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<TITLE>Elder Futhark - First Aett</TITLE>
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<IMG SRC="aett1.gif" ALT="runic representations of the 1st aett" WIDTH=250 HEIGHT=50></CENTER><BR>


<H5><FONT FACE="ARIAL"><STRONG><EM>Runes of the Elder Futhark tend to represent energies; processes.  They 
can be nouns and verbs combined.  Due to space limitations, I'm only 
mentioning some of what I consider at the moment to be the most salient 
features.  The Elder Futhark does a lot of speaking to me on the 
nonverbal level as well.</EM></STRONG><BR>

<BLOCKQUOTE><P><EM>Fehu:</EM>  (cattle, wealth).  On a superfical level, this can refer to 
standard riches.  Owning several head of cattle was a sign of wealth.  
Obviously, wealth need not refer only to the material plane.  And, as the 
runes regard a process, this rune may refer to the ability to create wealth 
on whatever level under inspection.<BR>

<P><EM>Uruz:</EM>  (aurochs).  The aurochs is a now-extinct animal related to oxen.  
Rather than tame like cattle, it lived wild.  The meaning of the symbol 
can relate to a wild energy, an untamed potential; something not unlike the 
root chakra.  Contrast it with Fehu, which seems to indicate that which 
one possesses, in various meanings of that word.  Understanding 
both the tamed and the untamed sides of the self may be emphasized when 
studying both of these runes.  There may be sexual connotations in this 
rune.  Also, this rune may indicate vitality and personal health.  
It may represent the unconscious energies within oneself.<BR>

<P><EM>Thurisaz:</EM> (giant; Thor's rune).  It may mean conflict; it may indicate
protection (as in protection from conflict) when so used.  On some levels, 
it represents the subconscious.  The energy of conflict is neutral in and of 
itself; it is important in the Norse world view to accept the dynamics 
involved here.  It may be used in meditation as a potent tool to understand 
Thor (who was typically one of the main gods of the common folk).  <BR>

<P><EM>Ansuz:</EM>  (Odinn's rune).  This can be a rune of communication -- Odinn 
brought the wisdom of the runes down, and conveyed their information to the 
rest of us.  It may also represent wisdom, a wisdom earned.  It is a potent 
rune for those who wish to study ol' One Eye himself.  It represents conscious 
work, bringing the wisdom gained to the levels of awareness where one can 
recognize things for as they are.  <BR>

<P><EM>Raido:</EM>  (journey).  New ventures, new beginnings, as well as the 
mundane taking a trip somewhere.  It may also point out the right (or best) 
path among a selection of alternates.  There may well be a sense of directed 
change. <BR>

<P><EM>Kenaz:</EM>  (torch, light).  Essentially, I see this as the creativity
rune, although that gives short shrift to the creative qualities inherent in 
many of the other runes.  However, here I see the cognate as Bridgit of the 
forge (Irish lore) -- she who forged the steel, tempering it in water.  The 
rune is directed synthesis, brought about by fire energy, tempered with thought.  
It may indicate knowledge passed on.  It can also "light the way" for 
inner explorations.  <BR>

<P><EM>Gebo:</EM>  (gift).  Balance.  There is a balance in true giving and 
receiving.  The things we do in life have a way of coming to an equilibrium, 
and some of the wisdom is understood in coming to terms with this, and 
making adjustments accordingly.  Sacrifice (without martyrdom) is sometimes 
indicated.  Gifts and giving resonate on a multitude of levels; the linear tit for 
tat is the least of it.<BR>

<P><EM>Wunjo:</EM>  (joy).  The oldest translated meaning is "perfection", and 
Freya Aswynn indicates that this rune may represent the most perfect, "good" 
side of Odinn.  One may use the rune to indicate the <STRONG>striving</STRONG> 
towards perfection.  A joy or happiness is implied in this rune, a sense 
of fitting in appropriately with the universe.   <BR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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Last Update: May 19, 1999.
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