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 Raidho rune, you’re curious about what it means.
The Raidho rune is associated with journeys, both physical and experiences. It is the fifth symbol of the Elder Futhark alphabet. The Raidho sign is ruled under Freya’s aett. The Raidho symbol is also related to moving forward and the cyclical nature of life.
That’s a brief idea of the Raidho 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 Raidho Rune?
Raidho is the fifth symbol of the Elder Futhark Runes. You pronounce it as rye-though.
The whole elder futhark alphabet is split into three lots of eight. A Norse deity rules over each set as an aettir (family).
Raidho is the fifth 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, make need to make journeys that give us new experiences. These journeys flow into a cycle, allowing us to reflect and improve on our previous actions.
In addition to Raidho, the other symbols in this Aettir include the:
What is the Meaning of the Raidho Rune?
In a general rune reading, Raidho symbolizes any journey we take. The translation means ‘ride.’ This is symbolic of the flow of a wheel moving forward and repeatedly returning to itself.
Not all journeys are smooth, which relates to life’s ups and downs. Yet, the more experience you have, the better equipped you are to manage when things aren’t going so well.
It also helps us to understand that things are in a constant state of flux. The good and the bad times don’t last forever, and nothing is permanent.
Raidho is an extremely practical rune and can be used as everyday energy.
Raidho Keywords:
- Travel
- Journey
- Movement
- Progression
- Reunion
How to read the Raidho Rune
Rune divination starts with you having a question or intention in mind. Drawing the Raidho rune can bring answers to that which you seek guidance.
We’ve already discussed the general meaning of the Raidho rune. Yet, you may find this doesn’t really relate to your intention or question.
Raidho is not a chief rune for some intentions. On its own, it usually does not give the depth of answer you need.
When you’ve drawn a Raidho 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 Raidho.
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 Raidho be reversed?
Raidho 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 Raidho is reversed, it can signal your plans are not going as expected. Or you may refuse to make important decisions to carry on your journey no matter the consequences.
It’s the feeling of fear that holds you back from going after what you desire. Even if it doesn’t work out, the journey will provide you with valuable lessons and experience. Yet you won’t get this without taking the first steps.
You may choose not to consider a reversed Raidho as a meaning. But, you could be missing an important message from the Divine.
Raidho For Love
Upright
A Raidho rune in a love intention is an extremely positive sign. It signals that your relationship is on the right path. Expect to continue following the direction you both seek in love, whether this is marriage, children, or traveling together.
There are currently no obstacles in your relationship. This is a time to reflect on what is working well and to utilize this to support one another during harder times.
Reversed
Drawing a reverse Raidho for a love intention signals trouble in paradise. The road you are on is not a happy one. One or both of you may be staying together for the fear of being alone. This is not a path you want to continue down.
Reconsider making a big decision or committing yourself more if there are red flags that you’ve been ignoring.
Raidho for Family and Friends
Upright
When Raidho is drawn for matters of family and friends, it indicates big changes are ahead. This is unchartered territory that you need to navigate. Think about physical distance from your supporters or big life changes such as new partners or babies added to the circle. It’s about navigation through the stages of life and adapting to this.
As Raidho signs cycles, it may also indicate that you will have a big reunion with family or old friends.
Reversed
A reverse Raidho usually indicates that someone from your past will return to your life. This may be someone you believe has burned their bridges. Or it may just be unexpected visitors to your home who you don’t particularly want around.
The inverted Raidho can also signal that a sense of duty to family or friends is holding you back in life. It’s time to look inward and consider what you want from life, even if it means creating distance with your network.
Raidho for Health and wellbeing
Upright
Raidho drawn for health signals that you are being encouraged to travel to improve your health. Rest and relaxation away from your usual routines is vital for both your physical and mental wellbeing.
Your health will improve if you introduce gentle exercises into your daily routine. Choose ones that have a flow and keep you moving forward, such as walking, swimming, or yoga. Getting outdoors helps you to travel further and broaden your horizons.
Reversed
Drawing a reversed Raidho can indicate that your health may worsen due to movement or travel. This may be as simple as an exercise injury or as severe as a car or plane crash. Illness or injury may be related to the legs.
Be wary of traveling to a new location for health treatment or advice. The rune is warning you this is not a positive move.
Raidho For Money and finances
Upright
In matters of money, Raidho can represent negotiations. This may be financial deals or legal matters. Drawing the rune for these intentions is a positive sign that things will go smoothly. Particularly if they relate to movement such as travel, transport, or moving home.
Raidho also relates to journeys in life that are difficult but will ultimately be financially rewarding.
Reversed
A reversed Raidho can relate to a loss of money from a transaction involving others. This may even relate to finances related to travel or transport. Perhaps a holiday is canceled or a large payout when your car breaks down.
Be aware of goal posts being moved when it comes to your finances. Things don’t remain stationary with Raidho, and in reverse, changes will be for the worse.
Raidho for Career
Upright
When Raidho is drawn in career intention, it signals you are likely to be involved in some sort of travel for work. This may be a business trip or a job that entails frequent traveling. Raidho can signal that you will soon be moving forward with your career prospects.
Raidho can also relate to learning new information within your role. This may be the offer of attending a seminar or course to improve your knowledge in the workplace.
Reversed
Raidho reversed in your career can indicate that now is not a good time to negotiate with others. It will not go in the direction you hope it will.
This rune can also indicate that you will be redeployed or relocated at work. You are not accepting of this change. Yet Raidho reminds you that there are lessons to be learned in every situation, and resistance can often worsen your experience.
Raidho for Personal development
Upright
Raidho for personal development can be a sign of encouragement to travel and broaden your horizons. Taking a step away from what you know and learning about new cultures. Travel is undoubtedly one of the best ways to learn more about yourself.
You are placed out of your comfort zone and into situations you must deal with. Things may not always go to plan, but you will build life skills that will set you in good stead for the future.
Reversed
Raidho reversed indicates that you are actively trying to avoid moving forward with your life. This is likely due to unwillingness to deal with uncomfortable situations.
Reverse Raidho can often signal that you are having issues with your confidence. This will often hold you back from doing what you need to due to fear of failure.
Raidho for Spirituality
Upright
Drawing a Raidho rune can indicate a strong spiritual movement. It gives a sense of pushing past obstacles holding you back on your spiritual journey.
Use it to connect to the wheel of life. Your spirituality will align with the ebbs and flows of divine energy. All the time, understand that nothing is permanent in this world.
Reversed
A reversed Raidho can relate to rumination. You feel like you’re going around and around in a circle without getting anywhere. It’s time to identify that blockage and work to overcome it.
Be mindful of decisions you are making that are harming your spiritual health. You have the power to control your spiritual path.
Magical uses of Raidho
- Protection during travel
- Justice with negotiations
- Cyclical magic such as moon rituals and great days
- Increasing motivation
- Navigating spiritual journeys
Raidho Rune Associations
The Raidho rune connects with many other universal energies. Each of these may suggest ways to incorporate the Raidho energy into your divination work.
Raidho has been associated with the following
| Animals | Horse, goat, cat |
| Archangel | Raphael |
| Body | Legs, buttocks |
| Chakra | Third eye |
| Colour | blue |
| Crystals | chrysoprase |
| Element | air |
| God/Goddesses | Gna |
| Half month | August 29th– September 13th |
| Letter | R |
| Plant | Mugwart |
| Hour | 16.30-17.30 |
| Incense | Basil |
| Mythology | Sleipnir |
| Number | 5 |
| Ruling planet | Jupiter |
| Tarot | The chariot |
| Tree | Oak |
| Zodiac | Sagittarius |
Raidho Rune Poems
Anglo-Saxon Raidho Poem
Riding seems easy to every warrior while he is indoors
and very courageous to him who traverses the high-roads
on the back of a stout horse.
Norwegian Raidho Poem
Riding is said to be the worst thing for horses;
Reginn forged the finest sword.
Icelandic Raidho Poem
Riding is of sitting a blessing
and swift journey
and horses toiling
Raidho Galdr (Runic Chant)
Raidho Raidho Raidho Rrrrrrrrrrr Ru ra ri re ro Rudh radh ridh redh rodh Or er ir ar ur rrrrrrrrrrrr
Rune Raidho Other Names
Old Germanic name: Reda
Old Norwegian name: Raidu
Anglo-Saxon name: Rad/Radh
Old Celtic name: Ruig
Old Icelandic name: Reið
Final thoughts
Raidho is a rune of movement and journeys. It’s a reminder that life is ever-changing, and you can choose to go with the flow or resist. Your choices will force lessons upon you that you should reflect upon to grow.
Nothing stays static with Raidho. It’s always moving and in a state of flow. Learn to appreciate the good times and understand that the hard times will pass. You hold within you the ability to transform your life whenever you choose.
Even in reverse, it brings the message that you need to gain a new perspective before you can truly move forward. The path you are currently traveling down doesn’t lead to good.
Use the Raidho rune to harness these energies into your life and divination work.
