How Viking runes can transform your life: A fascinating new book claims an ancient runic calendar is the most accurate way to predict your destiny

• Adapted from The Book of Runic Astrology by holistic coach Richard Lister
• READ MORE:  I’m an astrologer and I want to debunk some common myths 

We all know which star sign we were born under. With its 12 signs of the zodiac, conventional astrology has long dominated our reading of the heavens above.

But what if other cultures had different ideas of what your birth date, allied to the movement of the planets and the stars, meant for you?

Well, the Vikings did! ‘Runic astrology’ provides a guide to the cosmos through the lens of Norse myths, stories, gods and goddesses – all interpreted through ancient mystic symbols called runes, which are found carved on rocks across Scandinavia and northern Europe.

Today, this age-old means of predicting your destiny has a growing following, with fashionable Swedes and Danes turning to a popular column in Vogue Scandinavia to check their runic astrology horoscope and a thriving movement of Viking astrologers online.

I’m an Englishman, born and bred in Kent, but with ancestry that goes all the way back to the Norwegian Rollo the Walker (so nicknamed because he was too big to ride a horse), who seized Normandy for the Vikings in the 9th century. (Like Rollo, I’m also 6ft 7in.)

‘Runic astrology’ provides a guide to the cosmos through the lens of Norse myths, stories, gods and goddesses (stock image)

I’ve studied the Nordic wisdom of the runes for many years, and find in them both a profound inspiration and a practical guide. Now I’ve written a book showing you, too, how to harness their powerful insights.

Scandinavian-style star-gazing is complex, but we can learn much just from the simple date of your birth, which translates into a rune governed by the powerful sun goddess, Sunna.

While each zodiac sign has about 30 days assigned to it, you’ll see that in runic astrology each rune has about 15 days, which makes the energy association that much more accurate.

The runic calendar starts when the days are longest, and each period runs from midday on the first day in brackets to midday on the second date.

So read on to find your rune, and what it means for your happiness, destiny and love life …

Fehu 

June 21 to July 7

Colour: Gold

Crystal: Iron pyrites

Runic compatibility: Works well with October’s Wunjo and March’s Berkanan, but not with controlling December/January’s Eihwaz.

This is the rune of Frey, the fertility god, which means abundance and wealth comes to you more easily than to others. Your priorities in life are finding well-paid work, investing wisely and/or creating a big family around you. Use its energy well and resources will flow to you.

READ MORE: I’m an astrologer and I want to debunk some common myths about different star signs – Geminis get a hard time 

Uruz 

July 7 – July 23

Colours: Brown, red ochre

Crystal: Iron

Runic compatibility: Gets on best with October/November’s Hagalaz and March/April’s Ehwaz, but isn’t a fan of January’s easy-going Peroth. Meaning ‘wild ox’ – or the now-extinct Viking auroch – Uruz gives you a love of wild places and nature.

You can be a rule-breaker and even a tantrum-thrower. To avoid conflict, learn the skills that will help you live by your rules without antagonising others. Strength and stubbornness will see you through, but be careful when you apply them.

Thurizaz 

July 23 – August 7

Colour: Mahogany

Crystal: Garnet

Runic compatibility: April’s Mannaz and November’s Nauthiz, but not January/February’s Algiz, which gets wound up by Thurizaz’s penetrating stare.

Ruled by the thunderer Thor, the rune Thurizaz is all about focus and action. Its energy is that of a magnifying glass held under the midday sun.

You are not a multi-tasker! For you, success and happiness come when you choose to concentrate on one thing – and then put your considerable power into it. You have a sharp tongue and a cutting wit and are always to the point.

Ansuz 

Close-up picture of rough blue aquamarine precious gemstones isolated on white background

August 7 – August 23

Colour: Sky blue

Crystal: Aquamarine

Runic compatibility: A good match with November/December’s Isaz and April/May’s Laguz, but not with February’s Sowolio because you both think you’re in charge!

Ansuz is the rune of the voice and language, and makes you a great communicator. Words are power, and you’re especially adept at using the right ones to ease your path through life. You’re creative and outspoken and thrive in positions of leadership.

Raido 

August 23 – Sept 8

Colour: Grass green

Crystal: Moonstone

Runic compatibility: Raido works well with December’s Jera and May’s Ingwaz, but not with hyper-responsible Tiwaz.

Wanderlust is the radiant energy that flows through your Sunna rune. You love nothing better than setting out on an adventure, whether physical or intellectual.

Being constantly curious and ready to find out what’s on the other side of the mountain is the way you’ll find bliss and contentment in life. Trust that adventurous spirit.

Kenaz 

September 8 – September 23

Colour: Rich yellow

Crystal: Ruby

Runic compatibility: Kenaz is great with December/January’s Eihwaz and May/June’s Othala, but does not get on with March’s cave-loving Berkanan.

With Kenaz, the rune of light, you act like a torch in the darkness. Finding what is hidden is a superpower of yours, and you may frustrate or even anger others by seeing straight through them. You are a gifted teacher, however, and may find people are drawn to you when confronted by the unknown.

Gebo 

Natural Star Ruby Loose Gemstone

September 23 – October 8

Colours: Soft blue, off-white

Crystal: Star ruby

Runic compatibility: Gebo is drawn to January’s Peroth and June’s Dagaz, but pulls in the opposite direction to March/April’s Ehwaz.

The Gebo rune has a generous energy, with a great ability to bring life, light and love to the world around it. Gebo enhances your innate talents, so strive for self-expression in any way that feels good to you: clothes, jobs, hobbies, lovers. Be aware that when you invest in someone emotionally, it’s all or nothing – you’re the shoulder to cry on, the friend to rage with, the ally in a fight.

Wunjo 

October 8 – October 23

Colour: Baby blue

Crystal: Golden beryl

Runic compatibility: January/February’s Algiz and June/July’s Fehu are good matches for Wunjo, but it doesn’t get on well with April’s Mannaz.

As the nights get longer, your home-building Wunjo energy shines through. Making sure the needs of those around you are met is your superpower, and you may be drawn to caring roles at work.

Wunjo isn’t all fluffy blanket hugs, though: it’s also the discipline that ensures that wood is chopped and water carried. You want to be comfortable and cosy. If the basic tasks aren’t done properly, it will likely drive you mad.

Hagalaz 

October 23 – November 7

Colours: Black, blue

Crystal: Mookaite

Runic compatibility: Hagalaz tolerates February’s Sowolio and July’s Uruz, but is positively antagonistic to April/May’s gentle Laguz. Hagalaz is a rune of chaos, and, at first glance, its guiding principle of ‘crush everything and everyone around me’ may not be the most inspiring destiny.

On a deeper level, however, Hagalaz has the ability to see opportunity where others see despair, and can even make their fortune from it.

Trust your instincts when things get tough and learn from challenging situations. You may well be attracted to high-stress roles or jobs in the emergency services.

Nauthiz 

November 7 – November 22

Colour: Black

Crystal: Obsidian

Runic compatibility: Matches well with February/March’s Tiwaz and July/August’s Thurizaz but not with May’s adventurous Ingwaz

At first glance, Nauthiz – the rune of need – is all about suffering and pain. But it’s not all doom and gloom, trust me. You are a creative, artistic soul and you prize honesty above all. People who lie will cause you confusion and hurt, but acting in ways that build loyalty and trust will help you achieve your goals.

You have the capacity to think and act in unconventional ways – ignore those who think you’re wrong to do so.

Isaz 

November 22 – December 7

Colours: Ice-blue

Crystal: Crystal quartz

Runic compatibility: Isaz gets on well with March’s Berkanan and August’s Ansuz, but not with the warmth of May/June’s Othala.

Isaz, the ice rune, has two distinct energies, both glamorous and practical. You get to choose whether to prioritise the dazzling, distracting side of you or the one with the solid work ethic.

To others, you can appear too good to be true; but ignore naysayers and enjoy being sparkly and captivating while also getting it all done behind the scenes. Emotionally, you can be very cold, though.

Jera 

Extreme sharp and detailed closeup macro of amazing orange Citrine Quartz Crystal

December 7 – December 22

Colour: Forest green

Crystal: Citrine

Runic compatibility: Jera gels well with March/April’s Ehwaz and August/September’s Raido, but not with June’s Dagaz, who doesn’t care about schedules.

Jera is the rune of harvest and rewards, and its power is getting everything to work on time, at the right time. Your energy is methodical, organised and focused, and will constantly attract rewards for hard work – a pay rise for showing up, a bonus for success, a client rebooking because of your good work.

If your harvest hasn’t yet come, take a long look at where you have given up power to others, then take it back.

EIhwaz 

December 22 – January 6

Colour: Berry red

Crystal: Selenite

Runic compatibility: Eihwaz’s stabilising energy works well with April’s Mannaz and September’s Kenaz, but not with Fehu.

Eihwaz means yew tree, and it’s the rune of transformation and rebirth. It also symbolises the bridge between this world and the next, and is sometimes likened to the Death card in a Tarot pack.

You are tough and resilient and bring emotional stability to any situation. You are naturally attuned to the magic of the world, and your ability to bring good energy to others makes you popular at social gatherings.

Peroth 

January 6 – January 20

Colour: Pink

Crystal: Carnelian

Runic compatibility: April/May’s Laguz and September/October’s Gebo are good matches, but July’s Uruz is too solid where Peroth goes with the flow. This is a lucky rune and you should expect to get some – maybe not on a lottery-win level, but on an everyday one. The universe has your back!

Peroth also brings a sexual energy, leading to passion and imagination in every corner of your life. Working in a creative environment would be inspiring for you.

Algiz 

January 20 – February 4

Colour: Brown

Crystal: Kyanite

Runic compatibility: Algiz gets on well with May’s Ingwaz and October’s Wunjo, but less so with July/August’s Thurizaz, as they tend to work at cross purposes.

Algiz is the rune of barriers and boundaries, with a highly complex energy. When you choose to let boundaries be crossed, you are empowered, but when they are crossed inadvertently, through your apathy or inattention, your energy is sapped.

Take a walk on the wild side if you like – you might find good luck there – but don’t let people walk over you. It affects you more powerfully than others and can even make you sick.

Sowolio 

Macro mineral stone Carnelian

February 4 – February 19

Colour: Bright yellow

Crystal: Crystal calcite

Runic compatibility: Sowolio works well with October/November’s Hagalaz and May/June’s Othala, but doesn’t suit the outspoken energy of August’s Ansuz.

Sowolio is the rune of navigation and path-finding, which means people follow you in life. You can choose to quietly motivate and encourage as a teacher or mentor, or to stand at the front as you stride into uncharted territory. Be aware that leading from the front may open you up to attack from behind. You don’t have the coolest head, but try not to lose it!

Tiwaz 

February 19 – March 5

Colour: Violet

Crystal: Amber

Runic compatibility: Matches well with June’s Dagaz and November’s Nauthiz, but not with playful Raido. Tiwaz is identified with the god Tyr, who sacrificed his hand to keep the world safe from Fenrir the wolf. Its energy is one of decisive, often awe-inspiring action. You may be a great inventor or entrepreneur, but endless meetings will have you climbing the walls. Beware, however, of acting according to someone else’s view of what you ‘should’ be rather than your own vision of yourself.

Berkanan 

March 5 – March 20

Colour: Earth brown

Crystal: Epidote

Runic compatibility: Loves November/December’s Isaz and June/July’s Fehu, but is less good with light-bearing Kenaz.

In the frozen mountains of Scandinavia, the first tree to regrow after a fire is the birch, and it’s this restoring energy that Berkanan brings. When times are tough, you retreat to your cave and wait it out – meaning you recover faster than others and return to the world with greater vigour. Could finding the wins in situations that seem bleak be one of your skills?

Ehwaz 

March 20 – April 4

Colour: Chestnut

Crystal: Peridot

Runic compatibility: Great with December’s Jera and July’s Uruz but less good with September/October’s over-demonstrative Gebo.

Ehwaz means ‘horse’, and is also the rune of companionship. You have the power to be swift – in thought, feeling, body – so use it. You are moving while others are dithering, debating and procrastinating. They’re still sitting on the sofa when you’ve done the thing and are enjoying the rewards.

Let your friends and your partner support you, too. Find your tribe (or your herd) – for it’s together that you’ll find success and happiness.

Mannaz 

April 4 – April 19

Colour: Blood red

Crystal: Carnelian

Runic compatibility: Works well with December/January’s Eihwaz and July/August’s Thuriaz, but less so with October’s Wunjo. Mannaz is the rune of humanity itself. It flows like fire through your veins. Your human spirit, your magic, can influence the world around you, and you never let an obstacle stop you. If you choose, you can be a manifesting genius, an inventive creator or a healer. On a practical level, you can be impulsive, but you’re also good at looking at the bigger picture.

Laguz 

A piece of yellow opaque natural amber

April 19 – May 5

Colour: Aqua blue

Crystal: Clear quartz

Runic compatibility: Matches well with August’s Ansuz and January’s Peroth but not with combustible Hagalaz. Laguz is the water rune and brings a cleansing, healing energy – the gentle power to process away, almost imperceptibly, injury and hurt.

You are a natural soother of pain and rifts between people and may be drawn to healthcare professions. Used well, the watery, radiant energy flowing around you will attract love and devotion from others.

Ingwaz 

May 5 – May 20

Colour: purple

Crystal: Amethyst

Runic compatibility: Matches well with August/September’s Raido and January/February’s Algiz, but confusion reigns when paired with November’s Nauthiz.

Ingwaz is the rune of the archetypical hero, and you have it in you to be a great Hollywood-style lead. Your path is one of adventure, and you won’t find it by sitting at home. Don’t be afraid to take the path that makes others question you. Do the things that make you happy and people will look at you in awe.

Othala 

May 20 – June 5

Colour: Slate grey

Crystal: Carnelian

Runic compatibility: Works well with September’s Kenaz and February’s Sowolio but not with super-cold Isaz.

Othala is the rune of the hearth and home, and your life path is linked to family and community.

Look to where you can create the security and harmony you require. Make your home your super-comfortable fortress and you’ll be powerful and productive.

Dagaz 

June 5 – June 20

Colour: Orange

Crystal: Moss agate

Runic compatibility: February/March’s Tiwaz and September/October’s Gebo make good companions but not ordered Jera.

The rune of change, Dagaz gives you shape-shifting abilities to get what you want from life, whether that’s a new job or a passionate kiss. Making change happen is where your power lies.

Perhaps, at heart, you’re a great entrepreneur, who longs to start a new business? Change isn’t always pleasant, of course, but remember that it is inevitable.

Adapted from The Book of Runic Astrology by Richard Lister (Hay House UK Ltd, £12.99). © Richard Lister 2023. To order a copy for £11.69 (offer valid to 13/11/23, UK P&P free on orders over £25) go to www.mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.

Richard Lister is a holistic coach specialising in runes and has been using and working with runes for 20 years. (richardlister.com)

Source: Read Full Article