The Elder Futhark runes are one of if not the oldest form of the runic alphabets, used by ancient Germanic and Proto-Norse peoples long before the Viking Age. While the Vikings themselves actually switched to the “Younger Futhark” (a shorter alphabet), and the Anglo-Saxons expanded theirs into the “Futhorc,” the Elder Futhark is the set most commonly used for divination today.
Historically, runes were a practical writing system—used for everything from grave markers to mundane graffiti (like “So-and-so was here”). But there are also clear instances of them being used for magic or charms. In some cases, the way they were carved-written suggests the writer was venting or focusing intent, much like we do today. Cultures change, but human nature doesn’t.
Just for fun, I’ve created this page to give yourself oracle readings using Norse runes. Hover over each rune to see it’s meaning. Or get yourself a reading below.1
English Name: Strength
This is the Rune of endings and new beginnings. It is a Rune of transition indicating that the life you have lived until now must change to make room for a new form. You might suffer the loss of something or someone with whom you hold strong emotional links. However, Uruz reminds you that it is an entirely natural process: death, fertilization, gestation and rebirth. The ashes fertilize the ground for future crops.
Learn to adapt to the moment, using the strength of your masculinity or femininity as support, and look for the opportunity that hides behind the loss.