For centuries, the people of Northern Europe carved strange symbols into bone, stone, wood, and metal. These symbols—known as runes—were far more than a writing system. They were believed to be alive with spiritual force. To carve a rune was to call on its energy. To cast runes was to speak with the unseen. And to know the runes deeply was to touch the same power the Norse gods used to shape the world.
Today, runes are often treated as simple fortune-telling tools. But their original purpose was much bigger. They were used for protection, healing, curses, blessings, guidance, and communication with the spirit realm.
This is the deeper story of how Norse runes were used for magic and divination—and why they remain one of the most powerful symbols in the modern spiritual world.
Panaprium est indépendant et pris en charge par les lecteurs. Si vous achetez quelque chose via notre lien, nous pouvons gagner une commission. Si vous le pouvez, veuillez nous soutenir sur une base mensuelle. La mise en place prend moins d'une minute et vous aurez un impact important chaque mois. Merci!
What Are Norse Runes?
The runes come from the Elder Futhark, a system of 24 symbols used by Germanic and Norse cultures between the 2nd and 8th centuries. Each rune has:
-
a name
-
a sound
-
a symbolic meaning
-
a spiritual energy
-
a magical function
The word “rune” itself means secret or mystery. These symbols were never meant to be used casually. To the Norse, they carried power.
The Legendary Origin of the Runes: A Gift Won Through Sacrifice
According to Norse mythology, the runes were discovered by Odin, the All-Father. He hung himself upside down from the World Tree, Yggdrasil, pierced by his own spear, refusing food and water for nine days. In that moment of total sacrifice, the runes revealed themselves to him.
This myth explains the ancient belief:
runes were not created—they were revealed.
They existed beneath the surface of reality, woven into fate. Odin simply unlocked them.
Because of this, the Norse treated runes as sacred. They weren't mere letters. They were the building blocks of power.
Runes as a Form of Magic: How They Were Used
Runic magic was widespread across Northern Europe. It showed up in battle, healing, protection, love, fertility rituals, and spiritual communication. Archaeologists have found runes carved on weapons, combs, cups, amulets, gravestones, doorways, and even Viking ships.
Here are the core ways runes were used in magic.
1. Carving Runes for Protection
One of the most common uses of runes was protection magic. Warriors carved runes onto:
-
shields
-
swords
-
helmets
-
spear tips
The rune Tiwaz (ᛏ) symbolized victory.
Algiz (ᛉ) symbolized divine protection.
Eihwaz (ᛇ) symbolized resilience and defense.
These weren’t decorations. People believed the rune’s presence altered fate itself.
Some warriors even tattooed protective runes onto their skin.
2. Binding Runes Together for Stronger Magic
Runemasters often created bindrunes, which combine two or more runes into one powerful symbol.
Bindrunes were used for:
-
love spells
-
fertility blessings
-
business luck
-
protection from harm
-
banishing negative energy
-
attracting wealth
These functioned much like sigils do today—personal symbols charged with intention.
3. Rune Magic for Healing
Healing magic was a respected practice in Norse culture. Healers used runes by:
-
carving them into wooden sticks
-
drawing them on the body with ochre or charcoal
-
chanting their names for energetic activation
-
placing rune-carved amulets near an injury
Runes such as Uruz (ᚢ) and Sowilo (ᛋ) were believed to promote strength and vitality.
The Norse believed sound, symbol, and intention worked together to shift the body’s energy.
4. Curses and Banishing Spells
Runes were not only used for good. Some carvings were intended to harm, control, or repel.
The rune Thurisaz (ᚦ), symbolizing destructive force, appears on several objects believed to be curse talismans.
Runes could be:
-
buried
-
burned
-
hidden in clothing
-
thrown into rivers
-
carved on slander poles (níðstang) to shame or curse an enemy
Magic was dual-edged. The Norse understood that power could heal or harm depending on the wielder’s intentions.
5. Communication with Spirits and Ancestors
Runes were often used in rituals to contact:
-
ancestors
-
land spirits
-
protective household spirits
-
deities
The rune Ansuz (ᚨ), linked to Odin, was associated with inspiration, divine messages, and spiritual insight.
Carving this rune into a piece of wood and placing it on an altar was a way of calling spiritual guidance into one’s life.
How Runes Were Used for Divination
While rune magic was common, rune divination was reserved for those with training—the runemasters, seers, and wise women.
Divination allowed people to:
-
understand fate
-
predict danger
-
seek clarity
-
communicate with the gods
-
receive guidance before travel or battle
The Norse didn’t see divination as “fortune telling.” They believed runes revealed how fate was currently moving, so people could act wisely.
The Most Common Rune Casting Methods
Historical references suggest several methods.
1. The Casting of Lots
Tacitus, a Roman historian, described Germanic tribes carving runes on wooden lots or small sticks, shaking them in a cloth, and casting them onto the ground.
A trained diviner interpreted:
-
which runes faced upward
-
how they landed
-
their orientation
-
their position relative to one another
This is the earliest known record of rune divination.
2. Pulling Runes from a Bag
Another method involved pulling one or three runes from a leather pouch.
This method reveals:
-
immediate influences
-
challenges
-
long-term outcomes
-
hidden energies
Modern practitioners still use this technique.
3. Water or Fire Scrying with Runes
Some runes were placed:
-
into water bowls
-
above fire
-
beside candles
The way runes wobbled, reflected, or moved helped interpret the message.
This combined rune work with traditional Norse scrying practices.
The Meanings Behind the Runes
Each rune carries layers of meaning. Some common themes include:
-
Fehu (ᚠ): wealth, beginnings, abundance
-
Raidho (ᚱ): journey, movement, timing
-
Gebo (ᚷ): gifts, relationships, balance
-
Hagalaz (ᚺ): disruption, transformation, chaos
-
Sowilo (ᛋ): success, vitality, divine guidance
-
Dagaz (ᛞ): awakening, breakthrough, new cycles
Runemasters didn’t treat these meanings as static. They combined intuition with tradition.
The Spiritual Responsibility of Runemasters
Rune magic and divination required deep ethical responsibility. A runemaster had to:
-
know each rune’s meaning and hidden layers
-
understand how runes interacted with one another
-
maintain purity, discipline, and emotional clarity
-
respect the power of fate (wyrd)
-
avoid using runes selfishly or recklessly
Runes were tools of cosmic law, not personal gain.
Misusing them was believed to bring disaster.
Why Runes Became “Forbidden Magic”
As Christianity spread through Scandinavia, church leaders condemned rune magic. Runes were associated with:
-
pagan gods
-
powerful women
-
spell work
-
divination
-
ancestral worship
Many runestones were destroyed, and runemagic went underground. By the Middle Ages, rune knowledge had almost vanished—surviving only in fragments of folklore, inscriptions, and oral tradition.
Yet the magic never died. It resurfaced centuries later during the occult revival of the 19th and 20th centuries and remains alive today among modern pagans, witches, and spiritual practitioners.
Why Runes Still Matter Today
Runes appeal to modern practitioners because they blend:
-
clarity
-
symbolism
-
energy
-
history
-
intuition
They offer guidance without pretending to control fate. They help people understand the hidden patterns around them. And they connect modern seekers to one of the oldest spiritual traditions in the world.
Whether used in meditation, manifestation, protection work, or divination, the runes still carry the same power the Norse once respected: the power to reveal truth and shape destiny.
Final Thoughts: The Living Magic of the Runes
Norse runes were never meant to be simple symbols or alphabetic characters. They were tools of deep transformation, channels of energy, and keys to the spiritual world.
To carve a rune was a spell.
To cast a rune was a conversation with fate.
To master the runes was to step into the same lineage as the ancient seers and wise women.
Their magic still breathes today—whenever someone takes the time to listen to the symbols, honor their energy, and work with them the way the Norse once did.
Cet article vous a-t-il été utile ? S'il vous plaît dites-nous ce que vous avez aimé ou n'avez pas aimé dans les commentaires ci-dessous.
About the Author: Alex Assoune
Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.
Contre Quoi Nous Luttons
Les groupes multinationaux surproduisent des produits bon marché dans les pays les plus pauvres.
Des usines de production où les conditions s’apparentent à celles d’ateliers clandestins et qui sous-payent les travailleurs.
Des conglomérats médiatiques faisant la promotion de produits non éthiques et non durables.
De mauvais acteurs encourageant la surconsommation par un comportement inconscient.
- - - -
Heureusement, nous avons nos supporters, dont vous.
Panaprium est financé par des lecteurs comme vous qui souhaitent nous rejoindre dans notre mission visant à rendre le monde entièrement respectueux de l'environnement.
Si vous le pouvez, veuillez nous soutenir sur une base mensuelle. Cela prend moins d'une minute et vous aurez un impact important chaque mois. Merci.
RELATED ARTICLES
Tags
Babylonian Astrology: How the First Star Readers Shaped Destiny
Long before modern zodiac signs, horoscopes, and birth charts, the ancient Babylonians were watching the sky. They believed the stars were not distant objects—they were messages. Signals from the gods.... En savoir plus
Sumerian Magic: The First Spells and Protective Charms
Long before Egypt raised its pyramids and Greece built its temples, another civilization emerged between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This was Sumer, the birthplace of writing, mathematics, and—just as importantly—the... En savoir plus
How Norse Runes Were Used for Magic and Divination
For centuries, the people of Northern Europe carved strange symbols into bone, stone, wood, and metal. These symbols—known as runes—were far more than a writing system. They were believed to be... En savoir plus
The Forgotten Witches of Ancient Egypt: Hidden History of Magic, Mystery, and Female Power
For thousands of years, Egypt has been a symbol of mystery—pyramids, gods, tombs, and spells carved into stone. But behind these familiar images lies a history that rarely gets told:... En savoir plus
Yearn vs Beefy vs AutoFarm: Which Yield Aggregator Is Best for You?
The world of DeFi yield farming is full of opportunities—and pitfalls. For many investors, yield aggregators like Yearn, Beefy, and AutoFarm offer a convenient way to automate yield optimization, compounding... En savoir plus
High Yield, High Risk? 7 Vaults With >50 % APY & What That Means
In decentralized finance (DeFi), yields above 50 % APY immediately draw attention. They can accelerate portfolio growth faster than almost any traditional financial product. However, yields at this level rarely... En savoir plus
Guide du débutant sur la perte impermanente : définition et comment les agrégateurs l’atténuent
La perte impermanente (IL) est l'un des concepts les plus mal compris dans la DeFi. De nombreux débutants déposent des fonds dans des pools de liquidités, constatent un APY élevé... En savoir plus
Meilleures plateformes de prêt DeFi pour ETH, stETH et rETH afin d'optimiser les rendements
À mesure que de plus en plus d'investisseurs misent sur Ethereum et détiennent des jetons ETH liquides comme stETH (de Lido Finance) ou rETH (de Rocket Pool), la demande de... En savoir plus
Le pouvoir spirituel de naître sous une lune hors course
La plupart des gens n'ont jamais entendu parler de la Lune hors course , et pourtant, c'est l'une des énergies les plus mystérieuses et les plus mal comprises en astrologie.... En savoir plus
The Role of Oracles in Ancient Greece: Voices of the Divine
In the ancient world, no civilization relied on divine guidance more than the Greeks. From kings and generals to farmers and families, people traveled across mountains and seas to ask... En savoir plus
Staking liquide vs staking classique : lequel offre le meilleur rendement ?
Le staking est devenu l'un des moyens les plus populaires de générer des revenus passifs dans le monde des cryptomonnaies. Que vous possédiez de l'Ethereum, du Solana ou du NEAR,... En savoir plus
Le lien entre les vies antérieures et le nœud sud
En astrologie, le Nœud Sud est l'un des indicateurs les plus puissants du passé de votre âme. Il révèle les schémas, les dons, les blessures et les habitudes hérités de... En savoir plus
How to Read Annual Percentage Yields (APY) on Vaults: What the Numbers Don’t Tell You
When you browse vaults on DeFi platforms, the APY number is often the first thing that catches your eye. It looks simple, bold, and promising—sometimes unbelievably promising. But those shiny... En savoir plus
Agrégateurs de rendement DeFi pour débutants : fonctionnement, points à surveiller, comment démarrer
Les agrégateurs de rendement DeFi facilitent la génération de revenus passifs à partir des cryptomonnaies, sans avoir à jongler manuellement entre les fermes de cryptomonnaies, à calculer les récompenses ou... En savoir plus
Synastrie astrologique : comment les dons spirituels se manifestent dans les relations
Certaines relations semblent magiques dès le départ. On rencontre quelqu'un et l'on ressent instantanément une connexion, comme si nos âmes se connaissaient déjà. La synastrie, l'astrologie des relations, aide à... En savoir plus
La bénédiction de Jupiter : comment elle révèle vos talents cachés
Certaines personnes semblent avoir de la chance sans le vouloir. Les opportunités se présentent. Les portes s'ouvrent. Leur chemin semble guidé, élargi, protégé. Ce n'est pas un hasard : c'est Jupiter.... En savoir plus
Are You Destined to Be a Lightworker? How to Tell from Your Chart
Many people feel a deep inner knowing that they’re here for something more—a mission, a calling, a sense that their life has a spiritual purpose. If you’ve ever felt like... En savoir plus
Comment évaluer un nouveau jeton pour le yield farming (avant son succès fulgurant ou son échec retentissant)
Les nouveaux jetons peuvent offrir des opportunités incroyables de yield farming… ou anéantir votre capital du jour au lendemain. Investir à l'aveuglette, c'est prendre un risque. Mais avec une méthode... En savoir plus
Meilleures opportunités agricoles à haut rendement dans l'écosystème Solana et NEAR
Les écosystèmes Solana et NEAR figurent parmi les environnements de finance décentralisée (decimal finance) à la croissance la plus rapide et à faible coût. Si vous recherchez des opportunités de... En savoir plus
Comment les éclipses dans votre thème astral marquent les tournants de votre destin
Certains moments de la vie semblent prédestinés. Des fins abruptes. Des percées inattendues. Un changement imprévu. L'impression que « tout a basculé ». L'astrologie a un nom pour ces moments... En savoir plus
Quels sont les signes ascendants naturellement empathiques ? Signes que vous pourriez en être un !
Certaines personnes entrent dans une pièce et ressentent instantanément tout : les ambiances, les tensions, l’énergie sous-jacente. Ces personnes sont des empathiques nés. En astrologie, votre signe ascendant joue un rôle... En savoir plus
La signification spirituelle de naître pendant la rétrogradation de Mercure
La plupart des gens, lorsqu'ils entendent « Mercure rétrograde », pensent immédiatement au chaos : signaux contradictoires, retards et projets qui s'effondrent. Mais naître pendant la période de Mercure rétrograde est... En savoir plus
Meilleures plateformes de prêt DeFi pour SOL, JitoSOL et mSOL sur Solana
Avec l'expansion de l'écosystème DeFi de Solana, les tokens de staking liquide comme JitoSOL et mSOL sont devenus des éléments essentiels. Ces LST permettent de staker des SOL ( et... En savoir plus
Meilleures stratégies de rendement pour les jeux Web3 : Explication du modèle « Play-to-Earn », du staking et du farming
Le jeu Web3 ne se limite plus à l'achat de NFT, à la progression de personnages et à l'accomplissement de quêtes. Aujourd'hui, de nombreux jeux blockchain permettent aux joueurs de... En savoir plus
Outils de déclaration et de fiscalité des cryptomonnaies pour les acteurs de la finance décentralisée : ce que vous devriez utiliser
Guide du débutant pour suivre, calculer et déclarer les taxes DeFi sans stress La finance décentralisée (DeFi) a ouvert la voie à des rendements élevés, au minage de liquidités, à... En savoir plus
Enfants médiums : Signes astrologiques d'une âme douée
Certains enfants arrivent avec une conscience différente. Ils ressentent, voient et comprennent davantage. Ils perçoivent les émotions, les énergies et les vérités bien avant qu'on les leur explique. Ce sont... En savoir plus
Marqueurs du destin : Indices de votre thème natal sur votre mission de vie
Chaque thème astral recèle des indices cachés sur votre raison d'être. Ces indices, appelés marqueurs de destinée , révèlent la mission de votre âme, celle que vous avez choisie avant... En savoir plus
0 commentaire