Runes, the ancient symbols used by the Germanic peoples, carry deep meanings and powerful messages. Each rune has its own story and represents different aspects of life. For example, Wunjo, is a symbol of joy, harmony, and fulfillment.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the meaning of the Wunjo rune, how it appears in rune readings, how to use it as a talisman, and some rituals involving Wunjo to enhance your happiness and well-being. We’ll also look at which runes pair best with Wunjo for even greater benefits.
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Wunjo Rune Meaning
The eighth rune of the Elder Futhark, Wunjo (ᚹ) resembles a pole with a triangular flag at the top. Phonetically it corresponds to the “W” sound.
Wunjo is associated with joy, harmony, and fulfillment. This rune represents the culmination of efforts and the realization of goals, bringing a sense of deep satisfaction and happiness. Wunjo symbolizes the bliss and contentment that come from achieving harmony within oneself and with the surrounding world.
It encourages us to embrace positivity, celebrate our successes, and find joy in the simple pleasures of life.
Wunjo in Rune Readings
Upright Wunjo
When Wunjo appears upright in a rune reading, it is a highly positive sign indicating joy, harmony, and successful outcomes. This rune suggests that you are entering a period of happiness and contentment, where your efforts are rewarded, and your goals are realized. Wunjo encourages you to embrace this time of joy and to celebrate your achievements with those around you. It signals a time of peace, well-being, and positive energy, promoting harmonious relationships and personal fulfillment.
Reversed Gebo
When Wunjo appears reversed, it serves as a warning. It might indicate temporary setbacks, disharmony, or a lack of fulfillment. This position suggests the need for self-reflection and the identification of areas where negativity or conflict may be blocking your joy. Reversed Wunjo prompts you to address any sources of discord and to take proactive steps to restore harmony and happiness in your life. It advises you to focus on positive thoughts and actions to overcome obstacles and find your way back to a state of joy and balance.
Using Wunjo as a Talisman
Wunjo can be used as a talisman to enhance joy, harmony, and overall well-being. If you find you tend towards negativity, a Wunjo talisman can be very powerful when worn as jewelry or placed somewhere that you can see it constantly throughout the day – like next to your computer monitor.
You can use any material you like to make your talisman but it’s best to choose something that is suited to the intended purpose. For jewelry, solid precious metals are best. If you’d like to tuck it into a purse or pocket, a stone would do nicely.
You can also incorporate materials that resonate with happiness and positive energy, such as amethyst, rose quartz, or citrine.
Design the talisman with the Wunjo rune, either engraved or drawn, and consecrate it through a ritual to charge it with your intention. The talisman serves as a constant reminder of your intention to cultivate happiness and well-being.
Rituals Involving Wunjo
Joy and Happiness Ritual
To invoke Wunjo’s energy for boosting joy and happiness, perform this simple ritual. This ritual can be helpful whenever you’re feeling negativity or sadness.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Wunjo rune
- Yellow or Pink Candle
- Offerings that represent joy (candy, flowers, other things that make you happy)
Begin by lighting a yellow or pink candle and placing the Wunjo rune in front of it. Offerings such as fresh flowers or a small piece of candy can be placed around the rune.
Think about all of the things in life that make you happy, and how you can bring more of that energy into your life.
Focus on your intention for joy and chant: “Wunjo, bring forth joy and light, let happiness fill my heart and life.”
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Harmony and Balance Ritual
For enhancing harmony and balance, incorporate Wunjo into this ritual. If you’re struggling to find a work/life balance or otherwise feeling stressful and disjointed, this ritual can help to bring you back into alignment.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Wunjo rune
- Blue or Green Candle
Meditate on the Wunjo rune, focusing on the areas of your life where you seek greater harmony and balance. Light a blue or green candle to symbolize peace and balance, and place the Wunjo rune nearby.
Think about the areas of your life where you feel the most out of balance and how you might let some of that stress go. Maybe it’s delegating a project at work or asking for help at home. Picture yourself gliding through your day with harmony and ease.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Fulfillment and Success Ritual
To use Wunjo’s energy for fostering fulfillment and success, perform a fulfillment ritual. This ritual is helpful before embarking on a new project or setting goals. It helps to ensure that your goals are in alignment with what will bring you joy.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Wunjo rune
- Gold or White Candle
Light a gold or white candle to represent success and achievement, and place the Wunjo rune in front of it. Reflect on your goals and the fulfillment you wish to achieve, and visualize them coming to fruition.
Think about why you have chosen these goals and what you hope to get from your success. Take some time to sit with this visualization and make sure that this success would be in alignment with the life that would bring you joy.
Once you are in harmony with your goals, chant: “Wunjo, grant me success and fulfillment, let my efforts be rewarded with joy.”
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Pairing Wunjo with Other Runes
Each rune carries its own unique meanings, and when combined thoughtfully, these energies can complement and reinforce one another. By using runes in conjunction, you can create more powerful and nuanced outcomes, tapping into a deeper well of wisdom and guidance from the ancient symbols.
Below are some of my favorite rune pairings with Wunjo:
Wunjo and Gebo - Joy and Partnership
Pairing Wunjo with Gebo can enhance your sense of joy through balanced and harmonious partnerships. Gebo, the rune of gifts and exchange, combines with Wunjo’s positive energy to create a powerful force for mutual joy and satisfaction. This combination fosters both personal happiness and the joy that comes from giving and receiving in relationships.
Wunjo and Ansuz - Joy and Communication
Wunjo and Ansuz together can support achieving joy through clear and positive communication. Ansuz, the rune of communication and wisdom, enhances Wunjo’s energy by promoting harmonious interactions and understanding. This pairing fosters both personal joy and the happiness that comes from meaningful and clear communication.
Other Runes to Pair with Wunjo
- Sowilo: The rune of success and enlightenment, Sowilo enhances Wunjo’s energy by promoting victorious outcomes and personal fulfillment. This combination supports achieving joy through success and enlightenment.
- Berkano: Symbolizing growth and nurturing, Berkano complements Wunjo by fostering joy through personal and relational growth. This pairing encourages nurturing relationships and personal development.
- Fehu: The rune of wealth and prosperity, Fehu, when paired with Wunjo, enhances your ability to find joy through abundance and successful endeavors. This combination promotes both material and emotional fulfillment.
Wunjo is a powerful rune that symbolizes joy, harmony, and fulfillment. It’s a reminder of the importance of embracing positivity, celebrating our successes, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. Wunjo can offer guidance and support in enhancing happiness and well-being.
I like to put the Wunjo rune on my bathroom mirror alongside my daily affirmations. It’s a reminder to start every day with positivity and joy.
How do you use Wunjo? Share your ideas in the comments.
If you enjoyed learning about Wunjo, check out the blog for more rune-related content. Stay tuned for upcoming posts exploring other runes and their uses.