The runes in The Phoenix Fallacy are based on an ancient script known as The Elder Furthark, believed to have been in use between the 2nd to 8th centuries AD. The script is considered Proto-Norse or Proto-Germanic, and is somewhat speculative in each rune’s constructed meanings. Few writings from this period still exist, and our knowledge of them is limited. The meanings below are the best constructed explanations of the individual runes based on surviving examples.
In the use of runes, and in The Phoenix Fallacy, you may notice that many of the runes are inverted. This is deliberate. Inverted (or reversed) runes, sometimes called Merkstaves (“dark stick”), usually imply a darker, more negative meaning for the original rune, or sometimes an opposite. Some runes cannot be physically reversed, but can still have stronger meanings in certain situations.
Fehu: Cattle, Wealth – Possessions won or earned, sometimes by luck. Abundance and plenty.
Reversed: Failure. Greed, atrophy, and discord.
Uruz: Auroch, Wild Ox – Physical strength and speed. Untamed potential. Courage.
Reversed: Weakness. Domination by others.
Thurisaz: Thor, Giant – Relative force, conflict. A tendancy toward change.
Reverse: Danger. An evil person.
Ehwaz: Horse – Transportation. Movement and change for the better. Teamwork.
Reversed: Mistrust, or betrayal. Restlessness.
Raidho: Wagon, Chariot – Travel. Journeys, both physical and spiritual.
Reversed: Dislocation. Stasis, rigidity.
Kenaz: Beacon, Torch – Knowledge. Vision or revelation. Creativity.
Reversed: Lack of creativity. Loss of illusion or hope.
Gebo: Gift – Sacrifice or generosity. Balance. Personal relationship or partnership.
Reversed: Obligation. Bribery or toll.
Wunjo: Joy – Comfort or pleasure. Fellowship and harmony.
Reversed: Sorrow. Alienation. Bezerker or raging frenzy.
Hagalaz: Hail – Wrath of Nature. Destructive force, or uncontrolled forces. Trial.
Reversed: Catastrophe. Hardship or crisis.
Nauthiz: Need – The power to overcome. Determination.
Reversed: Constraint of freedom or deprivation. Poverty.
Isa: Ice – Challenge or frustration. Standstill.
Reversed: Blindness, dullness. Illusion.
Jera: A good harvest or year – A time of peace and happiness. Hope.
Reversed: Sudden setback, Reversals.
Eihwaz: Yew tree – Strength, reliability, trustworthiness. Enlightenment.
Reversed: Dissatisfaction, weakness.
Pertho: Lot Cup, Feminity – Uncertain meaning, secrets. Knowledge of destiny or the future.
Reversed: Malaise, loneliness.
Algiz: Elk, Protection – A shield. Defense or warding off of evil.
Reversed: Hidden danger. Taboo or warning.
Sowilo: The sun – Success. Life force and health. A power available to make positive change.
Reversed: False goals, false success.
Tiwaz: Tyr, the sky-god – Honor, justice. Leadership and authority.
Reversed: Strife, injustice. Mental paralysis.
Berkano: Birch, or Berchta, the goddess – Birth. General fertility. Promise of new beginnings.
Reversed: Anxiety about those close to you. Family problems.
Othala: Ancestral Property – A home or legacy. Land of birth.
Reversed: Lack of order or homelessness. What a man is bound to.
Dagaz: Day, Dawn – Breakthrough, awakening. Awareness.
Reversed: Completion. Ending or limit. Death.
Ingwaz: Masculinity, Internal Growth. Common virtues and strengths. Common sense.
Reversed: Movement without change.
Laguz: Water, A Leek – Flow. Water or the sea. Healing power or renewal.
Reversed: Confusion. Wrong decisions or poor judgements.
Mannaz: Mankind – The self or individualism. The human race.
Reversed: Mortality. Depression.
Ansuz: Ancestral God, Odin – Revealing message or insight. Blessings or taking of advice.
Reversed: Misunderstanding. Delusion or manipulation by others.