Tag: #ElderFuthark

#TuesdayRunes – Eihwaz

Published on by Jan Sikes30 Comments

Welcome to another segment of our study of the runes! Today we take a look at Eihwaz (eeh-wahz).

Eihwaz Rune photo by Jan Sikes

The keywords for this rune are death, regeneration, rebirth, changes, and magic. While those words may not sound like they have much in common, they truly do. This rune represents the Yew tree, making it symbolic of both death and regeneration. The Yew is a highly toxic plant to humans and livestock. In ancient times, poisons from the tree were used for murder and suicide. However, on the other hand, the yew tree is also considered a tree of life, due to its evergreen nature and extreme longevity. A wild Yew can live for thousands of years and when they do begin to die, they can be regenerated by their own daughter trees that grow inside their decaying trunks.

Yew Tree courtesy of geograph.ore.uk

Eihwaz is an extremely powerful symbol of the cycle of death and life.

Eihwaz does not indicate literal death, but much like the Death card in the Tarot deck, indicates an ending that will lead to a new beginning. If things seem to be at a halt (Wow! That makes me think of the Hangman card we got in yesterday’s tarot reading), be patient. You are being asked to allow an old situation to fall away so that new developments can enter your life.

It can also symbolize leaving behind old ways, allowing old aspects of yourself to die away now that they are no longer serving you. Don’t resist the changes that are underway. Instead, learn to go with the flow and be flexible. You may not be able to see it now, but what you are currently dealing with is paving the way for a new and improved situation.

Another interesting comparison of this rune and the Death card in the Tarot deck is that even though runes precede tarot cards by at least a thousand years, both carry the number 13. The Death card is the thirteenth card in the Major Arcana, and Eihwaz is the thirteenth rune in the Elder Futhark.

My take away from this rune, if it were to show up in a reading would be: Death is only the end of a cycle and NEVER the end of the story!

Other meanings of this rune include an association with magical work, particularly of a protective nature in dealing with transformation. It has been called a symbol of the gateway to the underworld and of deliberate journeys to the non-physical realm in search of knowledge or understanding. This rune can offer protection, overcoming obstacles, spiritual development, strengthening of physical and magical powers.

Again, I want to remind you this is not a reading, simply a study of this rune.

The birthdates associated with this rune are December 28th to January 13th.

#TuesdayRunes – Jera

Published on by Jan Sikes28 Comments

Welcome back as we continue our study of the Elder Futhark Script Runes!

Photo by Jan Sikes

Today, we continue on in the Hagal’s Aett Runes with Jera (Yair-ah)

Jera is the rune of harvest and of the seasonal year, which is ever turning. Jera signifies that each season of a cycle has its purpose, and so it also reminds us that the attainment of goals often takes time. A seed planted in spring must be given time to grow, and the resulting plant can only be harvested in its proper time. But provided you have put the necessary work into preparing the soil, tending the crops, and reaping the harvest, Jera indicates that your efforts will be successful.

As the fourth rune in Hagal’s Aett, Jera follows the series of three runes that focused on obstacles. If you have been dealing with adversity, Jera emerges as a positive sign that troubles are receding, and you are moving into a fortuitous time of forward activity. This is a rune for reaping rewards for hard work and perseverance.

It can indicate prosperity and abundance, success in business, or some other form of payoff for your efforts. Celebrate your good fortune, appreciate the joys of your current circumstances and strengthen your hopes and plans for the future.

Don’t rest on your laurels too long, however. Just as the work of preparing for winter must follow close on the heels of the harvest celebrations, the need for careful resourcefulness and quiet patience will come around again in due time. This is simply the natural cyclical order of life. Understanding this helps you to flow with circumstances rather than resisting them.

It can also represent a wedding and fertility.

At any rate, Jera symbolizes the union of opposites. The sun rises. The sun goes down – the meeting points of night and day. In this context, you are advised to acknowledge any adversity you are, or have been experiencing, will ultimately contribute to your growth – you are who you are because of the lessons life has taught you.

Birthdates associated with Jera – December 13 to December 28.

#TuesdayRunes – Isa

Published on by Jan Sikes37 Comments

Welcome to another segment of our journey through the Elder Futhark script runes!

Set of Wooden Runes made by Jan Sikes

Today’s Runic Symbol is Isa (ee-sah).

The Isa Rune handmade by Jan Sikes

The word, Isa, translates to ice. The keywords associated with the rune are: obstacles, standstill, stagnation, delay and coldness.

This is the exact opposite of our Tarot Reading yesterday, but remember this is not a reading. It’s simply a study of each rune from start to finish.

Isa is the third rune in the Hagal’s Aett, and the third in a row to carry a predominantly negative meaning.

As a representation of frozen water, Isa signifies a lack of movement, which is likely frustrating. There may be physical circumstances blocking our progress, a loss of energy, or mental blocks that you cannot see past in order to move forward.

It can also indicate a delay, and it is best to accept this as a reality in your current situation, instead of pushing against it. Know that the sun will eventually return to melt the block of ice and allow water to flow freely again.

In the meantime, take advantage of this still, static energy to practice focusing on the present moment. Meditation is highly useful now as it can help dissipate frustration and take your focus off of things you can’t control.

The main thing to remember when this rune shows up is that you don’t give up on your ambition or assume that a delay won’t work out. If there’s anything you can do to prepare for making progress once it becomes possible, put your energy there.

So, as always, there is a positive spin on what could be perceived as negative.

In the context of relationships, Isa can point to emotional coldness between people. Affection may be lacking and communication may have come to a standstill. I passionate romance may be cooling off.

One other aspect of this rune to note: The transparency of ice can also signify clarity. Evaluating your circumstances from a cool, emotionally detached viewpoint may prove helpful, which is another positive aspect of Isa.

The birthdays associated with Isa are November 28th – December 13th.

#Tuesday Runes – Nauthiz

Published on by Jan Sikes43 Comments

Welcome to another segment of the study of The Elder Futhark Runes!

Today’s Runic Symbol is Nauthiz (Now-theez).

The keywords associated with this rune are: Need, necessity, scarcity, absence, restriction and have patience.

Nauthiz signifies hardship in the form of one’s needs not being met. This could indicate poverty, hunger, unemployment, lack of good health or lack of emotional support.

The rune stave represents the “need-fire” ritual fire lit from two large beams of wood that ancient Northern Europeans would light in times of extreme hardship or disaster, such as a famine or outbreak of fatal disease.

When this rune shows up in a reading, it can indicate that you may be experiencing a hardship that limits your ability to move forward or live comfortably, or a strong desire that appears impossible to fulfill. It could be that the possibilities are restricted due to your lack of resources and you are likely chafing at the constraints and/or becoming disheartened

The advice of this rune is to treat the situation as a period of learning. and an opportunity to strengthen your resilience. No one enjoys a hardship while it’s happening but when we look back on the experiences that made us who we are, generally at least a few of them were unpleasant.

Never allow bitterness, worry or despair to get the best of you, but rather use your gifts and talents to find ways to get your needs met. Remember that needs and limitations are necessary for growth, as we would never learn or accomplish anything significant if we always had everything we needed or wanted all the time.

Nauthiz may also be a warning not to get too greedy or obsessed with an unhealthy desire, which can lead to destructive behaviors and negative consequences. If you have been focusing too heavily on the material world, this is a sign to go within and tend to your spiritual development.

This rune can serve as a protection symbol. It can also help you maintain equanimity in difficult circumstances or activate magical workings focused on attraction or increase.

Again, this rune can be viewed in a positive light in that it can serve as a warning and offer protection.

The birthdates associated with this rune are November 13th to November 28th.

#TuesdayRunes – Hagalaz

Published on by Jan Sikes37 Comments

Welcome to another segment of our journey through the Elder Futhark Script runes!

Today we take a detailed look into the rune, Hagalaz ((hah-gah-laz).

The runes are actually divided into three sections, with our symbol from last week completing the Freya Aett.

Our symbol this week begins the Hagal’s Aett and basically speaks to unavoidable experiences.

The keywords associated with this rune are: Destruction, chaos, interference, misfortune, or transformation.

While none of that sounds good, I can see a positive aspect from the perspectiive of transformation.

It is said that before change comes great chaos, and is that not true? So, while we don’t always like it, the end result is most always for the better. Think of the Butterfly. 🙂

This rune indicates that we cannot always control our circumstances. Even with all the technology we possess in modern times, Nature can step in at any moment with destructive forces that flatten cities and even countries.

The translation of this symbol is “Hail.” Hailstorms may be brief and localized compared to larger natural disasters, but the balls of ice that pelt the ground can often leave behind destruction, injuring people and animals and destroying entire crops. This certainly would have spelled disaster for any ancient community living off of the land.

Hagalaz signifies these forces of chaos that cannot be controlled. You simply cannot fix this interference. While this may be a frustrating time, know that your course is being corrected for reasons beyond your understanding. (Wow! How I love this. The most recent disaster we’ve all dealt with is COVID. So, we can hope that the course is being corrected and soon!)

If the reading surrounding this rune is generally positive, then the chaos may be on the lower of the spectrum – a temporary interruption. While if the runes close to Hagalaz are negative, then the trouble may be more severe or have longer lasting implications.

Please keep in mind this is NOT a reading. I will get into Rune readings once we finish examining each rune separately.

The birthdates associated with this rune are October 28th – November 13th.

#TuesdayRunes – Wunjo

Published on by Jan Sikes38 Comments

Welcome to another segment of exploring The Elder Futhark Runes!

Today we take a look at Wunjo (woon-you).

If I had to pick a favorite rune, I think this would be it. It is the rune I chose to use in my White Rune Series and is introduced in “Ghostly Interference.”

The keywords associated with this rune are: Joy, Pleasure, Happiness, Happy Relationships, Well-being, Success, and a Happily-Ever-After.

This is a very positive rune, indicating all manner of happiness and well-being. When this rune shows up in a reading, it indicates situations that have been difficult are resolved and optimism is renewed. It may be that a surprise development comes into your life which changes everything for the better. That certainly was the case in “Ghostly Interference.”

It can indicate that the Wheel of Karma has turned in your favor and you are about to come into yourself in some way. In one’s work, especially of an artistic or creative nature, it can represent the joy you get from your work.

As the rune of joy, Wunjo is associated with happy relationships. You are truly able to enjoy the company of others.

Overall, it is a super positive rune depicting joy, happiness and success.

See why I can say it’s my favorite?

The birthdates associated with this rune are October 13 – October 28.

#TuesdayRunes – Kenaz

Published on by Jan Sikes32 Comments

Welcome to another segment of exploring the Elder Futhark Script Runes!

Today’s rune is Kenaz (kay-nahz).

The keywords that apply to this rune are light, heat, illumination, a breakthrough, and creative fire.

In the millennia before electricity was discovered, fire was the only man-made source of heat and light. Kenaz stands for the fire brand, or torch, which people used to illuminate and heat their dwellings.

This rune represents the light in the darkness, as well as the warmth that fire provides. On a metaphysical level, this is also the light of knowledge and enlightenment.

This rune could indicate a breakthrough in some area of your life that has caused you confusion or anguish. Higher guidance can provide clarity and you will be able to reconsider your situation in a new light. Perhaps this will come through new information or understanding.

Kenaz represents strength, energy and power. It is one of the most helpful runes that can arise when you are experiencing problems of any sort. It is a protective sign. It can also represent a time of opening up, of good things coming into your life.

In questions of romance, Kenaz always represents the man in the relationship.

It is a rune of creativity, and as such is especially important to artists and craftsmen.

The birth dates that align with this rune are from September 13 to 28th.

I hope you enjoyed learning about this rune and see you next week!

#TuesdayRunes – Raidho

Published on by Jan Sikes33 Comments

Welcome to another installment of our journey through the runes, based on The Elder Futhark Script.

Today we explore Raidho (rye-though).

Raidho is the rune of travel. This rune indicates you are setting off (or will soon set off) on a journey, whether in the external world or on an emotional or spiritual level.

If your travel is physical, it signals a pleasant experience with few or no mishaps. If you are on a spiritual quest, the going may require significant flexibility on your part, but the rewards of reaching your destination will be well worth it, as you are following your soul’s chosen path. Either way, you are advised to keep your focus on the experience of the journey itself, rather than on your arrival. This is because Raidho signifies not just the vehicle you ride in, but also the road you travel on. You will be best served by making the most of every moment along the way.

You may have to travel for unpleasant reasons or to a place you’d rather not visit. If this is the case, now is a good time to remember that all journeys yield lessons, and you will have an easier time of it if you can be in acceptance as much as possible, rather than resistance.

A related interpretation of Raidho is “reunion” – specifically the return of old friends in your life or the arrival of new people with whom you made a soul agreement before incarnating into this life. It is possible that you may be presented with a chance to resolve a disagreement or conflict with someone else or with yourself.

Some runic systems also view Raidho as an indicator that now is a good time for negotiations or deliberations related to agreements with others. Financially speaking, this rune can indicate that the time is right to buy or sell.

Finally, sometimes Raidho is simply a reminder to align yourself with the “wheel of life” Know that life has its ups and downs, ebbs and flows and constant seasonal changes. The contrast between opposites is part of the journey of life. If things are not going your way, take heart and know that nothing is permanent.

The birthdates Raidho is associated with is August 29th – September 13th.

Thank you for joining me for another in depth look into the magic of the runes!

#TuesdayRunes – Ansuz

Published on by Jan Sikes35 Comments

Happy Tuesday, everyone and welcome to another journey through the runes! The next rune in The Elder Futhark script is Ansuz (ahn-sooze).

The keywords for this rune are communication, wisdom, divine power or a message.

The meaning of Ansuz is mouth and it is the rune of communication in all its forms, but chiefly verbal communications, whether it involves writing, speaking, or even singing. This sounds like the patron rune for authors!

When drawing this rune in a reading, it can indicate messages, advice, or new information may be coming from external sources, or you may need to pay closer attention to the messages coming from your higher self.

The rune also refers to wisdom and knowledge. On occasion, this rune appears to suggest an apprenticeship to a new trade or refers to an aspect of life or situation that you may never have encountered before. In this case, it is likely you will be helped and guided by a sympathetic and patient individual who is attentive and knowledgeable and from whom you will learn a great deal.

Chance encounters that lead to new connections, beginnings and opportunities may be possible when this rune shows up in a reading. Keep your eyes and ear open as you socialize with others, whether for business or pleasure. Because of the association between Ansuz and Odin (the father god) this rune can sometimes indicate advice or opportunity coming from an older wiser person.

Ansuz reminds us that the divine presence is always within and around us, no matter what difficulties we may be facing.

Ansuz is the rune associated with the birthdate between August 13th and August 29th. My birthdate is August 21st. So, I am absorbing all the information about this rune today!

Thank you for stopping by and as always, I hope you are enjoying our journey through the runes!

#TuesdayRunes – Thurisaz #Runes #RunicSymbols

Published on by Jan Sikes37 Comments

Welcome back for another segment of exploring the magic of the runes!

The next symbol in The Elder Futhark script is Thurisaz (thoo-ree-sahz).

The keywords are: Protection, warning, contemplation, decisions and luck.

Thurisaz is mainly concerned with aspects of protection and resistance to danger and other unwanted circumstances. The shape of this runic symbol represents a thorn on a branch. It symbolizes the wisdom of choosing a defensive stance, rather than rushing to attack an adversary.

If you go into a challenging or potentially dangerous situation, you can surround yourself with a shield of protective energy, carry a talisman, and be extra mindful of your environment and your actions. Taking these measures is often enough to deter potential attackers from trying to harm or take advantage of you. Consider this rune as a stern but friendly warning to be alert to potential danger.

Another common interpretation of Thurisaz indicates you are facing an important decision requiring careful consideration. Be sure to evaluate every aspect of the situation before making your move. Don’t make your choice from a place of emotion. The ability to come from a rational place when making a decision that could significantly impact your life is another form of protection.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this close look at Thurisaz!

My very good friend, Kay, sent this to me, and I thought it would be fun to add to our exploration of The Runes. It is the first time I’ve seen runes associated to a birth date, much like birthstones. I don’t know if this contains any amount of accuracy, so adding it just for the fun of it.