Ancient Norse Runes | Symbols for Healing, Magick & Spiritual Development | A Mayastar Energy Healing Article Runes of the Elder Futhark There are 24 runes that form the Elder Futhark, or alphabet, of the traditional Norse system. They are usually divided into 3 sets of 8 runes that are attributed to different deities. The first set of 8 is connected to the goddess Freya because it starts with the Fehu rune, which means “cattle” & which embodies qualities that align with her. The second 8 are considered those belonging to Hel, because the first rune of that set is Hagalaz which means “hail” and is sacred to the goddess Hel who rules the underworld. And the final set belong to Tyr, the sky-god, because the first rune of that set is Teiwaz, which means “Pole Star”, and the powers of this rune connect it to the nature of the god Tyr. The Runic Symbols & Interpreting Their Meanings Each rune represents a powerful spiritual force that expresses an aspect of Universal Energy. A symbol is something that “stands for” a particular quality rather than necessarily embodying it entirely. For example, with the runes discussed above, Fehu means “cattle” because cattle refer to wealth. Before bank accounts & credit cards, holding your wealth in “cattle” meant you had something to trade, something to eat & something to fertilise your crops. So the symbol of the rune triggers the memory that it means “cattle”, and if you’ve studied the runes & their meanings, you can then draw on your knowledge & experience to express its further meanings. For example, when you meditate on this rune you might start by considering how wealth & prosperity were tied to cattle historically, then reflect on the ways wealth & prosperity are expressed in modern times, & finally, look at the ways wealth & prosperity are expressed in your own life. Using Systems of Symbols for Healing, Magick & Spiritual Development Symbols are universal, but can only be interpreted subjectively. What you bring to the mix will be your own unique configuration, based on your own unique experience & understanding. Regularly working with a magickal system like the runes, tarot or qabalah, can create an energetic construct that you use as a way to interpret your real-life experiences, spiritual experiences & interactions with subtle energetic forces that are otherwise difficult to define. Over the years, this can build into a powerful magickal tool! The unique qualities of sacred spiritual symbols can be accessed through a variety of energy healing modalities – but the runes have a long tradition & over the centuries, have built up layers of meaning built by thousands (or maybe millions) of people & their own experiences of the runes & the energies they represent. Because of this long tradition, the runes can be easier to work with for some people. Especially once they’ve put in the groundwork by studying, memorising & meditating on all of the runes over a period of time. An example of how this might work means returning to the Fehu rune. A person new to runes reads that it means “cattle”; they read about the connection with the goddess Freya & the association with wealth & prosperity. Perhaps they read some books about mythology that further embellish the rune in their experience. And perhaps they build up associations by thinking about how their job, motivation & ability to earn a wage might be reflected in the Fehu rune. Over the months & years, they will gain more experience of financial affairs & other things might become associated with the rune Fehu for them. For example, they might start a business or learn about the Law of Attraction; they might buy a house & take out a mortgage; they might decide to leave their job & apply for a new one. And all the time, the energetic structure of the runes gives them a way to objectively consider their personal experiences while the runes gain greater meaning & magick in their lives. There’s no way to rush that process! But there are ways to get started with the runes by exploring their magickal & healing qualities. The Run Valdr course (which means “rune power”) connects you with the source energy that’s expressed through the runes & teaches you some techniques for using them in your spiritual practice. You can learn to use the runes for protection, healing & personal empowerment through this attunement & this can get you started on a life-time’s exploration of the runic archetypes. Mayastar, Maya Magickal & the Norse Tradition As a devoted High Priestess of the Northern Tradition, I work regularly & extensively with the runes in my personal magickal work as well as in the magickal work I carry out for others through Maya Magickal. Currently there are Tantric Shamanic Rituals (with Divinity Assumption Channelling options) for the Valkryie Warrior Heart Power & Protection Ritual, Odin Magickal Initiation & Wisdom Ritual, Heimdall Revelation & Illumination Ritual & the Loki Catalyst of Change Ritual. And at the time of writing, 2 new Tantric Shamanic Rituals (for connection to Freya & Hel) are in development! Additionally, I’ve had great honour of completing a tailored 24-day magickal intensive for clients seeking deeper connection & personal initiation into the runes through the Yggdrasil Intensive. You can follow me & receive updates on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, Wordpress, Twitter & Linkedin. Go to... 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