Runes
Second Aett
Heimdall's aett is also what books call it. Heimdall is sometimes thought of as a god of silence, which might seem like priestly meditation to some. He, in conjunction with Loki, forms a special description of the world. Loki is a shapeshifter, as dunes change shape. He steals, as erosion steals topsoil or land. Yet he brings the gods their greatest treasures (usually of gold), as erosion reveals alluvial gold or other items. Heimdall is the watcher against this. He is associated with goats because they live on the cliffs identified with him. He is identified with sea cliffs because they are seen as Heimdall watching for Loki's arrival. His horn is the waves crashing against the surf, the sound heard throughout the nine worlds.

hagalaz Hail, Hailstone
Phonetic equivalent: h
Color: Blue (White)
“Don’t try to fix what we should break before it breaks us.”

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
Sudden loss, ordeal, destruction, disaster, clearance, testing, karmic lesson, drastic change.

MAGICAL USES:
Removing unwanted influences, breaking destructive patterns.

ENERGY:
Power beyond human ability to harness, perfect pattern, seed formation, objective confrontation, destructive natural forces, chaos.

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Ragnarok, Loki, Frost Giants

ANALYSIS:
The idea of the destruction of the old being necessary to the growth of the new, as contained in the Norse myth of Ragnarok, is essential to our understanding of this rune. Interestingly enough, hagalaz lies between kenaz (fire) and isa (ice), reminding us of the Norse creation myth and the creative potential that lies between these two opposites, even though their meeting may seem at first to be destructive. Like the Tower in the Tarot, hagalaz is only a negative rune if we choose to view it in that way, and refuse to learn its lessons. Appearing as it does at the beginning of the second aett, it marks both a beginning and an end, and knocks us out of the safety and complacency of wunjo. It represents what a friend of mine used to refer to as the 'flying ladle syndrome' - that whenever things appear to be going too well, you can expect a good, healthy whack in the head from the Fates, just to make sure you're paying attention.

These sorts of 'wake-up calls' from the Gods will happen frequently throughout a person's life, but are often misinterpreted as divine punishment for some imagined wrong when in fact they are merely a way of drawing your attention to a recurrent pattern in your life. Unfortunately, these types of events have a tendency to repeat themselves with greater and greater severity until the lesson is learned and the pattern is broken. For example, someone who needs to break their dependency on a certain type of person will find themselves in relationships with such people over and over again with more and more disastrous results until they recognize the pattern as emanating from themselves and break it willingly.

DIVINATORY INTERPRETATION:
The appearance of Hagalaz is often an indication that we must let go of the past. Only through the destruction of certain psychological aspects, emotional blocks, and ties to the past can we move forward. While Hagalaz represents destruction, it also represents rebirth. That which currently exists may need to be destroyed in order for positive change to occur. Frequently it is a fear of destruction and loss which prevents future growth.

Hagalaz may also indicate that a temporary setback or obstacle has arisen -- one which the individual will necessarily get over very quickly. Disappointment may also be indicated here, and a realization that the path that one has set out on is not the path that one is meant to be on. Hagalaz reminds us that such disappointment is a necessary first-step in achieving change. A need to refocus and retask one's energies.

While the main lesson of this rune is positive, it must be cautioned that a setback will happen for a reason, and it is important not to let history repeat itself. An opportunity will come in which one can better oneself. It may be painful, but ultimately it will prove beneficial.

Other possible literal meanings of Hagalaz in a reading include bad weather, or emotional outbursts.

Inverted Meaning :: Cannot be inverted.

Naudhiz need, necessity
Phonetic equivalent: n
Color: Black (Blue)
“Consciousness is the Necessity.”
“That which does not destroy me makes me stronger.” – Nietzsche

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
Poverty, hardship, responsibility, discontent, obstacle, frustration.

MAGICAL USES:
To represent a need to be filled.

ENERGY:
Necessity, coming forth into being, urgency.

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Freyr & Gurd, the Otter's Gold

ANALYSIS:
If hagalaz is a flying ladle, then nauþiz is the empty pot. It is a gentle, nudging reminder that all is not as it should be. Life appears to be out of synch, and nothing seems to be going right. No matter how much you have, it is never enough, and there is an ever present desire for something more, something better. On the positive side, this dissatisfaction with the status quo can serve to draw one away from the relative safety of wunjo and motivate towards change.

Nauþiz represents an imbalance between one's desires and one's assets. How you resolve this situation will influence the rest of the journey, but the awareness of the imbalance itself can also be illuminating. It causes you to closely examine and perhaps reassess your values and priorities, and forces you back onto the path of your own happiness. Perhaps mythologist Joseph Campbell said it best when he enjoined us to 'follow our bliss'; in other words, that we will know that we are on the right track spiritually when we are doing those things which make us the most happy and fulfilled. Nauþiz helps us to take the first step on that path by letting us know when we have strayed from it.

DIVINATORY INTERPRETATION:
Something is desired or lacking by the querent. Without fulfilling this need, forward motion will be difficult and unpleasant.

Material need or sometimes impoverishment, whether real or imagined may also be described here. The exact meaning of such impoverishment may be different for different people; for one person, poverty may mean one car in the family instead of two. For another, it may mean no food for a week. Whatever the definition, the result is the same: a degradation of life-quality through a shortage of something. Rectifying this situation will requires either diligence and intelligence in order to improve the situation. A managing of one's desires may also be called for.

An alternate meaning of Nauthiz is a purely spiritual yearning for some greater level of enlightenment: a need created by spiritual impoverishment or a withering of the soul. In some cases Nauthiz represents a semi-permanent state of spiritual dissatisfaction, or one who is eternally dissatisfied despite material and emotional plenty.

It should be noted that while many see Nauthiz as a negative rune, depicting a shortage or a lack of something -- others see Nauthiz as a positive challenge -- a test that must be overcome to achieve the object of one's desire.

Inverted Meaning :: There are those who believe that Nauthiz cannot be reversed -- and others who say that it can. With this particular rune, this decision must be made by the reader based upon the nature of the reading. A possible Inverted Meaning: is as follows: The shortage is at it's worst and the only way from here is up -- bear this in mind during the coming struggles. Strong character is forged through difficult situations like this -- and fortunes made. Some of the most successful and enduring people achieved greatness because they underwent extreme hardships at some point in their lives.

Isa ice
Phonetic equivalent: i (ee as in 'eel')
Color: Brown (Black)
“Ice only appears to stop a river’s flow.”

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
Inactivity, blockage, stagnation, potential, patience, reflection, withdrawal, rest.

MAGICAL USES:
To stop a process; to represent primal form.

ENERGY:
Stillness, contraction, stasis.

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Auðumla, Nifelheim

ANALYSIS:
In modern symbology, fire is generally masculine and ice (or earth) is feminine, but it is unknown whether the Norse shared this association. Certainly, ice was a constant factor in their day to day lives. It threatened their crops and their ships almost throughout the year, but it also served as a symbol of creation, from which all life will eventually spring. It says something about the Norse mind that they could recognize the need to have such a seemingly destructive joining of elements in order to create and maintain life. Fire may be warm and pleasant, but it must be balanced by the freezing of winter just as birth must be balanced by death. Even the little death of sleep has been proven to be vital for our mental and physical well-being.

Isa encompasses all of these ideas, but primarily represents a period of rest before activity, and itself forms the material from which life can be created. It is matter, inert by itself, but transformed into the stuff of stars when wedded with energy. It is the immovable form acted upon the irresistible force. In many ways, the Norse predicted Einstein with their version of the creation of the universe, recognizing that everything in their world contained both fire and ice (energy and matter), and that the relationship between the two defined the processes of life itself.

DIVINATORY INTERPRETATION:
A time of rest before action. A period of meditation and recharging before action is continued. It may be necessary to stop, take measure and look around in order to further assess a situation, rather to charge forward without direction. When the ice thaws it will retreat from the land and one's direction will become clear.

A time of fertile creation lies ahead. While the pace of forward movement may seem slow and inhibited at this time, the seeds of rebirth are active beneath the surface. The outward appearance of purity and stillness mask an explosion of fertility which lies ready in wait. All things will come in good time, and for now Isa reminds us that we must wait. The long winter is upon us now, but the cycle of seasons moves ever forward.

Also a path of reflection and meditation. Inner calmness must be maintained at this time in order for deeper reflection to occur.

Inverted Meaning :: Isa cannot be inverted.

Jera year, harvest
Phonetic equivalent: y (but may be used in place of 'j')
Color: Brown
“Patience up to a point. Know your time, but work your wyrd always.”

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
Change, cycle turning, reward, motion, productivity, inevitable development.

MAGICAL USES:
To bring change; for fertility and growth.

ENERGY:
Good harvest, orbits, cycles, progress, biorhythms, right effort.

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Sif, Thor, Freyr, Granni.

ANALYSIS:
In this modern age of central heating and oranges in February, it is difficult to imagine the close ties that people once had with the cycles of the year, particularly in the more Northern climes. The changing seasons affected not only the weather, but also the day to day activities and even the diets of ancient peoples. Constant change was the norm, and the object was to become attuned with those changes, not to fight against them. An ancient farmer (or even some modern ones) wouldn't need to look at a calendar to tell him when to plant, or read a weather forecast to know when the snows were coming. The changing seasons were a part of his blood and bones, and his very existence depended on adapting to change.

Jera follows isa just as spring follows winter. The frozen stagnancy of ice is broken by the turning of the wheel, and things are once again moving along as they should. In fact, we have now broken out of the entire set 'negative' runes with which we began this aett. This has been accomplished not by fighting to escape the ice or railing against the unfairness of fate, but by learning from those experiences and simply waiting for the inevitable thaw. Jera is the communion wine - the product of the joining of opposites bringing life. Storms may come and go, but the sun is always there and life is generally pretty good. Enjoy it while you can.

DIVINATORY INTERPRETATION:
Jera represents "change" -- most frequently positive change. This change is not the temporary reward of Wunjo, but a permanent reward after hardship, or series of hardships. Hard work is going to be rewarded. Retirement, a sabbatical, or a vacation may be referenced here. Everything is happening as it should happen, and the time is coming to enjoy it.

Jera may also represent that little extra push that one needs to finish a job -- that final motivation that sees a job through to its successful conclusion.

As with a successful harvest, Jera is a rune of material gain. It should be noted that Jera is a complementary rune to Gebo: if both runes turn up together, certain happiness in both relationships and money will occur.

Jera is often seen as a forward-looking rune which refers to an eventual positive resolution which will occur at some time in the future: Often this pertains to legal resolutions.

Other possible literal meanings of Jera in a reading are a large, well-attended meal or outdoor festivities.

Inverted Meaning :: Jera cannot be inverted.

Eihwaz yew
Phonetic equivalent: ei, “eo”, “æ”
Color: White (Green)
“The path is hard and lonely and there is no end to sight.”

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
Change, initiation, confrontation of fears, turning point, death, transformation.

MAGICAL USES:
To bring about profound change, to ease a life transition.

ENERGY:
axis of heaven-earth-hel, secrecy, encoding, immortality.

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Hel, Yggdrasil.

ANALYSIS:
The yew tree has been associated with runes, magic and death in northern and western Europe since time immemorial. The reasons for this ancient association are numerous, but seem to principally derive from the fact that yews are evergreens which retain their greenery even through the death of winter, and because their red berries are symbolic of the blood of life. The yew is also extremely long-lived, thus effectively 'immortal'. Reverence for the yew dates back to before the times of the Celts, and continues today in Christian tradition. Eihwaz is the thirteenth rune in the fuþark, and marks the middle of the alphabet. (It is interesting to note that the Death card in the Tarot is also the thirteenth card.) This rune is the turning point in the runic journey, and represents the transformation phase of the initiatory process. All rites of passage, particularly those marking the transition into adulthood, contain the symbolism of death, the idea being that one's former 'self' has died and given birth to a new persona. Eihwaz is the passage through which we must enter the realm of Hel in order to gain the knowledge and acceptance of our own mortality, as well as those mysteries which can only be learned from the dark Lady of the dead. The process is a truly frightening one, but it is something we all must go through if we are to confront our deepest fears and emerge with the kind of wisdom that cannot be taught but must be experienced. Eihwaz is the gateway to this wisdom, and lies between life (jera) and rebirth (perþ).

DIVINATORY INTERPRETATION:
A major and necessary life change may be about to take place; either the onset of adulthood, going away to college, marriage, retirement or a change in profession. This change may seem full of uncertainty when it is first introduced, but it will become clear very quickly that such change is necessary.

A significant confrontation with one's inner fears and innermost insecurities may be at hand. While 'change' is a constant process, the appearance of Eihwaz indicates an increase in the speed and intensity of change.

Change comes in many forms: mental, spiritual and physical. It is important to keep one's focus clear throughout the process: some change should be accepted as it is necessary and just. Other change may require a steadfast resolve and hardiness -- like the always green yew tree.

Through the trials of 'change' come growth and spiritual expansion. Resolve, flexibility and a focus on the importance of change will see one through the most difficult trials.

Eihwaz may also reference the need to address a problem well in advance, before it becomes serious.

Other possible literal meanings of Eihwaz in a reading are positive health, nature or the season of winter.

Inverted Meaning :: None.

Perthro dice-cup
Phonetic equivalent: p
Color: Blue (Red)
“The beginning and end are set. What’s in between is yours. Nothing is in vain, all is remembered.”

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
Rebirth, mystery, magic, divination, fertility, new beginning, prophecy.

MAGICAL USES:
Fertility, easing childbirth, to aid in divination and magic, enhancing psychic abilities.

ENERGY:
Evolutionary force, luck, nothingness, the unborn, the unmanifest.

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Freya, Angrbode

ANALYSIS:
The actual interpretation of perþ has been the subject of much controversy among runic scholars. The problem lies in the fact that the initial P sound doesn't occur anywhere else in the old Germanic language, leading to the belief that the word was imported from another language. The Old English rune poem seems to indicate that it had to do with some sort of game, leading many to interpret it as 'chess pawn' or 'dice-cup'. The dice-cup meaning is particularly interesting as it not only fits the shape of the rune, but also hints at such an object's original use as a container for the runes themselves. An alternate interpretation of perþ is derived from the Slavic 'pizda', meaning 'vulva'. This meaning (although obscure and somewhat unlikely) fits quite well into the progression of runes up until this point, symbolizing the rebirth that follows death. Viewing it as a symbol of the womb of the Goddess, it represents the same element of the mysterious and hidden as 'dice-cup', but taken literally as 'vulva', it adds a powerful, feminine counterpart to uruz that would otherwise be missing from the fuþark.

However you choose to interpret the literal meaning of perþ (and again, nobody really knows what that is), the basic symbolism is that of a vessel, nurturing and giving 'birth', keeping hidden and secret all those mysteries which can be uncovered only after the initiation of death. The rune is closely tied in with the idea of fate, that the road we travel, regardless of what we choose to do along the way, is pre determined from the moment of our birth. The very act of being born sets us along a course of cause and effect, action and reaction that we may choose to follow blindly, or try to divine through the runes or other means in order that we may better understand the lessons we will learn. Perþ is the beginning of this process, as well as the tool for accomplishing it.

DIVINATORY INTERPRETATION:
The cup of Perthro (perp) represents fertility, mystery, and all things hidden. The hand of fate, through Karma or divine predestination, is showing itself strongly in one's life. While fate is often complex and impossible to understand, this rune indicates a powerful order and purpose behind seemingly random events. Fate is both powerful and unknowable -- a force which we all must ultimately respect and give way to.

Intense forces of change that work behind the scenes are acting on the individual at this time. While these forces may be seen as positive or negative, the appearance of Perthro most commonly suggests positive forces -- unless of course it appears in a spread with a host of negative runes.

It should be noted that while we frequently view change as either "good" or "bad" -- Perthro reminds us that such black-and-white interpretation may represent an oversimplification of fate. The change referenced by Perthro carries with it an infinite amount of complexity and subtlety. To attempt to categorize change in simplistic terms of "positive" or "negative", is to attempt to understand fate itself: something no mortal can do. When analyzing the meaning of Perthro, one should take care to remember that fate exists at a level that we can never truly know until such time that it is upon us. What seems true may prove false, and vice versa. Only fate can tell.

Other possible literal meanings of Perthro in a reading are the act of drinking or games of chance.

Inverted Meaning :: There may be psychological issues present which the individual may need to explore further. This may not represent a readiness to explore hidden mysteries further, but a burning desire that is not accompanied by the wisdom of experience. Tread carefully, missteps are costly here.

Algiz protection
Phonetic equivalent: x, z
Color: Black (Purple)
“Fear has its place in every heart. Courage is only a response.”

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
Protection, assistance, defense, warning, support, a mentor, an ethical dilemma.

MAGICAL USES:
For protection, hunting.

ENERGY:
Protective teaching force, the divine plan.

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Heimdall, Gjallerhorn

ANALYSIS:
Heimdall is an interesting and mysterious figure in Norse mythology, and I associate him with the rune algiz because of his role as protector and guardian. He is the watcher at the gate who guards the boundaries between the worlds and who charges all those entering and leaving with caution. He is best known for his famous horn, but his sword is also important in the consideration of this rune. Snorri mentions that the poetic name for a sword is 'Heimdall's head', and the poetic name for a head is 'Heimdall's sword'. This is particularly significant if we consider that one form of his name was 'Heimdali', meaning 'ram'. Through the image of the ram, Heimdall's sword and his horn can be seen as two different sides of the same image. Both the sword and the ram's horns (or the elk's antlers) are symbols of power which may be used for either offense or defense, depending on the situation.

In terms of the journey, we have passed through death and rebirth, and must now face the Guardian before returning to our world. It is he who charges us to use our new-found power wisely. The person can no longer be simply concerned with their own personal development, but must now consider the effect that their actions may have on others. This is a crucial turning point, and the person will either choose to adopt a system of ethics or ignore the effect on others and only work to serve their own ends. Again, the sword is in their hands, but they must decide whether to use it for defense or offense.

DIVINATORY INTERPRETATION:
As the best defense is often a good offense, this rune symbolizes protection in all of its forms; both offense and defense, proactive and reactive. The appearance of this rune indicates the presence of a threat, and a need to guard against something. Algiz signals that this protection may be expected from an outside source in a conflict that is either forthcoming or is already ongoing.

Algiz also refers to spiritual defenses and the act of drawing upon inner strength to actively protect our emotional well-being and our immediate surroundings. Referenced here is our own internal system of checks and balances that makes up our conscience: The soul reaching to the realm of the divine as an act of spiritual and physical protection.

The more esoteric meanings of this complex rune aside, at its most basic level it symbolizes protection and helpful "brawn". A threat is indicated, but the individual will come to no harm.

Inverted Meaning :: When inverted this rune is called "Ihwar", meaning "yew tree" or "yew bow". The reversed position indicates that the situation may call for more of a defense than originally thought -- one's guard is down, the sword and horn are being held downwards rather than being held up to the sky. Attacks must be anticipated and defenses are down.

Sowilo sun
Phonetic equivalent: s
Color: Yellow
“The guide leads you to the doorway, then waits for your return.”

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
Success, positive energy, increase, power, activity, fertility, health.

MAGICAL USES:
Energy, strength, success, healing, fertility.

ENERGY:
Sun-wheel, cosmic energies, motivation, life-giving force, action.

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Sunna

ANALYSIS:
The sun is held sacred by almost every religion in the world. Its light and warmth symbolize life and growth and all that is good. Norse cosmology describes the sun being driven around the heavens in a chariot and chased by a great wolf, which will devour it at Ragnarok. Throughout Indo-European Paganism, the sun has frequently been associated with the horse, often described as being carted around the sky by a horse. Both are symbolic of life and fertility, and are usually considered 'masculine' in polarity, although in Norse myth the chariot is driven by a girl. The swastika or sun wheel is a constant motif in rock carvings dating back to Neolithic times, and occurs throughout Europe and Asia. The sun rune itself is a variation on this symbol, and represents motion and energy.

Sowulo marks the end of the second aett, and like wunjo represents success and glory. However, unlike the rest and relaxation of Valhalla, the sun is very much an active symbol. We have reached the end of the aett successfully, and the conclusion is a positive one, but in this case we are fully aware of the changing and transient nature of the universe. We can see the wolf at our heels, and we know that we must move on. Here, though, the journeyer may pause briefly in the warmth and light of the sun, absorbing and applying its energy to the work ahead. This time we won't need to be blasted out of our safe position, but will rather choose to leave it in order to continue on the journey.

DIVINATORY INTERPRETATION:
Success; a more permanent and lifelong success than the harvest time of Jera. Sowilo often refers to a dynamic, strong, steadfast, and charismatic personality. Energy, motivation, goodness, and all positive character attributes are referenced here. A very successful outcome is indicated, perhaps more successful than one had predicted. Sowilo is an extremely fortunate rune and is often considered the best possible rune in a reading.

Sowilo represents an endless source of energy and brilliance: a renewal of hope and achievement. If a project or endeavor is beginning to "drag on", Sowilo indicates a resurgence of positivity and progress.

Sowilo often references health issues and healing. The sun's rays offer vital healing energy, and the appearance of this rune often indicates a positive resolution to a health issue, or a time of successful recovery.

Other possible literal meanings of Sowilo in a reading are: a reference to Summer or bright lights.

Inverted Meaning :: Never with Sowilo.

Sources:
Rune Maker
Magin Rose
Runes
Rune Symbols