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The Magic of Runes

Writer's picture: The Gipsy WitchesThe Gipsy Witches

A Nordic Witch's Guide to Magic and Bind Runes


Runes are not just symbols—they are ancient whispers from the gods, woven into the tapestry of fate and magic. Rooted in the old ways of the Norse and Germanic peoples, these sacred sigils have been used for writing, divination, and spellcraft for centuries. Let us embark on a journey through the mysteries of the Elder Futhark, unravel their meanings, and explore the powerful art of binding runes.



The Ancient Lore of Runes


The runes of the Elder Futhark date back to the mists of time, roughly 150–200 CE, their origins shrouded in legend. It is said that Odin, the Allfather, hung from Yggdrasil, the great World Tree, for nine days and nights, sacrificing himself to himself in order to gain the wisdom of the runes. Bestowed upon humankind as a gift from the gods, these sigils hold great power and are still used by those who walk the Old Path.


Each rune carries its own vibrational energy, a key to unlocking mysteries, guiding fate, and channeling divine forces. They were carved into wood, stone, and bone, imbued with intent and reverence. Over time, variations of the runic alphabet emerged, such as the Younger Futhark and the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, but the Elder Futhark remains the most revered among modern practitioners.



The 24 Runes of the Elder Futhark



First Aett (Freyr’s Aett)


  1. Fehu (ᚠ) – Pronounced: FAY-hoo

    • Meaning: Wealth, prosperity, abundance, and new beginnings.

  2. Uruz (ᚢ) – Pronounced: OO-rooz

    • Meaning: Strength, endurance, raw power, and vitality.

  3. Thurisaz (ᚦ) – Pronounced: THOO-ree-saz

    • Meaning: Protection, challenges, destruction, and regeneration.

  4. Ansuz (ᚨ) – Pronounced: AHN-sooz

    • Meaning: Wisdom, communication, divine messages.

  5. Raidho (ᚱ) – Pronounced: RAY-thoh

    • Meaning: Travel, journey, cycles, and movement.

  6. Kenaz (ᚲ) – Pronounced: KEH-nahz

    • Meaning: Knowledge, creativity, and illumination.

  7. Gebo (ᚷ) – Pronounced: GHEH-bo

    • Meaning: Gift, generosity, balance, and partnership.

  8. Wunjo (ᚹ) – Pronounced: WOON-yoh

    • Meaning: Joy, harmony, and fulfillment.


Second Aett (Heimdall’s Aett)

  1. Hagalaz (ᚺ) – Pronounced: HAH-gah-lahz

    • Meaning: Disruption, transformation, and chaos.

  2. Nauthiz (ᚾ) – Pronounced: NOW-thiz

    • Meaning: Struggle, resistance, and overcoming hardship.

  3. Isa (ᛁ) – Pronounced: EE-sah

    • Meaning: Stillness, introspection, and delays.

  4. Jera (ᛃ) – Pronounced: YEH-rah

    • Meaning: Harvest, cycles, and rewards for effort.

  5. Eihwaz (ᛇ) – Pronounced: AY-wahz

    • Meaning: Endurance, transformation, and protection.

  6. Perthro (ᛈ) – Pronounced: PER-throh

    • Meaning: Mystery, fate, and intuition.

  7. Algiz (ᛉ) – Pronounced: AHL-geez

    • Meaning: Protection, higher self, and divine connection.

  8. Sowilo (ᛊ) – Pronounced: SOH-wee-loh

    • Meaning: Success, vitality, and guidance.


Third Aett (Tyr’s Aett)

  1. Tiwaz (ᛏ) – Pronounced: TEE-wahz

    • Meaning: Honor, courage, and leadership.

  2. Berkano (ᛒ) – Pronounced: BEHR-kah-noh

    • Meaning: Growth, fertility, and renewal.

  3. Ehwaz (ᛖ) – Pronounced: AY-wahz

    • Meaning: Partnership, trust, and progress.

  4. Mannaz (ᛗ) – Pronounced: MAH-nahz

    • Meaning: Humanity, community, and self-reflection.

  5. Laguz (ᛚ) – Pronounced: LAH-gooz

    • Meaning: Water, intuition, and flow.

  6. Ingwaz (ᛜ) – Pronounced: EENG-wahz

    • Meaning: Fertility, potential, and inner growth.

  7. Dagaz (ᛞ) – Pronounced: DAH-gahz

    • Meaning: Breakthrough, transformation, and awakening.

  8. Othala (ᛟ) – Pronounced: OH-thah-lah

    • Meaning: Heritage, home, and legacy.



The Witch’s Craft: Bind Runes and Everyday Use


Bind runes weave the threads of fate together, uniting multiple sigils into a singular force of magic. Carve them into wood, burn them into talismans, or draw them in sacred ink. The runes do not lie—they channel the will of the gods and the strength of your own spirit.



Using Runes in Your Home

  • Protection: Carve Algiz above your doorways to ward off negativity.

  • Prosperity: Place Fehu on your wallet or near your financial documents.

  • Harmony: Gebo can be drawn in shared spaces to enhance relationships and balance.

  • Spiritual Connection: Sowilo on your altar can help channel divine energy and success.


Runes in Divination

Runes are a powerful tool for divination, much like tarot. You can:

  • Draw a Single Rune: For daily guidance.

  • Cast Runes: Scatter them onto a cloth and interpret their positions.

  • Three-Rune Spread: Past, present, and future insights.

  • Nine-Rune Spread: A deeper dive into multiple aspects of your life.


How to Create Bind Runes

  1. Define Your Intention: Be clear about your goal (e.g., protection, love, success).

  2. Choose Runes: Select runes that align with your purpose.

  3. Combine Runes: Arrange the chosen runes into a harmonious design, weaving their lines together.

  4. Activate the Bind Rune: Empower it through visualization, chanting, or connecting it to the elements (e.g., fire, water, air, earth).



Examples of Bind Runes


1. Protection

  • Runes: Algiz (ᛉ), Thurisaz (ᚦ), Eihwaz (ᛇ)

  • Purpose: Shield against harm and negativity.


2. Prosperity

  • Runes: Fehu (ᚠ), Jera (ᛃ), Sowilo (ᛊ)

  • Purpose: Attract wealth and success.


3. Love

  • Runes: Gebo (ᚷ), Wunjo (ᚹ), Laguz (ᛚ)

  • Purpose: Strengthen relationships and foster harmony.


4. Strength

  • Runes: Tiwaz (ᛏ), Uruz (ᚢ), Eihwaz (ᛇ)

  • Purpose: Enhance courage and resilience.


5. Healing

  • Runes: Berkano (ᛒ), Laguz (ᛚ), Ehwaz (ᛖ)

  • Purpose: Foster emotional and spiritual renewal.


Runes are a bridge to ancient wisdom and a tool for modern magic. Whether used for divination, meditation, or spellwork, they offer endless possibilities for self-discovery and empowerment.

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