If you are starting out with Elder Futhark divination readings, you’re probably still getting to grips with their meanings. So if you’ve drawn the Ansuz rune, you’re curious about what it means.
The Ansuz rune is associated with communication and wisdom. It is the fourth symbol of the Elder Futhark alphabet. The Ansuz sign is ruled under Freya’s aett. The Ansuz symbol is also related to opportunities and persuasion.
That’s a general oversight of the Ansuz symbol, but if you want to know more, keep reading. This guide will tell you everything you want to know about this rune symbol. You’ll also learn how to use in divination and energy work.
Let’s get started.
What is the Ansuz Rune?
Ansuz is the fourth symbol of the Elder Futhark Runes. You pronounce it as ahn-sooze.
The whole elder futhark alphabet is split into three lots of eight. A Norse deity rules over each set as an aettir (family).
Ansuz is the fourth symbol of Freya’s Aett. Freya was the Norse goddess of love, fertility, beauty, gold, and death.
Freya’s aett represents runes that encourage change and creation. These runes help to keep us on the right path when moving through everyday life.
For growth, we must speak up and grab opportunities with both hands.
In addition to Ansuz, the other symbols in this Aettir include the:
What is the Meaning of the Ansuz Rune?
In a general rune reading, Ansuz symbolizes communication. It translates as a god, in particular ancestral gods such as Odin. This is about guidance and wisdom received from the divine.
The purpose of Ansuz is to remind you to be on high alert for messages being passed on to you.
These messages can be physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It’s time to be mindful of words spoken, dreams, or ‘coincidences’ such as seeing angel numbers regularly.
Ansuz Keywords:
- Communication
- Wisdom
- Messages
- Advice
- Guidance
How to read the Ansuz Rune
Rune divination starts with you having a question or intention in mind. Drawing the Ansuz rune can bring answers to that which you seek guidance.
We’ve already discussed the general meaning of the Ansuz rune. Yet, you may find this doesn’t really relate to your intention or question.
On its own, the Ansuz rune may not give the depth of answer you require.
In this case, consider using more than one rune for a reading. Other runes can help give more detail to your answer than the Ansuz rune alone.
On that note, these meanings are not set in stone. As a beginner, they may help you decipher the message’s meaning in your rune reading.
As always, use your judgment and intuition to guide you through.
Can Ansuz be reversed?
Ansuz is a rune that can be reversed. That means a mirrored, inverted, or reversed position carries a shadow meaning (merkstave).
Reading a reversed rune is subjective. Some only consider it a merkstave rune if it falls at a position 180° flipped from upright (e.g the first rune above). Any other position is considered upright.
Another option is if a rune falls at an obscure angle, it is rotated in a clockwise direction until it reaches an upright or reversed position. This is shown in the other three examples above.
When Ansuz is reversed, the general meaning is to be mindful of deception or ignorance in communications.
Perception can be your worst enemy in trying to move forward. Be aware of misinterpreting a message or being unquestioning of the motive of those giving advice.
You may choose not to consider a reversed Ansuz as a meaning. But, you could be missing an important message from the Divine.
Ansuz In Love
Upright
Drawing Ansuz in matters of love means there are important conversations between you and a loved one. Talking through thoughts and feelings with each other lead to a deep understanding and connection.
Ansuz can also indicate a message from the gods regarding your relationship status. You are encouraged to do some soul searching to get answers about your relationship. Try to connect with that gut feeling you have.
Reversed
Drawing a reverse Ansuz for love can mean that you are unclear on the status of your relationship. It can also indicate that one of you has been lying or manipulating the other. The signs have been there, but you may have been ignoring them.
It can also indicate that there are troubles due to a misunderstanding. Ansuz encourages you to talk it through with your partner to resolve the issue.
Ansuz for Family and Friends
Upright
Ansuz in family and friendships can give the message of listening to advice from someone close to you that and wise and trustworthy. Don’t try to avoid their advice because it doesn’t fit your agenda. They will likely have an experience you can learn from and save you a lot of trouble.
Reversed
Drawing a reversed Ansuz can mean that you are having difficulties opening up to your family. There are challenging conversations that need to be had to move forward in your life. It may also mean speaking up against something or someone that holds beliefs that don’t align with your own.
Reverse Ansuz can also be a sign to remain alert to deceit by an older relative or a new friend. Don’t always take what people say at face value, as they may have alternative motives for skewing your perceptions.
Ansuz for Health and wellbeing
Upright
Drawing Ansuz for health is a sign from the gods that you need to become more active. No more lazing around, now is the time to take action with your health. You are gifted the energy and motivation to tackle your physical and mental health.
Ansuz can also be a sign that you are ready to challenge emotions that bind your ability to be your true self, such as fear, anxiety, and phobias.
Reversed
Drawing a reversed Ansuz can indicate health issues, particularly with the throat, mouth, or ears. Your ability to communicate effectively will be impacted by an illness or injury.
A reverse Ansuz can also signal the declining health of an elderly person in your life. Now is the time to spend together and help them heal through nurturing company.
Ansuz For Money and finances
Upright
Ansuz in money matters can often relate to our ability to persuade others to help in this area. Perhaps you’re looking for a large loan or someone to invest in your idea. Ansuz indicates you will be able to achieve this.
This rune can also signal that you can make money from your ability to communicate or pass on wisdom to others. This can relate to public speaking, mentoring, consulting, or teaching.
Reversed
A reversed Ansuz can warn you against those who are purposely giving you bad financial advice. These may be people you trust or those lying for financial gain.
Ansuz can indicate that you are being manipulated in matters of finances. Without speaking up, you will likely lose it all. Don’t ignore reviews or feedback of others who may have had bad financial experiences with a company or expert.
Ansuz for Career
Upright
In career intentions, Ansuz can indicate new opportunities. Now might be the time to ask for a promotion or a salary raise. An upright Ansuz is your sign to start asking these important questions about your career trajectory.
Ansuz can also be a sign you will be offered a job interview. You may even need to do some sort of short presentation to secure an offer.
Ansuz can also indicate that a career mentor will come into your life. Learn the ropes from them and soak in their wisdom.
Reversed
Ansuz reversed for a career can indicate that there is some breakdown in communication within your role. This may be a miscommunication between yourself and a colleague or client. It can also go deeper to indicate lies or deceit to purposely impact your career progress.
Be aware of advice from those who may be trying to sabotage your career or to make you look incompetent in your role.
Ansuz for Personal development
Upright
Ansuz is an extremely challenging rune. You are being forced to confront changes that need to be made in your life. It offers a deep cleanse to your life to move forward with your growth. You won’t be able to move forward without dealing with past issues or gaining closure.
Ansuz also encourages you to use your words wisely around others, as well as with yourself. It’s a lesson in asking yourself, ‘what is holding me back?’
Reversed
Ansuz, in reverse, can indicate that you are unwilling to tackle mental blockages to grow. This is a rune of gaining wisdom and knowledge to improve your critical thinking skills. In reverse, it signals you are being biased and unwilling to challenge your perspective.
It’s time to explore the mental blockages preventing you from enhancing your communication skills.
Ansuz for spirituality
Upright
Ansuz is a chief rune for spiritual intentions. Drawing this rune aligns with messages from the divine and tapping into that energy.
Ansuz can help provide you with the intuition to navigate whether something is an opportunity or deceit. It frees you from co-dependency and unhealthy attachments, allowing you to think for yourself.
Ansuz allows you to utilize the power of breath in meditation to enable cosmic connections.
Reversed
A reversed Ansuz in spiritual intentions can indicate a lack of clarity about what you seek. The divine will not provide you with a clear message until you are precise with what you need to be answered.
Reversed Ansuz can also indicate a disconnect from your spiritual side. Usually, this is by neglecting your spiritual health or letting others doubt your ability to connect to the divine.
Magical uses of Ansuz
- Ability to Lead
- Improving decision making
- Success in communication
- Aligning with the divine
- Success in study and exams
- Avoidance of tricky or deceit
Ansuz Rune Associations
The Ansuz rune connects with many other universal energies. These may suggest ways to incorporate the Ansuz energy into your divination work.
Ansuz has been associated with the following:
| Animals | Wolf, raven |
| Archangel | Gabriel |
| Body | Throat, mouth |
| Chakra | Throat |
| Colour | Dark Blue |
| Crystals | Lapis lazuli, Sodalite |
| Element | Air |
| God/Goddesses | Odin |
| Half month | August 13th-August 29th |
| Herb | Fennel |
| Hour | 15:30-16:30 |
| Letter | A |
| Incense | cedar |
| Metals | Uru |
| Mythology | Yggdrasil |
| Number | 4 |
| Ruling planet | Pluto |
| Tarot | Death |
| Tree | Ash |
| Zodiac | Gemini |
Ansuz Rune Poems
Anglo-Saxon Ansuz Poem
The Mouth is the source of every speech,
The mainstay of wisdom,
And solace of sages,
And the happiness and hope of every eorl.
Norwegian Ansuz Poem
The river mouth is the aim of most journeys
but a scabbard is the sword’s.
Icelandic Ansuz Poem
Ansuz is the ancient father,
and Ásgard’s chieftain,
and the leader of Valhalla.
Ansuz Galdr (Runic Chant)
Ansuz ansuz ansuz
Aaaaaaaaaaaa
Aaaaaasssssss
Aaaaaa
Aaaaaaaaaaaa
Ansuz Rune Other Names
- Old Germanic name: Ansus
- Old Norwegian name: Ansus
- Anglo-Saxon name: Oss, Áss
- Old Icelandic name: Yss, Áss
- Old Celtic name: An
Final thoughts
Ansuz is an extremely cleansing rune, challenging current blockages and making way for new beginnings. It arms you with the energy and wisdom to move forward. You’ll cut ties with things that are holding you back.
Ansuz transcends emotion and paves the way with messages from the divine. These changes need to happen whether you want them or not. It forces you to re-evaluate your life.
In reverse, it conveys that you must develop your critical thinking skills. This will improve your problem-solving and social development.
Remember that not everyone in your life has the best intentions for you. Learn to recognize who is helping you move forward.
Use the Ansuz rune to harness these energies into your divination work.