Runes are a tool of self-knowledge and work with energies, widely used in magical practice. The runic system initially arose as a writing among the ancient Germans, but subsequently each of the signs acquired a secret sacred meaning. In addition to Germanic tribes, runes were used on the Scandinavian peninsula and in Iceland. Sometimes the Celts are also credited with using runes, although many consider this a fallacy. The article discusses why the Scandinavian futark is sometimes called the Celtic runes, their interpretation, meaning and description.
Did the Celts runic scripts exist?
In fact, the Celts did not use runic writing and were ethnically different from the ancient Germans. They had their own language, culture, pantheon of gods. In the visual arts, the Celts left their mark in the form of unique patterns of interwoven lines. A similar Celtic ornament and the Scandinavian runes, modern admirers of European paganism, not thoroughly understanding the history, are often combined into a single whole. Hence the numerous questions about the Celtic runes for tattoos or amulets. This is due to a superficial acquaintance with both cultures and a reluctance to immerse themselves in their study. Numerous articles on the Internet about the Celtic runes and their meaning actually examine the Scandinavian runes.
Ogam as the runic script of the Celts
It will be relatively correct to call the Celtic runes a completely different script - ogam, although in fact it is never called that way to avoid confusion. He is also known as the Irish cryptography of the Druids, consisting of dashes and sticks. Like the Scandinavian signs, the Celtic runes and their meanings have certain names. It is believed that each of the 20 signs of ogamic writing is responsible for certain energies. Similar Celtic runes and their meaning are studied by neopagans and are used for magical practices. In the Russian-speaking magical community fortune telling is quite rare. What a ogamic letter looks like, can be seen further on the photo. Celtic runes and their meanings are visually and semantically not similar to the Scandinavian ones. Therefore, ogamic signs are called runes only for fun.
Celtic runes and staves
Runic staves are the mark of several runes connected together in one sign. Most often, this form is used for amulets and talismans. The Scandinavian stavas have various forms, and the Icelandic ones are called agishyalms ("helmet of horror"), since it was believed that they inspire fear in the enemies.
In fact, the Celtic runes and their meaning can also be fixed in the form of a stav - they will look like a vertical line, from which many horizontal lines depart. In this form, ogam can also be used for magical practice. By the way, it is not recommended to use a runic inscription for a tattoo: Celtic runes and their meaning, Scandinavian signs and Icelandic stavas contribute to a strong interference of energies in your life. This can disrupt natural harmony. However, it’s okay if you are going to use Celtic patterns for tattoos: runes and their meanings are not related to decorative ornaments.
Fehu
The initial meaning of the Fehu rune is “cattle”. She is responsible for our material well-being, which is not surprising, because in ancient times human wealth was measured not in money, but in property, including in the number of livestock. At a deeper level, this rune may be responsible for energy resources and creativity.
Uruz
The meaning of the Celtic rune Uruz is associated with a bull or wild tour. This animal for the ancient Germans was a symbol of pristine energy, wild and primitive nature. This rune is still loved to be interpreted as the “root cause”. Using Uruz opens up access to the huge potential of vital energy.
Turisaz
The name is interpreted as a "giant", which indicates a huge potential. The power of Turisaz can be both destructive and active creative - in any case, it is clearly manifested in the physical world, causing a state of absolute confidence in its correctness and in everything that happens.
Ansuz
The magic of the Ansuz runes is associated with information and knowledge. Its name is interpreted as a derivative of the word "as", denoting the Scandinavian gods. The lord of the aces, the lonely Odin, has access to all the knowledge of the world - it was for them that he gave one of his eyes. Harnessing the energy Ansuz has a strong intuition, allowing to predict the outcome of events. This rune endows with insight, attentiveness and contributes to the development of a tenacious mind.
Raido
Raido - the rune of the road and constant movement. Raido's energy not only protects travelers and wanderers, it also allows you to find your way in an allegorical sense. Raido helps arouse intuition and follow it. The movement under the control of Raido is not chaotic: it has a clear goal, the final point where you must arrive.
Kenaz
The meaning of the Celtic runes Kenaz is interpreted as “flame” or “torch”. The torch is a more correct interpretation, since the energy of Kenaz can be compared with controlled fire, designed to illuminate and heat, rather than burn. This rune is responsible for the awakening of creative, creative energy, gives strength to new achievements.
Gebo
Gebo is called the rune of partnership and union. Her name translates as "gift." It symbolically reflects the principle of mutual energy exchange, through which life is possible. The energy of this rune helps to establish and strengthen relations with any person.
Wuno
Vunyo is one of the most favorable runes. Its name is interpreted as "joy", so the energy of this rune resembles that unconditional sense of happiness that can flood for no reason. It contributes to the success and successful completion of the work begun, gives healing and uplifting in moments of sadness.
Hagalaz
Hagalaz is called the rune of destruction, but treating it as extremely negative would be a mistake. The name Hagalaz is associated with hail, which indicates its ambiguous potential: on the one hand, hail can harm the crop, on the other hand, hail is just water. Melted ice floes saturate and nourish the earth with moisture. Hagalaz energy helps to get rid of everything old and outdated, so that the new one has enough space for development.
Nautiz
The initial interpretation of the name Nautiz is need. This rune has a rather complex energy. It can denote limited personal resources, difficult times, a problem that requires urgent solutions. Nautiz puts barriers to the goal, but at the same time can teach patience and humility in overcoming them.
Isa
The name Isa is interpreted as ice. The energy of this rune freezing events and stopping processes. Time seems to freeze: the situation is not developing, but freezes at a certain stage. It is good to turn to this rune if you need to take a break from work and focus on internal processes.
Yera
Rune Hyere means cyclicity. Its name translates as “harvest”: it allows you to look at the situation in the present as a result of actions in the past. Hyra teaches that everything in the world is back to square one: all our actions will eventually return to us.
Eyvaz
Eivaz is related to the world tree Yggdrasil: its roots reach the underworlds, and the crown goes up to Asgard. Rune Eyvaz helps to feel its inner core and promotes internal transformation - the transition from roots to branches.
Perth
There is no unequivocal opinion on how exactly the name of the rune Perth is translated. Some interpret it as a "secret", others as a "womb". Perth is associated with secret forces, often associated with female magical abilities. Perth can symbolize the emergence of something new, the reassessment of values, and is also used as a protective rune.
Algiz
The name Algiz means "moose", and this rune even looks like an elk. Algiz is the most powerful protective rune. It contributes to the aggravation of intuition, at a dangerous moment instinct does not fail you, Algiz helps to avoid risky situations.
Soulou
Soulou is a solar rune, but it is also associated with other heavenly energies. Outwardly, it resembles lightning and is responsible for active, victorious energy.
Teivaz
This rune has a pronounced masculine energy. It is dedicated to the god Tire, the patron saint of fair war in Norse mythology. The energy of the Teyvaz runes contributes to gaining courage, the ability to make fair decisions and teaches you to take responsibility for actions.
Berkana
Berkana is a female rune whose name is associated with a birch tree. This fleece protects mothers and children, therefore its energy is characterized by softness and tenderness. Berkana is a good mascot for pregnant women, able to protect and save a new life. It is also good to turn to this rune for help in healing practices.
Evaz
Evaz literally means “horse” or “stallion”. Symbolically, this indicates the potential of the rune, contributing to the rapid advancement. You can turn to this rune if you need to speed up the decision on any of your business, push it to an important choice, pull the situation out of stagnation.
Manaz
Manaz symbolizes man as a representative of the whole human race. This is the rune of the human "I", symbolizing the triumph of rational thinking. The energy of Manaz brings great opportunities, but at the same time requires full commitment and self-control. This is a rune of mature people, more guided by logic than by a rush of feelings.
Laguz
Runa Laguz is often associated with the element of water, because both concepts patronize the emotional sphere. In contrast to the logic of Manaz, Laguz, on the contrary, encourages you to listen to your feelings and follow them. Energy Laguz contributes to the development and strengthening of relations with a partner, as well as the disclosure of their own sensual potential.
Inguz
The literal interpretation of the Ingus runes is fertility. This rune symbolizes the successful completion of a business and the imminent start of a new project. Under the auspices of Inguz, you are able to cope with any difficulties due to the feeling of a surge of strength.
Dagaz
Runa Dagaz is associated with the dawn. It is in her power to help us overcome the transformation and be reborn into a completely new person. After all that we had to overcome on the Rune path, we simply cannot remain the same. Dagaz allows change to happen quickly.
Otal
The rune Otal (or Otila) is a sign symbolizing the unity between the past and the future. She is responsible for communication with the ancestors and allows you to transfer the energy of the genus to descendants. Also, this rune helps to become more aware of oneself and understand one's destiny in this life.