Quick Answer
The 24 signs of the Elder Futhark are not merely an alphabet; they are a cosmological map of the Norse universe. Divided into three families called "Aetts," the runes trace the journey of the soul from creation (Freya's Aett), through the trials of life (Heimdall's Aett), to spiritual transcendence (Tyr's Aett). Each Rune Sign—from the wealth of Fehu to the breakthrough of Dagaz—carries a phonetic sound, a mundane meaning (like "Hail" or "Horse"), and a deep esoteric significance linked to the gods and the forces of nature.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Creation to Completion: The order is not random; it tells a story of evolution.
- Gods and Giants: Each rune is linked to a deity (e.g., Thurisaz = Thor/Giants).
- Elements: The runes encompass Fire (Fehu), Ice (Isa), Water (Laguz), and Air (Ansuz).
- Dual Nature: Every rune has a light side and a shadow (Merkstave) side.
- Legacy: These symbols were carved into rocks across Europe 1,500 years ago, connecting us to the ancestors.
To the Vikings, the Rune Signs were not just letters used to scratch "Olaf was here" onto a wall (though they did that, too). They were the building blocks of reality. Odin, the All-Father, did not invent the runes; he discovered them. They existed before the gods, embedded in the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree.
Studying the 24 symbols of the Elder Futhark is a study in Northern mysticism. It requires us to step into a worldview where ice and fire are the parents of all life, where fate is woven by three giantesses (the Norns), and where words have the power to bind and loose. This guide breaks down the three families (Aetts) that categorize these powerful sigils.
The Structure of the Futhark
The alphabet is named "Futhark" after the sounds of the first six runes (F-U-Th-A-R-K).
It is divided into three rows or "Aetts" of 8 runes.
Aett 1: Nurture, Creation, Physical Life. (Freya/Frey).
Aett 2: Constraint, Fate, Trial. (Heimdall/Hagal).
Aett 3: Spirit, Law, Transformation. (Tyr).
Freya's Aett: The Creation of the World
This row deals with the basic forces needed for survival.
- Fehu (Cattle): Mobile wealth, energy, new beginnings. The primal fire.
- Uruz (Aurochs): Strength, health, endurance. The primal earth/form.
- Thurisaz (Thorn/Giant): Reactive force, defense, breaking down barriers. Thor's hammer.
- Ansuz (God/Mouth): Breath, communication, divine inspiration. Odin's breath.
- Raido (Ride/Wagon): Rhythm, travel, right action, inner compass.
- Kenaz (Torch): Controlled fire, knowledge, craftsmanship, clarity.
- Gebo (Gift): Exchange, partnership, balance, generosity.
- Wunjo (Joy): Harmony, perfection, belonging, completion.
Heimdall's Aett: The Trials of Existence
This row disrupts the perfection of the first Aett. It introduces the harsh realities of the physical world.
- Hagalaz (Hail): Disruption, crisis, radical change beyond control. The seed of transformation.
- Nauthiz (Need): Restriction, friction, resistance, the shadow. Necessity is the mother of invention.
- Isa (Ice): Stillness, blocks, ego, concentration. The cooling force.
- Jera (Year/Harvest): Cycles, patience, gradual growth, reaping what you sow.
- Eihwaz (Yew Tree): Death and rebirth, initiation, the spine, endurance.
- Perthro (Lot Cup/Chance): Mystery, the unknown, gambling, fate (Wyrd).
- Algiz (Elk/Sedge): Protection, connection to the divine, higher self.
- Sowilo (Sun): Success, victory, wholeness, cleansing fire.
Tyr's Aett: The Spiritual Synthesis
This row deals with the human response to the world—law, society, and the soul.
- Tiwaz (Tyr/God): Justice, sacrifice, order, the spiritual warrior.
- Berkana (Birch): Birth, fertility, healing, growth, the Great Mother.
- Ehwaz (Horse): Trust, partnership (between horse and rider), movement, astral travel.
- Mannaz (Man/Human): The self, community, social order, intelligence.
- Laguz (Water): Flow, intuition, emotions, the subconscious deep.
- Inguz (Ing/God): Gestation, potential, male fertility, the seed.
- Othala (Heritage): Ancestors, home, property, legacy.
- Dagaz (Day): Awakening, breakthrough, non-duality, the dawn.
Runes in History: Stones and Staves
Runes were not written on paper; they were carved. This influenced their angular shape (no curves, which are hard to carve in wood grain).
Rune Stones: Memorials to the dead, often declaring deeds ("Bjorn raised this stone for his father").
Talismans: Objects inscribed with "ALU" (a magic formula) or repeating runes for protection.
Practicality: They were used for labeling combs, sending messages on wood chips, and calendaring.
Practice: Chanting the Runes (Galdr)
Each rune has a "song." Vibrating the name activates its energy in your body.
Try This Exercise
- Choose Fehu (Wealth/Energy).
- Sit comfortably. Inhale.
- On the exhale, chant: "Fay-Whoooooo."
- Feel the vibration in your lips and chest.
- Visualize red/gold fire sparking around you.
- Repeat 3-9 times. Notice if you feel more energized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there different Futharks?
Languages evolve. The Elder Futhark (24 runes) is the oldest. The Younger Futhark (16 runes) was used by the actual Vikings. The Anglo-Saxon Futhorc (33 runes) added more. Most modern magic uses the Elder.
What does "Merkstave" mean?
It means a rune is reversed (upside down). It can imply a blockage, an internal issue, or the "shadow" side of the rune's meaning (e.g., Fehu Reversed = Greed or Loss).
Is it safe to use them?
Yes, but they are potent. They are not "fluffy" energy. They are earthy and direct. Treat them with the respect you would give a sharp knife.
Can I mix them with crystals?
Absolutely. Runes and crystals work well together. You can draw runes on stones, or place stones on a rune reading cloth to amplify the reading.
Read the Signs
Own a piece of history. Our Obsidian Rune Sets are hand-engraved with gold leaf, perfect for scrying into the dark and finding the light.
Shop Rune SetsYour Journey Continues
The 24 runes are a mirror of the cosmos. They contain the seed of every possible human experience—joy, loss, birth, death, and rebirth. By learning their signs, you are learning to read the code of the universe. May they guide you well on your journey through Midgard.