Tag: #Rune Meanings

#TuesdayRunes – Othala

Published on by Jan Sikes32 Comments

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).

Photo by Jan Sikes

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.

#TuesdayRunes – Dagaz

Published on by Jan Sikes34 Comments

It’s time for another rune exploration!

Photo by Jan Sikes

We are just two away from finishing the study of each rune in The Elder Futhark Script. This rune, Dagaz (dah-gahz) symbolizes daylight, success, hope, breakthrough, transformation, and balance.

Photo by Jan Sikes

Dagaz is considered to be a very beneficial sign in any reading. It is associated with the contrasting blessing of midsummer when days are long and the sun is at its height of power.

Increase, growth, prosperity, strength, good health, and general well-being are indicated by this rune. You may experience an unexpected successful outcome concerning a problem or project you’ve been working on. You are encouraged to remain optimistic and to keep your focus on the light as positive new developments unfold.

Dagaz is also known as the “dawn” rune and as such represents new hope and an emerging from darkness into light. There is a related aspect of protection to Dagaz, as daylight is considered a protective force, guiding us out of danger and onto the right path. In a reading, the message from this rune can be that you are out of harm’s way now, so you can rejoice in safety and look forward to new openings and opportunities.

As the first light of dawn breaks through the dark of night, this rune also represents a breakthrough of insight or inspiration, whether on an artistic, creative level or in terms of spiritual enlightenment. Divine light is guiding you along your path and you are making steady progress.

The symmetrical shape of Dagaz represents a balance between opposing energies – light and dark, up and down, movement and stagnation. Depending on how it is placed in a reading, it can be a reminder to seek more balance in life in general.

Alternatively, Dagaz can point to a major transformation or fundamental change in your life. Some have compared the rune’s shape to the wings of a butterfly. The rune can be a reminder of the positive results of necessary transformation.

Dagaz has no reversed meaning.

The birthdates associated with Dagaz are June 14th to June 29th.

#TuesdayRunes – Ingwaz

Published on by Jan Sikes31 Comments

Welcome to another segment of our journey through the ElderFuthark Runes!

Today’s rune is Ingwaz (eeng-wahz). Ingwaz is the rune of the fertility god, Ing, and is associated with masculine sexuality and male potency.

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This rune is the springtime energy of plant life emerging after the depths of winter, and the procreation of all life on Earth. Depending on the context of a reading, drawing Ingwaz may indicate a healthy and hearty sexual relationship.

However, it can also refer more generally to a procreative energy being channeled through specific means, such as a project, a business endeavor, or a journey. Whatever is propelling you forward in a positive way at the moment, Ingwaz is acknowledging and confirming that the energy behind it is potent and heading for substantial results.

As a related meaning, Ingwaz also symbolizes completion. An old phase of your life is coming to an end, freeing up the energy for the new phenomena to enter your experience. Problems are resolved or about to be solved and great relief follows.

It may also be signaling that you are reaching your full potential in the matter at hand and that it’s time to let go and let the situation play itself out. Trust that you have done the necessary work – the energy you’re feeling around this is ultimately positive and relief is in sight.

Ingwaz is widely considered a highly auspicious rune, signaling a major event or turning point in your life that leads to satisfying results. A dream may very well be coming true.

Ingwaz indicates safety and a loving family environment. Your home and everyone in it are protected.

Ingwaz has no reverse meaning.

The birthdates related to this rune are May 14 to May 29.

#TuesdayRunes – Laguz

Published on by Jan Sikes31 Comments

Welcome back! We’re continuing our journey through the Runes, with only three more to go!

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Today’s Rune is Laguz (lah-gooze).

Photo by Jan Sikes

Laguz is the water rune, symbolizing the element in all of its forms. It is also connected to emotions, the cleansing of unwanted energy through tears, and the unpredictability of life.

If you are being tossed around in the emotional waters of a situation, Laguz advises you to release your resistance and go with the flow. Adaptability is key here, as continuing to resist your circumstances will only plunge you further into disharmony. The same is true when it comes to positive circumstances – acknowledge and enjoy them, but don’t cling to them as the source of your happiness. Let the fluidity of life guide you.

As the rune of water, Laguz is the rune of intuition and the subconscious. It also represents psychic ability which can be nurtured and strengthened with practice.

Laguz is symbolic of feminine energy and can represent the woman in the context of male-female relationships. Creativity and growth are further aspects of this rune.

Reversed, Laguz points to a lack of flow in your life, perhaps from feeling stagnated in a current situation. You may be blocking some unpleasant emotions that need to be allowed to come through in order to move forward. Also, in the reversed position, Laguz can point to a woman in your life who has hidden ulterior motives or is in some way a source of trouble for you at this time.

The birthdates related to this rune are April 29th – May 14th.

#TuesdayRunes – Mannaz

Published on by Jan Sikes30 Comments
Photo by Jan Sikes January 2021

Welcome to another exploration into the Elder Futhark Script Runes! The rune we are taking a look at today is Mannaz (mah-nahz).

Photo taken by Jan Sikes

Mannaz is the rune of humankind and symbolizes the characteristics that set humans apart from the rest of the Earth’s living creatures. This rune reminds us that we are part of a shared experience among all humans, no matter our specific language, physical appearance, or beliefs. At the same time, Mannaz represents the self with particular emphasis on one’s inner being.

Often, this rune points to some aspect of tension in the relationship between your inner self and your perceived place in the outer world. You may feel at odds with the attitudes and expectations of society. If this is the case, be sure you are listening to your intuition rather than your ego to determine the best course of action.

Mannaz reminds you to maintain self-awareness, checking in with yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually as you choose how to respond to your circumstances.

This rune can also indicate assistance provided from others. Its shape evokes a sense of mutual support as in two individuals coming together to stabilize each other, creating a stronger structure as a result. Be sure to remain open to help from others, but also be willing to lend a hand where needed.

Mannaz also symbolizes human intelligence and creativity (hmmm, sounds a lot like the Ace of Swords from yesterday’s reading). It is considered a rune of the mind and indicates success in academic studies as well as success in matters related to language or law.

In a reversed position, Mannaz can indicate isolation, low self-esteem and/or self-preoccupation. Take some time to examine the role you’ve played and be honest with yourself. It can also indicate that no one is on their way to help you.

The birthdates associated with this rune are April 14th – April 29th.

#TuesdayRunes – Ehwaz

Published on by Jan Sikes35 Comments

Welcome back to another segment in our study of the Elder Futhark Runes!

Photo by Jan Sikes

Today’s rune is Ehwaz (ay-wahz).

Photo by Jan Sikes

The shape of Ehwaz is symbolic of the horse, revered as a sacred animal in the cultures of the ancient Germanic tribes. This rune represents the qualities of faith, loyalty, and trust – all necessary to a successful relationship between a horse and its rider.

Ehwaz is the rune of partnership and friendship, and indicates the need to be faithful and accountable to the people in your life.

The concept of faithfulness also applies to yourself and your goals. You have what it takes to accomplish them but must dedicate yourself fully to see any endeavor through. Steady progress is made by putting one foot in front of the other. If you do your part, the support you need will arise and you will gain momentum.

Horses are able to change direction swiftly, so another meaning of Ehwaz is change. This is a positive change, although it may seem daunting at first. Ehwaz is also related to movement and travel. This can be a journey in the physical world but is most likely an internal spiritual journey, as horses are related to astral travel in many shamanic traditions around the world. Thus Ehwaz is a helpful tool in attempting astral travel.

If Ehwaz is in a reversed position in a reading, it could indicate that you or someone else in a relationship is not demonstrating loyalty. It can also indicate that you lack momentum in reaching your goals. Perhaps you don’t have faith in yourself. If reversed in regards to travel, it is a warning that now is not the best time to go on a journey.

The birthdates associated with Ehwaz are March 30th to April 14th.

Thank you for stopping by and joining in!!