Circle of runes
VIKING THRONE
Runes are more than just mysterious symbols used in fantasy novels, tattoos, or Norse-inspired jewelry. They are the alphabets of early Germanic societies — a angible link to a world of warriors, travelers, storytellers, and mystics. Their origins can be traced as far back as 150 CE, with usage lasting well into the medieval period in some regions. But runes weren’t only used to write messages or mark belongings — they held spiritual weight.
Take action:
The Elder Futhark (the symbols you see in front of you) is the oldest known runic alphabet. Take a moment to walk around the circle. Which runes are calling out to you? Stand in front of the rune and use the guide below to interpret and reflect on its meaning. When you have approached all the runes that are speaking to you, make your way to the Viking Throne to revel in your conquests.
Fehu
(representing letter F) Meaning: Cattle
Symbolizing: wealth, prosperity, material gain
Prompt: Make a list of all the things that make you feel wealthy and prosperous that cost little to nothing.
Uruz
(representing letter U) Meaning: Aurochs, a wild ox
Symbolizing: Strength, wild power, untamed potential, masculinity
Prompt: When and where are you your most wild, untamed self?
Ansuz
(representing letter A) Meaning: Mouth, Odin
Symbolizing: communication, wisdom, divine messages
Prompt: What are you holding back from yourself or your travel partner that you now feel bold enough to speak out loud? Express yourself!
Þurisaz
(representing letters Th) Meaning: Thorn, giant
Symbolizing: defense, protection, hardship
Prompt: Do you have your shield up? What is one protection mechanism that is serving you and one that you are ready to let go of today?
Raido
(representing letter R) Meaning: Ride, wagon
Symbolizing: journey, rhythm, progress, direction
Prompt: What was a major turning point in your journey that has either pointed you in the direction of progress, or taken you further from your fate?
Kenaz
(representing letter C/K) Meaning: Torch
Symbolizing: fire, light, creation, illumination, clarity
Prompt: Back at the lodge, strike a match and envision your inner spark being lit while lighting the tea candle on the table. As the flame begins to flicker, express gratitude for your brilliance and ask the gods to bless you with the power of illumination & clarity!
Gebo
(representing letter G) Meaning: Gift
Symbolizing: generosity, exchange, partnership, balance
Prompt: In Viking culture, gift-giving was sacred, a way of binding communities. But gifts don’t have to be costly – a story, a piece of nature, a gesture – these all count. Who would you like to present a gift to and what could that symbolic gesture be?
Wunjo
(representing letter W) Meaning: Joy
Symbolizing: bliss, harmony, peace
Prompt: Play your favorite song from our Viking playlist and dance at twilight or under the stars!
Hagalaz
(representing letter H) Meaning: Hail
Symbolizing: disruption, catalyst, upheaval, obstacles
Prompt: Venture outside in the rain, snow, or wind – see for yourself that the elements are only obstacles if you allow them to be.
Naudiz
(representing letter N) Meaning: Need
Symbolizing: hardship, necessity, resilience
Prompt: Vikings may have a reputation for being brutes, but they were actually very supportive of their clan. Think of the biggest challenge you’re facing right now – who is someone you can go to for help? Send them a message, express your needs.
Īsaz
(representing letter I) Meaning: Ice
Symbolizing: stillness, pause, patience
Prompt: Sit silently in the middle of the circle for five minutes and envision a big black raven in your mind. Tune into the natural world around you. What message do you receive?
Jēra
(representing letter J/Y) Meaning: Year
Symbolizing: harvest, rewards, cycle of the seasons, fruition
Prompt: Is living every day the same way keeping you stuck? Where can you embrace seasons & cycles more in your life? Spend some time learning about the Norse calendar and maybe try incorporating a few of these old rituals & festivals into your life – or come up with your own!
Eihwaz
(representing letter Ei) Meaning: Yew tree
Symbolizing: renewal, death & rebirth, initiation
Prompt: Sometimes a part of us has to die in order to be renewed. Where are you playing it safe and are you ready to let go of that part of you?
“A coward believes he will ever live if he keep him safe from strife: but old age leaves him not long in peace though spears may spare his life.” Odin, Havamal
Perþ-
(representing letter P) Meaning: Mystery
Symbolizing: fate, chance, secrets
Prompt: Many Vikings & Icelanders even today believe in the idea of wyrd (pre-destiny) and unseen forces. Back at the lodge, make a list of 10 things you want to do before you leave Iceland. Whatever number you see first (whether it’s in a book or somewhere out in town) that’s your next adventure!
Algiz
(representing letter Z) Meaning: Elk
Symbolizing: protection, guardian, sanctuary
Prompt: When you’re out exploring, find your own token of protection that you can keep with you during your travels. It should be something small but meaningful.
Sowilo
(representing letter S) Meaning: Sun
Symbolizing: victory, life force, positivity
Prompt: Life is rarely one victory after another. But Vikings were the best at celebrating their wins! What is one victory (big or small) you’ve had lately that you haven’t truly celebrated? How can you celebrate it today?
Tīwaz
(representing letter T) Meaning: The god Týr
Symbolizing: justice, sacrifice, honor, bravery
Prompt: For the rest of the day, channel the strength of the Norse gods. Act like you’re one of them – how will your behaviors change?
Berkanan
(representing letter B) Meaning: Birch tree
Symbolizing: birth, growth, nurturing, femininity
Prompt: When you return home, research a plant that thrives in harsh conditions where you live — one that doesn’t need perfect soil or constant care. Plant it and watch it grow. Let it serve as a reminder of the Icelandic notion that we are all able to thrive no matter what’s going on in our environment.
Ehwaz
(representing letter E) Meaning: Horse
Symbolizing: cooperation, partnership, forward progress
Prompt: For nearly a century, Icelanders have relied on our majestic horses to carry us forward. What’s a time when trusting someone else moved you forward faster than you could have gone alone?
Mannaz
(representing letter M) Meaning: Man
Symbolizing: humanity, community, social order
Prompt: What is one way you can get more involved in your community at home? Make the commitment right now to find your place with others when you return home.
“Young was I once, I walked alone, and bewildered seemed in the way; then I found me another and rich I thought me, for man is the joy of man.” – Odin, Havamal
Laguz
(representing letter L) Meaning: Lake
Symbolizing: flow, emotions, intuition, depth
Prompt: How is your emotional world different here in Iceland? What new emotions does this special place stir up in you? What do you think it is about Iceland that makes you feel this way?
Ingwaz
(representing letter Ng) Meaning: God of Fertility
Symbolizing: fertility, potential
Prompt: Imagine your world is a garden – what’s getting in the way of growth? Pests? Stubborn rocks? Depleted nutrients? Toxic exposure? Consider what needs to be weeded out and rebuilt so that you can have a clean slate for new potential.
Dagaz
(representing letter D) Meaning: Dawn
Symbolizing: awakening, clarity, breakthrough
Prompt: Tomorrow morning when you wake up, do something you never do. If you usually rush out of bed for a run, instead enjoy a slow cup of tea. Change up your routine and see where it takes you.
Oþila
(representing letter O) Meaning: Home
Symbolizing: Legacy, ancestral heritage, tradition
Prompt: Back at the lodge, spend some time sketching your family tree and make note of the ancestors you’ve been channeling in your life. Which traditions have you maintained, and which have been lost that you’d like to start up again?
