Runes

Runes are the ancient alphabet of the Germanic and Nordic tribes. The oldest runes - the older Futhark (made of 24 letters) - date back to the 1st century AD. Most runic letters are made of a vertical line to which other lines or curves are attached. The Vikings used the younger Futhark, which has 16 letters. There are two variations of the writing of the younger Futhark, the long branch and the short branch. The long-branch style is attributed to the Danes, while the short-branch style is associated with the Swedes and the Norse. The Vikings used both.

According to Norse tradition, the god Odin stabbed himself through the heart with his spear and hung on the Yggdrasil tree for nine days and nights to understand the meaning of the runes. He knew that the runes conveyed a deep meaning, and if he understood their meaning he would gain deep wisdom and power.

The word "rune" comes from the Proto-Norse word runo or the Old Norse word run, which means "secret, magical sign, runic sign." Each rune represents a symbol that has a special meaning. They are used as an oracle and reach deep into our subconscious.

The first eight runes of the Elder Futhark are ruled by Freyr and Freya. These runes represent everything that happens in the physical world.

The second set of eight runes is ruled by Mordgud and Heimdall (Hagalaz or Hagal). These runes represent change, the underworld and the unconscious mind. They represent beginnings and endings, chaos, destruction or the seasons.

The third set of eight runes is ruled by Tyr and Ziza. These runes are associated with spirituality, emotions and our relationship to the world.