The Runes

Rune stone bracelet – handmade and recycled from 100 year old silver threepence coins, sixpences, shillings, Florins and Half Crowns

Rune stone shapes and forms are perfect for carving into silver and stone.  They are an intriguing part of our Celtic and Northern European story. The Runes look striking as matching pieces, but can also bound together as a collection depending on mood and purpose.  Each piece is carefully and considerately handcrafted from a solid fragment of sterling silver 150 year old coin.  The bracelet includes many tiny ‘fragments’ /‘shards’ which present the overall distinctive look of the bracelet.  These little elements have hidden details, carved, stamped and engraved which give it a wonderful timeless magic.

The reverse of each rune charm clearly demonstrates the ethical origins of the raw materials used to create the rune.  This compounds the power, will and intent of the charm, making the purpose clearer and more effectual.  Download Silver Rune chart

I am also currently creating a wee selection of Ogham Tree runes to represent the thirteen Ogham trees corresponding with the thirteen lunar moonths.  Ogham Tree Rune Charms

Runes, beyond their function as an ancient Germanic alphabet, hold a rich and complex layer of poetic and symbolic meaning, particularly evident in Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon literature. The very word “rune” means “secret” or “mystery”. In Norse mythology, Odin undergoes a perilous self-sacrifice, hanging from Yggdrasil, the World Tree, for nine days and nights to gain knowledge of the runes, highlighting their profound connection to divine wisdom and a hidden power. This kind of emphasizes the notion that runes unlock deep truths and insights not readily accessible to all.

Runes, as a form of writing, inherently represent the power of communication and the spoken word. The Ansuz rune, for example, is linked to Odin and symbolizes communication, emphasizing the importance of breath (önd) and mental activity (ódhr) as gifts from the gods. This connection suggests a creative and formative power embedded within language itself.

Runes are frequently depicted in poetry as possessing magical properties, used for charms, spells, and prophecies. While the exact nature and extent of runic magic in real-life ancient Germanic cultures are debated, Scandinavian Archaeology notes that the Poetic Edda and sagas suggest runes were considered a “coveted and peerless source of power and knowledge”. Examples include runes for protection against harm, ensuring victory in battle, healing, influencing love, and even for bringing about a good harvest.

Each rune carries its own unique meaning and is often associated with a specific deity, animal, or natural phenomenon, various aspects of life, nature, and human experience. These symbols, beyond their phonetic values, carry deeper meanings rooted in mythology and cultural beliefs. Here’s a breakdown of the poetic symbolism of each rune:

Rune Meanings and Symbolism: (very brief summaries!)

ᚨ (Ansuz): Represents communication, wisdom, and inspiration. It symbolizes the mouth, hinting at the power of language and divine communication.

ᛒ (Berkano): Represents growth, nurturing, and new beginnings. It symbolizes birch, representing feminine energy and new life.

ᚲ (Kenaz): Represents knowledge, vision, and creativity. It symbolizes a torch, illuminating the path and inspiring new ideas.

ᛞ (Dagaz): Represents dawn, awakening, and transformation.

ᛖ (Ehwaz): Represents trust, partnership, and teamwork. It symbolizes a horse, highlighting the importance of cooperation and movement.

ᚠ (Fehu): Represents wealth, abundance, and prosperity. It symbolizes livestock, signifying material possessions and the ability to sustain oneself.

ᚷ (Gebo): Represents partnership, generosity, and balance. It symbolizes a gift, highlighting the exchange of energy and the importance of relationships.

ᚼ (Hagalaz): Represents hail, symbolizing disruptive forces of nature and challenges that test one’s resilience.

ᛁ (Isa): Represents ice, suggesting stasis, introspection, and challenges that require patience.

ᛃ (Jera): Represents the harvest, cycles, and rewards gained through effort.

ᛚ (Laguz): Represents water, intuition, and the flow of life.

ᛗ (Mannaz): Represents humanity, intellect, and social interaction.

ᚾ (Nauthiz): Represents need, restriction, and willpower. It symbolizes the necessity of facing hardship to develop inner strength.

ᛟ (Othala): Represents inherited property, ancestral ties, and belonging.

ᛈ (Perthro): Represents mystery, fate, and hidden knowledge.

ᛜ (Ingwaz): Represents fertility, potential, and inner growth.

ᚱ (Raidho): Represents journey, rhythm, and order. It symbolizes a wagon, suggesting travel, progress, and finding one’s path.

ᛊ (Sowilo): Represents the sun, victory, and success. It symbolizes radiant energy and the triumph of light over darkness.

ᛏ (Tiwaz): Represents courage, justice, and leadership. It symbolizes the warrior and the importance of standing up for what is right.

ᚦ (Thurisaz): Represents a thorn, symbolizing defense, reaction, and potential conflict. It signifies overcoming obstacles and facing challenges.

ᚢ (Uruz): Represents strength, tenacity, and untamed potential. It symbolizes the Auroch, a wild ox, embodying raw power and freedom.

ᚹ (Wunjo): Represents joy, harmony, and success. It symbolizes pleasure and the absence of suffering, highlighting the positive aspects of life.

ᛇ (Eihwaz): Represents the yew tree, symbolizing endurance, protection, and a connection to the spirit world.

ᛉ (Algiz): Represents protection, defense, and guidance. It symbolizes a connection to the divine and the ability to ward off negativity.

Runes also serve as a broader metaphor for wisdom or the power of poetry, literature and art, rather than being explicitly magical. The ability to read and understand runes itself unlocks a world of knowledge and power, making them a fitting symbol for the transformative impact of art and learning.

It’s important to remember that the interpretation of runes can be subjective, and their symbolism can vary depending on individual perspectives. While modern practices often associate specific magical meanings with individual runes, it’s crucial to acknowledge the nuances and varied interpretations present throughout their history