RUNELORE
This section of bardwood.com includes several pages about various runes or magical alphabets used for inscriptions on wands and other magical implements. The word "rune" comes from the Norse and means not only an alphabetic signary, but also "mystery." Runes, unlike ordinary letters, such as those in the Roman alphabet, are designed to represent magical powers and to convey those powers when written.
Not all runic inscriptions or ogham inscriptions are intended to be overtly magical, but many of the old rune and ogham stones of our ancestors were used for marking boundaries or commemorating individuals, battles, or other events. Such purposes seem mundane to us nowadays, but we do well to consider their magical quality, especially in an age when writing of any sort was extremely rare. The ability to render a person, event, or even the boundaries of a tribe's land permanent, immortal was a magical act, and really still could be thought of that way if we desired to do so. Writing something down removes it from the fragile and perishible fabric of the human memory to a more or less permanent form.
In the case of wand or athame inscriptions, the magical instrument is enhanced by the addition of signs or words that are significant, magically speaking, to the weilder of the instrument. Inscriptions may take the form of symbols, such as a pentagram or awen, which have multiple layers of meaning. It may also take the form of sigils, signs that are constructed with a particular magical power in mind. Sigils are traditionally designed to represent and channel the power of angelic spirits, planetary intelligences, daemons, or particular magical configurations, such as protection, manifestation, fertility, transformation, and so forth.
Each of the links at the left, under Runelore will take you to pages dealing with these various systems. This section is currently under construction, so check back for additions periodically.
The Norse Runes or Futhark
The Norse runes, usually called the Futhark, have a complex history and it is beyond the scope of this presentation to go into much detail. The tables below are based upon a cyclic ordering of the runes beginning not with Fehu, but with Ur. This is based upon the work of Kenneth Meadows in his book "Rune Power." Mr. Meadows cites Swedish oral tradition for this "true" ordering. For me, it rings true. What appears below does not attempt to reproduce all of Mr. Meadows' interpretations and runic correspondences (notably not his associations of the Norse runes with the trees and shrubs of the Celtic ogham). His work is nevertheless highly recommended. I have also drawn on the interpretations of the runemaster Edred Thorsson, but I do not attempt to represent more than a smidgeon of his extensive writings on the Norse runes. The set used here (and in my wand inscriptions) is based on the Elder Futhark.
The meanings of the runes are discovered not in the groupings of eights (the "aetts") but in two groups corresponding to levels of creation and manifestationThe first ten runes (beginning with Ur) correspond in very intriguing ways to the ten Sephiroth of the Jewish Kabbalah, ten phases of creation or emanations from the ineffable, infinite potential of Divinity (Whether that is taken to be God or the Sacred Cow, Audhumbla).
The second group includes 14 runes and can be seen to unfold the creation of the material world and human beings within that world, Midgard, or Middle Earth. Meadows' idea of the runes arranged in a cycle of recurring creation and fulfillment, is one I use when carving runes on wands. Runes may be selected individually for their meanings, grouped together to form complexes of interplaying forces, or the entire cycle of 24 can be inscribed to symbolize and capture the whole energy of Creation. Here then are the Norse Runes with explanations following. Bear in mind that it would be better to represent these runes in a circular arrangement.
Runes of Creation
Corresponding to the Ten Vessels of Manifestation
| Sound |
Rune Name |
Meaning and Magical Power |
| U |
Ursuz, Ur |
Potential. Aurochs, Great Mother, Audhumbla Primal void, Kether |
| Th |
Thurisaz, Thurs |
Cosmic Intelligence, Giant Ymir, solitary power, Chokmah |
| A |
Ansuz, Ass |
Creation, Triple Goddess, God-rune, Odin, Breath, manifestation, Binah, Saturn |
| R |
Raidho, Reid |
First Swirlings. Wagon, path, travel, wheel of the seasons, 4 directions, movement, protection of order from reversion to chaos. Chesed, Jupiter. |
| K |
Kenaz, Ken |
Will. Torch, controlled fire, illumination, spiritual creative light. Geburah, Mars |
| G |
Gebo, Gifu |
Beauty. Gift, divine gifts, talents, exchange of two energies in balance: divine and human. Tiphareth, Sun. |
| W |
Wunjo, Wynja |
Love. Joy, hope, delight, sexual joy, friendship, brotherhood. Netzach, Venus. |
| H |
Hagaliz, Hagal |
Energy. Magick. Hail, primal egg, cosmic harmony, crystal, eight directions, all colors. Hod, Mercury. |
| N |
Naudhiz, Naud |
Emotion. Connection. Need, the Norns, need fire, deliverance from distress, friction, "Use your destiny." Power of friction and resistance. Yesod, Moon. |
| I |
Isa, Iss |
Matter. Ice, prima materia; force of attraction, gravity, entropy, inertia; ego integrity, clarity, solidity, material manifestation. Malkuth, Earth. |
The Runes of Midgard
Runes of the World of Material Manifestation
II. RIANAR ALFERION
The Alferic Runes: An Elvish Ogham
Riana means "rune" "carving" and "mystery" in Eranor, the language of the Ran Sarithin or High Elves of Randiel. he Sarith runes and their languages are related to those of the Elves studied by Prof. J.R.R. Tolkien in his many books on Middle Earth and the Elder Days. The Riana are not, however, identical to the runes he studied, nor is Eranor exactly the same as Quenya or Sindarin, the two chief Elvish languages Tolkien brought to light. The present introduction is a by no means a comprehensive study of the Alferic rune ogham, a magical alphabet of great power and beauty taught to me by the Sarithin. It is a system designed to be adapted to different planets and regions, with correspondingly different trees and calendrical aspects. The "Other Deities" entry in the Elemental consonant lists give some sense of the correspondences between the Elvish pantheon of twelve Mellarin (actually thirteen, including Vaar who is given no runes and who might be equated with the Celtic god Arawn, Dark Lord of the Unmanifest) and various deities from European paganism. The correspondences are merely suggestive and are not intended to be either rigid or comprehensive in scope. Ditto for the archetypes I have listed. The entry for "Calendrical Hall" refers to the Sarith calendrical system which uses the same names that Tolkien listed for "months." Theses halls are not, however, months nor do they have anything to do with the lunations. Rather, they are a division of the year into twelve equal parts and they best correspond not with the Roman months but with the constellations of the Zodiac. Thus Narvinyë corresponds roughly to the period in the Roman calendar of December 22nd to January 21st. I have not attempted to translate the Halls into equivalent Roman dates, as to do so seems more confusing than illuminating.
It will be seen that the basis of the Rianar lies in the association of six phonetic divisions with etheric concepts -- associations, I may note, which are more obvious to the Elvish mind than to other minds. The main four groups of five consonants are associated with the four Elements, respectively, as shown below. Within each grouping of five runes, three are sacred to the three constellations of the Zodiac for that Element -- e.g., Fire Signs, Water Signs, etc. It should not be thought that this is a merely terrestrial concept, the signs of the Zodiac being indigenous to the planet Terra. There are deeper significances to these constellations, which are considered by the Elves to symbolize astrally the twelve star kingdoms of our Galaxy. It is beyond the scope of this articleto explain the histories of these twelve kingdoms but their names have been given along with the names of the constellations. The other two runes in each elemental grouping are sacred to two of the eight festivals, both solar festivals and agricultural cross-quarter days, which are common to the Elvish calendar and the modern druid calendar, as well as to that of modern Wicca.
Additinally, each rune is linked to one of the twelve Mellarin in some aspect. These aspects will vary with the authority one consults and are often of a local nature. In the lists below, equivalents to the Mellarin are given in the form of various pagan pantheons to suggest some of the nuances of form. These correspondences are not to be taken as rigid equivalencies, nor are they exhaustive. There are minor deities or spirits in the Elvish world, just as there are many additional local deities and heroes and heroines in the Celtic and other pagan mythologies. Each of the Mellarin are served by spirits of a lower degree, but still very powerful (what we might call Archangels, to borrow a Christian concept); these are called Serdin, and are in turn served by several kinds of another degree of spirits called Aladin, a group which includes at its most manifest level, the Elemental spirits and genius locii (spirits of place).
Finally, it should be pointed out that the similarity in form between the Rianar and the Norse runes is not a coincidence but indicative of their ancient kinship. In the same way, the similarity in correspondences between the Rianar ogam and the Celtic oghams of trees, birds, etc., is not a mere coincidence. The many Celtic forms of ogham that have come down to us s well as various modern readings of the Tree calendar and so forth, are echoes of the Elvish associations. I do not say this in order to claim any priority or superiority to any other system. Associations among trees, sounds, stones, birds, animals, and spirits are inevitably subjective and ellusive things and the Elves themselves have argued (indeed gone to war) with each other over the matter. Any time there is a system, there will be those who favor orthodox adherence and those who favor individual flexibility, even among the Immortals. Here then are the Rianar with explications following.
Earth Runes (Palatal-Nasal consonants)
The first tehta, or series, of Elf-runes are those embodying the powers of the Earth. It is not coincidence that Earth is the starting point. It is directionally associated with the North, the place of beginnings and arrivals. It is the place and direction of darkness, gestation, birth, and rebirth.
Luis (Rowan) L-Rune
Calendrical Hall: Narvinyë
Constellation: Capricorn
Mellar: Kethron (Orión)
Other Divinities: Herne, Pan, Cernunnos
Archetype: The Horned God, Satyr, Faun
Color: Gray
Stones: Diamond, Smoky Quartz
Bird: Quail
Beast: Goat
Ruis (Elder) R-Rune
Calendrical Hall: Lótessë
Constellation: Taurus
Mellar: Aurélen (Abban)
Other Divinities: Vulcan, Ingvi, Govannon
Color: Blood Red
Stone: Red Jasper, Bloodstone
Bird: Pheasant
Beast: Bull
Nuin (Ash) N-Rune
Calendrical Hall: Yavannië
Constellation: Virgo
Star Kingdom: Isghalë
Mellar: Yavanna
Other Divinities: Persephone, Blodeuwedd, Athena, Odin
Archetype: World Tree, Dying and Ressurrecting Goddess/God, Virgin Goddess
Colors: Clear, Pale Blue
Stone: Zircon, Clear Quartz
Bird: Hen
Beast: Weasel, Chipmunk
Julara (Juniper) J-Rune
Time: Samhuinn
Mellar: Arda (Am-Mesh)
Other Divinities: Morrigan, Cailleach
Archetype: Wise Crone, Death Goddess
Color: Pale Green
Stone: Green Sapphire
Bird: Crow
Beast: Badger
Shorin (Maple) Sh-Rune
Time: Autumn Equinox, Alban Elfed, Late Autumn
Mellar: Rianna (Omulan)
Other Divinities: Rhiannon, Isis
Archetype: Earth Mother
Color: Auburn
Stone: Tiger's Eye
Bird: Owl
Beast: Horse
Air Runes (Gutterals)
Huathe (Hawthorn) H-Rune
Calendrical Hall: Nénimë
Constellation: Aquarius
Star Kingdom: Palanis
Mellar: Valma (Vashaan)
Other Deities: Prometheus, Ouranos
Color: Violet
Stone: Amethyst
Bird: Blackbird, Ousel
Beast: Air Dragon
Koll (Hazel) K-Rune
Calendrical Hall: Narquelië
Constellation: Libra
Star Kingdom: Randiel
Divinities: Arianrhod, Aphrodite, Shava (Sellë)
Color: Midnight Blue
Stone: Lapis Lazuli, Blue Sapphire
Bird: Crane
Beast: Ermine
Galad (Lilac) also called Gortë (Ivy) G-Rune
Calendrical Hall: Nárië
Constellation: Gemini
Star Kingdom: Sarranis
Mellar: Lir (Islaar)
Other Divinities: Lugh, Ogma, Gwydion, Mercury, Hermes
Colors: Multi-Colored
Stones: Agate, Red Fire Opal
Birds: Swallow
Beasts: Cat
Chakris (Cedar) Ch-Rune (unvoiced J)
Time: Imbolc
Place: none
Mellar: Lir (Islaar)
Other Divinities: Brighid
Colors: Pale Yellow
Stones: Yellow Chrysoprase
Birds: Swan, Goldfinch
Beasts: Horse
Flower: Snowdrop
Queris (Apple) also called Quenda (Rose) Q-Rune
Time: Lughnasadh and Early Autumn
Star Kingdom: none
Mellar: Sellë
Comparable Divinities: Anu, Dana
Archetype: Great Mother
Colors: Rose, Pink
Stones: Rose Quartz
Birds: Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
Beasts: Bee
Water Runes (Labial Consonants)
Fearn (Alder) F-Rune
Calendrical Hall: Súlimë
Constellation: Pisces
Star Kingdom: Galactica
Mellar: Ulmaren (Olobaal)
Other Divinities: Manannan mac Lir, Proteus, Neptune
Archetype: The Sea
Colors: Sea Green
Stones: Sea Green Beryl, Serpentine
Birds: Herring Gull
Beasts: Salmon
Vuin (Chestnut) V-Rune
Calendrical Hall: Cermië
Constellation: Cancer
Star Kingdom: Erlaan
Mellar: Ulmaren (Olobaal)
Other Divinities: Boann, Danu
Archetype: River Mother
Colors:
Stones:
Birds: Swan
Beasts: Cow
Mór (Sea) also called Muin (Vine) M-Rune
Time:
Star Kingdom:
Mellar:
Other Divinities:
Archetype: The Abyss
Colors:
Stones:
Birds:
Beasts: Whale
Pagis (Spruce) P-Rune
Time:
Star Kingdom:
Mellar:
Other Divinities:
Archetype:
Colors:
Stones:
Birds:
Beasts: Turtle
Beith (Birch) B-Rune
Time:
Star Kingdom:
Mellar:
Other Divinities:
Archetype: Swan Maiden
Colors: White
Stones: Flourite, Alabaster
Birds: Egret
Beasts: Narwhal
Fire Runes (Dental Consonants)
Tinnë (Holly) T-Rune
Time:
Star Kingdom:
Mellar:
Other Divinities:
Archetype:
Colors:
Stones:
Birds:
Beasts:
Duir (Oak) D-Rune
Time:
Star Kingdom:
Mellar:
Other Divinities:
Archetype:
Colors:
Stones:
Birds:
Beasts:
Thór (Redwood) Th-Rune (Unvoiced)
Time:
Star Kingdom:
Mellar:
Other Divinities:
Archetype:
Colors:
Stones:
Birds:
Beasts:
Sultán (Beech) S-Rune
Time:
Star Kingdom:
Mellar:
Other Divinities:
Archetype:
Colors:
Stones:
Birds:
Beasts:
Zallis (Osier, Dogwood) Z-Rune
Time:
Star Kingdom:
Mellar:
Other Divinities:
Archetype:
Colors:
Stones:
Birds:
Beasts:
Mystic Consonants and Spirit Vowels
In addition to the four Elemental consonant groupings, there are two groupings of six runes corresponding to six additional consonants and six vowels. These consonants and vowels, taken together, correspond to the twelve Mellarin or "Beloved Creators," whom the Elves revere and with whom they have much intercourse. These are sometimes called the Elvish "gods" but the term in English carried connotations that Mellarin does not and also omits nuances of meaning which the Eranor word possesses. I have translated Mellarin as "Beloved Creators" which captures some of the meaning, but only part. They may be considered to be transcorporeal Ethereal beings of great age and scope. They can take corporeal form, appear in dreams, and appear in symbolic forms, but they all exist in Nature, one aspect of their existence being within some aspect of the material manifest world. They are not easily reducible to such simple archetypes as "Sky Father" or "Lord of Mountains" but combine may roles and powers.
The names for these great spirits are given here in Hadraash, the language in which they named themselves and in which language the Elves also name them. There are specifically Elvish names to be found in their own several language, including Eranor, Sardani, Quenya, and Sindarin, among others. I have given their most common names in Eranor followed by the Hadraashic. There are six male and six female Mellarin (though it might as well be noted that both Islaar and Olobaal are androgynous and protean in their sexuality). There are three god-goddess couples which represent various aspects of the sexual duality acknowledged in nature. These couples are Abban and Am-mesh, Vashaan and Shava, Sezh and Ambash. They can be interpreted theologically (respectively) as the Lord and Lady of Earth, the Lord and Lady of Sky, and the Lord and Lady of Fertility. It is notable that these couples can be associated respectively with Elemental Earth, Air, and Fire.
The Mystic Runes and Spirit Vowels are imbued with particularly numinous power. They are historically attributed to the Mellar Yavanna as their creator. The first tehta is called the Mystic Runes (Rianar Enyavar). They are consonants which were considered to be complex sounds, melding two other consonants, or else, as in the case of the riana Oadha involving the alteration of one of the elemental consonants for magical purposes. In this case, it is the addition of voice to the dental Thór. Oadha represents the sound resulting from melding of the vocal chord vibration with the tongue touching the teeth. This motion or gesture of the vocal apparatus is considered "mystical" (enyavallo) by the Sarithin because of the special magical importance placed upon the vocal chords, tongue, and teeth, associated as they are with Air, Water, and Fire the transformative Elements which act upon Earth.
Mystic Runes (Other Consonants)
Engis
Elma
Axara
Oadha (Cherry)
Awn
Kemmir (Poplar)
Spirit Runes (Vowels)
Ailim
Edda
Ioho
Oum
Uru
Yuin (Walnut)
©2006 The Bardic Institute
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