The Runes
Each week, I engage in conversation with my gods. During which they offer me wisdom and guidance, and in return I offer them myself that they may do with that which they need to. I have felt the gods manage my experiences throughout the years, and especially over the last several decades, engaging me in a multitude of ways. Today, I offer to you that which was told to me by the gods in this morning’s talks. However, as I offer you the wisdom given to me, I encourage you to seek the answers within yourself, as each of us travels a different path, therefore our perspectives are a little different.
Othala
“Yet in the heart of the storm lies the hall of the ancestors. Othala, the hearthstone of kin, the field plowed by forebears, the bloodline unbroken. Even as the world reels, the homefire burns. Within heritage, within roots and sacred land, there is shelter. Stand in the house of memory, and from it draw strength — for what is inherited cannot be stolen by wandering winds.”
Perthro
“But fate is not yet sealed. Perthro, the dice-cup of wyrd, rattles unseen in the hands of the Norns. Chance stirs, the hidden lot cast upon the loom. Mystery shrouds the next breath, the game of life holds both gain and loss. Trust not solely in what is known — for the unseen shapes the living stream, and chance may crown the outcast or humble the king.”
Thurisaz
“And lo, the thorn rises! Thurisaz, the hammer’s spark, the giant’s might, the perilous gate between order and ruin. It is the tooth of the wyrm, the storm in the north, the ward that wounds as it guards. Strike with care, for power lies here, raw and untamed. It can be a shield against chaos, yet wielded rashly, it may devour its master.”
Thus the weave of runes speaks:
The path is lost (Raidho inverted), yet the hearth of inheritance (Othala) stands firm. Fate’s dice roll in hidden chambers (Perthro), and a thorn of great power (Thurisaz) guards both peril and possibility. Walk carefully, wanderer — for though the way is broken, the wyrd has not abandoned you. The home of your spirit, the strength of your kin, and the keen edge of discernment shall guide you, if you are bold enough to see.”
MODERN APPLICATION
⚠️ Meaning in life today:
Travel plans, schedules, or personal goals may be delayed or disrupted.
You might feel “off-course” — lacking structure, discipline, or clarity.
Impatience or forcing progress could make things worse.
✅ Application: Slow down. Reassess your direction before charging ahead. Don’t expect everything to run smoothly right now; instead, use this disruption to re-examine your priorities and methods. Sometimes being knocked off-track prevents you from heading the wrong way entirely.
🏡 Meaning in life today:
Family, ancestry, home, and long-term security are central.
Stability and grounding come from traditions, heritage, or community.
The rune encourages reconnecting with what is yours to keep — whether physical property, cultural identity, or personal values.
✅ Application: Lean on family, trusted friends, or your roots for support. If you’ve been drifting, anchor yourself in what feels like “home.” This may be a good time to tend to financial matters, property, or legacy planning. Reaffirm what cannot be taken from you.
🎲 Meaning in life today:
The unknown is at play — outcomes are uncertain, and not everything is within your control.
Secrets, hidden forces, or chance opportunities may be shaping your situation.
This rune often points to personal transformation through risk, mystery, or the “unseen hand of fate.”
✅ Application: Accept that you can’t control everything. Instead of fearing uncertainty, treat it as possibility. Be open to unexpected opportunities or hidden truths coming to light. Trust your intuition. Sometimes the best move is to wait and observe rather than force outcomes.
🛡️ Meaning in life today:
A powerful force is present — it can protect you, but it can also harm if misused.
Conflict, boundaries, or necessary confrontation may arise.
Thurisaz is a rune of awakening: a thorn that hurts to touch, but protects what it guards.
✅ Application: Be cautious but decisive. Set boundaries firmly. Use your power wisely, without aggression or recklessness. This is a time to defend yourself or your values — but don’t start battles that aren’t necessary. Think of this as a reminder that strength and restraint go hand in hand.
Your path forward may feel blocked or confusing right now (Raidho inverted), but you are not without grounding — your roots, family, or core values (Othala) are your anchor. The situation ahead involves uncertainty and unseen influences (Perthro), so flexibility and openness to chance will serve you better than rigid planning. Finally, you hold great potential power (Thurisaz), but it must be handled with care — set boundaries, protect yourself, and use strength strategically rather than impulsively.
👉 In plain terms: Pause. Regroup with your foundation. Stay open to unexpected turns. Protect yourself, but act wisely.
☕ 5-Minute Rune Coffee-Break Ritual
Center yourself (Raidho Inverted)
Close your eyes. Take one slow breath in, one out.
Whisper: “Though the path is unclear, I pause and find my balance.”
Anchor in your roots (Othala)
Place your hand on your chest or over a desk/ground.
Say: “I stand on the strength of my home, my values, my roots.”
Open to chance (Perthro)
Gently cup your hands as if holding something hidden.
Say: “I welcome the unknown, I trust the hidden hand of fate.”
Call protection (Thurisaz)
With your finger, draw a quick invisible ᚦ rune in the air before you.
Say: “I guard my spirit, I wield my power with care.”
Seal it
Take one more deep breath.
Whisper: “The runes guide me; I walk forward in strength.”
Takes less than five minutes, can be done quietly at your desk, in the kitchen with coffee, or even in the car before heading out.
Read more readings, or have a custom reading done, visit our webpage at https://akulfhednar.org/the-runes/
Nattleysi (Summer Months)
Skammdegi (Winter Months)
Celebrating throughout the Generations
For 2025
The image of the Shaman is credited to April Olsen 2024.
Alaska Úlfheðnar is an Alaska-registered nonprofit charitable organization, founded in 2025 to return the value of heritage, culture, and community to everyday life through education, guidance, and outreach. We operate with care and accountability to the people we serve. We are non-clinical; in emergencies call 911 or 988.
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