Rune Reading for Beginners: Elder Futhark Meanings

Long before modern tarot, the Norse and Germanic peoples cast runes for guidance. The most common system, the Elder Futhark, is made up of 24 symbols, each carrying its own meaning and energy.

What the runes are

Each rune is both a letter and a symbol with layered meaning. Fehu speaks to wealth and new beginnings; Ansuz to wisdom and communication; Raidho to journeys; Berkano to growth and renewal.

Your first rune reading

• Hold the runes and focus on your question.
• Draw a single rune for a quick, clear answer.
• Try a three-rune spread for past, present, and future.
• Note whether a rune is upright or reversed — it shifts the meaning.

Like tarot, rune reading blends traditional meanings with intuition. The more you practice, the more naturally the messages come.

Want a deeper interpretation? Our intuitive readers can cast and interpret the runes around your specific question.