Runes, shrouded in mystery and legend, have captivated people’s imaginations for centuries. These ancient symbols, associated with Norse mythology and magic, are known as ancient Norse runes.
Used as an ancient alphabet for casting spells and writing in Scandinavia and parts of Northern Europe from about 200-800 AD, they were initially carved into wood, bone, or stone and have been found in various locations including Viking settlements and as far away as Iran, Turkey, England, and India.
The allure of runes lies in their ability to connect us with spiritual wisdom and insight. Each rune symbolizes a different aspect of life — from love and prosperity to protection and strength. By tapping into the energy of these symbols, you can harness their power to manifest your intentions and bring positive change into your life.
In this blog post, we will explore the world of runes and how you can use them to enhance your manifestation practice. Whether you are new to the world of runic divination or a seasoned practitioner, there is much to discover about these ancient symbols and their ability to help you connect with your deepest desires.
The Origin and History of Norse Runes
Runes are believed to have first appeared among the Germanic tribes of the late classical antiquity, originating from the Germanic alphabet. Cut into wood, stone, or bone, it was believed that these symbols held the key to communication with the gods. They were used for a wide range of purposes, including basic communication, fortune-telling, spellcasting, and providing protection.
The tale of the Norse god Odin, who made a selfless sacrifice to gain the wisdom of the runes, is an origin story of this ancient tradition. According to legend, Odin wounded himself and hung from the Yggdrasil Tree to prove his worthiness for the knowledge he sought.
During his nine-day ordeal, he gazed into the mystical waters of the Well of Urd — emerging unbroken and infused with the power of the runic alphabets. Rune stones are often used in divination and guidance, laid out in spreads to interpret their meanings and positions.
Initially, the runic alphabet consisted of 24 runes, influenced by a variety of Germanic languages. Each rune had a specific name and a fixed place in the alphabet. Runes are characterized by their vertical “staves” and diagonal “branches,” giving them an angular appearance.
Today, runes are primarily used for divination, magic, and spiritual purposes, rather than as a functional writing system. While some practitioners adhere closely to historical interpretations, others have adapted the runes to suit modern contexts and incorporate them into practices like meditation, affirmations, and energy work.
What Do Rune Symbols Mean?
Each rune carries its own unique meaning and energy, which makes them powerful tools for manifestation. Runes can be used as manifestation symbols to represent specific goals you are working to attract. Understanding the meanings of these symbols and how they can be used in manifesting your desires can help you tap into their energy and create positive change in your life.
Let’s explore the 24 rune symbols of the Elder Futhark alphabet — considered the oldest version of the runic alphabet — their meanings, and how they can be applied in manifesting your intentions.
1. Fehu (ᚠ)
Wealth, prosperity, and abundance.
Fehu symbolizes wealth, fulfillment, luck, and material gain. It embodies various forms of satisfaction — whether it’s achieving a long-held ambition, finding fulfillment in love, or receiving a desired salary increase.
The rune Fehu signifies the tangible rewards that come from dedicated effort and perseverance. It serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement along your journey. The rune Fehu is also significant in attracting abundance and is used in positive affirmations to draw in fortune and good luck.
When working with Fehu, channel its energy to attract positive outcomes by believing in the abundance that is already within your grasp.
2. Uruz (ᚢ)
Strength, power, and vitality.
Uruz embodies strength, power, untapped potential, and fertility. It encompasses physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of your being.
This rune may indicate that you have outgrown your current life path — suggesting that change is coming. Embrace this period of transformation as a rebirth and stay alert for hidden opportunities that may arise. Trust in your inner strength to guide you through these changes and lead you toward a more fulfilling life.
Use Uruz to harness your inner strength and power to overcome challenges and achieve your goals. Visualize yourself as strong and capable, ready to tackle any obstacles that come your way.
3. Thurisaz (ᚦ)
Protection, defense, and resilience.
Thurisaz is a rune of precautionary measures, caution, defense, and conflict. It serves as a warning in readings that suggests the need for protective measures against potential ambushes or conflicts.
This rune may indicate challenges from various areas of life, including family, friends, or the workplace. However, it also signifies the wisdom in choosing to be protective rather than acting hastily, and encourages you to approach situations with intelligence and foresight.
Use Thurisaz to manifest protection for yourself from negative influences and situations, and to boost your inner resilience.
4. Ansuz (ᚨ)
Communication, wisdom, and divine inspiration.
Ansuz, the rune of communication, spiritual growth, and divine guidance, signifies the arrival of advice in various forms, including messages from others, signs from higher beings, or situations that prompt deep contemplation.
Pay close attention to the advice you receive — it may guide you toward the right decisions. This rune emphasizes the importance of being receptive to guidance and signals a time for introspection and inner growth.
Use Ansuz to manifest improvement in your communication skills, both with others and with your inner self.
5. Raidho (ᚱ)
Travel, journey, and progress.
Raidho symbolizes physical or spiritual journeys, reunions, travel, and change. It indicates positive outcomes are ahead and to embrace upcoming physical journeys as auspicious events.
Raidho may also herald the return of old friends from this life or past lives, which may bring a sense of connection and nostalgia. If you’ve been feeling low or despondent, Raidho assures you that brighter, more joyous times are on the horizon.
For manifestation, use this rune’s energy to stay open to new experiences and embrace the changes and reunions that come your way.
6. Kenaz (ᚲ)
Knowledge, learning, and creativity.
Kenaz, symbolizing inspiration, vitality, improvement, and opening, signifies the dispelling of darkness and the illumination of creativity and energy. This rune encourages you to embrace change and seek new avenues for growth and advancement.
Pulling Kenaz suggests that you are in harmony with the universe and making positive strides in areas that previously held you back. While the guidance of Kenaz can feel intense, remain open-minded to new possibilities that will aid your continued progress.
Use Kenaz for manifesting inspiration for new ideas and projects.
7. Gebo (ᚷ)
Gifts, partnerships, and exchanges.
Gebo symbolizes unity, kindness, partnership, gifts, generosity, and self-sacrifice. Use Gebo’s energy to cultivate a sense of gratitude and reciprocity, both in your personal relationships and in your interactions with the world around you.
This rune highlights the importance of balance in relationships, which prompts you to reassess your contributions to ensure fairness. Consider whether you are reciprocating the kindness and generosity you receive from others.
Use Gebo for manifesting harmonious relationships and giving back to those who support you.
8. Wunjo (ᚹ)
Joy, happiness, and fulfillment.
Wunjo embodies joy, pleasure, success, comfort, harmony, and prosperity. This rune represents the power of positive thinking and actions to attract positivity into your life.
This rune encourages you to let go of ego and be present and mindful in your daily life. In essence, Wunjo’s message aligns closely with the law of attraction as it highlights the importance of positivity and alignment with the universe to manifest your desires.
Use Wunjo to manifest a positive mindset and to align yourself with the universe’s harmonious energy.
9. Hagalaz (ᚺ)
Disruption, chaos, and change.
Hagalaz represents the wrath of nature, destruction, uncontrolled forces, and tests of endurance. It serves as a reminder to surrender to the natural flow of life and adapt to unexpected changes with resilience and grace.
Stay open-minded and embrace new opportunities that arise during this turbulent period. However, it’s crucial to maintain self-control and detach your emotions from your intentions or goals.
Use Hagalaz to manifest a state of allowing and letting go — recognizing that some challenges and obstacles are beyond your control. Trust that everything is happening for you.
10. Nauthiz (ᚾ)
Necessity, constraint, and resistance.
Nauthiz symbolizes necessity, restriction, conflict, willpower, endurance, and self-reliance, but it can also indicate stagnation.
This rune warns against letting your ego and temper control you, as this may manifest as physical symptoms like chest tightness. To overcome these challenges, release built-up tension in your mind and body to allow for smoother progression toward your goals.
Use Nauthiz’s energy to manifest patience, willpower, and resilience to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
11. Isa (ᛁ)
Stillness, introspection, and patience.
Isa signifies clarity, stasis, challenges, rewards, and introspection. It often indicates a delay or postponement in plans. While it’s important to not lose sight of your goals, taking a break from intense focus can be beneficial.
Embrace this period of pause as an opportunity to recharge and prepare for future endeavors. When the time comes to pursue your dreams, you’ll be refreshed and ready to tackle challenges with renewed energy and clarity.
Use Isa to focus on manifesting self-improvement and inner peace during periods of stillness.
12. Jera (ᛃ)
Harvest, reward, and completion.
Jera symbolizes natural cycles, harvest, completion, reaping, and rewards. It reflects the gradual progress of time in a seasonal year. This rune indicates that your hard work, perseverance, and diligence will soon be rewarded.
Take this time to slow down, celebrate your achievements, and cultivate gratitude for the abundance in your life. Jera may also signify significant life events such as pregnancy or marriage — highlighting the cycles of life and the importance of embracing change and growth.
Jera can be used to manifest success and abundance after hard work. It represents the energy of reaping what you sow and enjoying the fruits of your labor.
13. Eihwaz (ᛇ)
Defense, endurance, and perseverance.
Eihwaz symbolizes life and death, renewal, enlightenment, balance, and the world tree. While the rune’s representation of death may evoke fear, it signifies metaphorical changes in life, habits, relationships, or work, rather than physical death.
These changes are part of a natural cycle of growth and renewal. Eihwaz reminds you to welcome change as a necessary part of personal evolution and to trust in the transformative power of new beginnings.
Use this rune for manifestation by letting go of aspects of your life that no longer serve you to make space for new opportunities and growth.
14. Perthro (ᛈ)
Fate, chance, and mystery.
Perthro symbolizes fate, chance, mystery, destiny, and secrets — suggesting that there are aspects of life and the universe that remain hidden or undisclosed.
This rune serves as a reminder to stay open to the unknown and to embrace the mysteries that surround us. It may also indicate that someone close to you is keeping a secret.
Use Perthro to manifest signs and messages the universe may be sending you. Embrace the unknown as part of life’s journey, and trust that the universe will reveal what is necessary in due time.
15. Algiz (ᛉ)
Protection, sanctuary, and guidance.
Algiz represents protection, defense, instinct, group effort, and guardianship. It harnesses the power to guide cosmic forces towards positivity and shield from negativity. Use Algiz’s energy to strengthen your defenses and trust in your ability to overcome obstacles with grace and confidence.
Algiz reminds us to stay alert despite feeling protected. This rune encourages you to rely on your instincts and the support of others to navigate challenges and maintain a sense of security.
Use Algiz for manifesting a calm and clear mindset, while also strengthening your instincts for anything that may arise.
16. Sowilo (ᛊ)
Success, victory, and achievement.
Sowilo symbolizes health, vitality, good energy, sunlight, and wholeness. It embodies the healing and empowering qualities of the sun’s energy. If you draw this rune, you may be approaching a fortunate period, surrounded by luck and prosperity, as long as you remain open and receptive to these blessings.
However, this is not a time for overconfidence — instead, rely on your intelligence, thoughtfulness, and creativity to navigate challenges. Trust that the universe supports you and is working in your favor, allowing you to manifest your desires with ease and grace.
Sowilo can be used to manifest success and positive outcomes. It represents the energy of victory and reaching your goals.
17. Tiwaz (ᛏ)
Justice, honor, and leadership.
Tiwaz embodies masculinity, justice, leadership, and logic. It suggests the need to sacrifice personal advantages to uplift others.
This rune encourages you to act with courage and integrity, even when faced with difficult decisions. Use this rune as a reminder to tap into your inner strength and leadership qualities to face challenges head-on.
Use Tiwaz for manifesting power and energy to confront challenges and propel yourself forward with confidence.
18. Berkano (ᛒ)
Growth, fertility, and new beginnings.
Berkana symbolizes new beginnings, family, nurturing, birth, and loved ones. It radiates strong female energy. If you’re trying to conceive, this rune suggests a positive turn of events on the horizon.
This rune encourages you to nurture your ambitions and embrace the potential for growth and change. Embrace the nurturing energy of Berkana as you move forward, allowing it to guide you towards new beginnings and fulfilling relationships.
Berkano can be used to manifest new opportunities and growth, as the universe’s energies are aligned to manifest goals and bring about new possibilities.
19. Ehwaz (ᛖ)
Partnership, harmony, and teamwork.
Ehwaz symbolizes movement, progress, teamwork, trust, and loyalty — highlighting the importance of friendship and spiritual connection. It represents the energy of working together towards a common goal.
This rune suggests that achieving your goals is easier when you have a strong support system. Embrace the spirit of teamwork and collaboration, and trust in the loyalty of those around you.
Ehwaz can be used to manifest harmonious relationships and collaboration with people who support and uplift you.
20. Mannaz (ᛗ)
Humanity, awareness, and social connections.
Mannaz embodies individuality, friendship, cooperation, help, humanity, and self-awareness. It encompasses the essence of what defines a person. This rune emphasizes the importance of the mind, reasoning ability, traditions, and customs in shaping our identities.
Mannaz reminds us that despite our differences, there is a universal connection that binds us all together. It encourages acceptance of both the positive and negative aspects of life by urging us to embrace uniqueness and live authentically.
Use Mannaz for manifestation by honoring your individuality and fostering meaningful connections with others. It represents the energy of social interactions and personal growth through relationships.
21. Laguz (ᛚ)
Emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind.
Laguz symbolizes femininity, intuition, the unconscious mind, flowing water, cleansing, and psychic abilities. It urges you to deepen your self-awareness.
This rune encourages you to embrace spontaneity and flexibility — suggesting that you should go with the flow of life more freely. Embrace the fluidity of Laguz by allowing it to cleanse and purify your mind and spirit, leading to greater clarity and understanding.
Laguz can be used to manifest emotional healing and intuition. It represents the energy of tapping into your inner wisdom and healing emotional wounds.
22. Ingwaz (ᛝ)
Fertility, potential, and gestation.
Inguz signifies that you are on the correct path and should continue your current course of action. This rune indicates forthcoming rewards for your perseverance and dedication.
While you may encounter changes in your routine, they are nothing to fear and may lead to positive outcomes. Also, Inguz reminds you of the importance of those around you and their support. Acknowledge and appreciate their contributions, as they are invaluable to your journey.
Ingwaz can be used to manifest new beginnings and creative potential, as well as motivation for your goals.
23. Dagaz (ᛞ)
Transformation, enlightenment, and awakening.
Dagaz symbolizes light, transformation, clarity, and the victory of good over evil. This rune encourages you to maintain optimism in challenging times and to process their effects with resilience.
It suggests that opportunities for self-healing and happiness are on the horizon — whether through new love or deepening connections with your current partner. Dagaz represents the energy of new perspectives and enlightenment.
Dagaz can be used to manifest personal transformation and spiritual growth by helping you embrace positivity and positive change in your life.
24. Othala (ᛟ)
Heritage, ancestry, and home.
Othala symbolizes ancestral spiritual power, family love, heritage, and storytelling — highlighting your connection to your ancestors and roots.
If you draw this rune, it suggests that now is a crucial time to reconnect with family members from whom you have been distant, as their support may be needed soon. Othala encourages you to appreciate your heritage and remember the sacrifices of those who came before you. Their guidance can now help you on your journey.
Othala can be used to manifest a stronger connection with family and ancestral wisdom in decision-making. It’s helpful for focusing on strengthening family bonds and honoring your heritage.
How to Manifest with Runes
Manifesting with runes can be transformative as it allows you to harness the ancient wisdom and power of these symbols to enhance your practice. The 24 runes are organized into three sets called aettir, each containing eight runes, which represent different aspects like basic needs, obstacles, goals, and legacy.
To get started, you can either purchase a rune set or create your own. Rune sets are typically made of materials like stone, wood, or shells — each carrying its own unique energy that can enhance your manifestation work.
Let’s explore how you can use runes in your manifestation practice to help manifest your dreams.
1. Put a Rune Where You Can See It
Choose a rune that resonates with your manifestation goal and place it in a prominent location where you will see it often, such as on your desk, bedside table, or altar. Each time you see the rune, visualize your desire as if it has already manifested, and feel the emotions associated with achieving your goal.
When you consistently expose yourself to the rune’s energy and focus your thoughts on your desired outcome, you can amplify the manifestation process and align yourself with the energy of your intention.
2. Include Rune Symbols in Art
Incorporate rune symbols into your artwork to infuse it with the energy of your intentions. You can paint or draw the runes directly onto your artwork, or incorporate them into the design in a way that feels meaningful to you.
As you create, focus on the meaning of the runes and visualize your desired outcome coming to fruition. Display your artwork in a prominent place where you can see it regularly, allowing the runes’ energy to support your manifestation process.
3. Wear a Rune
You have the option to either fashion your rune into a wearable form, or select jewelry or clothing adorned with a rune symbol that resonates with your manifestation goal. Wear it daily as a reminder of your intention and to keep the energy of the rune close to you.
As you wear the rune, visualize your desired outcome and feel as though it has already manifested. The rune will serve as a talisman to amplify your manifestation efforts and help you stay focused on your goal.
4. Carve a Rune Symbol into a Candle
Select a candle in a color that corresponds to your manifestation goal and carve your chosen rune symbol into the wax. As you carve, focus your intention on your desired outcome and visualize it coming into reality.
Light the candle while holding your intention in mind and allow the rune’s energy to amplify your manifestation. As the candle burns, release your intention into the universe, trusting that it will manifest in the perfect way and time.
5. Meditate with Runes
Create a quiet space for meditation and place a rune symbol in front of you. Focus on the symbol and its meaning as you relax and let your mind become calm and centered.
As you meditate, visualize your desired outcome and feel the emotions associated with it. Allow the energy of the rune to support your manifestation efforts and trust that the energy of your intention is being sent out to the universe.
6. Combine Runes with Other Practices
Enhance your manifestation practice by combining runes with other techniques such as journaling, visualizations, or energy work. For example, you can write about the meaning of a specific rune and draw its symbol in your journal.
Also, you can use runes in conjunction with crystal grids or other tools to amplify their energy, and enhance your visualization exercise. Experiment with different combinations to find what resonates best with you and enhances your manifestation efforts.
7. Create Runic Sigils for Manifestation
Choose 2 or more runes that are aligned with your intention. Once you’ve chosen your symbols, combine them in a way that feels visually pleasing to you. Experiment with different layouts until you find one that resonates. You can even remove lines that don’t seem to fit, to create a clear and powerful symbol. Follow your imagination and intuition.
After creating your sigil, charge it with your intent. Feel the emotions associated with your goal, and with focused intention, trace your sigil with your finger or a tool. Imagine infusing it with your energy and filling it with a surge of magical power.
You can then use your sigil in any of the practices mentioned above, such as placing it where you can see it or incorporating it into artwork.
8. Cast Runes
Rune casting is a form of divination. There is no right or wrong way to cast and read runes. However, there are various spreads that are used.
To begin, find a quiet space to relax and focus. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and concentrate on your question or topic.
Next, lay out a rune cloth — a small cloth used to place the runes. Randomly select runes from your bag and place them in a specific spread to interpret their meanings. As you read the runes, trust your intuition and their symbolism to guide you in gaining insight and clarity on your manifestation journey.
These are the most common runic spreads:
The Three Rune Spread: In this spread, draw three runes and place them in a line from left to right. It can provide insights into a situation that is happening now, or offer a broader perspective on the past, present, and future events. This spread is versatile and can be adapted to suit various questions or topics for divination.
The Three Rune Fork Spread: This spread is ideal for decision-making, as it offers insight into different possible outcomes. The first two runes pulled represent the potential outcomes, placed next to each other for comparison. The third rune, representing advice from the universe, is placed underneath the other two — indicating the critical factor to consider in making the decision.
The Runic V Spread: This spread is ideal for gaining insight into various aspects of life. For example, if you’re contemplating a career change, you might ask, “What do I need to know about pursuing this new career path?” For relationship matters, a question like, “What should I know regarding my current relationship?” can provide valuable guidance. This spread can offer nuanced answers tailored to your specific questions.
Rune Care
Cleansing your runes is essential, especially if they are new or have been used frequently. You can use various methods such as smudging with sage or palo santo, placing them in moonlight or sunlight, or using a crystal such as clear quartz to clear their energy. This will ensure that they are ready to provide accurate and clear readings.
After cleansing, it’s important to store your runes properly to maintain their energy. Some people prefer to keep their runes in a special pouch or bag to protect them from outside energies. Others may choose to store them on a dedicated altar or in a sacred space.
Regardless of how you choose to store them, the key is to keep them in a place where they will not be disturbed and where they can remain energetically charged and ready for use.
FAQs on How to Use Runes for Manifestation
1. Can I use multiple runes for one manifestation goal?
Yes, you can use multiple runes for one manifestation goal. Some practitioners use a combination of runes to enhance their intention or to address different aspects of their goal. Experiment with different combinations to see what resonates best with you and your manifestation practice.
2. Which runes can I use to manifest money?
Some runes that are associated with abundance and prosperity include Fehu, Inguz, and Jera. However, it is important to note that the power of manifestation comes from within and using any rune that resonates with your intention can be effective in manifesting money.
3. Which runes can I use to manifest love?
Runes that are associated with love and relationships include Berkana, Gebo, and Raidho. Remember to focus on your intention and trust your intuition when selecting runes for manifesting love or any other goal.
4. Which runes can I use to manifest well-being?
Some runes that are associated with health and well-being include Thurisaz, Ansuz, and Laguz. As always, listen to your intuition when selecting runes for manifestation and trust in the power of your own intention.
5. Which rune is the best for manifesting?
Wunjo embodies the principle of the law of attraction. It prompts you to concentrate on sources of joy and fulfillment, thereby drawing more of these positive energies into your life. Manifesting from a mindset of joy and positivity increases the likelihood of attracting favorable outcomes.
Final Thoughts
I hope this exploration of runes has been enlightening and inspiring for you. These ancient symbols offer a unique way to enhance your manifestations and deepen your connection to your inner guidance.
By tapping into the magic of runes, you can align your intentions with the natural flow of energy in the universe and open the door to a wealth of opportunities and experiences. Each rune carries its own wisdom and energy that’s ready to support you on your journey.
May the magic of the runes be a guiding light on your path — helping you to manifest your desires and unlock the hidden depths of your soul. Trust in the process, your intuition, and enjoy the rewards that come from connecting with this ancient divination tool.
