Wunjo - The Meanings of the Runes
Updated: Mar 3
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Wunjo, the eighth letter in the Elder Futhark alphabet, directly translates to "joy". In Anglo-Saxon poetry, joy and happiness are defined as knowing very little of pain, sorrow, or woe; having adequate resources; and having the means to protect those resources. The Scandinavians specifically viewed happiness as the result of both wisdom and having a good reputation. The reward for having a good reputation, of course, was friendship.
The word wunjo is also related to the word "wish". Makes sense to me. Who doesn't wish for joy and the things that will bring them joy? In modern interpretation, scholars seem to have a little trouble agreeing to one solid way of interpreting wunjo, though. This is due--almost paradoxically--to wunjo's simplicity. Joy is wanted by all, but it is impossible to define as it takes a different shape for every person--both how it is experienced and what causes it.
As with every rune, there is also a warning here: Too much joy is not always a good thing as it can lead to complacency and blindness to problems. Both of those things will eventually destroy your joy.
This is a wonderful rune to have pop up in a reading, not only because it carries such positivity in its meaning, but also because it usually means that you can interpret all runes surrounding wunjo as having a positive energy or connotation. It often suggests good news or a good outcome, harmony, or success (particularly in relationships and group work). Just be aware if it is reversed in a reading as it could be warning you of that previously mentioned complacency or that you may be wearing rose-colored glasses in regards to a particular person or situation that is making you happy. It can also be a warning of alienation or difficult times ahead.
Wunjo can be used in any spells for luck, happiness, prosperity, or friendship.
Summary
Direct translation: "Joy"
Symbolizes: General positivity, friendship, having fulfillment and all necessities, success, harmony
Features to note: Wunjo is almost complicated in its simplicity as joy is brought about and experienced differently to everyone. For the ancients, it was about having all needs met, living with wisdom, friendship, and a lack of sorrow. Wunjo is generally tied to all positive energies.
Resources (paid links):
Taking Up the Runes by Diana L. Paxson
Runes for Beginners by Lisa Chamberlain
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