Free Guide to Runes

How to read and understand runes.

The word "rune" means "whisper" or "secret", runes are thought by some to be a way of interacting with both the spirit and the living world. The runes should be drawn from either a box or leather pouch where they should normally be kept. After drawing the stones you should read it depending upon whether the rune is reversed or not as it will have a bearing upon its meaning and the reading.

Eihwaz - Yew, The world's tree, life and death

Description: Eihwaz represents the Yew tree and its everlasting nature. The Yew may bend, but it does not break. You are on the right course and have the strength and ability to meet your goals. Congratulations!
Reversed Description:
This may be a time of confusion for you. That which you have built may be in jeopardy of crumbling. Do not allow yourself to give in to your weaknesses.
Keywords: Communication, death, regeneration, knowledge, dreaming, magic
Astrological Correspondence: Scorpio
Tarot Correspondence: The Hanged Man
Gods/Goddesses: Odin
Color: Dark Blue
Tree: Yew
Herb: Mandrake
Stones: Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, Blue Topaz
Element: All Elements
Animals: Eagle, spider, horse, wolf, raven, serpent, dragon, jaguar, dolphin, eel, salmon, butterfly, dragonfly, lizard, kingfisher, hound, moth
Magic:
Perception of the cosmic
Release from fear of death
Expands your artistic and magical abilities
Increased foresight
Communicates with your ancestors

Elhaz - Sheltering, Force or Protection

Description: Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.
Reversed Description:
Watch for hidden traps. Look for holes in your defenses and fill them.
Keywords: Spirit, protection, sanctuary, refuge, power, divinity
Astrological Correspondence: Cancer
Tarot Correspondence: The Moon
Gods/Goddesses: Heimdall, Valkyries.
Color: Rainbow
Tree: Yew
Herb: Angelica
Stones: Rainbow Tourmaline, Fluorite, Agate, Jasper, Diamond
Element: Air
Animals: Elk, reindeer, swan, goose, stag (hart), ram, wolf, raven, horse, cat, bat, owl, crab, lobster, wasp, goat, boar, crane, blackbird, hound, bear, porcupine, wolverine, cock, cougar, starfish, eagle, hawk, magpie, mongoose
Magic:
Protects from harm
Movement toward the completion of your patterns
Understands celestial correlation
Increases healing powers

Fehu - Cattle, which meant mobile wealth and power

Description: Fehu is the Rune of prosperity, good luck and unbridled creative energies. Being associated with Frey, this Rune is also a powerful omen of fertility. Fehu is one of the three Mother Stones and should never be taken lightly.
Reversed Description:
Fehu reversed represents material stagnation, possibly poverty as well as infertility.
Keywords: Wealth, Mobility, Fulfillment
Astrological Correspondence: Aries
Tarot Correspondence: The Tower
Gods/Goddesses: Aesir
Color: Light Red
Tree: Eider
Herb: Nettle
Stones: Carnelian, Green Tourmaline, Amber
Element: Fire
Animals: Falcon, boar, cat, bear, cow, tiger, horse, sow, ant, deer, hare, bee, bull, hedgehog, ewe, snake, sparrow, mouse, goat, ram, lion, monkey.
Magic:
Intuitive abilities are strengthened
Creates channel for projecting, sending, and transferring runic energy
Draws the energies of the sun, moon, and stars
Increases monetary wealth
Increases your wealth of knowledge
Increases the richness of your plans and life goals

Gebo - The results of interaction between humans and the divine

Description: Gebo represents the coming of gifts and favors. While each are usually positive events, they often carry obligations with them. Gebo often represents strong bonds such as deep friendships and marriage.
Reversed Description:
indicative of harm to friendship or marriage., separations and self centred behavior. Not a good time.
Keywords: Connection, gift, exchange, interaction, balance
Astrological Correspondence: Pisces
Tarot Correspondence: Lovers
Gods/Goddesses: Odin, Gefn
Color: Deep Blue
Tree: Ash
Herb: Heartsease
Stones: Sapphire, aquamarine, lapis lazuli, rose quartz
Element: Air
Animals: Raven, wolf, hound, eagle, bear, cat, falcon, lobster, oyster, chimpanzee, firefly, eel, bull, cock, iguana, stag
Magic:
Magical commencement
Love magic
Increased relationship harmony
Reconciliation of polarities
Evaluation of divine wisdom

Hagalaz - The egg of life

Description: Hagalaz is the hail Rune. It denotes chaos, destruction and disruption on a primal level. You may experience delays in moving toward your goals.
Reversed Description:
uncontrollable events leading to delays for you. Hard time for you just now.
Keywords: Transformation, change, evolution, harmony, protection
Astrological Correspondence: Aquarius
Tarot Correspondence: The World
Gods/Goddesses: Ymir, Urd, Gullveig, Hella
Color: Gray, White
Tree: Yew/Ash
Herb: Lily of the valley
Stones: Clear Quartz, Diamond, Moonstone, Opal, Geode
Element: Water
Animals: Serpent, dragon, falcon, eagle, hawk, owl, vulture, whale, dolphin, wolf, spider, bat, blackbird, chameleon dragonfly, praying mantis
Magic:
Combines runic energies
Aids in personal transformation
Guards against harm
Shapeshifting
Heals physically, mentally, and spiritually