Rune stones are not a go-to oracle when it comes to matters of the heart for most because they are blunt in their messages and tend to reflect harshness. However, the use of runes for love life guidance can bring you to the reality of a situation quickly, but be sure you want to know the answer. Rune readings will be straightforward with little room for guesswork.
Why use rune stones when asking about romance?
- Concise and to the point
- Straight to the heart of the matter
- Little conjecture room
- Lots of information, quickly
Runes are considered tools and come in either stone or card form with similar usages. Each has a Germanic origin symbol leaving them shrouded in mystery. It is uncertain who started the use of runes which adds to the appeal as a divination method.
There are multiple types of rune stones, but the most popular is likely the 24 stone set called Elder Futhark. Each symbol has a unique meaning and each rune is significant on its own. Layouts or spreads can be used for involved readings.
Rune Meanings
Many reference materials exist to learn about runes which means that is can take a lifetime to master the runes. A possible interpretation is shared below in relation to matters of the heart. Take note, if a rune appears upside down, it is ill-dignified and is being challenged in some manner. It is best to draw another rune for clarity.
Fehu
When Fehu is upright it is a good omen for love. Indicating growth and newness or even moving from the friend zone to romance, Fehu is typically good. However, upside down means things are not what they seem.
Uruz
Uruz offers a masculine energy with vitality to make dreams come true. Since changes are usually positive, this is a good sign about love. If upside down, something is not as it seems as far as integrity.
Thurisaz
Indicating synchronicity and balance, this shows both of you are on the same page in love. If upside down, someone is being pushy and restraint is needed.
Ansuz
This is Odin’s rune and means ‘mouth’. He was an important person in Norse tradition who stands for a good omen with communication. When inverted, you are not listening or the wrong person is being listened to at this time.
Raido
Usually indicative of positive changes, this has to do with travel which may be a physical journey or a progressing relationship. If inverted it means things are stuck and will remain so until changes are initiated.
Kenaz
This feminine rune means responsibility with the ability to change what is not liked about life or a relationship. When upside down, something has come to an end and should not be rekindled.
Gebo
Gebo stands for a gift which could be the gift of romance. Even if appearing upside down, it is positive and a sign that everything is as it should be in a relationship.
Wunjo
Wunjo is associated with Venus to represent joy and happiness. It may be a wish coming true which is good in the realm of love. If inverted, this rune means something is off and a mindset needs changed to get back on track.
Hagalaz
This is a bad sign for love because it stands for destruction that is beyond your control. It is the same inverted or upright, something is very wrong.
Navdiz
Not a great sign for love, Navdiz is about self-sufficiency and could be advising you to be alone to get yourself together. When upside down, it means you should not compromise for anyone.
Isa
Take control of yourself with this rune. It is neither good or bad but relationships should be viewed objectively when this rune shows up.
Jera
Indicative of hard work that could pay off, this rune indicates you may have found your twin flame, life mate, or soul mate. Patience is the key with this rune. It is the same both directions.
Eihwaz
If Eihwaz appears, you need to look at your motives and how you really feel. If a relationship is not working for you, then look for the real reason why.
Pertho
If Pertho appears, there are secrets around, while this could be a good secret, like an enegagement, it could also mean something negative. However, Pertho is normally associated with a life force, fertility and childbirth. When inverted, it is a warning against unnecessary risks in life.
Algiz
This protective, watchful rune is a good one to share with a love one or wear. In love it is telling you to only take calculated risks, but if upside down it can mean you are stressed and too emotional to take wise counsel.
Sowilo
No matter the direction, Sowilo brings hope and light, representing the sun. Better times are ahead in love.
Teiwaz
Tiewaz brings logic and sensibility so do not let your emotions take control. Your situation will likely improve, but if inverted, you have too much doubt to get what you want.
Berkanan
This is the fertility rune which could mean conception, but can also indicate a newness. This is usually positive.
Ehwaz
Right side up Ehwaz is a good omen of cooperation and teamwork, but upside down mean someone is being stubborn and harmony is not yet found.
Mannaz
Mannaz advises you to pause and see life as it really is, being objective. If change is needed, do it. If upside down, take a break and be alone.
Laguz
If Laguz appears, pay attention to intuition, dreams, and hunches. You are intuitive and need to realize what is happening behind the scenes. When upside down, you are not seeing things as they are in life.
Ingwaz
An optimistic and positive rune if you are really paying attention, Ingwaz means things are growing. Learn from personal mistakes.
Dagaz
This is an awakening rune toward your full potential. It is indicative of revelation and change. If you are with a partner, you will evolve together.
Othala
This rune of personal growth is applied to romance when looking for inspiration. You may be a good influence on your partner unless this is inverted, then the relationship is out of balance.
Spreads
The easiest way to use runes is to ask a question, pull out a rune, and the answer is clear. This is a single stone reading. However, each method has its own nuances. One spread asks for guidance and then pulls out ten stones, placing them in a heart patterns to mirror what is happening. Start at the bottom of the heart and place them on the left up, around and the final in the middle. Position descriptions and meanings are below.
- Position 1: Current situation
- Position 2: This is how you see yourself
- Position 3: This is how you see your partner
- Position 4: This is what is working
- Position 5: This is the challenge
- Position 6: This is what you want
- Position 7: This is what you fear
- Position 8: This is your responsibility
- Position 9: This is the other person’s responsibility
- Position 10: Outcome potential
Conclusion
Using runes for love life guidance takes practice, but once you understand, it is quite simple. The runes are blunt and provide only bare bones meanings and answers. The message will be clear and concise, but once the language is learned, you will want to use them repeatedly.
The layout methods, such as the heart pattern for ten stones, present a structured way to interpret relationship dynamics. This shows a thoughtful approach to rune reading.
The historical context of rune stones adds a layer of depth to their use. The Elder Futhark set, with its 24 symbols, appears to be a complex tool for divination.
The straightforward nature of rune readings could be beneficial for those seeking direct answers. Yet, the harshness might deter some from using them in romantic contexts.
The use of runes for love guidance is quite intriguing. The bluntness may be a double-edged sword, offering clarity but potentially harsh truths.
While the insights provided by runes are fascinating, their efficacy and reliability in modern contexts remain debatable. More empirical evidence would be helpful.
It’s interesting to see the symbolic meanings of each rune and how they apply to matters of the heart. However, the potential for misinterpretation seems high.