24 runes · three aetts · two phases
Learn the Runes
The Elder Futhark, aett by aett: eight runes of Freyr, eight of Hagal, eight of Tyr. Learn each glyph with its meanings, then take the test — a rune and six meanings to choose from.
Eight runes at a time is the traditional portion, and it works: each aett has its own drama — the first is about wealth and voice, the second about storms and stillness, the third about people and dawn. Mind the eight runes that read the same upside down — the test knows which ones they are.
What each rune flashcard shows
The course follows the Elder Futhark in its three aetts: Freyr’s aett (Fehu to Wunjo), Hagal’s aett (Hagalaz to Sowilo) and Tyr’s aett (Tiwaz to Dagaz). Flip a rune and you get six fields:
- Literally — what the rune’s name means, such as “cattle” for Fehu or “ice” for Isa.
- Upright — the core reading.
- Reversed — or, for the eight runes that look the same upside down, in shadow.
- In love and in work.
- A step that helps — one small practical action.
The eight symmetrical runes are Gebo, Hagalaz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Sowilo, Ingwaz and Dagaz. Each card links to the rune’s full page on the runes shelf.
How the rune test works
Each test takes up to ten runes from the chosen aett and gives six options per question. Three kinds of question rotate:
- Rune → upright meaning. Sometimes two options are correct at once: the core meaning and the rune’s love or work reading.
- Rune → reversed or shadow warning.
- Meaning → rune. A reading is quoted and you pick the rune by name.
A rune counts as known when you tick “I know this one” or answer it correctly at least twice, more often right than wrong. Progress is saved in your browser, so you can come back to the aett where you stopped.
A three-week plan, one aett a week
- Days 1–2: learn four runes a day. Draw each glyph by hand while saying its literal meaning — the shape and the word fix each other.
- Day 3: take the aett test. Reflip only the runes you missed.
- Days 4–6: one rune a morning, drawn at random from the eight, and one line in a notebook: where did its “step that helps” fit today?
- Day 7: retake the test, then untick any rune you still hesitate on.
In week three, add a mixed review of all 24. Returning to a rune after a few days — just before you forget it — is what spaced repetition is about, and it beats cramming.
Memory tricks and honest limits
Tell the aett as a story: Freyr’s eight move from wealth and strength to voice, journey and joy; Hagal’s from hail and need to ice, harvest and sun; Tyr’s from justice and birth to people, water and dawn. A story is easier to hold than 24 separate facts. Once the meanings feel familiar, try a one-rune draw with Fehu or any rune you like as a morning prompt.
The runes were first an alphabet; divinatory meanings are largely a modern layer built on old names and poems. Use them for reflection, not for decisions or predictions.
Frequently asked questions
Which runes are in the course?
The classic Elder Futhark: 24 runes from Fehu to Dagaz, split into the three traditional aetts of eight. Each links to its full page with history and detailed readings.
What about reversed runes?
Sixteen runes have reversed meanings and the test asks about them. Eight runes look the same either way — for those, the learn phase shows their 'in shadow' reading instead.
Should I learn the aetts in order?
It helps, because each aett reads like a small story and the first one contains the most familiar runes. But the sets are independent, so you can start anywhere.
How do I remember which runes have no reversal?
Draw them: Gebo, Hagalaz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Sowilo, Ingwaz and Dagaz look the same when turned upside down. Seeing that symmetry on paper is the quickest way to fix the list.
Is it better to learn from the course or with a physical rune set?
Both work well together. Use the course for the meanings and the test, and a physical set, even hand-drawn cards, for daily one-rune practice.