The Aluvian Runic tradition

This document relates the usage and association of the traditional Aluvian runic system to the various plants and materials used in the modern schools of magic. The traditional Aluvian runes are no longer used in commonplace magics upon Dereth, but instead reserved for protective markers in houses, or upon the person to protect from flood, fire, theft and common ailments.



Feoh {Fehu}
Associations: Elder, Cattle, Cat

Feoh is often used to bring about good fortune and prosperity, ensuring that what one has will grow - in the same way that having four cows may bring you four more, and those four bring more in turn. It represents creation in a material sense.



Ur {Uruz}
Associations: Birch, Auroch

Ur represents the strength of the Auroch, and can be used to give one courage in the face of adversity. It can also speed up the effects of other runes to give a short, sharp burst of power.



Thorn {Thurisaz}
Associations: Blackthorn, Snake

Thorn represents, quite simply, the thorn. It is an active form of defence, in the way that one might protect ones property by planting a thorn hedge around it - it damages attackers as they move through it, slowing them down and giving them other things to worry about. It can also be used to help one overcome tests and trials that they may face.



Os {Ansuz}
Associations: Ash, Wolf

Os represents communication, be it through song, music, dance or artistic expression. If you wish to make yourself heard, this is the rune to use.



Rad {Raido}
Associations: Mugwort, Oak, Goat

Rad represents a journey, and can give protection upon that journey. It does not ensure that you will be protected at your destination, but will protect you during your travels.



Cean {Kaunaz}
Associations: Cowslip, Pine, Owl

Caen, the Torch - providing inspiration, an inner light, it can help one get through the dark patches in ones life. It does not remove the darkness, but helps you to see a path through it, to overcome obstacles without stumbling.



Gyfu {Gebo}
Associations: Ash, Wych Elm, Oxen

Gyfu, the Gift. Use this rune to protect from unwanted gifts, and to ensure that the gifts you give will be accepted gratefully. It is also a rune that bodes well for love, representing the exchange between two individuals.



Wyn {Wunjo}
Associations: Flax, Ash

Wyn is useful for protecting ones family or tribe, helpful in bestowing unity, peace and harmony, this rune can be seen to represent a tribal flag.



Haegl {Hagalaz}
Associations: Snake Bryony, Hawthorn, Ash, Yew

Haegl represents the hailstorm - giving hope that one can endure tough, uncontrollable situations, and come out better for it.



Nyd {Nauthiz}
Associations: Beech, Rowan

Nyd, meaning Need, is often used to help those who may feel weighed down by responsibility, it helps one to bear a burden better, without feeling crippled or immobilised by your responsibilities.



Is {Isa}
Associations: Henbane, Alder, Iron

Is, Ice - this rune can be used to bring about a slowing or controlling influence over a situation, to put things on hold. Just like Ice, it will melt away slowly, to water - so this rune can calm down the effects of, or bind other runes.



Ger {Jera}
Associations: Rosemary, Oak

Ger, similar to Is, has a slow, cyclic nature - though Ger represents the harvest, the slow cycle of death/rebirth that comes every year. It can be used as a stabilising rune, and help to bring about slow, gradual changes.



Eoh {Eihwaz}
Associations: Apple, Poplar, Yew, Horse

Eoh represents the link between the present, the past, the future and ones ancestors. It is used to remind us of our links to our predecessors, and also invoke the wisdom of the ancients for their guidance.



Peord {Perth}
Associations: Aconite, Beech, Aspen, Elm, Heron

Peord is similar to Caen, in that it helps us in the darkness. Using Peord, one can find secrets, making sure that secrets revealed are helpful to the user. It does not expose things to everyone though - and the ability to see in the darkness is more of a night vision, rather than illumination by torch.



Eolh {Algiz}
Associations: Lime, Yew

Eolh, the Elks' Horns, a spiritually protective rune, keeps harm at arms length without injuring the attackers (unlike Thorn). Eolh represents a holy protection - and the rune seems to symbolise someone standing with arms raised, praying to the gods for aid. Your enemies simply cannot harm you.



Sigel {Sowelu}
Associations: Bay, Juniper, Oak

Sigel, the Sun. This rune destroys darkness, not only banishing shadows, but eradicating them totally. It enables one to see the larger picture and understand the spiritual side of things. It is also a symbol of life, the life that sunlight provides.



Tyr {Tiwaz}
Associations: Hazel, Oak

Tyr, the one-handed god, sacrificed his hand for the good of others. Justice will prevail, this rune will bring you any reward that you deserve, and justice will be served to those who do you ill.



Beorc {Berkana}
Associations: Birch, Fir, Bear, Swan

Beorc, the Birch, a strong feminine fertility rune - often used to protect the new-born, and strengthen family protection with love and nurturing.



Eh {Ehwaz}
Associations: Apple, Oak, Ash

Eh, representing the Horse, can be used to reinforce trust in a partnership. It relates to the fact that a partnership is only as strong as its weakest member, and can be used to strengthen the bonds in that partnership.



Man {Mannaz}
Associations: Ash, Elm, Alder, Maple, Holly

Man, quite simply, representing humanity - this rune represents ones self, thoughts and memory - use it to reinforce ones sense of self, or in times that you may feel you are "losing your grip".



Lagu {Laguz}
Associations: Willow, Water

This rune represents Water and the Leek. It can be used to bring about good health, to strengthen ones bodily defenses and to drive away infection. It is also good for times when you may feel the need to understand your subconscious, or your reasons for doing things.



Ing {Inguz}
Associations: Self-Heal, Apple

Ing - potential, the male-seed. This rune can help to release your potential, bringing about the awareness that from a tiny acorn, can spring the mightiest oak. It is a fatherly rune, similar to Beorc, yet in the male aspect.


Ethel {Othila}
Associations: Homeland, Property

Ethel represents inheritance, the things you physically receive from your ancestors. It represents the inheritance of the world from the gods, and the handing down of the world from man to his children. It is used to protect your family, home and posessions - but does not represent your financial wealth, only the wealth of your family.



Daeg {Dagaz}
Associations: Rowan, Spruce

Dagaz, Day - use this rune to bring about the end of something old to start something new, representing the inevitable change from night into day, this rune is good to use for anything that requires a period of transition, be it from poverty to wealth, or from bad luck to good.



Wyrd
Associations: Fate, destiny, the unknowable

This rune, being blank, is seldom, if ever, used in spellwork. It represents the thread that fate weaves through our lives, and along with it, the acceptance that some things we cannot - or are not meant - to change.




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Images copyright Deane Saunders 2002