here… I am surrounded by families where I live where there could be 4 generations in the same house there are 3 generations in ours… I think it is essential and togetherness like this creates more harmony I believe 🙂
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Wow, Carol. That is family in the truest sense of the word. I can certainly see where this rune would apply to you. Thank you for sharing your comment and I totally agree that togetherness like you describe creates more harmony and strong bonds!
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Absolutely, Jan…it works well here its a way of life… 😀 x
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I will have to check if I have this one. It’s an interesting one.
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Thanks for leaving a comment, Denise. I’m sure this one is part of your set.
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This is an interesting rune, Jan. Family dynamics tend to be quite complicated. I guess the other runes that are pulled with this one would help shape the message. At least, that’s what I’m thinking. Lol! 🙂
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Yes, Yvette. You are exactly right. The other runes around this one would tell the story. Thank you for stopping by!
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Oh, I like this one. I grew up knowing how important family was. We always did holidays and summer vacations together. Things are different now that all the kids are older, but the values are definitely still there. I live on my grandparents’ property next to my dad. It means a lot to me to be able to say that. Thank you for sharing, Jan!
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Thank you for your lovely comment, Mar. You definitely have a good grip on the importance of family and roots. I love that you live on your grandparents’ property. And now I see the reason for the ghosts that show up for you. They are loving you from beyond the veil. I’m happy you stopped by! Have a great day! Hugs!
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Oh yes! I believe that too, and I think that’s why it’s always been a comforting feeling instead of scary. Hugs to you too!
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Thanks for the series, Jan. Family is a key component of life. Tis rune seems quite important.
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I totally agree, John. Family is a key component of life and oftentimes, the missing link. I appreciate you coming along on this journey through the runes!
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I totally enjoyed the trip. Thanks, Again, Jan
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Reblogged this on GrannyMoon's Morning Feast.
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Thank you, Granny Moon!
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I like the non-reversed position much better. Family and tradition is so important, and definitely has a strong influence on who we are. A very interesting rune, Jan!
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Oh for sure, Mae. I think that holds true for any of the runes. They are always better upright. Thank you for stopping by and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
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I’ve been thinking a lot about these topics lately, Jan. Fascinating stuff. Thanks for sharing.
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I can understand that, Staci. With a new grandbaby on the way, thoughts turn to family, roots, and traditions. Thank you for stopping by and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
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So many layers to this rune. Thanks for the introduction, Jan.
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My pleasure, Jill. Thank you for leaving a comment!
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I agree with Harmony. This one could be complex. Interesting to learn more about the runes.
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Thank you, Joan. I am glad you are enjoying the runes series!
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This could be a complex rune for many of us. Thanks for teaching us about it, Jan 🙂
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My pleasure, Harmony. I agree this could be a complex rune, but as the final one in the Elder Futhark alphabet, I think it earns its place. Thank you for stopping by!
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