The Witch’s Runes have broad definitions, but in their relationship to one another those definitions narrow to present a clearer meaning. I will give in depth definitions for each rune, however, as you work with them, be open to any new information they might reveal to you. It may be that your understanding of a rune’s meaning differs from the information I provide, and that is welcome. These runes serve as your allies, and you have as much to learn from interacting with them as you from the definitions I provide. Let’s begin.
Eye
The Eye differs from the other runes in that it represents the person to whom a reading pertains. Unlike the others, it is placed in the center of your throwing area and serves as the focal point of a reading. In this context, it represents those things that you need to see, namely those upturned runes that fall around it.
The Eye is revelation. It is awareness opened to consciousness.
In context to the runes near to it, Eye may represent being seen. It may mean that your secrets will be exposed. The Eye may speak of notoriety and fame, of your reputation be it good or bad. Both praise and gossip may be expressed here. Like a nazar amulet, it warns against envy, and can alert you to the envy of others which may result in curse of the evil eye.
It may represent psychic powers, or more subtly the need to go with your intuition. I find that most people who engage in a reading already have many of the answers they need, indeed, many people get a reading to confirm what their own intuition has already told them.
Alone, each rune is abstract, but paired with others their meaning becomes clearer. Here are the relationships that the Eye has to the other runes.
Eye & Sun: Consciousness. Bringing things to light.
Eye & Moon: Unconsciousness. Emotions and fears may be clouding your view of a situation.
Eye & Star: Perceiving and envisioning a positive outcome. A vision of how wishes may be achieved.
Eye & Woman: Seeing the true nature or intentions of a woman.
Eye & Man: Seeing the true nature or intentions of a man.
Eye & Crossroads: Envisioning an alternative path. Perceiving obstacles.
Eye & Flight: The need to rise above a situation to see a better view of it. Looking for the fine print in a document, or nuance in a letter.
Eye & Rings: Seeing a way in which various people or elements can come together.
Eye & Romance: Love at first sight. An inspiring vision.
Eye & Harvest: Witnessing the fruit of your labor.
Eye & Waves: Recognizing the troubles affecting you or those churning on the horizon.
Eye & Scythe: A situation or aspects of a situation that you are blind to.
Sun
The rising of the sun is marked as the start of a new day, and therefore the Sun rune represents new beginnings. Just as sunlight breaks through dark clouds, the Sun denotes the end of a dark or difficult period.
Sunny days are enthusiastic times when possibilities are seized upon, so the Sun rune encourages positivity and action.
The return of the sun after winter is a time of renewal and vigor. Health and vitality are expressed here. Time to plant new things, begin new projects, with the promise that the sun will shine bright upon your endeavors.
Sun & Eye: Consciousness. Bringing things to light.
Sun & Moon: Balance. Coming to know a situation on all levels.
Sun & Star: A wish being granted. The attainment of something that has been out of reach.
Sun & Woman: A positive female presence. Receiving blessings.
Sun & Man: A positive male presence. Giving blessings.
Sun & Crossroads: An easing of things that have blocked you. The opening of roads.
Sun & Flight: Positive change. Beneficial revelations concerning contractual obligations and rewards.
Sun & Rings: An agreeable commitment. Diplomacy. Unity. New projects and interactions.
Sun & Romance: A new romance, or the renewal of an old one. Excitement about projects.
Sun & Harvest: Plans and work coming to fruition. Bounty.
Sun & Waves: Beneficial upheaval. Unexpected events that ultimately result in good outcomes.
Sun & Scythe: A happy ending. Death that makes way for new life.
Moon
The Moon speaks of many things, yet it keeps many secrets. Its relationship to other runes is all that reveals those parts of it that are otherwise eclipsed. The Moon rules over our dreams, illuminating troubles deep within our unconscious, our fears and regrets; when the moon appears in a reading it often has something to tell us about those issues we keep hidden deep within.
The Moon may represent health, especially pertaining to women, concerning issues of menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Mental health is also connected to the moon.
Moon & Eye: Unconsciousness. Emotions and fears may be clouding your view of a situation.
Moon & Sun: Balance. Coming to know a situation on all levels.
Moon & Star: Dreams revealing true desires. Fears holding us back from success.
Moon & Woman: A woman to be suspicious of. Possible female health issues.
Moon & Man: A man to be suspicious of. Actions directed from negative unconscious motivations.
Moon & Crossroads: Negative beliefs and expectations that block us.
Moon & Flight: Correspondences with hidden negative nuance. Misspoken interactions.
Moon & Rings: Corrupt organizations, such as business and friend groups. Negative bonds handcuffing us to others. Resented commitments.
Moon & Romance: Fears about a relationship. Secrets and lies between lovers. Addiction.
Moon & Harvest: A curse disguised as a blessing. Dissatisfaction with achievement.
Moon & Waves: Bad dreams. Psychosis. Tumultuous changes and the fears that come with them.
Moon & Scythe: An unconscious desire for violence and death. An unexpected end.
Star
The Star adds a positive connotation to whatever rune(s) it connects with. It represents your wish being granted, your hopes coming to fruition. Its presence in a reading is a reminder let your passions be the star that guides you.
Star & Eye: Perceiving and envisioning a positive outcome. A vision of how wishes may be achieved.
Star & Sun: A wish being granted. The attainment of something that has been out of reach.
Star & Moon: Dreams revealing true desires. Fears holding us back from success.
Star & Woman: Your fairy godmother. An openness to receiving fortune.
Star & Man: A man who can grant your wish. Fulfilling the another’s wish.
Star & Crossroads: A guiding light out of a predicament. The clearing of a troublesome path.
Star & Flight: Confirmation that your desire will be fulfilled. Positive comments about you.
Star & Rings: A desirable union. Marriage. Attaining a good reputation.
Star & Romance: Finding the love you have longed for. Uniting with someone you have desired. The creation of a masterpiece.
Star & Harvest: Reward. Getting what you have wished for.
Star & Waves: Upsets that grant rewards.
Star & Scythe: Something or someone sabotaging your happy ending, or, a wish achieved from the death of something or someone.
Woman
This rune may represent an actual person who identifies as a woman, and whose presence near the focal point of a reading may represent help or hinderance being given by some woman.
There is a tradition of reading this card in a more abstract manner, in which the Woman rune does not represent an actual person, but rather represents traits considered to be feminine; however, the issue is that such traits vary between different times and cultures. Ultimately, this method of divination relies on the reader having a personal understanding of each rune, therefor the Woman can represent whatever traits the reader considers feminine. Sensitivity, Nurturing, Tenderness, are some of the traditional traits for femininity, however such traits are no less characteristic of healthy masculinity, and such narrowness limits qualities such as Cunning and Assertiveness from being associated with feminine power. We can, however, look at the symbols themselves to denote character. Rather than using the more common ♀ symbol, Woman is represented by a ‘Y’, a form suggesting openness. Receptivity is therefore a common characteristic given to this rune.
Woman & Eye: Seeing the true nature or intentions of a woman.
Woman & Sun: A positive female presence. Receiving blessings.
Woman & Moon: A woman to be suspicious of. Possible female health issues.
Woman & Star: Your fairy godmother. An openness to receiving fortune.
Woman & Man: Harmony.
Woman & Crossroads: A woman creating barriers against you. Be open to new solutions to alleviate what is blocking you.
Woman & Flight: A woman is talking about you. A message being received.
Woman & Rings: Pertains to a woman in a group and joining forces with her. Being receptive to new perspectives and combinations.
Woman & Romance: A woman with romantic interests. Opening yourself to new passions.
Woman & Harvest: Receiving a bounty. A woman reaping what she has sewn.
Woman & Waves: A woman causing stress. Allowing the waves to wash over you rather than fighting against them.
Woman & Scythe: A woman with vicious intention. The death of a woman.
Man
Like the Woman, the Man may represent someone who identifies as a man. The Man may also represent qualities that are projective—outgoingness, expansion, assertive.
Man & Eye: Seeing the true nature or intentions of a man.
Man & Sun: A positive male presence. Giving blessings.
Man & Moon: A man to be suspicious of. Actions directed from negative unconscious motivations.
Man & Star: A man who can grant your wish. Fulfilling the another’s wish.
Man & Woman: Harmony.
Man & Crossroads: A man creating barriers against you. Execute new solutions to alleviate what is blocking you.
Man & Flight: A man is talking about you. A message that needs to be given.
Man & Rings: Pertains to a man in a group and joining forces with her. Trying new solutions and combinations.
Man & Romance: A man with romantic interests. Exerting your interest in a new affair or passion.
Man & Harvest: A man giving reward. It is time to reap benefits.
Man & Waves: A man causing stressful conditions. Fighting against the current.
Man & Scythe: A man acting in a harmful manner. A call to go to war.
Crossroads
This rune is also conceptualized as cross spears. It represents conditions that stand in your way, blocking your path. It is also a reminder that the way forward is not the only path you can take; sometimes rather than breaking down a barrier you can take a different path to pursue the outcome you desire.
Crossroads & Eye: Envisioning an alternative path. Perceiving obstacles.
Crossroads & Sun: An easing of things that have blocked you. The opening of roads.
Crossroads & Moon: Negative beliefs and expectations that block us.
Crossroads & Star: A guiding light out of a predicament. The clearing of a troublesome path.
Crossroads & Woman: A woman creating barriers against you. Be open to new solutions to alleviate what is blocking you.
Crossroads & Man: A man creating barriers against you. Execute new solutions to alleviate what is blocking you.
Crossroads & Flight: A message heralding an end to what is blocking you. Movement.
Crossroads & Rings: Disagreements within a group. An inability to work together towards a shared goal.
Crossroads & Romance: A barrier in a relationship. Depression. Misplaced passion.
Crossroads & Harvest: Inability to reap rewards.
Crossroads & Waves: Turmoil. Being stuck and battered by a situation.
Crossroads & Scythe: An inability to move out of harm’s way.
Flight
The Flight Rune represents birds in flight and indicates news in route to you. If you have been waiting on an answer, here it comes. The Flight rune rules issues of correspondence, verbal and written. This rune also indicates documents, such as arrive through mail or email, paperwork that must be completed.
Flight indicates action and movement.
Flight & Eye: The need to rise above a situation to see a better view of it. Looking for the fine print in a document, or nuance in a letter.
Flight & Sun: Positive change. Beneficial revelations concerning contractual obligations and rewards.
Flight & Moon: Correspondences with hidden negative nuance. Misspoken interactions.
Flight & Star: Confirmation that your desire will be fulfilled. Positive comments about you.
Flight & Woman: A woman is talking about you. A message being received.
Flight & Man: A man is talking about you. A message that needs to be given.
Flight & Crossroads: A message heralding an end to what is blocking you. Movement.
Flight & Rings: News about a union. A contract.
Flight & Romance: News from or about a romantic partner. Information leading to a new passion.
Flight & Harvest: News of good fortune. A settlement or payout.
Flight & Waves: Word of turmoil. A written agreement that is the cause of stress.
Flight & Scythe: Death threats. Communication about a target.
Rings
The Rings speak of partnership and commitment. They may represent your family or social circle. In a more abstract way, they represent individual elements that have come together for a greater purpose. This may represent a group of people working together, for good or for bad. It speaks of innovation, of combining techniques and ingredients to produce new art or new flavors.
Rings & Eye: Seeing a way in which various people or elements can come together.
Rings & Sun: An agreeable commitment. Diplomacy. Unity. New projects and interactions.
Rings & Moon: Corrupt organizations, such as business and friend groups. Negative bonds handcuffing us to others. Resented commitments.
Rings & Star: A desirable union. Marriage. Attaining a good reputation.
Rings & Woman: Pertains to a woman in a group and joining forces with her. Being receptive to new perspectives and combinations.
Rings & Man: Pertains to a man in a group and joining forces with her. Trying new solutions and combinations.
Rings & Crossroads: Disagreements within a group. An inability to work together towards a shared goal.
Rings & Flight: News about a union. A contract.
Rings & Romance: Marriage. A commitment.
Rings & Harvest: A group effort resulting in good fortune.
Rings & Waves: Turmoil within a group. A family of social setting fraught with stress.
Rings & Scythe: Divorce. The breakup of a group.
Romance
Questions pertaining to one’s romantic life are among the most common ones asked in a reading. It represents romantic love, as well as other passions. Romance is not limited to a mate but can also be found in the thrill we might find in new endeavors. One can be just a passionate about planting a garden as they are about going on a date.
Romance & Eye: Love at first sight. An inspiring vision.
Romance & Sun: A new romance, or the renewal of an old one. Excitement about projects.
Romance & Moon: Fears about a relationship. Secrets and lies between lovers. Addiction.
Romance & Star: Finding the love you have longed for. Uniting with someone you have desired. The creation of a masterpiece.
Romance & Woman: A woman with romantic interests. Opening yourself to new passions.
Romance & Man: A man with romantic interests. Exerting your interest in a new affair or passion.
Romance & Crossroads: A barrier in a relationship. Depression. Misplaced passion.
Romance & Flight: News from or about a romantic partner. Information leading to a new passion.
Romance & Rings: Marriage. A commitment.
Romance & Harvest: Birth. Rewards within a relationship. A passionate enterprise that causes good benefits.
Romance & Waves: Problems in a relationship. Love on the rocks.
Romance & Scythe: The beneficial end of a toxic relationship. A lover with ill intentions.
Harvest
The Harvest rune represents the reaping of whatever you have sewn. This is most often a positive connotation, the fruition of our work bearing fruit, however, as we all have learned, sometimes those things we seek to achieve do not fulfill us as we thought they would. Still, the Harvest rune often represents gains such as money, security, love, and the whole host of conditions that keep us prospering.
Harvest & Eye: Witnessing the fruit of your labor.
Harvest & Sun: Plans and work coming to fruition. Bounty.
Harvest & Moon: A curse disguised as a blessing. Dissatisfaction with achievement.
Harvest & Star: Reward. Getting what you have wished for.
Harvest & Woman: Receiving a bounty. A woman reaping what she has sewn.
Harvest & Man: A man giving reward. It is time to reap benefits.
Harvest & Crossroads: Inability to reap rewards.
Harvest & Flight: News of good fortune. A settlement or payout.
Harvest & Rings: A group effort resulting in good fortune.
Harvest & Romance: Birth. Rewards within a relationship. A passionate enterprise that causes good benefits.
Harvest & Waves: Stress concerning investments. A beneficial situation that is also stressful.
Harvest & Scythe: A brutal end that results in blessings.
Waves
The Waves represent forces that wreak havoc on otherwise peaceful waters. Sometimes this is necessary, such as when conditions have become stagnant and external forces are needed to induce forward motion. Generally, however, the waves have a negative connotation, as they threaten to throw you off course.
The Waves are also associated with our family and heritage, to the degree that they influence who we have become. Given its relative negative connotation, this can represent generational trauma and behavioral patterns impressed upon us through our upbringing.
Waves & Eye: Recognizing the troubles affecting you or those churning on the horizon.
Waves & Sun: Beneficial upheaval. Unexpected events that ultimately result in good outcomes.
Waves & Moon: Bad dreams. Psychosis. Tumultuous changes and the fears that come with them.
Waves & Star: Upsets that grant rewards.
Waves & Woman: A woman causing stress. Allowing the waves to wash over you rather than fighting against them.
Waves & Man: A man causing stressful conditions. Fighting against the current.
Waves & Crossroads: Turmoil. Being stuck and battered by a situation.
Waves & Flight: Word of turmoil. A written agreement that is the cause of stress.
Waves & Rings: Turmoil within a group. A family of social setting fraught with stress.
Waves & Romance: Problems in a relationship. Love on the rocks.
Waves & Harvest: Stress concerning investments. A beneficial situation that is also stressful.
Waves & Scythe: Threats. Illness and misfortune.
Scythe
The Scythe is a tool that can cut both ways. It is necessary for cutting the wheat that we harvest, yet from the wheat’s perspective it is death. There is an association her with the Grim Reaper, for this is the tool he carries to symbolize the cutting down of a human life. The scythe therefore represents the end of something. It may not be the end to an entire situation, for example, when applied to a relationship, it may represent the end to hostilities rather than a breakup. The scythe may also represent an enemy or eradicating force.
Scythe & Eye: A situation or aspects of a situation that you are blind to.
Scythe & Sun: A happy ending. Death that makes way for new life.
Scythe & Moon: An unconscious desire for violence and death. An unexpected end.
Scythe & Star: Something or someone sabotaging your happy ending, or a wish achieved from the death of something or someone.
Scythe & Woman: A woman with vicious intention. The death of a woman.
Scythe & Man: A man acting in a harmful manner. A call to go to war.
Scythe & Crossroads: An inability to move out of harm’s way.
Scythe & Flight: Death threats. Communication about a target.
Scythe & Rings: Divorce. The breakup of a group.
Scythe & Romance: The beneficial end of a toxic relationship. A lover with ill intentions.
Scythe & Harvest: A brutal end that results in blessings.
Scythe & Waves: Threats. Illness and misfortune.
