Tiwaz, Berkano, Ehwaz, Mannaz, Laguz, Inguz, Othila, Dagaz
Seventeen
The sound of “t” as in “ten”
Tiwaz is the rune of Tyr, the god of war, giver of victory and protector from harm. Wolfsbane, or “Tyr's helm,” was used on arrow-heads as a poison and was reputed to be a principal ingredient of witches' flying ointments. Tiwaz is also identified with the “spear rune” that an aging warrior supposedly cut into his own flesh so that he might enter Valhalla. It is commonly found on English cremation urns. Its meaning is primarily that of justice, as Tyr was the god that presided over the general assembly. Associated with the pole star, it represents guiding principles that are steadfast and that can be relied on when a traveler wishes to judge his position. In divination, it often refers to judgment, matters of law, decisions, or guidance. As Tyr's attribute is the sword, he represents unselfish courage and the warrior's energy. His clarity and wisdom can cut through the deepest darkness. Tiwaz brings the courage to enter dark realms, without knowing where or when or if you will come out into the light again. It gives an inner balance and it symbolizes potency.
Tiwaz is a rune of victory and success in any competition. It shows that you are ready to fight for what you believe in, and it promises success in battle. It denotes strong motivation and great strength and willpower. Tiwaz suggests the winning of disputes and the maintenance of law and order, therefore, it is a rune of stability, organization, and order. It indicates where your duties lie and it denotes self-sacrifice and responsibility. Dedication, bravery, objectivity, and authority are symbolized by this rune.
Tiwaz relates to binding oaths, and thus to commitment; while this is often taken to mean committing yourself to a cause or a fight, it can also relate to marriage vows (although nowadays, of course, this can mean a commitment that doesn't actually include vows taken in a church or county office). Tiwaz is an extremely masculine rune, so this suggests a marriage where the husband has the kind of strong and determined nature that makes the marriage hot and exciting. On the one hand, the sexual passions between the partners might run high, but with such a domineering man in charge, the woman will need to sacrifice some part of her own independence or identity. Battles might rage where two strong-minded people fight for supremacy, and jealousy and rage may never be far removed from the heat of sexual passion. Nevertheless, this is the kind of marriage that can stand the test of time and end up with two good friends entering old age together. In some castings, this can indicate a new romance, but if the reading is for a woman, she must weigh whether she wants to spend her life loving an exciting and difficult partner even before she gets into the situation.
In its negative form, Tiwaz may represent cowardice, weakness, and lack of initiative. It suggests defeatism, or perhaps conflict where there should be harmony. It may indicate a rigid nature of the kind that doesn't listen to others or to sense. It indicates failure in any context or competition that may be due to giving up too easily when difficulties occur, or as a result of acting in haste. If there is a question of romance, the man in the picture may not be honest, and he may also be selfish and irresponsible. Matters of trust and confidence are main issues but on some occasions this rune can refer to a relationship composed of short-lived lust.
In magic, Tiwaz is used to give strength, protection, and victory. As an amulet it can be worn for protection.
Eighteen
The sound of “b”
Berkano means “birch tree.” This tree was regarded as sacred and it was associated with the fertility rites of springtime. Berkano is a feminine rune and is related to the earth goddess, so it represents manifestation and rebirth. In northern Europe, it is representative of physical beauty and attraction. It is strongly associated with Frigga in her maternal, caring aspect and thus represents all types of attractive female qualities. It also symbolizes nourishment, healing powers, and natural forces. Berkano is the rune of the earth, which receives the sacrifice or seed and then holds it within, guarding and nourishing it until the time has come for it to sprout and return again to the outside world.
Berkano represents birth or rebirth and it is also often referred to as the “birth rune.” The birth in question might literally be the birth of a child, but it can also refer to the birth of an idea. Berkano is considered to be especially powerful in women's matters. It is concerned with the power of woman, with birth, and with regeneration. It can be thought of as the family rune, so it may refer to a happy family event. Being associated with motherhood, it can relate to one's own mother, but it is especially connected to the ideas of fertility and the care and nurture of infants and children.
Berkano represents new ideas, fresh starts, and a new projects—sometimes even a new romance—but whatever the new situation might be, it will be something that brings happiness.
Berkano symbolizes new growth, tenderness, and compassion. The new idea or project will need careful tending if it is to grow and develop, because if it is not properly attended to, it will, like a neglected child, die off. This rune is strongly connected with the family and home. It is also a rune of cooperation and perhaps a nicer and more peaceful atmosphere within a family. Berkano represents increased understanding and emotional stability. It hints at hidden transformation, awareness, and growth that may be attained after asking for spiritual help and guidance.
In its negative form, Berkano may represent infertility, and it can also indicate sickness for yourself or for someone around you who is sick and who needs to be cared for. It often indicates an unfortunate domestic situation that is fraught with arguments, and in the worst cases it can indicate too much sacrifice or martyrdom. Sometimes secrecy within a marriage or elsewhere, along with carelessness or loss of control, are among the negative aspects of Berkano. If you are deeply unhappy, this rune suggests that you ought to examine your own character in order to understand what is interfering with your own growth, or to discover what you are doing to draw such matters toward you. You may be putting your own desires above those of others, or you may be putting up with unreasonable behavior. Although a negative Berkano can indicate success, it is possible that this success won't be long lasting. In matters of business, the ventures that are involved will have trouble getting started or they may fall through. Business plans may need to be put aside until a later date.
In magic, Berkano is used to heighten fertility and help with women's problems. As an amulet it can be worn when wishing to make a fresh start.
Nineteen
The sound of “e” as in “egg”
Ehwaz is associated with the twin gods or heroes, and also the divine twins or two horses. Ehwaz represents the harmonious relationship between two forces. It is closely connected to the “fetch,” which is the horse that carries you on your journey between the two worlds, and with the eight-legged Sleipnir, the horse of Odin. Ehwaz facilitates the soul's travels or the shaman's journey, and it represents a journey in consciousness that is protected and guided. Horses have been regarded as sacred since the earliest times, and they were believed to be privy to the counsels of the gods. The horse was frequently regarded as sacred to Freyr.
Ehwaz is also a symbol of fertility.
Ehwaz's association with rapid progress and physical movement makes it representative of all forms of communication and travel; perhaps this includes your communications equipment, your vehicle, or your modes of transport. It can even be associated with hallucinogenics, which are used as a means of travelling between the two worlds. However, it is also associated with the natural changes that occur during life. Because it is attached to the ideas of movement and change, Ehwaz may indicate a change of occupation or a new address, although it often indicates a journey. You will soon be able to tackle problems in the right manner, which will bring a quick improvement and a new outlook on life. As long as your intentions are serious, your projects should flow smoothly from beginning to end and have a successful outcome.
Ehwaz symbolizes instinct, progress, trust, loyalty, and faith and it may indicate a partnership or marriage. It certainly signifies true friendship and fidelity.
In its negative form, Ehwaz shows that not all possibilities are open to you and you may be better off avoiding action or looking for new opportunities. On one hand, a lack of real direction may be a problem, while on the other hand hasty actions and reckless behavior will cause accidents. If you need medicines or medicinal drugs at this time, be especially careful that you do not overdose or use something that causes an adverse reaction. You may feel confined and restless and in need of a change, but it is best not to make decisions too quickly since it is too easy to waste time by taking the wrong direction. Problems may arise in connection with travel and transport, or it may be your ambitions that are being frustrated. Perhaps your loved ones are not in tune with your wishes and this may cause setbacks and frustrations. There may be health worries in connection with domestic animals or family pets.
In magic, Ehwaz is used to build power and bring people together or break them apart. As an amulet it may be worn to aid in communication.
Twenty
The sound of “m”
Mannaz means “man,” either as an individual or as part of humankind, and in this sense it naturally also includes women. Mannaz is thought to offer powers for defense and protection. It is a rune of human existence and of the natural events of life and death, which makes it the rune of mortality. It also represents interdependence and support in addition to duty and responsibility. When cast, it may indicate the activities or situation concerning an individual or a group, or it can represent connections to others. It is a rune of assistance that suggests a need for help or a willingness to give aid to others. This rune represents our basic human qualities and our shared experience. It stands for the social order that supports the community and allows us to live in peace and to reach out and fulfill our potential. The qualities it emphasizes most strongly are those of being part of society, cooperation and support along with happiness. Mannaz is associated with Heimdal, the god who was raised by humans, and it is considered to be a rune of the mind rather than the emotions.
Mannaz contains two somewhat connected ideas: the first is your own status within your community or within your circle and the way that others perceive you; and the second is where you can go to look for help from others. As regards the first of these concepts, you need to assess your attitude toward others and also theirs toward you, and also to reflect on your own behavior before criticizing that of others. Thus, Mannaz suggests a time for personal reflection, and it is a rune of the rational mind, intelligence, structure, reason, and consciousness.
The second Mannaz concept represents a group effort or some form of pulling together, and it shows where you can expect to receive help or cooperation from others. The help you receive may be practical but it could equally come in the form of good advice. Mannaz can signify a good time for implementing plans and it speaks of constructive activity. It may show a new acquaintance who will enlarge your outlook and contacts. You must consider motives and behavior of others and consider the likely drawbacks of putting yourself under too much of an obligation to them. Nothing happens quickly when Mannaz turns up in a casting, so thought, consideration, and analysis of the facts will be needed before taking action. After you have taken time for this contemplation, you may have to wait for the group to shape up and pull the project together.
In its negative form, Mannaz can indicate that a problem has been blown up out of proportion, and it can also suggest that you are on the verge of giving up. At this point in time, you may need advice, but you will definitely need to maintain a positive attitude. The help you hoped for might not be forthcoming. You could be feeling isolated and lonely. In some cases, this may actually be a self-inflicted situation that has arisen out of a need to retreat from the world and to reflect on your life. Your self-esteem will be low, and you may lack the ability to communicate clearly with others. In some cases, there may be an enemy or an untrustworthy person around you. In yet other cases, Mannaz in its negative form can tell of a domineering father or of male homosexuality.
In magic, Mannaz is used to help social relationships and represent a particular person or group of people. As an amulet it can be worn to assist with reflection.
Twenty-one
The sound of “l”
Laguz means “water.” The Norse used the sea and rivers to move across continents and also for fishing, and so the sea and other bodies of water were considered a path to wealth and fertility. In addition, water was considered to be an expression of the unconscious and of the undiscovered mysteries of life and death. Like the water in a well, Laguz can bubble up from secret depths, but a lake can also reflect the view from above and therefore keep what is hidden under it a secret. Water seeks its own level and it takes the path of least resistance. Water is associated with death and the final journey. It holds all secrets and it represents the unknown. Laguz is associated with the Vanir god Njord, a wealthy deity who was associated with the sea. Seagulls and seals were sacred to him as were fjords, safe harbors, and inlets, and his personal emblem is the seashell.
Laguz symbolizes your emotions and intuition, your tears, and also your subconscious. It represents nudity, sensitivity, receptiveness, and vulnerability. It represents your ability to float along in the river of life and to adapt to circumstances with sensitivity. You will need to go with the flow or be washed away. Although you cannot live without water for long, you cannot live for long in it. Instinct and the depths of emotion are shown by Laguz. It shows your ability to empathize and to adapt to a situation. Your secret fears are revealed and encompassed in this rune. It advises you to use your intuition, to be aware of and alert to your feelings, and to find ways of fulfilling your emotional needs. Flexibility and adaptability are necessary. It suggests that sometimes you need to simply experience life without evaluating or understanding it.
In practical terms, Laguz can refer to the pleasurable aspects of life, to good fortune and success in trading, especially international trade or goods that are carried over water. It may mean that you have to wait for another party to make their moves before you can proceed with business, but it does indicate that success will come along. When this happens, you need to get moving and make the best of the opportunities that are on offer. Laguz can also denote good relationships and happy marriage and a safe emotional haven. Even when a relationship is going through a difficult patch, Laguz shows that it is basically a good one. Alternatively, if a relationship has ended, if you are lonely or sad, Laguz suggests that someone nicer will soon come along.
In its negative form, Laguz tells of the failure to draw on your instincts. You may be ignoring your inner voice, which warns against wrong actions or taking on things that are beyond your capabilities. Your fears may cause your emotions to be inhibited. You may suffer from depression or moods related to a desire to have something or someone who is not available to you, so a more flexible attitude will be needed. There is no point in cursing your fate or in drowning your sorrows in alcohol. This may be a time of confusion in your life during which you make wrong decisions and misjudge situations. There is a temptation to take the easy way out or to do something that is clearly wrong. There may be a woman in your life who will bring trouble.
In magic, Laguz is used to stabilize the emotions and intellect and to help in confronting fears. As an amulet it can be worn to give strength and enhance your psychic abilities.
Twenty-two
The sound of “ng” as in “thing”
Ing is the horse-god of fertility. Other symbols for this sign are the boar, the cuckoo, the apple and laurel trees. Ing is considered to be a doorway to the astral plane. In Germanic languages, “ing” can mean son of, as in “atheling” or son of the king, and it even turns up in science fiction books as earthling, meaning someone from earth as opposed to some other part of the galaxy. There is a possibility that Ing was an actual human who belonged to the nation known as the eastern Danes. Ing is certainly associated with Denmark, and by extension with Britain after much of it was taken over and run by the Danes and unified under King Canute (King Knut).
The Norse god of fertility, Freya, is associated with Inguz. It can be a rune of horses, although Freya preferred to ride a wild boar named Gullinbursti (“golden bristles”), and the bristles on the animal's back were said to symbolize golden wheat.
Inguz is associated with the start of a new season or phase, the beginning of a new project, and of fertility and growth. It indicates health and well-being and also a fertile mind that is full of good ideas, as well as the energy and motivation to make a start on a new project. Sometimes, it is necessary to see off an old project before making a fresh start, so Inguz can indicate that loose ends need to be tied up, jobs completed, and the decks cleared in readiness for the next phase. Even if there is no indication of a new phase at this point in time, Inguz tells you that it is just around the corner, so it is well to clear the way for it.
Sometimes Inguz literally means clearing out cupboards, the attic, or clearing barns, offices, or even the car in readiness for something new. Sometimes Inguz can indicate inheritance, and probably the need to clear out somebody else's house and perhaps to keep some part of its contents for yourself. In other circumstances, Inguz indicates a time to get rid of those people who pull you down, who use you for their own ends, or who may hinder your progress or your ability to make a fresh start. Inguz can suggest that you take a break or a holiday in order to step back from your situation to allow yourself to take a different perspective.
Inguz cannot be read in a reversed position, but if surrounded by negative runes, it warns that fear, indecision, or laziness may cause you to miss opportunities. It also suggests that you consider whether the words and behavior of others is designed to hold you back or keep you from making necessary changes. It may suit their interests for you to remain stuck in a situation that is not doing you much good. Whatever the situation, courage and faith in the protection of your spiritual guides will help you to break free and to make the fresh start that you need.
In magic, Inguz represents gestation; it brings fertility and growth, and restores balance. It is used as a talisman to encourage good health and for the protection of the home.
Twenty-three
The sound of “o” as in “old”
Othila means “inheritance” in the sense of anything of value that can be handed down or passed on, and this includes knowledge. Othila encompasses the customs and attitudes of the ancestors as well as the inheritance of property, material things, or physical attributes. It represents the wise management of family assets. It also represents loyalty, duty, and the responsibilities that go along with maintaining family ties.
Othila is associated with land, so it represents cultivation in all its aspects. This may imply actual crops, or some form of creativity through culture, art, and craftsmanship. Othila can represent the growth of the intellect and emotions. It is concerned with establishing and making your mark on history. It is also representative of your ancestors and of any previous lifetimes that you may have experienced. Othila is often associated with Odin, the father of the gods. It resists arbitrary rules and seeks to preserve individual and collective liberty within the framework of natural law. Like a family secret, Othila is something to be carefully guarded and watched over.
Othila refers to possessions, land, the home, and those items that you already own or that you will acquire, which means that it can also relate to inheritance. However, it is just as likely to tell of inherited talent, behavior, or characteristics. Othila may refer to religious, group, or family traditions that have become hallowed and which are comforting, especially in times of stress. This rune refers to family history, group loyalty, and to your roots. It can relate to patriotism, love of country, an interest in history (either history in general or family history), a religious group, or the clan, tribe or dynasty to which you belong. It can mean becoming part of a group of like-minded people that make you feel safe and useful. Othila can indicate help from older people or old friends. It symbolizes the values of your family and culture.
Othila may indicate that you are living in a closed world and that you need to open up more, or that you are too tied to the family, the clan, or the past. Thus it suggests freedom and independence through releasing ideas and even releasing yourself from those things that keep you stuck.
In its negative form, Othila indicates that you may be bound by old conditioning and are refusing to let go of outmoded ideas and concepts. Sometimes this means overturning the established order of things and bringing chaos to the family or group. Perhaps you need to consider what benefits you and others. Othila can refer to a lack of roots or of isolation. Sometimes it indicates delay and frustration. It can indicate disputes over money, goods, and inheritance and legal problems related to land and property; so where Othila is concerned, it is important to be patient and pay attention to detail. It can warn against trickery or theft. In modern terms, a negative Othila can refer to problems with vehicles or machinery. You may lose some of your possessions, possibly due to trying to move too fast. Success is possible but this is further away than you would like it to be.
In magic, Othila represents land, property, and ownership. As an amulet it can be worn to bring wisdom and power to you from all sources.
Twenty-four
The sound of “d”
Dagaz means “day.” This contained a period of both dark and light as the Norse counted their days from evening to evening with the midpoint at dawn. Sometimes Dagaz relates to the hours of daylight, and specifically to noon. It is often associated with Thor, the god of lightning who brings inspiration, so it represents transformation and awakening, and the passage from darkness to light. Dagaz can represent paradox and the balancing of opposites as complements rather than as contradictions. Dagaz is a rune of clear vision and enlightenment and it represents time and space. It is the rune of polarization and of good fortune. The coming of daylight offers security and a time when you can see your foes coming and so counteract them. Fears and phobias can also be countered at this time.
Dagaz is a wonderful rune to find if your life has been in limbo or if you have not been making progress, for it suggests that a time of waiting will soon be over and that major events and turning points are on the way. It is a rune of good fortune. Dagaz refers to a time when work can successfully go ahead. As one of the runes that is identical when reversed, its independence is further enhanced, because no matter how life turns out, its energy cannot be turned or reversed and its transformation is always positive. Dagaz may signify protection when new people or situations enter your life. Dagaz has great protective powers and is a rune of health, prosperity, and new openings. It can prevent harm and encourage helpful energies. It is a rune of change, of gradual but slow improvement, prosperity, and completion. It represents the end of an era and the beginning of a new day. Occasionally, Dagaz can bring secrets out into the open or it can show why a particular route or activity has been blocked or closed to you. This revelation allows you to move forward with the kind of clear vision you have when the sun is shining rather than continuing to grope in the dark.
Sometimes Dagaz is associated with children and it indicates that any children in your circle will be happy and successful. It can also indicate fun and happiness, new and pleasurable activities, and a burst of fresh energy.
As a rune of increase and growth, Dagaz has no negative aspects, so even when surrounded by difficult runes it shows an inner strength that can be used in times of difficulty. It counteracts delay and shows slow and steady progress. It brings the end of an era and the dawning of a new day full of hope and optimism. It can indicate a major change for the better. At worst, it can show that you are drawing problems to yourself by dwelling on them too much.
In magic, Dagaz can be used to invoke an awakening of the senses. As an amulet it can be used for protection and it is often used for the protection of entrance-ways.
The Blank Rune
In some traditions, Wyrd is said to be the mother of the Norns and the one who wove the web of fate that covered the then known world. Therefore, Wyrd can be viewed as the force that judges both gods and mortals and rewards or punishes them for their actions. It can also be considered to be the rune that cuts short their mortality.
In a reading, the blank rune of Wyrd means fate, destiny, kismet, or circumstances and events that are beyond our control. Those of us who live in the modern world find it hard to believe in fate or karma because we prefer to think that our own free will can override destiny. Accidents happen, people fall in love or come home and find that their spouse has walked out, people even win things or lose them. Life is not always in our hands; sometimes it is just a matter of destiny. All we can do is live through both good and evil times and learn from them.
“The Norns,” from Die Helden und Götter des Nordens, oder Das Buch der sagen. G. Gropius, 1832