Runes are a set of symbols that came out of icy northern climes in ancient times, particularly Scandinavia, but moved southward with migration. In early times each glyph represented an idea, or a concept. The runic symbols eventually evolved into a form of alphabet for writing and communication. The Old Norse word rún means ‘secret’ or ‘mystery’, implying that only those who could read the runes were privy to the hidden meanings.
Because of the secret language bound in the runes, they were used in early times for magical practices and mystical ceremonies. Glyphs that have survived into modern times are the runic symbols for protection, in particular.
Protection runes Algiz, Tiwaz and Thurisaz
Algiz
The most powerful of these is the symbol Algiz (pronounced all-yees). The personal rune of the Norse god Heimdall, who was watchman to the gods and guardian of their domain Asgard, the symbol is modelled on an elk’s horn. The Norse people saw animals as having a protective spirit, and the protection symbol much used today is a square formed by four Algiz glyphs, the staves meeting at the centre and the bristling elk horns pointing outward, almost like a protective helmet. This particular group of symbols was often carved onto the shaft of spears for protection in battle.
Tiwaz
Then there is the rune Tiwaz (pronounced tee-wawz), which represents a spear point, personal rune of Tyr, Norse god of war, justice and law. The point symbolises clarity and wisdom, piercing the truth, but also victory in war. Tyr was famed for his courage, as it was only he who was brave enough to place his right hand in the terrifying wolf Fenrir‘s jaw (indeed he sacrificed his hand in the cause of justice).
Thurisaz
And finally we have the protection rune Thurisaz, a stave with a triangle on it to represent Thor‘s massive hammer Mjöllnir. Thor, as the god of thunder, was also protector of the realm of the gods as well as humans. Mjöllnir possessed magic powers and never missed its target once hurled by Thor. Thurisaz also symbolises the transformation that comes out of chaos, order out of mayhem.
Transformative symbols, powerful protection!
Runes play an important part in my book Magical Number NINE (click here).