Introduction to the Runes brief background information on runes, with table of Elder Futhark rune meanings
What is a futhark? What is The Troth? A futhark is a runic alphabet. Just as the word The Troth is one of several international alphabet comes from the names of the first two organizations that promote the ancient religion of Greek letters, alpha and beta, the word futhark the Northlands, known as �satrś, Heathenry, and by comes from the first six runic letters: F, U, Th, A, other names. We are incorporated as a non-profit R and K. This flyer focuses on the oldest runic religious corporation in the state of Texas, and are alphabet, the Elder Futhark. Different futharks were recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as used at different times and places; the Elder Futhark a tax-exempt religious organization. is a little different from the Anglo-Saxon or The Troth publishes a quarterly magazine, Scandinavian Futharks. Idunna, along with other writings on Heathen belief and practice. We serve as a networking organization Where and when did the runes originate? for individuals and kindreds, and we try to assist our members to form local groups to practice our The runic letters were derived from an alphabet used in north Italy, related in turn to the Latin religion and make it more widely available. Once a alphabet. The letters were modified for easier year, the Troth sponsors a major gathering at which carving in wood, and to express sounds not used in members and interested folks conduct workshops Latin. Their shapes were also influenced by pre- and ceremonies, and discuss and demonstrate their literate signs that the Germanic peoples carved for many skills and practices. The Troth also conducts a religious or magical purposes. The oldest runic certification program for clergy, incorporating inscription, on a medallion found at Meldorf, training in lore, theology, ritual, and counseling. Germany, dates from the first century. Use of runes The Troth believes that the Gods call whom in Scandinavia continued into the 14th century, and they will regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, in a few areas even later. or sexual orientation. To hear their call is a joy, an In Heathen myth, the runes were first grasped by honor, and also a duty. If you hear that call, and you the god Odin, after an ordeal in which he hung from are willing to live by our values and honor our the World Tree for nine nights, pierced by a spear. Gods, then we invite you to take your place among Odin later gave knowledge of the runes to all friends and kin, and bring new honor and strength to beings, and rune knowledge was taught to humans our ancient Heathen faith. by the god Heimdall. These myths refer not so much to the origin of the letters, but rather to How can I find out more? grasping the meanings and connections that the " Visit the main website of The Troth at letters represent. This wisdom is a great gift to us. http://www.thetroth.org/ �2003, The Troth " E-mail the Troth at troth- PO Box 1369 What are those emblems on the cover? contact@thetroth.org Oldsmar, FL 34677 The cover shows a runestone from Tullstorp in " The Troth has a network of local coordinators, or southern Sweden, made around the year 1000. The Stewards , who are happy to answer questions and inscription, in a Scandinavian Futhark, reads: provide contacts. To find your nearest Steward, go + klibiR + auk + �sa + + risthu + kuml + thusi + to http://www.thetroth.org/ uftiR + ulf +, Kleppir and �sa raised this memsvc/stewards/ This material may be reproduced freely but memorial in memory of Ulf. The Thor s Hammer " Write to the Troth at the address on the front of may not be altered in a wreath is the emblem of the Troth, one of the this flyer. largest Heathen organizations today. The Elder Futhark A Brief Overview What are runes? The word rune or runa meant secret or Each rune is given with its reconstructed name in Proto-Germanic, the meaning of its name, and its symbolic mystery in the Germanic languages. It later came meanings and associations. to mean the letters used to write various Germanic languages, including Old Norse, and Old English, up to about 1300 AD. The old meaning of fehu (cattle) riches; movable wealth; eiwaz (yew tree) life and death; axis of the mystery still persists: runes were, and are, deeply vital energy; fire; the gods Frey and Freya universe; shamanic journeying significant in Heathen magic and esoteric lore. uruz (wild ox) strength; independence; perthro (dice-cup or gaming piece) fate or How were runes used? raw power; shaping force; health and healing destiny; birth; hidden things; mysteries Runes can be used in the same ways as any writing system. Originally they were carved or thurisaz (giant) aggression; defense; elhaz (elk) protection; defense; sacred scratched on wood, stone or metal, but manuscripts directed force; the god Thor space; honor; connection with divine written in runes also exist. Messages of all kinds, from business letters and Christian prayers to love ansuz (god) higher consciousness; sowilo (sun) light; advancement; growth; charms and obscene graffiti, have been found carved inspiration; wisdom; the god Odin evolution; victory; attainment of goals in runes on medieval artifacts. Runes were widely used in Scandinavia for memorial inscriptions to raidho (riding) travel; journey of life; tiwaz (the god Tyr) victory; justice; truth; the deceased, even well after Christianization. communication; rhythm; justice and right sacrifice for greater good; motivation Perhaps the most famous historical use of runes was the carving of magic formulas. Artifacts and literary references show that runes, either singly or kenaz (torch) craft; creativity; intellect; berkano (birch tree) growth; renewal; in longer inscriptions, were carved on amulets energy harnessed towards a goal transformation; Goddesses; female sexuality (taufr), gear and weapons for protection, healing, or cursing. Rune-carving for magical purposes was gebo (gift) exchange; balance; bonds of ehwaz (horse) journeying; faithfulness; often done in conjunction with sung or chanted friendship and obligation; sexual union emotion; partnerships; trust spells (galdr); magical runes were usually colored after carving. Runes or other symbols carved on wunjo (joy) happiness; ecstasy; mannaz (man) human life; self- slips of wood were also used for divination. harmony; friendship; will; confidence knowledge; rational mind; human condition Heathens use runes today for all of these purposes. hagalaz (hail) change; destruction laguz (lake) organic life; birth and death; What do the runes mean in religion and leading to new creation; patterns the unconscious mind; concealment magic? Rune letters are symbols for shaping forces and naudhiz (need) resistance; opposition; Ingunaz (the god Freyr-Ing) fertility; patterns that operate throughout the cosmos. They danger; friction; strengthening the will health; peace; latent power; male sexuality can also be seen as symbols of the many aspects of the human mind. We learn their symbolic isa (ice) stillness; stability; calmness; dagaz (day) paradox and resolution; meanings from their names and descriptions in a stagnation; blockage; barrenness; cold enlightenment; safety; clarity; revelation few medieval rune poems written in Norse and Old English, from other literary references, from artifacts, and also from experience and meditation. jera (year) cycle of seasons; patience; othala (inherited land) property; This flyer can give only the briefest idea of all that harvest; reward; results of past actions boundaries; heritage; inborn abilities the runes mean.