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 Kenaz rune, you’re curious about what it means.
The Kenaz rune is associated with inspiration and creativity. It is the sixth symbol of the Elder Futhark alphabet. The Kenaz sign is ruled under Freya’s aett. The Kenaz symbol is also related to clarity and vitality.
That’s a brief idea of the Kenaz 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 with divination and energy work.
Let’s get started.
What is the Kenaz Rune?
Kenaz is the sixth symbol of the 24 Elder Futhark Runes. You pronounce it as ken-ahz.
The whole elder futhark alphabet is split into three lots of eight. A Norse deity rules over each set as an aettir (family).
Kenaz is the sixth symbol of the first (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 need to have a burning desire to learn, create and achieve. That ability to start from an idea and turn it into something tangible.
In addition to Kenaz, the other symbols in this Aettir include the:
What is the Meaning of the Kenaz Rune?
In a general rune reading, Kenaz symbolizes the burning desire to move forward. The translation means ‘torch.’ This is symbolic of a fire that lights the way whilst also providing protection and warmth.
Kenaz is an extremely nurturing and guiding stone. It encourages and lead you in the right direction. A rune that will help you seek out the knowledge you need to progress.
The Kenaz rune brings things to life with energy and passion. It aligns strongly with creative minds.
Kenaz is an excellent stone for seeking answers to achieving your deepest desires. It enlightens you about the work you need to do to achieve your goals.
Kenaz Keywords:
- Enlightenment
- Inspiration
- Creativity
- Insight
- Vitality
How to read the Kenaz Rune
Rune divination starts with you having a question or intention in mind. Drawing the Kenaz rune can bring answers to that which you seek guidance.
We’ve already discussed the general meaning of the Kenaz rune. Yet, you may find this doesn’t really relate to your intention or question.
Kenaz is not a chief rune for some intentions. On its own, it doesn’t always give the depth of answer you need.
When you’ve drawn a Kenaz rune, it’s always better you get context from other runes. Often the order you read them will give you more details about the message of the Kenaz.
On that note, the meanings in this guide are not set in stone. As a beginner, they may help you decipher the message’s meaning in your rune reading.
Use your own judgment and intuition to guide you through.
Can Kenaz be reversed?
Kenaz 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 Kenaz is reversed, it can signal a significant loss or ending. The fire or light has gone away, and you are left cold and in darkness, which is not a good place to be.
Reversed Kenaz can indicate hopelessness and disillusionment in life. You’ve lost your drive and vision, so you remain stuck in a rut. Without a light at the end of the tunnel to guide you, you feel lost and can’t find your way.
You may choose not to consider a reversed Kenaz as a meaning. But, you could be missing an important message from the Divine.
Kenaz For Love
Upright
A Kenaz rune in a love intention can indicate a new or re-kindling of a relationship. Kenaz represents a deep burning love that positively influences your life. Your partner is supportive and encouraging of growth.
The Kenaz rune can represent intense passion and desire. You may reconnect through sexual exploration and appreciation for each other as a person.
Reversed
Drawing a reverse Kenaz for a love intention signals the end of a relationship or divorce. Likely, you realize you have fallen out of love or no longer desire your partner.
Kenaz can also signal an imbalance in a relationship that is causing one lover to be hurt. Usually, this is related to an emphasis on lust on one side, with the other side wishing to commit. Kenaz reminds you to remain grounded and not to be blinded by desire.
Kenaz for Family and Friends
Upright
When Kenaz is drawn for matters of family and friends, it indicates that they will provide you with support and guidance. Kenaz reminds us that loved ones can provide an emotional fulfillment that balances you and set you on the right path.
Kenaz is also a strong sign of creation, particularly children. You may expect to hear news of a pregnancy or adoption soon.
Reversed
A reverse Kenaz usually signals the loss of a close family member or friend. It may also relate to a loss they are experiencing, such as a miscarriage.
Kenaz reversed can also relate to the ending of a friendship or disconnect from family members. This may be leaving you feeling abandoned and alone. Try to move past the darkness and seek new energy sources in your life.
Kenaz for Health and wellbeing
Upright
Kenaz drawn for health signals that you have a strong immune system. It can also indicate that pain or inflammation will improve soon. You are taking the necessary action to aid this healing.
In terms of mental health, Kenaz can indicate progress with past trauma. You may have made a breakthrough at therapy, or more information has come to light that has helped you to heal.
Reversed
Drawing a reversed Kenaz can signal a minor illness or injury may occur. This is likely to happen to body parts related to Kenaz, such as the eyes, hands, or stomach. Ulcers and fevers are closely associated with the Kenaz rune.
Kenaz can also indicate a withdrawal from life, such as experiencing anxiety or depression. Low moods will impact your vitality for life, taking away your energy and spark.
Kenaz For Money and finances
Upright
In matters of money, Kenaz can represent saving or spending in moderation. It encourages you to seek further knowledge about how to use your money wisely.
The Kenaz rune indicates that prosperity and progress will be made in finance matters. Other runes in the cast will provide you with more details of this.
Reversed
A reversed Kenaz can relate to larger losses of money. This is likely related to an unwillingness to learn how to handle finances or pivot with changes.
Challenges may be had in money issues with a friend or family member. This can result in a loss of money and a breakdown of the relationship.
Kenaz for Career
Upright
When Kenaz is drawn in career intention, it signals positive progress with the creative side of your work. Kenaz aligns with creative jobs such as artist or craftsperson. Yet, it can also apply to new ideas or technical knowledge.
You may have been considering how to do something different within the workplace. Putting your idea forward is likely to result in a positive response.
Reversed
Kenaz reversed in your career can indicate a lack of direction or knowledge to feel fulfilled in your role. You may have lost a mentor who has been guiding you through and inspiring you to continue.
With a Kenaz in reverse, you may feel like you are going through the motions. If you continue on this path, you will likely soon part ways with your current role.
Kenaz for Personal development
Upright
Kenaz is an excellent rune for personal development as it encourages you to seek knowledge to improve yourself. It promotes casting off old ways of being and adopting new and beneficial habits.
Kenaz inspires you to return to previous knowledge you may have learned and put it into action. Or it may even encourage you to start learning a new skill, consider something that allows you to express creativity.
Reversed
Kenaz reversed indicates that you are unmotivated and holding onto old working methods that no longer serve you. That gnawing anxiety or fear of failure is holding you back from trying new things.
With Kenaz in reverse, you will likely feel like you’ve lost your way and don’t know which direction to take your life.
Kenaz for Spirituality
Upright
Drawing a Kenaz rune can indicate spiritual enlightenment. Higher powers are guiding the way to issues causing confusion or stress. A light leading you through the darkness.
Your manifestation powers are heightening with Kenaz in reverse. This rune takes thought and turns it into something tangible.
Kenaz also aligns well with auras, light work, and totems for deeper answers and inspiration.
Reversed
A reversed Kenaz can relate to a spiritual void or lack of connection with your intuition. You need to do the work to rekindle your spirituality.
Reversed Kenaz can also indicate purposeful ignorance. Your inner vision is clouded. Without knowledge, you do not need to act and will remain in a rut.
Magical uses for Kenaz
- Creative inspiration
- Regeneration and healing
- Love and sex spells
- Fertility magic
- Strength and protection in all realms
Kenaz Rune Associations
The Kenaz rune connects with many other universal energies. Each of these may suggest ways to incorporate the Kenaz energy into your divination work.
Kenaz has been associated with the following
| Animals | Cat, lion |
| Archangel | Uriel |
| Body | Eyes, hand, stomach |
| Chakra | Solar plexus |
| Colour | Red |
| Crystals | Citrine, bloodstone |
| Element | Fire |
| God/Goddesses | Nerthus, Freya |
| Half month | September 13th- September 28th |
| Herb | cowslip |
| Hour | 17.30-18.30 |
| Letter | K |
| Incense | Ginger |
| Mythology | Mirmir |
| Number | 6 |
| Ruling planet | Venus |
| Tarot | High Priestess |
| Tree | Pine |
| Zodiac | Leo |
Kenaz Rune Poems
Anglo-Saxon Kenaz Poem
The torch is known to every living man
by its pale, bright flame; it always burns
where princes sit within.
Norwegian Kenaz Poem
Ulcer is fatal to children;
death makes a corpse pale
Icelandic Kenaz Poem
Ulcer
Disease fatal to children
and painful spot
and abode of mortification.
Kenaz Galdr (Runic Chant)
Kenaz kenaz kenaz Ku ka ki ke ko Kun kan kin ken kon Ok ek ik ak uk kaunnnnnnnnnnn
Rune Kenaz Other Names
- Old Germanic name: Chozma
- Old Norwegian name: Kauna
- Anglo-Saxon name: Cen, Ken
- Old Celtic name: Ken
- Old Icelandic name: Kaun
Final thoughts
Kenaz is a rune of illumination. It lights the way through the dark times, arming you with the knowledge to take the right steps. It also relates to the love and warmth of family and friends and the support you have around you. You are worthy and can achieve great things.
Kenaz is the reminder to put your thoughts into action. Knowledge is great, but without applying it, you stay stagnant. Utilize what you learn and incorporate it into your daily habits.
Even in reverse, it conveys that loss can come before a renewal. Holding onto old ways can lead to a dark and devastating path. Search for the light, even a tiny ember, and nurture it until it becomes a flame again.
Use the Kenaz rune to harness these energies into your life and divination work.