Spiritual concepts
Runes and the elements
Despite the degeneration of the old runic system, the link with the elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water has been preserved. Unfortunately no one seems to agree on the link and there are differing versions. I have tried to pull together something of the commonality in various interpretations, but this could be wildly out. It may be better to simply understand that a link exists.
In the table I have shown the elements, [one of the known] current names for the rune and its current approximate meaning as it is described in the oldest ‘rune poem’ – the Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem probably composed in the 8th or 9th century. It provides a sort of cipher to the meaning of the symbols.
I have not attempted to interpret these. It is easier to leave the description as it is so that it can be compared to later findings
Element |
Rune name |
Anglo Saxon rune poem |
Current approximate meaning |
All elements |
Eihwaz |
The yew is a tree with rough bark, hard and fast in the earth, supported by its roots, a guardian of flame and a joy upon an estate |
Tree of life |
Fire |
Fehu |
Wealth is a comfort to all; |
‘Mother creator’ ? Freya |
Fire |
Thurisaz |
The thorn is exceedingly sharp, |
Defence/Guardian |
Fire |
Ansuz |
Óss is aged Gautr and prince of Ásgardr and lord of Vallhalla. chief Jupiter [Icelandic] |
God |
Fire |
Kaunaz |
Disease fatal to children |
Illumination/Purification |
Fire |
Naudiz |
Constraint is grief of the bond-maid |
Need/objectives/ challenges |
Fire |
Dagaz |
Anglo saxon only Day, the glorious light of the Creator, is sent by the Lord; |
Day/Creation/Light/ cannot be destroyed |
Element |
Rune name |
Old Icelandic rune poem |
Current approximate meaning |
Air |
Gebo |
Anglo saxon only Generosity brings credit and honour, which support one's dignity; |
Love, generosity gift |
Air |
Algiz |
None |
Protection/Guardian |
Air |
Sowelu |
Sun is the shield of the clouds |
Sun/life force |
Air |
Ehwaz |
The horse is a joy to princes in the presence of warriors. A steed in the pride of its hoofs, when rich men on horseback bandy words about it; and it is ever a source of comfort to the restless
|
Angels etc |
Air |
Manaz |
Man is delight of man |
Archetypal man |
Air |
Teiwaz |
Tyr is a one-handed god, |
War |
Air and Water |
Raido |
Riding seems easy to every warrior while he is indoors |
Wheel of life |
Element |
Rune name |
Old Icelandic rune poem |
Current approximate meaning |
Water |
Laguz |
Water is eddying stream |
Lake/water/sea – generic name |
Water |
Hagaluz |
Hail is cold grain |
Souls |
Water/Air |
Pertho |
Anglo saxon only Peorð is a source of recreation and amusement to the great, where warriors sit blithely together in the banqueting-hall |
Wheel of fortune, fate destiny |
Earth |
Wunjo |
Anglo saxon only Bliss he enjoys who knows not pain, sorrow nor anxiety, and himself has prosperity and bliss and a good enough house. |
Bliss, joy happiness |
Earth |
Isa |
Ice is bark of rivers |
Hell? |
Earth |
Jera |
None |
Summer cycles of time? |
Earth |
Uruz |
The aurochs is proud and has great horns; |
Courage? In face of adversity |
Earth |
Berkana |
Anglo saxon only Birch is a leafy twig |
Regeneration |
Earth |
Inguz |
Unknown |
Door to spiritual world |
Earth |
Othila |
Anglo saxon only An estate is very dear to every man, if he can enjoy there in his house whatever is right and proper in constant prosperity. |
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