Viking runes are the 24 letters of the Elder Futhark, the runic alphabet used by Germanic peoples of northern Europe between the 2nd and 8th centuries AD. Originally a writing system — attested in inscriptions on tombstones, weapons, and amulets across Scandinavia — they acquired divinatory use according to the myth that attributes runic knowledge to the god Odin.
The three aetts
The Elder Futhark organizes the 24 runes into three families ("aetts") of eight runes each:
- 1st aett — Frey/Freya: Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raidho, Kenaz, Gebo, Wunjo.
- 2nd aett — Heimdall: Hagalaz, Naudhiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Perthro, Algiz, Sowilo.
- 3rd aett — Tyr: Tiwaz, Berkano, Ehwaz, Mannaz, Laguz, Ingwaz, Dagaz, Othala.
How to consult
The traditional method described by Tacitus (Germania, 98 AD) is casting: the consultant mixes the 24 runes in a bag, throws some onto a white cloth, and reads the runes that fall face up.
At Tarotsim we use the three-rune spread as standard (past, present, future, after the Norns' tradition).
Reversed runes (Murkstave)
Some runes are symmetrical and cannot be reversed. The other 17 can appear inverted, indicating blockage, delay, or shadow.
Frequently asked questions
Is rune reading historical or invented?
Runic writing is historical (2nd-11th centuries). Divinatory use is mentioned by Tacitus. The oracular system as used today was largely reconstructed in the 20th century, especially after Ralph Blum's book in 1982.
Are runes connected to Nazism?
The Nazi regime appropriated runic symbols, which stigmatized runes for decades. Today there's a movement to restore the original spiritual use.
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