The Elder Futhark runes
The Elder Futhark is the oldest runic alphabet, used in northern Europe from around the 2nd to the 8th century. Its 24 runes are named after their first sounds – f, u, th, a, r, k – and each also carries a meaning, such as Fehu for wealth or Algiz for protection.
Today runes are cast as a tool for reflection. CardSuffly draws from all 24 runes and shows the keywords and meaning of each.
Merkstave: reversed runes
A rune that lands upside down is called merkstave and often shows the darker or blocked side of its meaning. Nine runes look the same either way – Gebo, Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Sowilo, Ingwaz and Dagaz – so they are never drawn merkstave.
Cast one rune for quick guidance, or three for past, present and future, reading from left to right.
Frequently asked questions
How many runes are in the Elder Futhark?
24 runes, divided into three groups of eight called aettir.
What does merkstave mean?
Merkstave means a rune is reversed or upside down. It usually points to a challenge or the opposite side of the rune’s meaning.
Is there a blank rune?
Some modern sets include a blank rune, but it is not part of the historical Elder Futhark, so CardSuffly uses the 24 traditional runes.