We often face overwhelming odds in life, forces that, despite our best efforts, we cannot withstand on our own. Algiz (AHL-geez) is a rune for when such situations arise, offering divine protection from utter destruction. Algiz is also a rune of courage; it emboldens us to channel our inner strength and take decisive action. In doing so Algiz promotes independence, autonomy and spiritual awareness. It encourages us to both identify and connect with our higher selves and to act in alignment with our own personal truths.

Ansuz (ANH-sooz) is the rune of Odin, the god of wisdom and the father of all other gods. Divine wisdom and power flows through Ansuz to the human world, enabling us to channel the guidance of higher spirits in our pursuit of accessing a boundless trove of ancestral knowledge. Odin’s rune also governs communication and highlights the power of spoken language. It encourages us to exercise mindful diligence when choosing our words so that we may most effectively preserve and accurately share knowledge over time.

Berkana represents the universal idea of the Goddess and indicates the strong presence of a powerful inclination toward nurturing, protection, support and creation. It is the rune of fertility and growth, new beginnings and renewal, recovery and life changes, physical and spiritual birth and rebirth and of motherhood and sacral wisdom. Berkana (bur-KAH-na) is also associated with the birch tree; its energies are healing and life giving and it acts as a sign of regeneration, growth, beauty and new perspective.

Translated literally, Dagaz (DAY-gahs) means daylight. It suggests that dark times have passed and as things begin to change for the better, past individual difficulties will, in turn, prove to stimulate future personal growth. Dagaz does not whisper of change in the distant future; instead it provides the clarity necessary to recognize that a breakthrough in the process of self transformation is happening in the present. Dagaz encourages us to welcome such change, embrace fresh opportunities and boldly choose an unfamiliar, yet exciting, new direction in life.

Ehwaz (AY-wahz) is the rune of cooperation. It extols the importance of community and suggests that the best course of action in life is not to go at things alone but is instead to work with others to achieve common goals. Ehwaz symbolizes close personal relationships; its shape is suggestive of two people holding hands, a pair of trusting souls who always have each other’s best interests at heart. Ehwaz also represents the union of our inner and outer selves; both selves existing in perfect harmony allows for a life of complete integrity.

Eihwaz (AYE-wahz) is a symbol of transformation; it encourages us to let go of the past so that we may embrace a future replete with new beginnings, new dreams and new adventures. Eihwaz also suggests that change itself is the only true constant in the world and acceptance of this principle, along with unrelenting effort and enduring patience, enables us to persevere despite all of the discomforts that an unstable environment is certain to present. One who is deft enough can even deflect the disruptive forces of today to influence the outcomes of tomorrow.

Fehu is the rune of wealth and fulfillment; it can signify financial prosperity, a satisfied ambition or a realized romance. Fehu promises nourishment of the mind, the body and the soul but it also caveats that hard work and follow-through are necessary to realize fulfillment of a desired reward. Proper stewardship of that which has already been gained is paramount and as such Fehu (Fay-hoo) warns that we must exercise vigilance with wealth. Rather than fall prey to reckless bliss, Fehu insists that to become truly wealthy we must give freely and abundantly however and whenever possible.

Gebo (GAY-bow) is the rune that predicts good fortune. It can appear in myriad forms, ranging from material gifts to discovering a new skill or ability to love-related serendipity to being the recipient of unconditional generosity or hospitality. Gebo resembles a cross with wide open arms of equal length, and through its uniformity acts as a symbol of love, representing partnership and balance. It serves as a reminder that when the acts of giving and taking are in perfect harmony, good fortune and love can flourish without restriction.

Hagalaz (HA-guh-laz) portends change. It acts as a reminder that there are disruptive influences in nature that cannot be controlled. Hagalaz is frozen hail; its destructive and transformative forces create a clear path for rebirth and play an active role in shaping a new, more resilient existence. The hallmark outcomes of the Hagalaz hailstorm are freedom, liberation and an original perspective on life. Fresh ideas will germinate and unfamiliar opportunities, those never thought possible before, will begin to emerge.

Ingwaz (NG-wahz) represents an accumulation of stored energy in the form of pure, concentrated potential. We ourselves may act as the catalyst required to unlock this previously untapped energy and, in doing so, actively initiate our own journey of personal growth. Ingwaz references the type of individual development that manifests from a series of steady, incremental changes over time and ultimately signals the integration of the four selves: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. As such, Ingwaz symbolizes the enduring drive toward completion, totality and wholeness.

While many of the Elder Futhark runes suggest some form of action, Isa (EEE-sah) demands the direct opposite: stasis. It is a rune of control and self-awareness, encouraging us to contemplate everything but decide nothing and to set aside passions in favor of maintaining an objective point of view. Sometimes a period of inertia is all that may be required to reach new heights in life; our attention can then be diverted from outside turmoil to instead focus on an inner journey. To be still, Isa suggests, demonstrates not only courage and self-control but also tact and wisdom.

Jera (YARE-uh) is the rune of natural rhythms; it reveals that all things run in cycles that, when taken in totality, balance out the world. This phenomenon can be most readily observed with the change of seasons: winter nourishes and waters the soil, spring brings new growth, summer is the time of ripening and autumn yields the harvest. Jera encourages us to work in harmony with the passage of time; it indicates that the bounties of fervent effort will come to fruition in due course. Jera, however, also reminds us to remain diligent, as we will reap only what we sow.

Kenaz (KAY-nahz) is the rune of knowledge and enlightenment; it acts as a torch, illuminating one’s path forward in life. It represents the willingness to seek out truths by not only considering scientific facts but also through logical reasoning. Further, Kenaz encourages us to continuously fan the flames of our own intellectual curiosity. Kenaz suggests that a truly curious mind, one with an insatiable thirst for ever more knowledge, is perhaps the most valuable asset that an individual can have as we forge ahead on our own uniquely personal journeys through life.

Laguz (LAH-goos) invites us to discover the concept of collective memory and to recognize and embrace the vast extent of our own unconscious minds where the power of intuition reigns supreme over that of conscious reasoning. It depicts endless possibility, pointing to the depths of the soul where peace, wisdom and creativity reside. Laguz foretells that what is most deeply seeded within us will indeed manifest - becoming readily apparent to the senses - and ultimately dictate the flow of our own singularly unique life forces.

Mannaz (MAH-nahz) tells of a self that is strong, capable and independent but is at the same time deeply influenced by and interconnected with the greater community. It represents the concept of collective existence and stresses the importance of give and take, reminding us to treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated. Mannaz is also the rune of fairness; it suggests that greed can be kept in check when all members of a community respect one another. Truly understanding the value of mutual self-interest can lead to limitless success for both the individual and the group.

Nauthiz (NOW-theez) is a symbol of needs and demands, compulsions and desires, restrictions and endurance. It identifies patience, self-control and purposeful determination as the tools necessary to readily discern basic needs from nonessential desires. Nauthiz encourages us to control cravings, support restrictions and set limitations on all things that adversely affect our quality of life. Exercising discipline to overcome temptation increases both mental and physical strength and promotes greater overall feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Othala (OWE-tha-la) invites us to discover and embrace our heritage in all forms, from the material to the highly spiritual. It encourages respect of inherited fundamental values and traditions and encourages the practical application of knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Othala invites us to embrace and deploy the ancestral wisdom and other forms of heritage that reside within - all of which shape us as truly unique individuals - to promote forward progress and to work toward attaining a more desirable future.

Perthro (PAIR-throw) points to the concepts of randomness, coincidence and infinite possibilities; it is the rune of mystery, fate and the unmanifest. Perthro represents the mysterious force that directs our path forward in life, a guiding hand of inevitability toward an entirely unpredictable destination. Perthro also explains that fate is not necessarily anchored to an immutable endpoint. As such, it encourages us to take chances along the way as even minor changes to a seemingly predetermined course can have a significant impact on where life ultimately takes us.

Raido (RYE-doh) refers to the journey of life; it encourages us to make informed decisions and take initiative so that we may move, with purpose, toward something new, exciting or more promising. Radio challenges us to break old habits and embrace the here and now because we all have the power to determine our own personal direction in life. Radio also serves as a reminder that the actual paths that we choose to follow should be as rewarding as the places that we ultimately hope to end up because life itself is a journey, not a destination.

Sowilo is the rune of the Sun. It symbolizes warmth and vital energy and represents the embodiment of all things positive – from good health to limitless learning potential to victory over suffering. Sowilo (so-WEE-lo) projects wholeness and represents the link between the conscious and subconscious minds. When such a connection exists it produces a spiritual awareness that provides guidance and protection and helps us to stay focused on and dedicated to following only those pathways in life that will lead to successful outcomes.

Thurisaz (TOO-ree-saz) literally means thorn. It is a point that protects against aggressors while powering its way through the world via the unconscious forces of the psyche. Thurisaz encourages the confrontation of fear and obliges us to overcome personal trepidation so as to shatter obstacles and reveal new, exciting opportunities. Thurisaz also acts as a reminder to employ patience, to contemplate and to always take great care when confronted by forces that are beyond our control.

Tiwaz (TEE-wahz) is the rune of the spiritual warrior, the guardian, someone who tirelessly gives of themselves and expects nothing in return. It represents a dignified strength that manifests as righteous courage and symbolizes a conscious recognition that our actions are guided by proper and rational balance, honor and justice. Tiwaz is also the rune of positive regulation. Being shaped as an arrow indicates the concentration of decisive forces that, when implemented, lend us the power to aptly evaluate any circumstance with both virtue and integrity.

Uruz (OO-rooz) is the rune of pure, unharnessed primal energy and inner strength fueled by raw determination, courage and tenacity. It represents a type of power more potent than that of mere brute force dominance and control because it allows for endurance, flexibility and adaptation. As such, the Uruz rune may indicate that we have matured beyond and outgrown our current life situation, suggesting that it is time to embrace meaningful changes that will promote personal progress and foster positive individual growth.

Wunjo (WHUN-joe) is the rune of joy and pleasure; it embodies all forms of satisfaction. Wunjo values companionship and encourages us to nurture personal relationships; it highlights the importance of associating with the right people and of taking loving care of valued partnerships. Wunjo also urges us to recognize happiness as a humbling experience and to spread joy whenever possible. Striving to help others also achieve happiness will further heighten the level of emotional satisfaction that we enjoy in our own lives.

Mjölnir (MIOL-neer), aka Thor’s Hammer, is one of the most historically important symbols in Norse mythology. Thor was the indefatigable god tasked with the duty of guarding Asgard, the celestial stronghold of the Aesir, the main tribe of gods and goddesses in Norse mythology. The ancients believed that whenever thunder crashed in the skies above they were actually hearing the sound of Thor bringing his hammer down upon his enemies. The thunder god’s Mjölnir was, however, far more than just a weapon or a symbol of the destructive force of a storm; its power extended over all aspects of the community’s well-being. In the Viking Age, people sometimes wore hammer amulets on necklaces because they believed that the Mjölnir extended to them the same benefits that Thor’s hammer was said to have provided to all characters in ancient mythology: general blessing, consecration and protection.

Enkeli (EN-kah-lee), aka the Angelic Power Rune, is among the most powerful marks bestowed upon the Nephilim by the Angel of Mysteries himself, Raziel. The mark signifies angelic bonds and is often used to imbue weapons with seraphic properties to cleanse them of any and all demonic traces. Thus, when a demon is struck by a weapon marked with Enkeli the resulting wounds will be unable to heal. The rune also symbolizes limitless power and enables those to who bear the mark to both efficiently and effectively access their inner strength for positive use.

YOU are Venus.

Hello Goddess :)

Hecate (Heh-kuh-tee), divine ruler of the earth, sea and sky, bestows daily blessings and prosperity upon us. The wheel is a visual representation of the protective Greek Goddess and depicts a labyrinthine serpent encompassing a central spiral. The serpent symbolizes rebirth and renewal while the spiral signifies divine thought. The main folds of the Triple Goddess’s serpent represent both the three aforementioned dominions over which she rules as well as the three phases of female life: Maiden, Mother and Crone. Wearing her wheel not only pays reverence to Hecate’s arcane knowledge but also invites her protection, blessings and good fortune into one’s life.

Ceres is the quintessential Earth Mother, teaching us how to nurture both ourselves and others. She professes that the unification of giving and receiving through ourselves represents the very exchange of energy that determines how the universe flows, evolves and unfolds all around us each and every day. Ceres influences parenting, caregiving, hard work, extracting nourishment from the Earth (e.g., via harvesting crops or by maintaining a garden) and fertility.

Juno presides over both marriage and other close partnerships (i.e., business) helping us to find a balance in relationships that honors both individual purpose and our obligations to others. She identifies equality, commitment and loyalty and as the main tenets necessary to attain this productive equilibrium. Juno is not only wise and pensive, she is also highly creative, artfully choosing each word as she eloquently sings not of physical attraction but of soulmates and true, everlasting love.

Pallas is intelligent and cerebral with a resolute focus on ideas. She defines wisdom as being the integration of intuition, intellect, strategic thinking and artistic expression. Pallas is the weaver of patterns, linking ideas together while always keeping an open mind so that she may effectively evaluate any situation from all perspectives. She is creative and artistic; she is a leader during both times of peace and times of conflict; she is the ultimate survivor. Pallas also demands that as independent thinkers we never fail to actively claim agency of and intelligently wield our own personal power in life.

Vesta is the keeper of the hearth. Her name is synonymous with devotion and dedication and of mental clarity and self-respect. Vesta encourages us to commit to a spiritual path, one that will empower us to steadfastly protect our personal inner flames. She highlights the purest potential within us, bringing the raw essence of who we are as truly unique individuals into being. Vesta is the ideal example of focus and ritual, of assiduity to the home and family and of allegiance and unwavering fidelity to all whom she loves.

Born with the supernatural power of healing, Chiron sacrificed his immortality for mankind and thus became known as the 'wounded healer' because his gift would no longer work on his own injuries. Chiron emphasizes the circumstances in our lives that are difficult to manage. However, while the mark of Chiron does indeed signify our deepest spiritual traumas, it also expresses our greatest ethereal strengths. As we work to heal our own 'wounds' we become stronger in our weakest areas and our resilience in facing these forever recurring challenges reminds us that we can survive anything!

you are bold and ambitious.

you are usually ;) in a cheerful mood.

you are relentlessly determined.

you are uncomplicated and direct.

you like things quick and dirty!

of your steadfast, loyal nature.

you are ambitious, focused and resilient.

you know how to play the long game.

you are just sooo very sensual. :)

you know how to kick back, relax and enjoy!

you are playful and intellectually curious.

you are innovative and creative.

you are sooo darn quick witted!

you are the unmistakable social butterfly. :)

you never have a hidden agenda.

of your gentle nature and genuine compassion.

you make us feel safe. :)

of your loyalty, commitment and emotional depth.

you are sooo highly intuitive.

you have mystical powers (span style="font-style:italic;">um, you’re psychic!).

you are vivacious, playful and passionate.

of your physical, mental and emotional fortitude.

you put your heart into everything and everyone. :)

you are incredibly loyal and remarkably brave.

you are a natural born leader.

you are logical, practical and systematic.

you are hyper aware of every detail!

you understand that flaws are not defects.

you are a kind, gentle and supportive friend. :)

you do not shy away from hard work!

you create balance and harmony in all areas of life.

you are an intellectual and a connoisseur.

you have exquisite taste!

you really know how to turn on the charm. :P

you are the unmistakable people-pleaser!

your energy is so ambitious and enticing.

of your incredible passion and strength.

you are enigmatic, seductive and beguiling.

of your empathy, depth and commitment.

you know exactly what you want!

you are effortlessly magnetic. :)

of your unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

you are so deft, flexible and highly adaptable.

you can light up any room with your stories.

of your sense of humor, wit and no ‘BS’ bluntness!

you have the inner fortitude to overcome anything.

of your no-nonsense, take action mentality.

you have the ultimate can-do attitude. :)

of your unwavering determination and focus.

you become more youthful as you age (not fair!).

you aspire to change the world.

you are a big thinker with righteous convictions.

you are free-spirited and eccentric. :P

you are a rebel at heart.

you will unabashedly fly your freak flag high!

you are kind, gentle, empathetic and compassionate.

of your boundless imagination.

you masterfully navigate both fantasy and reality!

you effortlessly adapt to your surroundings.

you so often rock your rose-colored glasses. ;)

The Moon is the Goddess of time, change and evolution. Ever-changing, she grows from but a sliver in the night sky to become an awe-inspiring, brightly-glowing orb only to then gradually fade back again to nothing. Her pattern reminds us that all things in life have a natural cycle: water evaporates from the sea and falls down again as rain, a piece of fruit falls from a branch and its seeds grow to become a new tree. We too are born, mature, age and eventually pass on but our children are there to begin the cycle anew. Thus, the ‘rebirth’ of the Moon may suggest a regular rejuvenation of our own souls, each time breathing new life into womankind’s perpetual quest to weave the oft-complex threads of insight, intuition and femininity into realities of transitional growth and profound progress.

Each new lunar cycle brings with it the energy of new beginnings, new passions and cultivation. As such, the New Moon represents an ideal time to free ourselves of those things that no longer serve us well, to shed bad habits and to self-reflect, evolve and commit to more positive approaches to both living well and living fully. With the New Moon comes new wisdom, with new wisdom comes new perspective and with all of that comes the opportunity for a fresh new start… should we choose to embrace it!

When the Moon (Luna) begins to become increasingly smaller and less bright in the night sky, she disseminates a particular energy into the universe that encourages contemplation, revelation and release. Therefore, the waning phase, those days just before Luna goes completely dark, is the ideal time for us to self-reflect, identify and subsequently shed those things in life that no longer serve us well... such as bad habits, an unsatisfying relationship, anxiety, stress or a persistently pessimistic mindset. Not only is such an emotional purification and release satisfyingly cathartic, but also it prepares us rather well for the start of a new beginning!

As the Moon (Luna) begins to appear increasingly larger and brighter in the night sky she emits ever more positive energy into the universe. During the waxing phase, Luna is anxiously awaiting to reveal her complete self… soon all of her natural brilliance will be on full display. Her vim, vigor and vivacity become contagious. The Waxing Moon encourages us to confidently embrace our own innate zest for life and to challenge ourselves by setting goals where the path to positive transformation may require us to operate outside of our normal comfort zones. We can absolutely do ‘it’, whatever ‘it’ may be!

When full, the moon (think of her as a seed) is at full bloom. She is at peak energy and her form is suggestive of fertility, transformation, completion and abundance. A full moon may cause some to feel chaotic and others to feel energized or inspired. Regardless of how it affects you personally, a full moon represents an ideal time for all of us to unburden ourselves with anything (e.g., a relationship, a job, negative thoughts or emotions) that does not constructively align with our individual higher purpose in life. Luna encourages this monthly cathartic release followed by a peaceful, undisturbed period of recharging basking in the pure, positive energy of her full light under an otherwise very dark night sky.

Author F. Marion Crawford one wrote: “…there was a silvery, misty something through the darkness, the white dawn of moonrise, which is not like the dawn of day, nor like the departing twilight.” Moonrise is indeed quite unlike any other time of day and is far more than a mere fleeting moment when the Moon first becomes visible above the horizon. Her appearance presents us with a much needed moment of serenity, one that we might use to acknowledge our inner strength, the power of our femininity and our virtually limitless potential.

It is said that a shooting star possesses a bit of magic, a magic that means good luck and positive vibes for anyone so fortunate as to actually gaze upon one. Legend also holds that anyone lucky enough to witness a shooting star should immediately make a wish. Shooting stars both appear and vanish within the same blink of an eye so don’t be caught off guard… what will you wish for when you see yours!?

The North Star (we call her Phoebe) is the anchor of the northern sky. She is a permanent 'skymark', always there, a brightly glowing beacon guiding us toward a purposeful destination.

Phoebe appears to hold still as the entirety of the northern sky shifts around her. Similarly, our own personal North Stars act as uniquely individual mission statements... fixed visions or sets of values that we can always stay focused on even as the world perpetually changes around us.

When we discover our personal North Star we seem to almost innately know where we are headed. That alone generates such an amazing feeling within! Aiming toward and honoring the presumably ;) wholesome and vital dictates of our own individual North Star also promises to bring increasingly more happiness into our lives.

Largely intangible and without permanent form, 'air' exudes a conscious intellectualism that represents the breath of life... ultimately, it is the source of life. Air is constantly in motion, even though it most cases it cannot be seen. The air element symbolizes: consciousness, perception and communication; intelligence, wit and broad general knowledge; creativity, deep thinking and imagination; a penchant for exploration coupled with a thirst for discovery; and harmony, cooperation and friendship.

The earth is stable and reliable, yet constantly working and moving. It is the element of beginnings and endings, or death and rebirth, as life comes from the ground and then returns to again become one with it after death. The earth element is symbolic of stability, groundedness and solidity; fertility, prosperity and physical abundance; permanence, dependability and security; creativity, imagination and resourcefulness; and intuition, introspection and wisdom.

Fire is thought to have been born when then universe was first created yet it cannot exist on its own - it is associated with having transformational and purifying powers, consuming impurities and driving back the darkness. While it can emanate warmth and light to enable life it can also burn and destroy. The fire element is symbolic of: extraordinary energy, strength and power; passion, vision and creativity; freedom, love and devotion; and confidence, courage and vigor.