If you have been interested in the occult for any amount of time, you have probably heard about runes. The Elder Futhark and Younger Futhark runes are two ancient writing systems that were used by the Norse with each rune representing sounds, words, and ideas. Of the two systems, the Elder Futhark is the oldest (hence the name), dating back to somewhere between the 2nd and 8th century AD while the Younger Futhark was developed later between the 8th and 12th centuries AD. While the origins of the Elder Futhark are largely a mystery, it is believed to have been inspired by earlier Germanic and Celtic runic systems. According to the Hávamál, Odin discovered the runes after he hung from the world tree for nine days and nights while the Ynglinga Saga suggests Freyja taught Odin the runes. While these stories contradict each other, one thing is clear: After learning the runes, Odin passed down his wisdom to humankind.
The Elder Futhark is arranged into three sets of eight runes (called ættir) for a total of 24 runes. Each ætt is connected to a specific deity or concept which influences the meanings of the runes within the set. While many derive the meaning of the Elder Futhark runes from the Rune Poems, there is no poem for the Elder Futhark. It is presumed a poem once existed but has since been lost to time. By 800 CE, the Scandinavians reduced the number of runes to 16 while the Anglo-Saxons increased theirs to allow for new and different sounds to better accommodate their language. In any case, there are three different rune poems, Icelandic, Anglo-Saxon, and Norwegian, which are a recitation of the rune names and their kennings (associations/correspondences). It is believed these poems were used to aid in memorizing the runes and their meanings and acted as a way to easily transmit their lore through generations.
I'm not going to deep dive into the history of the Elder Futhark today as I will save that for a later post, but instead, focus on a single rune. Much like tarot, each rune has a specific meaning, but without all the context clues depicted on the cards. This can make runes a little more difficult to read and interpret without a firm understanding of the myth and culture surrounding the rune. Over the next several months, I will discuss each rune in detail, analyzing their portrayal in the Rune Poems, their cultural significance, modern correspondences, and modern ways to incorporate the runes into your magical practice. To kick off this series is Jera (Year-ah), the harvest rune.
Jera's Portrayal in the Rune Poems
Jera ᛃ is the twelfth rune and the fifth rune in the second ætt. It is composed of two Kenaz runes that are close together yet facing opposite directions representing opposing forces coming together. Jera appears in all three rune poems in very similar ways, suggesting it was used similarly across cultures.
Icelandic Rune Poem Translation:
Ár er gumna góði Ár- Plenty (Harvest)
ok gott sumar Boon to men
algróinn akr. and good summer
annus allvaldr. and thriving crops.
Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem Translation:
Ger byÞ gumena hiht, ðonne God læteþ, Summer is a joy to men, when God,
halig heofones cyning, hrusan syllan the holy King of Heaven,
beorhte bleda beornum ond ðearfum. suffers the earth to bring forth shining fruits
for rich and poor alike
Norwegian Rune Poem Translation:
Ár er gumna góðe Harvest (or Plenty) is a boon to men;
get ek at örr var Fróðe. I say that Frothi was generous.
From each of these three poems, a pattern emerges. First and foremost, Jera ᛃ is referred to as "Plenty" or "Harvest" depending on who translated the poems. This is where Jera gets its modern English name "Harvest" and why it's associated with abundance, fertility, and growth. However, Jera is also referred to as "Summer" in the Anglo-Saxon poem suggesting that Jera may be associated with multiple times of plenty throughout the year, leading others to translate it to "Year." (They do sound the same!) The symbol itself shows opposing forces, suggesting the cyclical nature of life and the eternal dance of the two halves of the year spinning forever on its axis. This lends to its association with beginnings and endings. But who is Frothi?
According to the poem Grottasongr, Frothi the Wise was a ruler known for the peace during his reign. "...and because Frothi was the most powerful king in all the Northern lands, peace was named after him wherever the Danish tongue is spoken, and all people in the North call it “The Peace of Frothi.” As long as it lasted, no man harmed the other, even though he met the slayer of his father or of his brother, free or bound. At that time there was no thief or robber, so that a gold ring lay untouched for three years by the high road over the Jalangr-Heath." Frothi had a mill known as Grotti which was so large only the giants could turn it. When the mill was used it could produce wealth, peace, and happiness. Seeing Frothi referred to in the Norwegian Rune Poem is no surprise as he was associated with plenty, prosperity, and wealth, the same associations as Jera.
It's important to note that the Anglo-Saxon poem is heavily Christianized, hence the reference to God as the holy King of Heaven. Even so, God is known for his generosity (depending on what part of the Bible you are reading) and prosperity.
Jera's Cultural Significance
The Norse calendar divided the year into two halves: Summer and Winter. Each season lasted for six months and contained a number of celebrations, feasts, and blóts. This two-season calendar is represented by Jera and its two opposing halves. One half represents summer and the other winter, thus symbolizing the never-ending cycle of change and its association with the year as well as balance and harmony as both sides are equal in size. |
| Ancient Krogsta Runestone, Sweden |
Being so far north, the Norse people would have experienced long harsh winters, often in total darkness. This meant bountiful harvests were incredibly important as one bad growing season could result in the death of entire communities. To ensure a plentiful harvest, sacrifices were made to the gods, particularly Freyr the god of fertility, abundance, and agriculture, to honor and thank them as well as petition their continued blessings. Harvests were a central part of Norse culture, making the Jera rune of particular cultural significance. Archeological evidence shows the Jera rune was potentially used in rituals and inscriptions, maybe even spells, to bring about a successful harvest to ensure the community's survival.
Jera's Correspondences
It should be noted that general correspondences are not mentioned in any Nordic text. Instead, these are a best guess based on experiences from both myself and others. In fact, most of these are of modern invention, pulling inspiration from Wicca. As with all correspondence lists, you can add and subtract based on your experiences.
- Upright Meaning: harvest, year, cycles, progress, conclusion, endings and beginnings, abundance, right action, patience, reward, development, productivity, completion
- Reversed Meaning: None
- Letter: J or Y
- Element: Earth
- Zodiac: Taurus, Sagittarius
- Planet: Jupiter
- Animal: eagle, ox
- Colors: brown, light blue, green
- Deities: Freyr, Freyja, Sif, Gefjun
- Plants: rosemary, oak, maple, hawthorn, honeysuckle, cornflower
- Crystals: chrysoprase, carnelian, emerald
How to Work with the Jera Rune
Incorporating runes into your magical practice can be incredibly rewarding and bring new energies to spells and rituals. But how exactly can you use Jera in your workings?
- Place Jera on your altar during harvest festivals to ensure abundance.
- Draw the Jera rune or include it in spells for fertility, abundance, prosperity, and wealth.
- Place a Jera rune or draw it in a prosperity oil on your pantry door to ensure it is never empty.
- Use it in spells for balance, self-improvement, or growth.
- Meditate on the Jera rune for balance and harmony or to facilitate personal transformation.
- Create an abundance talisman using the Jera rune.
- If your household is experiencing turmoil, draw the Jera rune around your home to bring harmony and balance back to the space.
- Wear as jewelry to promote peace, quiet, and harmony or to attract prosperity, wealth, and abundance.
- Create bind runes to ensure a spell has balance or only brings positive results.
Jera's Meaning in Rune Spread
Jera could also represent that change is coming, and that you need to be prepared to change and evolve as well. Jera reminds us to adapt to new situations and that all things must come to an end in order for something new to begin. Many of us often fear change, but Jera reminds us that with change comes new abundances and opportunities.
Other times Jera may represent that balance is needed in your life. Its position to other runes or the question you have asked will guide you as to where you need to seek this balance, but know that it is needed and will require effort and perseverance. However, at the end of it all, you will be blessed. Jera is a joyous rune, so no matter its placement, know it is ultimately positive, even if it doesn't feel like it at the time.
Below are some examples of how to interpret Jera when it's next to or near other runes:
- Near Uruz, it could mean strength and perseverance are needed before transformation can occur
- Near Ingwaz, growth and success are on the way; your goals are about to be met
- Next to Dagaz, it may indicate patience is needed, but hope remains
- In proximity to Laguz, it may indicate renewal and hopes being realized
- Near Tiwaz, a fair and just resolution to a problem is on the horizon
- Next to Wunjo, a joyful outcome is coming at the end of a cycle
Jera's Relationships with Other Runes
Jera, while positive, can complement other runes or be opposed by others depending on their placement. Jera compliments both Fehu and Sowilo. Fehu is associated with wealth and material success so when paired together, it shows rewards are just over the horizon and arriving very soon, especially in regard to money. When paired with Sowilo, the rune representing the sun, it shows that your efforts are working and to continue on your pursuits, just as the sun warms and feeds the crops.
On the other hand, both Isa/Isaz and Hagalaz/Haglaz oppose Jera. Isa represents ice, therefore suggesting that any progress you have made is frozen or halting. Action should be taken to ensure success. Hagalaz, which symbolizes hail aka destruction, suggests that the beneficial outcomes purported by Jera are about to be destroyed all altogether or you are going to experience setbacks. Despite these runes opposing Jera, they don't necessarily mean bad things are coming. It could be that the course you originally thought was best, isn't and that while upheaval is coming, it's required for personal growth.
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Jera invites us to remember that everything in life is fleeting, but through change, we can grow and experience new joys. It is a reminder that growth is a natural part of life and that everything must come to an end eventually. Below you will find a printable, cheat-sheet that includes a summary of all important information that you can incorporate into your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.
Click the image below to download your free cheat sheet for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.
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