WS:Runes

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Magical/Divinatory Runic Language

The runic alphabet is more than mere letters. It is a set of symbols, each of which holds depths of meaning. While most literate folk know only the name and sound of each letter, those skilled in magic and/or divination also have a greater or lesser degree of knowledge of the meanings. Those using the runes for divinatory purposes may also study stories and histories linked to each rune.

The runic alphabet is known as the futhark' after its first six letters:

f	u	th	a	r	k

The complete Runic alphabet used in the Western Shores consists of twenty-four runes. These are divided into three 'families' of eight runes each, the numbers three and eight holding special significance. The three groups, known as aettir, are named after the gods Freyr, Hegl and Tyr. The three aettir are:

Freyr's Eight:
Hegl's Eight:
Tyr's Eight:

Fehu

Fehu

Possessions
Nourishment
Cattle

Fehu is used when the target is in need of sustenance. Fehu can represent food and water, or can be used to affect items the target is carrying, whether for good or ill. It is also used in blessings for livestock of all kinds. Fehu is Freyr's rune, often borne by his worshippers, and vital in calling on his powers.

Freyr is the most renowned of the Æsir; he rules over the rain and the shining of the sun, and therewithal the fruit of the earth; and it is good to call on him for fruitful seasons and peace. He governs also the prosperity of men. - Gylfaginning 24 from the Prose Eddas

Divination: Fulfillment, ambition satisified. Fehu indicates the favour of the gods, and calls for a deep probing of the meaning of profit and gain in the querant's life. Reversed, it indicates frustration and loss, a warning of transitory gains leading to greater loss.

Uruz

Uruz

Thurisaz

Thurisaz

Ansuz

Signals
Messenger Rune
Loki

Ansuz is the rune used when information flow is required. It enables communication. Ansuz can be used reversed to block messages and cloud attempts at scrying.

Divination: Loki is the ancient trickster. He mocks Odin while giving gifts to humankind, but his blessings are a two-edged sword. Expect the unexpected and be wary of things that seem too good to be true. Ansuz can represent a timely warning or news from afar.

Raido

Kano

Gebo

Partnership
A Gift

Gebo is the rune of uniting and merging, and also the rune of sacrifice. In a working involving some form of sacrifice, Gebo will often be painted on the sacrificial items during high rituals.

Divination: Gebo signals that a partnership is at hand. Gebo warns the querant to stay whole within a partnership, and not to subsume themselves to the union. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link; only when all members of a union are strong and whole in themselves can a bond hold fast.

Gebo also brings thoughts of union with the gods; it reminds us that the gods are in all things, and that magic and life are intertwined.

Wunjo

Hagalaz

Nauthiz

Isa

Jera

Eihwaz

Perth

Algiz

Sowelu

Teiwaz

Berkana

Ehwaz

Mannaz

The Self

Mannaz relates to a person, either the caster or the target. Spells affecting people directly will always work Mannaz into them. The positioning of Mannaz in relation to the other runes indicates whether it relates to the mage or another person. The essence of Mannaz is water, so Mannaz may also be utilised to affect that element.

Divination: Mannaz counsels modesty and self-awareness. True self-knowledge is an important requirement to understand the oracle of a casting involving Mannaz.

If you cut Mannaz down the middle, it forms two Wunjo runes, one reversed as if in a mirror.

Laguz

Inguz

Othila

Dagaz

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