Rune Stone Meanings: The Complete Guide to Reading and Understanding Rune Stones

Rune Meanings: A Complete Guide to Reading and Understanding Rune Stones

The word rune comes from the Old Norse word run meaning secret or mystery. These ancient symbols were far more than simple letters. They were believed to hold the power of the universe itself. For thousands of years people have turned to these sacred markings for guidance, insight and connection to something greater than themselves.

If you have ever felt drawn to rune stones, if you have wondered what they mean or how to use them, this guide will take you through everything you need to know. From the mythology behind their discovery to the meaning of each individual symbol and how to perform your own readings, consider this your complete introduction to the world of runes.

The Origins and History of Runes

Runes are the letters of ancient Germanic alphabets used by Norse, Germanic and Anglo-Saxon peoples across Northern Europe, Scandinavia and Britain. The oldest form is called the Elder Futhark which dates back to around the 1st or 2nd century CE. The name Futhark comes from the first six runes in the sequence: Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raidho and Kenaz.

These symbols were carved into wood, bone, stone and metal. They have been discovered on weapons, jewellery, tools, amulets and standing stones across Europe and even as far as Turkey, Iran and India. The earliest known runic inscription was found near Tängelgårda in Sweden and dates to around 400 CE.

While runes stones were certainly used for everyday writing and communication, they were never considered ordinary. The Germanic peoples believed these symbols contained power. They were used in rituals, for protection, for invoking certain energies and for divination. When Christianity spread through Northern Europe and the Latin alphabet took hold, runic writing declined but the mystical associations never fully disappeared.

Today the Elder Futhark remains the most commonly used system for rune reading. It consists of 24 symbols divided into three groups of eight called aettir.

The Myth of Odin and the Discovery of the Runes

According to Norse mythology the runes were not invented by humans. They were discovered by Odin, the Allfather and chief of the Norse gods. Odin was known for his relentless pursuit of wisdom and was willing to sacrifice almost anything to gain knowledge. He had already given up one of his eyes in exchange for a drink from the Well of Mimir, a pool containing the wisdom of the ages.

But Odin wanted more. He watched the three Norns, the goddesses of fate who wove the destinies of all beings, as they carved mysterious symbols into the trunk of Yggdrasil, the great World Tree that connected the nine realms of existence. These symbols were the runes. They held the power to influence the very fabric of reality itself. Odin knew that to possess this knowledge he would have to prove himself worthy.

So Odin hung himself from a branch of Yggdrasil. He pierced his side with his own spear Gungnir as a blood sacrifice. He forbade any of the other gods from helping him, not even allowing them to bring him food or water. For nine days and nine nights he hung there, suspended between life and death, staring down into the depths of the Well of Urd where the Norns dwelled.

At the end of the ninth night, in that liminal space between worlds, the runes revealed themselves to him. He seized them with a scream of triumph and fell from the tree, reborn and transformed. He had died and been remade as something more powerful than before.

This myth tells us something important about the runes. They are not given lightly. They represent wisdom gained through sacrifice, transformation and the willingness to look into the unknown. When you work with runes you are participating in a tradition that goes back thousands of years to the very roots of Northern European spirituality.

Understanding the Three Aettir

The 24 Elder Futhark runes are organised into three families of eight called aettir (aett is the singular). Each aett is associated with a different Norse deity and represents a different aspect of existence. Understanding these groupings can help you see the deeper patterns within the runes.

The First Aett is ruled by Freya and Freyr, the twin deities of fertility, love, abundance and pleasure. This aett deals with the material world: creation, wealth, physical strength, protection, communication, knowledge and joy. The runes in this family are Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raidho, Kenaz, Gebo and Wunjo.

The Second Aett is ruled by Heimdall (sometimes called Hagal’s Aett after its first rune). This family represents the realm of change, challenge and transformation. It takes us through disruption, necessity, stillness, cycles, endurance, fate, protection and success. Think of this as the middle passage of life where we encounter obstacles and grow through them. The runes here are Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Perthro, Algiz and Sowilo.

The Third Aett is ruled by Tyr, the god of justice, honour and sacrifice. This final family deals with higher concepts: leadership, growth, partnership, the self, intuition, potential, breakthrough and ancestry. These are the runes of spiritual development and our place within the greater community. The runes in this aett are Tiwaz, Berkano, Ehwaz, Mannaz, Laguz, Ingwaz, Dagaz and Othala.

The Complete Meanings of All 24 Elder Futhark Runes

FIRST AETT: THE RUNES OF FREYA AND FREYR

Fehu

Pronounced: fay-hoo
Letter: F
Literal meaning: Cattle

In ancient times wealth was measured in livestock and Fehu represents material abundance, prosperity and financial security. This rune speaks of earned rewards, new beginnings in terms of resources, social success and the fulfilment of ambitions. Fehu is about movable wealth, the kind that flows and circulates rather than sits still.

When Fehu appears it often points to matters of money, possessions, career advancement or the resources you need to achieve your goals. It reminds you that abundance is meant to be shared and that hoarding leads to stagnation.

In its reversed or negative aspect Fehu can indicate financial loss, greed, poverty of spirit, obsession with material things or opportunities slipping away due to inaction.

Uruz

Pronounced: oo-rooz
Letter: U
Literal meaning: Aurochs (wild ox)

The aurochs was a massive wild ox that once roamed Europe, now extinct. It symbolised untamed power, raw strength and primal vitality. Uruz represents physical strength, stamina, courage, determination and the life force that drives us forward.

This rune speaks of robust energy, good health, perseverance through challenges and the wild untamed aspects of nature and ourselves. It can indicate a time when you need to draw on your inner reserves of strength or when circumstances require bold decisive action.

Reversed Uruz may suggest weakness, illness, lack of motivation, missed opportunities due to hesitation or a disconnection from your own power.

Thurisaz

Pronounced: thoor-ee-sahz
Letter: TH
Literal meaning: Thorn or Giant

Thurisaz has a dual nature. It represents both the dangerous giants of Norse mythology and the protective thorn. This is a rune of boundaries, defence, confrontation and reactive force. It is the barrier that keeps threats at bay and the weapon that strikes back when pushed.

When Thurisaz appears it often suggests a need for protection, a warning to be cautious, or a situation requiring you to stand your ground. It can indicate conflicts, obstacles or the need to make a difficult decision. There is power here but it must be wielded carefully.

In its shadow aspect Thurisaz can mean danger, vulnerability, betrayal, reckless aggression or feeling threatened by forces beyond your control.

Ansuz

Pronounced: ahn-sooz
Letter: A
Literal meaning: God (specifically Odin) or Mouth

Ansuz is the rune of communication, wisdom, divine inspiration and the spoken word. It is associated with Odin himself and represents the breath that carries speech, the messages we send and receive, and the sudden flash of insight that changes everything.

This rune points to matters of learning, teaching, writing, speaking, examinations, interviews and any situation where clear communication is essential. It can indicate receiving guidance or important information. Ansuz reminds us that words have power and should be used wisely.

Reversed Ansuz may indicate miscommunication, misunderstanding, deception, manipulation through words, or being unable to express yourself clearly.

Raidho

Pronounced: rye-though
Letter: R
Literal meaning: Journey or Riding

Raidho represents travel, movement, progress and the journey of life itself. In practical terms it can indicate physical travel or relocation. On a deeper level it speaks of forward momentum, making progress toward goals, and the importance of staying on your path.

This rune suggests rhythm, order and right action. It is about doing the correct thing at the correct time and trusting the process. When Raidho appears it often means a journey is coming or that you need to take the next step even if the destination is not yet clear.

In its reversed form Raidho can suggest delays, disruption, unexpected detours, travel problems, or feeling stuck and unable to move forward.

Kenaz

Pronounced: kay-nahz
Letter: K or C
Literal meaning: Torch

Kenaz is the torch that illuminates the darkness. It represents knowledge, creativity, inspiration, learning and the ability to see what was previously hidden. This is the fire of the forge that transforms raw materials into something useful and beautiful.

When this rune appears it often signals a time of creative inspiration, learning something new, gaining clarity on a situation, or having the passion to bring ideas into reality. Kenaz is associated with craftspeople, artists, and anyone who creates.

Reversed Kenaz can indicate darkness, ignorance, lack of creativity, false hope, secrets that remain hidden, or creative blocks.

Gebo

Pronounced: gay-boh
Letter: G
Literal meaning: Gift

Gebo is the rune of gifts, exchange, partnership and sacred reciprocity. It cannot be reversed because of its symmetrical shape. This rune represents the balance that must exist in all healthy relationships: giving and receiving in equal measure.

When Gebo appears it speaks of partnerships, contracts, agreements, generosity, hospitality and the bonds that tie people together. It can indicate a gift coming your way or a reminder to be generous with others. The exchange does not have to be material; it includes time, attention, love and support.

Because it cannot be reversed Gebo has no shadow meaning, though its presence can sometimes warn against one-sided relationships or giving too much without receiving.

Wunjo

Pronounced: woon-yo
Letter: W or V
Literal meaning: Joy

Wunjo is the rune of joy, happiness, harmony and emotional wellbeing. It represents the good feeling that comes from being aligned with your tribe, achieving your goals and being at peace with yourself and others.

This rune often appears when things are going well or are about to improve. It can indicate success, celebration, fellowship, good news and a period of contentment. Wunjo reminds us to appreciate the good times and to cultivate joy even in difficult circumstances.

Reversed Wunjo can suggest sorrow, alienation, disappointment, friction in relationships, or difficulty finding happiness despite outward success.

SECOND AETT: THE RUNES OF HEIMDALL

Hagalaz

Pronounced: hah-gah-lahz
Letter: H
Literal meaning: Hail

Hagalaz represents hail, the destructive ice that falls from the sky and damages crops. It is a rune of disruption, sudden change, crisis and forces beyond our control. But hail also melts and nourishes the soil, making future growth possible.

This rune often appears during times of upheaval, unexpected events or situations falling apart. It is not necessarily negative but rather points to the kind of destruction that precedes transformation. Old structures must sometimes be torn down before new ones can be built.

Hagalaz cannot traditionally be reversed but its challenging energy speaks for itself. It asks you to accept what cannot be changed and look for the seeds of new growth within the chaos.

Nauthiz

Pronounced: now-theez
Letter: N
Literal meaning: Need or Necessity

Nauthiz is the rune of need, constraint, hardship and the friction that comes from resistance. It represents the survival instinct, the motivation that arises from lack, and the willpower required to endure difficult times.

When this rune appears it often indicates a period of restriction, delays, frustration or having to do without something you want. But Nauthiz also teaches that necessity is the mother of invention. Limitations can force us to become resourceful, patient and strong.

Reversed Nauthiz can suggest self-imposed limitations, refusing to learn from hardship, wallowing in scarcity, or allowing need to become desperation.

Isa

Pronounced: ee-sah
Letter: I
Literal meaning: Ice

Isa is the rune of ice, stillness, pause and suspension. It represents a time when nothing is moving, when circumstances are frozen in place. This is not necessarily negative. Sometimes we need to stop, reflect and wait for the right moment.

When Isa appears it often suggests delays, standstills, things not progressing as hoped, or a need to cool down and pause before acting. It can indicate a situation that needs time to thaw or a reminder that patience is required.

Isa cannot be reversed but its energy can feel frustrating when you want things to move. It teaches the value of stillness and the danger of forcing action when the time is not right.

Jera

Pronounced: yair-ah
Letter: J or Y
Literal meaning: Year or Harvest

Jera is the rune of cycles, seasons, harvest and the rewards that come from patient effort over time. It represents the natural rhythm of cause and effect: what you plant you will eventually reap.

This is an encouraging rune that often appears when your efforts are about to pay off or when you need to trust that results will come in their own time. Jera reminds us that nothing happens overnight. Growth requires seasons. The harvest comes to those who plant, tend and wait.

Jera cannot be reversed. Its message is consistently about patience, cycles and the inevitable arrival of results.

Eihwaz

Pronounced: eye-wahz
Letter: EI
Literal meaning: Yew Tree

The yew is an ancient tree associated with death, rebirth, endurance and the passage between worlds. Eihwaz represents transformation, endurance, protection and the ability to navigate transitions.

This rune often appears during times of significant change, endings that lead to new beginnings, or situations requiring you to face something difficult in order to grow. The yew tree is both poisonous and long-lived, suggesting that what challenges us also makes us stronger.

Eihwaz cannot be reversed. Its presence always points toward transformation and the need to trust the process of death and rebirth in your life.

Perthro

Pronounced: perth-roh
Letter: P
Literal meaning: Dice Cup or Lot Cup

Perthro is one of the most mysterious runes. It represents fate, chance, mystery, the unknown and things that are hidden. The dice cup suggests gambling with destiny, taking risks and accepting that some things are beyond our control or knowledge.

When Perthro appears it often points to secrets being revealed, matters of luck or chance, situations with uncertain outcomes, or the need to embrace mystery. It is associated with divination itself and the hidden forces that shape our lives.

Reversed Perthro can indicate addiction, unhealthy risk-taking, disappointment with outcomes, secrets that should remain hidden, or trying to control what cannot be controlled.

Algiz

Pronounced: all-geez
Letter: Z
Literal meaning: Elk or Protection

Algiz is the rune of protection, sanctuary, defence and connection to higher powers. Its shape resembles both the antlers of an elk (a defensive weapon) and a person with arms raised in invocation.

This rune often appears when protection is needed or already present. It can indicate that you are being watched over, that your instincts are guiding you away from danger, or that you should take steps to protect yourself. Algiz reminds us that we are not alone and that there are forces willing to help if we ask.

Reversed Algiz can suggest vulnerability, lowered defences, hidden danger, ignoring your instincts, or a warning that you are not as protected as you think.

Sowilo

Pronounced: so-wee-loh
Letter: S
Literal meaning: Sun

Sowilo is the rune of the sun, success, victory, vitality and life force. It represents the power of the sun that banishes darkness, brings warmth and makes life possible. This is one of the most positive runes in the Elder Futhark.

When Sowilo appears it often indicates success, achievement, recognition, good energy, clarity and the triumph of light over darkness. It can suggest that you have the power and resources you need to succeed or that a positive outcome is assured.

Sowilo cannot be reversed. Its energy is consistently bright, warm and life-affirming. Even in difficult readings it offers hope and reminds you of your own inner light.

THIRD AETT: THE RUNES OF TYR

Tiwaz

Pronounced: tee-wahz
Letter: T
Literal meaning: The God Tyr

Tiwaz is associated with Tyr, the Norse god of law, justice, honour and self-sacrifice. Tyr famously sacrificed his hand to bind the wolf Fenrir, demonstrating that true honour sometimes requires personal loss for the greater good.

This rune represents justice, leadership, victory in righteous causes, honour, duty and the courage to do what is right. When Tiwaz appears it often points to legal matters, competitions, leadership responsibilities, or situations requiring you to stand up for your principles.

Reversed Tiwaz can indicate injustice, lack of motivation, dishonour, cowardice, blocked energy, or sacrificing your principles for convenience.

Berkano

Pronounced: bair-kah-noh
Letter: B
Literal meaning: Birch Tree

Berkano is associated with the birch tree, one of the first trees to grow after a forest fire. It represents new beginnings, growth, fertility, nurturing and the feminine principle.

When this rune appears it often signals birth (literal or metaphorical), new projects, family matters, creativity, fertility and the care required to help things grow. Berkano reminds us that growth requires patience, attention and the right conditions.

Reversed Berkano can suggest stunted growth, family problems, infertility, anxiety about new beginnings, or growth happening without purpose or direction.

Ehwaz

Pronounced: ay-wahz
Letter: E
Literal meaning: Horse

The horse was sacred to the Norse peoples and represented partnership, trust, loyalty and harmonious teamwork. Two beings working together can achieve far more than either could alone.

When Ehwaz appears it often points to partnerships, marriages, teamwork, cooperation, travel with others, or steady reliable progress through collaboration. It suggests that you should not try to do everything alone and that the right partner or ally can make all the difference.

Reversed Ehwaz can indicate disharmony, mistrust, restlessness, unreliable partners, or progress being blocked by relationship problems.

Mannaz

Pronounced: mahn-nahz
Letter: M
Literal meaning: Mankind or Human

Mannaz represents humanity, the self, community, social order and our place within the greater whole. It speaks to what makes us human: our capacity for thought, culture, cooperation and self-awareness.

When this rune appears it often points to matters involving other people, community affairs, self-knowledge, cooperation, or questions about identity and purpose. Mannaz reminds us that we are social creatures who find meaning through our connections with others.

Reversed Mannaz can indicate isolation, self-delusion, antisocial behaviour, disconnection from community, or lacking a sense of self.

Laguz

Pronounced: lah-gooz
Letter: L
Literal meaning: Water or Lake

Laguz represents water in all its forms: the ocean, lakes, rivers, rain and the unseen waters of the unconscious mind. Water is associated with emotion, intuition, dreams, the imagination and the flow of life.

When Laguz appears it often points to emotional matters, intuitive insights, dreams, the unconscious, going with the flow, or situations requiring you to trust your feelings rather than logic. Water cannot be grasped but must be followed.

Reversed Laguz can indicate emotional confusion, fear, blocked intuition, drowning in emotions, or refusing to acknowledge your feelings.

Ingwaz

Pronounced: ing-wahz
Letter: NG
Literal meaning: The God Ing (Freyr)

Ingwaz is associated with the Vanir god Ing (another name for Freyr) and represents fertility, potential, internal growth and the energy stored within a seed before it sprouts.

This rune often appears when something is gestating or developing internally even if there are no visible results yet. It suggests potential waiting to be released, projects that need time to develop, or a period of internal preparation before external action.

Ingwaz cannot be reversed. Its energy is consistently about patient internal development and trust in natural timing.

Dagaz

Pronounced: dah-gahz
Letter: D
Literal meaning: Day or Dawn

Dagaz represents the breakthrough moment when night turns to day. It symbolises awakening, clarity, transformation, hope and the turning point when everything changes.

When Dagaz appears it often signals a major breakthrough, sudden clarity, the end of a difficult period, awakening to new possibilities, or the moment when everything shifts. It is one of the most optimistic runes, suggesting that light is coming after darkness.

Dagaz cannot be reversed. Its energy consistently points toward positive transformation and the dawning of something new.

Othala

Pronounced: oh-thah-lah
Letter: O
Literal meaning: Ancestral Property or Homeland

Othala represents inheritance, ancestry, homeland, tradition and the accumulated wealth and wisdom passed down through generations. It is about roots, belonging and what you have received from those who came before.

When this rune appears it often points to family matters, inheritance, tradition, property, homeland, or questions about where you belong. Othala reminds us that we do not exist in isolation but are connected to our ancestors and to the land.

Reversed Othala can indicate homelessness (literal or spiritual), being cut off from roots, family conflict over inheritance, clinging too tightly to tradition, or refusing to create your own path.

The Blank Rune (Wyrd)

Some modern rune sets include a blank rune sometimes called Wyrd, Odin’s Rune or the Unknowable. This was not part of the historical Elder Futhark and was added in the 20th century by rune author Ralph Blum.

If your set includes this rune it is typically interpreted as fate, the unknowable, trust in destiny or a situation where the outcome cannot be determined. Some practitioners embrace it while others prefer to work only with the original 24 runes. The choice is yours.

How to Read Runes

Reading runes is sometimes called rune casting. There are many approaches and with practice you will develop your own style. Here are the basic methods to get you started.

Preparing for a Reading

Find a quiet comfortable space where you will not be disturbed. Many people like to lay out a cloth specifically for rune work. You can light a candle or incense if this helps you focus. Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself and clear your mind of distractions.

Hold your rune bag or touch your runes as you focus on your question or the situation you want insight into. Some practitioners invoke Odin, Freya or another deity. Others simply set an intention. There is no single correct approach.

The Single Rune Draw

The simplest way to begin is by drawing a single rune. This is excellent for daily guidance, quick insights or learning the runes one at a time.

Reach into your bag while focusing on your question. Draw out one rune without looking. Place it in front of you and turn it over.

Spend time with this rune. Consider its traditional meanings and how they might apply to your situation. Trust your intuition. Sometimes a rune will speak to you in ways that go beyond the textbook meanings.

Many people draw a single rune each morning to guide their day. Over time this practice will help you memorise all the runes and develop a personal relationship with each one.

The Three Rune Spread

This is the most popular spread for beginners and experienced readers alike. Draw three runes and place them in a line from left to right.

The first rune represents the past: influences, events or energies from the past that are affecting your current situation.

The second rune represents the present: the current situation, challenge or opportunity you are facing right now.

The third rune represents the future: the likely outcome if you continue on your current path, or guidance for what lies ahead.

Interpret each rune individually and then consider how they relate to each other. The story they tell together is often more illuminating than any single rune.

The Five Rune Spread

For more detailed readings draw five runes and place them in a cross shape.

Place the first rune in the centre. This represents the core of the situation or question.

Place the second rune to the left. This represents past influences.

Place the third rune above the centre. This represents what is helping you or what you should embrace.

Place the fourth rune below the centre. This represents what is hindering you or what you should avoid.

Place the fifth rune to the right. This represents the likely outcome.

The Nine Rune Cast

This is a more advanced and intuitive method. Draw nine runes from your bag and gently cast (scatter) them onto your cloth.

First note which runes land face up and which land face down. Face up runes are active and relevant now. Face down runes may represent hidden influences or future factors.

Note which runes land near the centre of the cloth and which land near the edges. Central runes are more immediately important. Edge runes are peripheral influences.

Note which runes land touching or near each other. These runes are connected and should be read together.

This method requires more intuition and practice but can provide rich complex readings.

Reversed Runes

When a rune lands upside down (reversed) some readers interpret this as a blocked, delayed or shadow version of the rune’s meaning. Others do not use reversals at all.

If you choose to read reversals, turn the rune over as you would turn a page in a book (flipping toward you rather than sideways) to determine its orientation.

Some runes cannot be reversed because they look the same either way. These include Gebo, Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Sowilo, Ingwaz and Dagaz.

Tips for Better Readings

Keep a rune journal. After each reading write down the runes you drew, your interpretation and later note what actually happened. Over time you will see patterns and develop your personal understanding.

Trust your intuition. The traditional meanings are a starting point but your own impressions matter. If a rune feels like it means something specific to you pay attention to that.

Be patient with yourself. Reading runes is a skill that develops over months and years. The more you practice the more fluent you will become.

Ask clear questions. Vague questions give vague answers. Instead of asking will I be happy try asking what should I focus on to improve my wellbeing.

Remember that runes show possibilities not certainties. They illuminate the path and offer guidance but you always retain free will.

Caring for Your Rune Stones

Your rune stones are tools for insight and should be treated with respect. Keep them in a dedicated bag or box when not in use. Some people cleanse their runes periodically by passing them through incense smoke, leaving them in moonlight, or placing them on a selenite plate.

If you are choosing your first set consider materials like stone, wood, bone or clay. Many people feel drawn to particular stones such as amethyst, obsidian, rose quartz or clear quartz. Trust your instincts about what calls to you.

Using Runes Beyond Divination

While rune casting is the most common modern practice runes have traditionally been used in other ways too.

Single runes can be carried as talismans for their energy. For example carrying Fehu might support abundance or carrying Algiz might provide protection.

Runes stones can be incorporated into meditation by focusing deeply on a single rune and contemplating its meanings and associations.

Bind runes combine multiple runes into a single symbol for a specific purpose. Creating and using bind runes is a more advanced practice.

Some people inscribe runes on candles, carve them into wood, or paint them on stones as part of ritual work.

Final Thoughts

The runes are a living tradition that has endured for nearly two thousand years. They connect us to the ancient peoples of Northern Europe, to the mythology of Odin and the Norse gods, and to the natural world that our ancestors lived so closely with.

Learning the runes is a journey not a destination. The more you work with them the deeper your understanding will become. They are patient teachers for those willing to listen.

Whether you are seeking guidance on a specific question, looking for a daily practice to centre yourself, or simply curious about these ancient symbols, the runes have wisdom to offer. All you need to do is reach into the bag, draw a stone and see what secrets reveal themselves.