roleplaying:hero:ws:runes
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— | roleplaying:hero:ws:runes [2015/01/26 19:25] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1 | ||
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+ | {{ : | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Magical/ | ||
+ | The runic alphabet is more than mere letters. It is a set of symbols, each of which holds depths of meaning. While most literate folk know only the name and sound of each letter, those skilled in magic and/or divination also have a greater or lesser degree of knowledge of the meanings. Those using the runes for divinatory purposes may also study stories and histories linked to each rune. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The runic alphabet is known as the __futhark__ after its first six letters: | ||
+ | ^ f ^ u ^ th ^ a ^ r ^ k ^ | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | The complete Runic alphabet used in the Western Shores consists of twenty-four runes. These are divided into three ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | | __Freyr' | ||
+ | | __Hegl' | ||
+ | | __Tyr' | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Fehu===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Possessions \\ Nourishment \\ Cattle** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Fehu is used when the target is in need of sustenance. Fehu can represent food and water, or can be used to affect items the target is carrying, whether for good or ill. It is also used in blessings for livestock of all kinds. Fehu is Freyr' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Freyr is the most renowned of the Æsir; he rules over the rain and the shining of the sun, and therewithal the fruit of the earth; | ||
+ | and it is good to call on him for fruitful seasons and peace. He governs also the prosperity of men. | ||
+ | | ||
+ | - Gylfaginning 24 from the Prose Eddas | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, it indicates frustration and loss, a warning of transitory gains leading to greater loss. | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Uruz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Strength \\ Manhood, Womanhood \\ The Wild Ox** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Uruz is the rune of raw primal power. Uruz lends strength and power, and is used whenever a spell is being charged up to give greater than normal effects. Uruz is the primary rune used in sex magick, and is important for rousing strong emotions in a target. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Querant should be on the lookout for upcoming problems, knowing that sacrifice and struggle will lead to triumph. Uruz is the symbol of the wild animal. Taming chaos and wildness is not a task for the faint-hearted. Adapting to the requirements of a difficult force requires understanding and creativity. A king must learn to serve if he wishes to be known as a great and wise ruler. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Uruz warns of opportunities missed, a failure to take advantage of an opportunity. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Thurisaz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Gateway \\ Place of Non-Action \\ The God Thor** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Thurisaz depicts an open gate, indicating a portal or path to power and/or wisdom. It creates a link between worlds, preparing the way rather than initiating the journey. Of all the runes, Thurisaz is the one most strongly linked to one of the gods. As Thor's rune, Thurisaz grants access to some of Thor's power, as Thor has invested himself in his rune. As such, Thurisaz can be used to affect the weather. | ||
+ | |||
+ | According to Alvíssmál, | ||
+ | He told Alvis that, because of his small height, he had to prove his wisdom. Alvis agreed and Thor made the tests last until after the sun | ||
+ | had risen--all dwarves turned to stone when exposed to sunlight, so Alvis was petrified and Thrud remained unmarried. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Thurisaz indicates a time of accelerated growth and difficult passages. Hasty decisions may cause regrets. Be sure of what lies beyond before rushing headlong into danger. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Ansuz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Signals \\ Messenger Rune \\ Loki** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Ansuz is the rune used when information flow is required. It enables communication. Ansuz can be used reversed to block messages and cloud attempts at scrying. As Loki's rune, Ansuz is used to call on his power, bringing the power of illusion and the ability to cloud men's minds. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Disguised as a giantess, Loki arranged the murder of Baldr. He used mistletoe, the only plant which had not sworn to never harm Baldr, | ||
+ | and made a dart of it, which he tricked Baldr' | ||
+ | When the gods discovered that the giantess had been Loki in disguise, they hunted him down and he was forced to flee. He hid by night | ||
+ | as a salmon beneath a waterfall, and by day, perhaps trying to anticipate how the gods might catch him, he idly wove nets and burnt them. | ||
+ | One day the gods found his fireplace at night, and found a net in the fire. From its design they created another, | ||
+ | which they used to catch Loki. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Ansuz represents lack of understanding or failed communication. Consider the uses of adversity. A sense of futility, of blocked purpose, may be timely to future growth. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Raido===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Journey \\ Communication \\ Union, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Where Ansuz concentrates on reception of information, | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Raido represents the journey towards self-healing, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Raido indicates possible problems with personal relationships. Ruptures are more likely and attention should be paid to keeping friends in good humour. Reconciliations will be difficult. Desired outcomes may be elusive; the path may take control of your feet and steer you to a new opportunity | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Kano===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Opening \\ Fire \\ Torch** | ||
+ | |||
+ | This is the rune of opening and renewed clarity. Illumination and the element of fire are affected by theis rune. Thurisaz can create a gateway between worlds, but Kano must be used to open the portal. | ||
+ | |||
+ | A simple light spell is one of the simplest uses of Kano, while a more complicated spell might summon a fire elemental or open a gateway to another world. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Kano indicates a darkening of the light. A friendship may be broken; a marriage or partnership may no longer be achieving what is needed. This rune when reversed indicated the end of a lifestyle, the breaking of long habit. It calls for the querant to gladly give up the old and be prepared for a time of solitude, a time to build self-reliance and inner stability. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Gebo===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Partnership \\ A Gift** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Gebo is the rune of uniting and merging, and also the rune of sacrifice. In a working involving some form of sacrifice, Gebo will often be painted on the sacrificial items during high rituals. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Gebo is formed of two Kano runes, one reversed, showing the need for both self-reliance and communication to make a strong bond. Since it is symmetrical both horizontally and vertically, it has no reversed meaning; it cannot be reversed, showing the power of a solid union. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Gebo also brings thoughts of union with the gods; it reminds us that the gods are in all things, and that magic and life are intertwined. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Wunjo===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Joy \\ Light** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Wunjo depicts a fruit-bearing branch. It represents the transformation of knowledge to understanding. Wunjo is also a rune of restoration. It brings happiness and stisfaction, | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Wunjo warns that things may be slow in coming to fruition. A crisis or difficult passage is at hand.Patience, | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Hagalaz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Disruption \\ Elemental Power \\ Hail** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Change, Freedom, liberation, destruction. Hagalaz is the rune of breaking. It represents destructive force, and is used to counter other magic as well as to destructively affect the mundane world. Hagalaz will undo runes of binding and can unenchant magical artefacts when used carefully by the wise. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Hagalaz also gives power to control the destructive forces of storm and wind, without dealing with Thor. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Relationships may fail, plans go awry, a source of supply dry up. Only personal strength will provide strength and guidance when everything else is being challenged | ||
+ | |||
+ | The more severe the break from previous understanding, | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Nauthiz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Constraint \\ Necessity \\ Pain** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nauthiz is rune of binding and pain. Defensive wards and compulsions will usually utilise Nauthiz. Nauthiz reversed (a subtle distinction) can be used for curses, especially when creating a cursed artefact. Combined with Mannaz, Nauthiz can be used to cause pain to a target without a physical mechanism. This is one of the darkest magics, used for torture and evil purposes. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | The role of Nauthiz is to identify your darker side, and see where you are limiting yourself. Do not project your weaknesses onto others; work with your dark side to discover what in your life is attracting misery and misfortune. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The need for restraint is unquestionable when Nauthiz appears. The querant should be willing to accept restraint with good humour and conquer their own demons. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Nauthiz represents lessons borne of pain and difficulty. Only be seeing the bottom of the pit can we appreciate the light at the top. Nauthiz reversed is a command to face one's fears and conquer the inner demons as well as the hardships of one's path. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Isa===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Standstill \\ Withdrawal \\ Ice** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Isa is used to create barriers and stop movement. Unlike Nauthiz, Isa does not act on a target object, but operates independantly. Shields created using Isa are independent things, able to be passed from one person to another, or locked in place. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Isa is often used to create magical armour. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Isa also harnesses the power of winter and ice. It can be used to counter fire and water magics. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Usually, Isa requires a sacrifice of the personal. Direct help and friendly assistance cannot be relied upon. Submit and find the point of stillness on the treacherous ice. Forward movement will not avail. This is a time to bend, like a supple sapling to the wind of circumstance. To surrender to overwhelming force can be a display of courage and wisdom. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Isa holds a germ of renewal, the spark of life that, if nurtured, will bring rebirth after the winter. Trust in strength of character, and watch for the coming of spring. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Jera===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Harvest \\ Fertile Season \\ One Year** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Jera represents growing things, giving control over plants. It is commonly used by rural priests in combination with Fehu, Wunjo or Thurisaz to ensure good crops. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In its symbology of the turning of the seasons, Jera is also used to affect time. Powerful mages can speed, slow, stop or even reverse the flow of time through careful application of Jera. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | The ground has been prepared, the seed planted. Now the crop must be cultivated with care. Jera offers encouragement of success after long labour, commending perseverance. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Jera counsels patience and vigilance, and warns against attempting to take short cuts to success. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Eihwaz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Defence \\ Avertive Powers \\ Yew Tree** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Where Isa provides a barrier against hostile forces, Eihwaz is the power of avoidance. It is often used when enchanting shields and other artefacts which act to prevent the wearing being struck. Eihwaz is an active defence, not a passive one. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Representing the Yew tree, this rune grants power over the wild plants of the forest and affects archery, as the best bows are made from yew wood taken from the boundary of the heartwood and the sapwood. Great bowyers have a strong affinity with Eihwaz, and their possessions are often decorated with it. Magic bows will often have Eihwaz carved into the wood, but it is not uncommon to see it gracing weapons of more mundane quality. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Eihwaz counsels patience. The delay caused by the obstacles in your path may prove beneficial in the end. Do not lust after a desired outcome, for no one can control everything. A spring cannot be made to flow faster, nor fruit to ripen early. The correct path may turn out to be something not yet considered. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Perth===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Initiation \\ Something Hidden \\ A Secret Matter** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Used by the priesthood extensively when a novice takes his holy orders, Perth is also used as a marker or warning of arcane lore. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Eddas Skalds often place locking wards on books considered too dangerous for the uninitiated, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Perth is also used to protect the contents of a message from falling into the wrong hands. Messengers can be enchanted to forget the message they carry until the correct activating phrase is spoken. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | There may be suprise gains or rewards coming unexpectedly. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Perth is associated with the phoenix, consuming itself in fire and rising from the ashes. This rune is symbolic of the unknown, the great mysteries of the worlds beyond. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, it counsels against expecting too much, or expecting the usual. The world has changed and the querant must change with it. New methods, tools and/or knowledge is called for. Past understanding may need to be abandoned. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Algiz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Protection \\ Sedge or Rushes \\ The Elk** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Algiz controls emotions and the subconscious. An adept can use Algiz to totally control another person' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Sedge is a mighty plant. It creates new land from water, and peat forms where sedge grows. When peat burns, the sedge remains, protecting itself from the flames with the very water it uses to produce the peat fire. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Depicting the sedge plant, Algiz has power over boundaries between disparate systems. Land to water, peat to flame, mortal to mystical. Algiz can be used to shift or affect existing boundaries. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Algiz also resembles and depicts the elk and other horned animals. It can be used for active defenses, which will usually feature some form of boundary. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Algiz serves as a mirror for the spiritual warrior, whose battle is with the self. Timely correct action and proper conduct is the only true protection. If pain is experienced it must be observed and absorbed, not avoided. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Algiz warns of avoidable ill health and the need for self-responsibility. Beware of new associations who may have hidden motives. Practice temperance and courtesy. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Sowelu===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Wholeness \\ Life Force \\ The Sun's Energy** | ||
+ | |||
+ | A prominent part of mid-winter rituals, Sowelu is used to call back the sun and hasten the spring, releasing the frozen world from winter' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Sowelu governs creativity and awareness, and brings light to the darkest places. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | There is a caution not to give yourself airs. When everything seems to be going well, you still need the courage to take the correct action. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Although this rune has no reversed position, caution is required. Retreat from pressing situations may be required, in order to conserve energy and remain prepared for a greater threat. A strategic retreat to gain balance and position is a wise one. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Teiwaz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **The Warrior \\ Tyr, the Sky God** | ||
+ | Teiwaz is the rune of warfare and swords, of courage and devotion. Any spell designed to enhance or limit battle prowess can make use of Teiwaz. | ||
+ | |||
+ | According to the Edda, at one stage the gods decided to shackle the wolf Fenrisulfr (Fenris), but the beast broke every chain they put upon him. | ||
+ | Eventually they had the dwarfs make them a magical ribbon called Gleipnir from such items as a woman' | ||
+ | But Fenrir sensed the gods' deceit and refused to be bound with it unless one of them put his hand in the wolf's mouth. Tyr, | ||
+ | known for his great courage, agreed, and the other gods bound the wolf. Fenrir sensed that he had been tricked and bit off the god's hand. | ||
+ | Fenrir will remain bound until the day of Ragnarok. During Ragnarok, Tyr is destined to kill and be killed by Garm, the guard dog of Helheim. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The [[roleplaying: | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Teiwaz calls for a careful examination of the querant' | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Berkana===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Growth \\ Rebirth \\ Birch Tree** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Berkana is the rune of spring, of ripening fruit, of the phoenix. It represents the growth part of the cycle of life. Knowledgable use of Berkana can cause trees to bear fruit in winter or a vine to grow up to the distant clouds. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Berkana calls for a time without distraction and obstacles. Modesty, patience, fairness and generosity is called for to cleanse the dark corners and allow unfettered growth. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, berkana warns that events or outlooks are preventing growth. Diligence is called for to acknowledge and examine what has taken place. The needs of others may have been subsumed to selfish desires. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Ehwaz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Movement \\ Progress \\ The Horse** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Ehwaz is the rune of transit and movement; physical transition and shifts of awareness. It is used for magical artefacts and spells which confer great speed and for astral travel, but can also be used with great finesse to turn a rampaging mob against a new foe. | ||
+ | |||
+ | It can also be used to ensure steady progress, as to assist a climber or contain a flow of water into a channel. Ehwaz opposes Isa directly, but unlike Isa can be reversed. Used reversed, Ehwaz can block with movement by cancelling resistance. A treadmill does not prevent movement, only progress. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Ehwaz warns that actions being taken are not achieving their goals. Great sound and fury, signifying naught is the hallmark of this position. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Mannaz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **The Self** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Mannaz relates to a person, either the caster or the target. Spells affecting people directly will always work Mannaz into them. The positioning of Mannaz in relation to the other runes indicates whether it relates to the mage or another person. The essence of Mannaz is water, so Mannaz may also be utilised to affect that element. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you cut Mannaz down the middle, it forms two Wunjo runes, one reversed as if in a mirror. Within ourselves we find both joy and despair, and we cannot truly know ouselves until we know both sides of our nature. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Mannaz warns of the dangers of self-delusion and overconfidence. Look to the inner enemy to find what blocks progress. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Laguz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Flow \\ Water \\ That Which Conducts** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Laguz controls the element of water and represents the flow of magic. Laguz represents fluidity and impermanence. Powerful mages can use Laguz to make metal flow like water or slow a mighty river to a mere trickle. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Human mages often use Laguz to indicate leylines on maps, considering them a geographic feature like rivers and mountains. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | This rune often signals a time for cleansing: for revaluing, reorganising, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Laguz is a warning against reaching too far, of excess striving. It indicates a failure to draw upon the wisdom of instinct. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Inguz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Fertility \\ New Beginnings \\ Yngvi, the Hero God (aka Freyr)** | ||
+ | |||
+ | In magic, this rune is used mostly for long-term enchantments and healing magics related to fertility and birth. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Inguz is an important rune for many religious observations, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Then Skírnir answered thus: he would go on his errand, but Freyr should give him his own sword-which is so good that it fights of itself; | ||
+ | - and Freyr did not refuse, but gave him the sword. Then Skírnir went forth and wooed the woman for him, and received her promise; | ||
+ | and nine nights later she was to come to the place called Barrey, and then go to the bridal with Freyr. | ||
+ | | ||
+ | - Gylfaginning 37 | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | All things change; this rune signals emergence from chrysalis, a need to be free of old habits or relationships which are limiting growth. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Othila===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Separation \\ Retreat \\ Inheritance** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Othila is a rune that divides, that creates new branchings. It can cause disagreements or fight against them. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Othila is often used in coronation ceremonies, to ensure and prove that the new ruler is the true heir. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reversed, Othila calls for adaptability and a critical examination of old habits and customs. | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Dagaz===== | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | **Breakthrough \\ Transformation \\ Day** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Dagaz is the rune of chaos and change, favoured by followers of Loki. Dagaz brings change and transformation through abrupt breaks rather than gradual evolution. Dagaz forces change, but the change it brings is harder to control and shape than other runes of change. Use of Dagaz always holds a chance of misadventure. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Great achievement and prosperity is often introduced by this rune. The darkness is past, a new day is dawning. Great work may be required to reach stability. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =====Odin' | ||
+ | **The Unknowable \\ The Divine \\ Odin** | ||
+ | |||
+ | In every set of runes, there is a blank one, known as Odin's Rune. To the uninitiated, | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Divination: |
roleplaying/hero/ws/runes.txt · Last modified: 2015/01/26 19:25 by 127.0.0.1