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| The Runes |
| The First Aett |
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| Runes are probably one of the more commonly used forms of divination. It is also one of the oldest. It is said that Odin himself, while sacrificing himself by hanging upside down from the World Tree, he saw the Runes laid out before him upon the ground. The Runic system of divination is of ancient Nordic and Germanic tribes first recognized around the second century bce. It was largely used as an alphabet in addition to magickal uses, very popular in the Northern European areas. Was very popular in the construction of dwelling, protection and magickal uses. There have been many runic alphabets used over the centuries, but most common is the Germanic, or elder Futhark Runes. The alphabet received this name for the first letters in the first six Runes. The modern Runic system has twenty-four separate letters divided into three groups and are shown as follows: |
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| FEHU This Rune represents wealth, particularly in the form of cattle. It is a sign of Prosperity, health, and general fertility. When working with Fehu, one should be clear about what sort of fertility one seeks. It may sometimes be seen as an admonition to conserve resources for later productivity. |
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| URUZ Represents the wild, unrestrained power of the Auroch. Also a Rune that represents the male aspect. Uruz helps things manifest. Thorsson sees Uruz as Audhumla, the Cosmic Cow, by whom, ultimately, Odin, Vili, and Ve are brought into being. |
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| THURISAZ Thurisaz is a Rune of direction, or great physical force, of overwhelming natural energy. Usually considered Thor's Rune, it is also the Thorn. Norwegian and Icelandic Rune-poems connect Thurisaz (Thurs) with evil caused by personified natural energies. This Rune can be unpridictable as one might expect since it is connected with both thor and the Jotuns. |
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| ANSUZ ANSUZ represents the mouth as well os Odin--it is the wisdom of a chieftain. With this Rune cast it can indicate taking advise or the receiving of knowledge. Depending on the nearby runes, Ansuz may mean wisdom/creativity or a disconnection from one's spiritual truth. |
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| RAIDHO This is the Rune for travel or movement - actions. It also means "right" or "just." Could indicate a sudden journey. Raidho is the cart as well as the road. Raidho may indicate the need to control oneself as the horse is controlled by the rider. |
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| KENAZ KENAZ is the torch, the fire of transformation and creation. represents strength, power and energy. Paxson writes, "Kenaz is the controlled fire of the forge or hearth, or the purifying, transforming, and sometimes consuming fire of the fever or the pyre." |
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| GEBO GEBO means 'gift'. It reminds us of the reciprocal relationship between giver and receiver and the old standard, 'A gift demands a gift.' It is a Rune of union, sharing, and responsibility. |
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| WUNJO This is the Rune of joy. It indicates the positive nature of the surrounding runes yet in itself it is as difficult to define as 'joy' itself. |
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