Viking stones and the ancient runes etched upon them are integral parts of our cultural heritage, deeply rooted in the mystical traditions of the past.
Today, the role of the Völvas – the ancient Viking women who practiced fortune-telling – has been replaced by modern horoscope applications. But what if we could reconnect with the wisdom of our ancestors? Viking birth runes provide a fascinating way to do so, offering insights into our past, present, and future. In this guide, we will delve into how to reconnect with ancient traditions and understand the profound significance of the Viking Birth runes.
For centuries, humanity has looked to the stars to determine their destiny. But Viking birth runes serve as a more intimate and personal reflection of one's journey. Unlike the common zodiac signs that predict general outcomes based on your birth month, the birth runes are not about fortune-telling in the conventional sense. Instead, they represent specific energies that influence your character and life's events. The runes, determined by the day of your birth, offer a unique and deeply personal understanding of your soul’s path. By exploring your birth runes, you can gain clarity during challenging moments and uncover insights that are otherwise hidden.
The Mythological Roots of Birth Runes
In Norse mythology, the origin of the runes is attributed to Odin, the chief of the gods. When a child enters the world, the Nornir – goddesses who govern fate – along with the Dissir – spirits of time – weave the threads of the child's destiny. These threads, both light and dark, form the foundation of their life's journey, a concept mirrored in the positions of the stars and planets at the time of birth. This connection is a key principle of runic astrology.
How to Determine Your Birth Runes
While the idea of calculating your birth runes may seem complex, it’s actually a straightforward process. Several methods exist for determining your birth runes, including using astrological birth charts. The most common approach involves determining your solar birth rune and birth hour rune. Think of this in the same way as knowing your zodiac sign and rising sign in traditional astrology. The 24 runes, which were once used both as a form of communication and as symbols of wisdom, are mapped onto the calendar year. Each rune governs a period of roughly half a month, and its influence is felt during that time.
Step 1: Your Primary Rune – The Solar Rune
To discover your primary rune, simply look up your birth date and find the corresponding rune below:
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June 29 – July 14 – Fehu
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July 14 – July 29 – Uruz
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July 29 – August 13 – Thurisaz
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August 13 – August 29 – Ansuz
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August 29 – September 13 – Raidho
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September 13 – September 28 – Kenaz
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September 28 – October 13 – Gebo
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October 13 – October 28 – Wunjo
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October 28 – November 13 – Hagalaz
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November 13 – November 28 – Nauthiz
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November 28 – December 13 – Isa
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December 13 – December 28 – Jera
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December 28 – January 13 – Eihwaz
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January 13 – January 28 – Perthro
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January 28 – February 13 – Algiz
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February 13 – February 27 – Sowilo
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February 27 – March 14 – Teiwaz
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March 14 – March 30 – Berkano
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March 30 – April 14 – Ehwaz
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April 14 – April 29 – Mannaz
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April 29 – May 14 – Laguz
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May 14 – May 29 – Ingwaz
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May 29 – June 14 – Othala
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June 14 – June 29 – Dagaz
Step 2: Your Secondary Rune – The Birth Hour Rune
The second rune, your birth hour rune, is derived from the time of your birth. The 24 runes correspond to each hour of the day, so you will need to find the rune for your exact time of birth:
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23:30-00:30 – Jera
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00:30-01:30 – Eihwaz
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01:30-02:30 – Perthro
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02:30-03:30 – Algiz
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03:30-04:30 – Sowilo
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04:30-05:30 – Teiwaz
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05:30-06:30 – Berkano
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06:30-07:30 – Ehwaz
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07:30-08:30 – Mannaz
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08:30-09:30 – Laguz
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09:30-10:30 – Ingwaz
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10:30-11:30 – Dagaz
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11:30-12:30 – Othala
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12:30-13:30 – Fehu
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13:30-14:30 – Uruz
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14:30-15:30 – Thurisaz
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15:30-16:30 – Ansuz
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16:30-17:30 – Raidho
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17:30-18:30 – Kenaz
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18:30-19:30 – Gebo
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19:30-20:30 – Wunjo
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20:30-21:30 – Hagalaz
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21:30-22:30 – Nauthiz
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22:30-23:30 – Isa
Once you've identified both your solar rune and birth hour rune, you can begin to explore their meanings.
Interpretations of Your Birth Runes
Here’s what your runes signify:
Rune 1 – Fehu Fehu is the rune of prosperity, symbolizing the rewards earned from hard work. It represents wealth, success, and the results of your efforts.
Rune 2 – Uruz Uruz is associated with physical vitality and health. It signals strength and a positive outlook on your overall well-being.
Rune 3 – Thurisaz Ruled by Thor, Thurisaz represents protection but also caution. It advises patience when major decisions arise, and to wait for the right moment to take action.
Rune 4 – Ansuz Ansuz represents communication and wisdom, especially from others. It suggests seeking advice from those who are older or wiser.
Rune 5 – Raidho Raidho speaks to personal journeys and evolution. It highlights the steps you must take to reach your goals and acknowledges changes and travel.
Rune 6 – Kenaz Kenaz is a symbol of intuition and illumination. It sheds light on confusion and brings clarity when you're faced with challenging situations.
Rune 7 – Gebo Gebo embodies the concept of balance in relationships, teaching that giving is essential to receiving. It calls for harmony with oneself and others.
Rune 8 – Wunjo Wunjo is the rune of happiness and well-being, signaling peace and contentment in life. It indicates a time of calm and joy.
Rune 9 – Hagalaz Hagalaz is often seen as a disruptive force, representing confusion and catastrophe. However, it also invites transformation by encouraging you to break away from harmful old habits.
Rune 10 – Nauthiz Nauthiz advises caution and patience. If you're going through a tough time, it encourages you to stay vigilant and face challenges with determination.
Rune 11 – Isa Isa signifies stillness and patience. It suggests a period of stagnation, where progress may feel slow, urging you to avoid making rash decisions.
Rune 12 – Jera Jera is the rune of cycles and karma, indicating that the rewards of your actions will come, though sometimes delayed.
Rune 13 – Eihwaz Eihwaz offers protection during struggles and reinforces the importance of resilience. It encourages you to trust in your intuition.
Rune 14 – Perthro Perthro symbolizes mystery, secrets, and revelations. This period may bring unexpected surprises or hidden truths to light.
Rune 15 – Algiz Algiz brings protection, particularly in difficult times. It also suggests leaning on both old and new friends for support.
Rune 16 – Sowilo Sowilo is the rune of health and vitality, urging you to relax and avoid stress, as it can negatively impact your body.
Rune 17 – Tiwaz Tiwaz is the rune of victory and success, indicating that your efforts will lead to achievements. It also carries a message of romance, suggesting a new, positive relationship.
Rune 18 – Berkano Berkano represents family and feminine energy. It signals important familial events such as weddings and births, and encourages new beginnings.
Rune 19 – Ehwaz Ehwaz represents change and movement, whether through travel, new jobs, or new living arrangements. Trust that these changes will bring positive outcomes.
Rune 20 – Mannaz Mannaz is about teamwork and collaboration. It signifies that help and support will come from others, and this is a time to foster new partnerships.
Rune 21 – Laguz Laguz is associated with intuition and spirituality. It suggests that you will feel deeply connected to higher realms and will be able to navigate challenges with ease.
Rune 22 – Ingwaz Ingwaz symbolizes completion and closure. It signifies readiness for new beginnings, leaving behind past baggage, and embracing a peaceful, fulfilled state.
Rune 23 – Daeg Daeg represents growth, optimism, and new beginnings. A strong, hopeful period lies ahead, filled with opportunity and potential.
Rune 24 – Othala Othala relates to heritage, material wealth, and family legacy. It may indicate a return to your roots or an inheritance of both material goods and wisdom from those who came before you.