Runes are ancient tools of wisdom, a language of archetypes much like tarot, but conveyed through the Norse Alphabet. Each rune carries its very own unique vibration and meaning.

But within the Elder Futhark, there is a deeper layer of structure that adds richness and depth to their interpretation: the Runic Aetts. These three groups of eight runes each represent a distinct phase of existence, guiding us through the cycles of life, challenges, and spiritual growth. They provide an organizing force in the same way that suits do in the tarot. I don't know about you, but for me, being able to find patterns and higher levels of organization and meaning, make things much easier to understand. And for understanding runes, our three runic aetts help us in that way.

The word "aett" (plural: aettir) translates to "family" or "lineage," and in the context of runes, they are families of symbols bound by shared themes. Each aett captures a specific realm of experience—from earthly beginnings to the heights of divine connection.

Let’s dive into each aett and uncover its wisdom.

Freyr and Freyja’s Aett: Forces of Life and Creation

The first aett, often associated with Freyr, the Norse god of fertility, prosperity, and abundance, also honors Freyja, goddess of love, beauty, and magic. Together, these deities embody the primal energies of creation, the cycles of life, and the connections between humanity and the natural world.

The Runes of Freyr’s Aett

1. Fehu (Cattle): Symbolizing wealth and abundance, Fehu reminds us to honor what sustains us, whether material or spiritual.
2. Uruz (Aurochs): The energy of untamed strength and endurance, encouraging personal power and resilience.
3. Thurisaz (Thorn): A dual-edged rune, representing protection but also the chaotic forces of change.
4. Ansuz (God’s Breath): A rune of communication, wisdom, and inspiration, often associated with Odin.
5. Raidho (Journey): Signifying travel and the rhythm of life, Raidho invites us to trust the journey.
6. Kenaz (Torch): The spark of creativity and clarity, Kenaz represents inner illumination.
7. Gebo (Gift): A rune of balance, partnership, and the sacred exchange of giving and receiving.
8. Wunjo (Joy): Representing harmony and happiness, Wunjo reminds us of the power of unity.

The Wisdom of Freyr and Freyja’s Aett

This aett grounds us in life’s essentials: joy, strength, and the sacred reciprocity between giving and receiving. When these runes appear in readings, they often speak to foundational opportunities, growth, and connections waiting to bloom.

Heimdall and Mordgud’s Aett: The Struggles and Growth of Human Experience

The second aett, traditionally connected to Heimdall, the vigilant watchman of the gods, also aligns with Mordgud, the guardian of the bridge to the underworld. Together, they reflect the balance of awareness and the trials we must face to navigate the human experience.

The Runes of Heimdall and Mordgud’s Aett

1. Hagalaz (Hail): Disruption and destruction, Hagalaz heralds transformation born of chaos.
2. Nauthiz (Need): Teaching resilience through necessity, Nauthiz calls on us to find strength in limitations.
3. Isa (Ice): A symbol of stillness and stasis, Isa encourages patience and introspection.
4. Jera (Year): The reward of effort and the cycles of time, Jera represents the fruits of persistence.
5. Eihwaz (Yew Tree): Bridging earthly and spiritual resilience, Eihwaz offers protection and endurance.
6. Perthro (Mystery): The rune of fate and the unknown, Perthro invites trust in life’s unfolding.
7. Algiz (Elk): A protective rune, Algiz strengthens our spiritual and emotional connection to the divine.
8. Sowilo (Sun): Representing vitality and success, Sowilo illuminates paths forward and energizes growth.

The Wisdom of Heimdall and Mordgud’s Aett

In this aett, we confront the inevitable struggles of life—moments of upheaval, stillness, and renewal. These runes challenge us to find meaning in hardship, honor the cycles of change, and trust that growth comes through perseverance and trust in the divine.

Tyr and Zisa’s Aett: The Realm of Spirit and Legacy

The final aett, named after Tyr, the god of justice and sacrifice, also honors the Germanic goddess Zisa (or Cisa), an autumn goddess of harvest and sovereignty. She briefly appears in the Lokasenna as an unnamed goddess and Tyr's consort. Together, they represent the pursuit of higher truths, the legacies we leave behind, and the spiritual journey that defines our existence.

The Runes of Tyr and Zisa’s Aett

1. Tiwaz (Tyr): Justice, honor, and courage, Tiwaz embodies the warrior spirit.
2. Berkano (Birch): Nurturing energy and renewal, Berkano heralds growth and healing.
3. Ehwaz (Horse): A rune of partnership and harmony, Ehwaz encourages trust and collaboration.
4. Mannaz (Man): Symbolizing humanity and community, Mannaz calls for self-awareness and connection.
5. Laguz (Water): Representing intuition and emotional flow, Laguz teaches trust in life’s natural currents.
6. Ingwaz (Seed): A symbol of potential and fertility, Ingwaz speaks of new beginnings and hidden strength.
7. Othala (Inheritance): The sacredness of heritage and legacy, Othala connects us to the past and future.
8. Dagaz (Daybreak): Heralding breakthroughs and transformation, Dagaz is the light that follows darkness.

The Wisdom of Tyr and Zisa’s Aett

This aett speaks of spiritual culmination and transformation, guiding us to align with our higher purpose and embrace the legacy we are creating. These runes often call us to reflect on our values and make choices that honor both our inner truth and our connection to the divine.

How to Work with the Runic Aettir

The aettir provide a framework for understanding the energies of the runes, helping us see the interconnected themes within a reading. Here’s how to integrate the wisdom of the aettir into your rune practice:

1. Study the Groupings: Understand the overarching themes of each aett, and remember the runes that fall into each.
2. Identify Patterns: Look for clusters of runes from a single aett in a reading—they often highlight the areas of life most influenced by the energies present. Seeing an abundance of one aettir or another signals themes and major changes present.

Understanding The Cycles of Life in the Runic Aettir

The aettir of the Elder Futhark are more than just divisions; they are stories of existence, offering wisdom for every stage of life. From the earthy beginnings of Freyr’s Aett to the spiritual heights of Tyr’s Aett, these runes guide us to navigate challenges, celebrate growth, and seek higher truths.