Meanings of the Runes Updated for 2024

Updated: December 6, 2024

There are twenty four total Runes. This can seem like a daunting number of symbols to memorize, but it doesn’t have to be. For one, you do not want to memorize standard meanings from a book or online text. While it is a good thing, and encouraged, to review the typical meanings of each Rune, it is even better to take each stone and meditate on it, one at a time. This way, you are getting to know the Runes truly and deeply before casting. You are also expanding your psychic abilities by doing this, as you are greatly opening your mind to something on the spiritual plane. Record your feelings, thoughts, and impressions for each symbol for future reference. As stated, however, it does help to know some basic meanings behind the Runes:

Fehu: Represents material wealth and possession.

Uruz: Represents physical ability and health.

Thurisaz: Represents force, conflict, and a potential change of current situations. Representative of Thor.

Ansuz: A symbol that represents wisdom, mental strength and charisma. Representative of Odin.

Raidho: Representative of great current or future movement mentally, spiritually, or physically.

Kenaz: Represents the flames of innovation or creative enlightenment, as well as romantic passion.

Gebo: Represents balanced generosity in material gifts or human relationships.

Hagalaz: Represents natural destruction from forces of nature or from within the mind.

Nauthiz: Determination to resolve a restrictive or overwhelming force.

Isa: Represents a potential challenge or conflict. Can also indicate an idle time in life.

Jera: Represents the peace of mind and potential gains that follow a highly stressful or difficult endeavor.

Eihwaz: Represents the honesty and strength required when pursuing the resolution of a given task.

Perthro: Represents secrecy or uncertainty in an area of life. Can also be indicative of female fertility.

Algiz: Represents the protective instinct regarding family, friends, and the self. Also represents a link to the divine.

Sowilo: Represents cleansing and success over a challenge.

Tiwaz: Represents self sacrifice, honor, and victory for the greater good. Representative of Tyr.

Berkano: Represents newly acquired love or fertility. Can indicate a major positive life change.

Ehwaz: Represents a slow and steady journey toward positive change.

Mannaz: Represents your general feelings for others, as well as probable cooperation from an outside party.

Laguz: Represents a highly psychic state of mind. Imagination and dreams factor heavily into this Rune.

Ingwaz: Represents masculine potency, as well as a time of stillness and rest.

Dagaz: Represents a fresh awakening or newly found clarity to something.

Othala: Represents material possessions, primarily dealing with gaining land and a house.