Norse magic, also known as Norse runes or runic magic, holds great significance in Norse mythology and the ancient Germanic cultures. The runes are a system of symbols that were used for writing, but they also possessed deeper mystical and magical meanings. Each rune carries its own unique symbolism, and when combined with other runes, they create a powerful language of magic. The runes were believed to represent the fundamental forces of nature and the cosmos, as well as aspects of human existence. Norse magic runed meanings are derived from the individual meanings of each rune and the collective interpretation when used in combination. Some examples of runed meanings include: 1.
Another inscription says:
Óst min, kyss mik. “My love, kiss me.”
Sigrdrifa tells of victory-runes sigrúnar that are to be carved onto various parts of a sword; of wave-runes brimrúnar that are to be carved into the side of a ship and onto oars in order to protect the crew; birth-runes bjargrúnar that shall be of assistance during childbirth such that new-born infants survive. The Vikings are best known as pirates and warriors, but they were also sailors, merchants, craftsmen, farmers, fishermen, poets, explorers and nation-builders.
Some examples of runed meanings include: 1. Fehu: Representing wealth and prosperity. 2.
The Meanings of the Runes
This page is the fourth part of a five-part article on the runes. The other four parts are:
This section provides the sign, name, phoneme (sound), and short description of the meaning of each of the twenty-four runes that comprise the Elder Futhark. The given meanings are based on the medieval Rune Poems (which are conveniently available online here) exclusively. Where our present knowledge isn’t extensive enough to give an explanation of which one can be reasonably certain, this is noted and the meaning is left unexplained or only partially explained. This article is hardly the place for esoteric speculations, which have been avoided. (If you’re interested in going beyond the evidence and using less academically acceptable means of discerning other meanings of the runes, you have to do that yourself. The books on my list of The 10 Best Books on the Runes might help.)
Name: Fehu, “cattle.” Phoneme: F. Meaning: wealth.
Name: Uruz, “aurochs.” Phoneme: U (long and/or short). Meaning: strength of will.
Name: Thurisaz, “Giant.” Phoneme: Th (both soft and hard). Meaning: danger, suffering.
Name: Ansuz, “an Aesir god.” Phoneme: A (long and/or short). Meaning: prosperity, vitality.
Name: Raidho, “journey on horseback.” Phoneme: R. Meaning: movement, work, growth.
Name: Kaunan, “ulcer.” Phoneme: K. Meaning: mortality, pain.
Name: Gebo, “gift.” Phoneme: G. Meaning: generosity.
Name: Wunjo, “joy.” Phoneme: W. Meaning: joy, ecstasy.
Name:Hagalaz, “hail.” Phoneme: H. Meaning: destruction, chaos.
Name: Naudhiz, “need.” Phoneme: N. Meaning: need, unfulfilled desire.
Name: Isaz, “ice.” Phoneme: I (long and/or short). Meaning: unknown (the rune poems are ambiguous and contradictory).
Name: Jera, “year.” Phoneme: Germanic J, modern English Y. Meaning: harvest, reward.
Name: Eihwaz, “yew.” Phoneme: I pronounced like “Eye.” Meaning: strength, stability.
Name: unknown. Phoneme: P. Meaning: unknown. (Note: the theory that this rune’s name was “Pertho” is just speculation. No one really knows, because the Viking Age and medieval sources are too vague.)
Name: unknown (the rune poems are contradictory). Phoneme: Z. Meaning: protection from enemies, defense of that which one loves.
Name: Sowilo, “sun.” Phoneme: S. Meaning: success, solace.
Name: Tiwaz, “the god Tiwaz.” Phoneme: T. Meaning: victory, honor.
Name: Berkanan, “birch.” Phoneme: B. Meaning: fertility, growth, sustenance.
Name: Ehwaz, “horse.” Phoneme: E (long and/or short). Meaning: trust, faith, companionship.
Name: Mannaz, “man.” Phoneme: M. Meaning: augmentation, support.
Name: Laguz. Phoneme: L. Meaning: formlessness, chaos, potentiality, the unknown.
Name: Ingwaz, “the god Ingwaz.” Phoneme: Ng. Meaning: fertilization, the beginning of something, the actualization of potential.
Name: Othalan, “inheritance.” Phoneme: O (long and/or short). Meaning: inheritance, heritage, tradition, nobility.
Name: Dagaz, “day.” Phoneme: D. Meaning: hope, happiness.
Uruz: Symbolizing strength and primal power. 3. Thurisaz: Associated with protection and defense. 4. Ansuz: Signifying communication and divine inspiration. 5. Raido: Representing travel and personal growth. 6. Kenaz: Symbolizing creativity and transformation. 7. Gebo: Associated with partnerships and relationships. 8. Wunjo: Signifying joy and happiness. These are just a few examples of the many runed meanings in Norse magic. The runes are often used in divination and spellcasting, with practitioners harnessing the energy and symbolism of the runes to bring about desired outcomes. In addition to their individual meanings, the positioning of the runes also holds significance in Norse magic. The order and arrangement of the runes in a reading or spellcasting can provide further insights into the situation at hand. Norse magic runes were not only used for personal and spiritual purposes but also for practical matters such as inscriptions on weapons, tools, and stones. The runes were seen as a powerful tool for protection, guidance, and ensuring favorable outcomes. Today, Norse magic and the use of runes continue to be explored and practiced by those interested in ancient Nordic traditions and spirituality. The runed meanings of the Norse runes can offer guidance, inspiration, and aid in personal growth and transformation. In conclusion, Norse magic runed meanings are derived from the individual symbolism of each rune and their collective interpretation when used together. They hold deep significance in Norse mythology and ancient Germanic cultures, providing a language of magic and a tool for personal and spiritual growth..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Runes: A Guide to Norse Rune Magic for Beginners"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Norse magic runed meaningh". The author claims to provide insights into the ancient Norse runes and their magical meanings, but all I found in this book were superficial explanations and a lot of questionable interpretations. It seemed like the author didn't have a deep understanding of Norse mythology and relied on generic information found on the internet. Overall, I found this book lacking in substance and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a genuine exploration of Norse magic.
- John - 1 star - As someone deeply interested in Norse mythology and magic, I was highly dissatisfied with "Norse magic runed meaningh". The book promised to dive into the runes and their meanings but failed to deliver. The descriptions of the runes were shallow, lacking the depth and nuance I was expecting. Moreover, the author's interpretations felt forced and often arbitrary, leaving me questioning their credibility. Overall, I found this book to be a poor representation of Norse magic and would advise others to seek more reputable sources for their studies.
- Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Norse magic runed meaningh" but was sorely let down. The information provided in this book felt disjointed and poorly organized, making it difficult to follow along. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked the engaging storytelling I expected from a book on Norse mythology. I found myself constantly losing interest and struggling to finish it. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to those seeking a captivating and informative exploration of Norse magic.
- Alex - 1 star - "Norse magic runed meaningh" was a complete waste of my time. The author's understanding of Norse mythology seemed questionable at best, as they provided simplified and inaccurate explanations of the runes and their meanings. The book lacked the depth and research I expected, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and misled. I would strongly advise against wasting your money on this poorly written and shallowly researched book. There are much better resources available for those interested in Norse magic.