An Encyclopedia of American Witchcraft
ANSUZ (Ann-Suess) Also: Os or Ac (Futhorc), Oss (Younger Futhark) Latin Alphabet: A Literal Translation: Odin Esoteric: Breath or “Ancestral Sovereign God” As with most Futhark runes, Ansuz carries a two-fold meaning in divination- divine inspiration, word-power, transformation, intellect, communication, or misunderstanding, delusion, manipulation by others, and bad advice.
THURISAZ (Thor-Ee-Sas) Also: Thorn (Futhorc), Thurs (Younger Futhark) Latin Alphabet: “Th” (sometimes D) Literal Translation: Giants Esoteric: Strong One, Resistance As with most Futhark runes, Thurisaz has a two-fold meaning in divination- directed force, vital eroticism, regenerative catalyst, constructive conflict, or danger, defenselessness, betrayal, explosive violence, strife.
URUZ (Oo-Ruse) Also: Ur/Yr (Futhorc), Ur (Younger Futhark), Urus (Gothic) Latin Alphabet: U Literal Translation: “Aurochs” or Water Esoteric: Endurance, Manifestation In divination, Uruz symbolizes the dual nature of water- strength, constancy, vitality, health, pragmatic knowledge, and understanding or weakness, misdirected force, inconstancy, sickness, ignorance, and insensitivity.
FEHU (Fay-Who) Also: Fe (Younger Futhark), Feoh (Futhorc), Faihu (Gothic) Latin Alphabet: F Literal Translation: Cattle Esoteric: wealth, new beginnings, fortune/luck In divination, Fehu takes on a double meaning. It represent material wealth, power, new beginnings and social success, but can also indicate greed, poverty, and failure.
One of the most recognizable symbols used in modern Paganism is the Nordic Runes. The symbols originate from a series of related alphabets used to write Germanic languages in pre-Christian Europe. The earliest record of these inscriptions has been dated to 150 AD, many of the oldest found in Denmark and northern Germany. The runic… read more »