Gebo Rune ᚷ

Gebo Rune: Meaning, Origin, and Spiritual Powers

The seventh rune of the Futhark alphabet is called Gebo. This rune symbolizes the act of giving and represents the act of donation. It can be a material gift, but also a spiritual one. The saying "It is more rewarding to give than to receive" takes on its full meaning here. Only those who are willing to give are also ready to receive.

Gebo means harmony between giving and receiving. It also illustrates the idea that everyone can chart their own path in life. This rune includes connections, contacts, and relationships between gods and humans. It also represents the balance of debts and the exchange of power and strength.

Today, this rune may announce gifts of all kinds for the seeker. Thus, it could be a gift, not always material, that awaits the person seeking advice.

Origin and Meaning of the Gebo Rune

It is a continuous cycle that should not be broken. Those who do not respect this cycle risk losing their spiritual gift. It is possible to give on two levels: the physical and the spiritual.

Accepting a gift should be accompanied by a certain humility, as this gift can be taken away just as quickly if misused. Of course, one must first know their own gift before they can use it. This also requires great understanding towards others.

Here, the focus should be on positive feelings such as love, compassion, and understanding. Keep in mind that whatever you offer to the world will be returned to you in kind.

The Gebo rune corresponds to an X, often interpreted as the intersection of two crossed lines. This connection can be sexual or magical in nature. It symbolizes the contact and agreement between two people. The crossing lines can be seen as the lifelines of two people whose paths cross. They then come into a relationship at the moment of their meeting.

Gebo can also symbolize the connection between humans and gods. The gifts we receive from the gods are an invitation to use them in the best way possible and to make good use of them. Gebo can also be understood as a sacrifice in an ecological sense. Through altruistic actions and sacrifices, we generate powerful energy in the universe.

The intersection of the two lines can also signify that we are entering into union with ourselves. Perhaps we have not lived authentically before, and the image of our inner being did not match our outward appearance. Perhaps we have qualities that we have only experienced separately and are now able to bring together. Gebo means that you are now ready to merge these divided qualities and integrate them into yourself. Thus, the two separate parts within you can finally form a unity.

Gebo also represents the crossing of paths between two people. No matter how different these paths were before, they now meet at a common point. This does not necessarily mean that the rest of the life journey will be taken together. It could be just a temporary companion. But a faithful life partner is not excluded either.

The goal of your relationship should be a healthy mix of giving and receiving. Do not try to change or manipulate your partner. Accept each other as you are and share your hidden strengths with each other. Perhaps until now, you were missing such a connection. Remember that such a relationship cannot be taken for granted and should be seen as a precious and invaluable gift.

In a broader context, Gebo can also indicate communal life. Make sure that living together is characterized by lightness, freedom, and healthy distance. Consider everyone as your equal. Speak to your counterpart as an equal. It is only when everyone feels secure that they can also be a support for others.

Fixed Meaning of the Gebo Rune

There is no fixed or reversed meaning for the Gebo rune. However, if it is surrounded by many negative runes in the interpretation, this may indicate that the causes of problems lie in our feelings.

But it also means that we alone can solve these problems. Such solution approaches should be seen as positive because you are in control. Otherwise, Gebo should always be interpreted in an upright position.

The rune indicates that we will experience positive development. This can occur in the realm of love but also in a professional context. In particular, a romantic relationship or long-term partnership has great potential in the context of Gebo.

Reversed Meaning of the Gebo Rune

On the contrary, something may indeed be offered to us. This gift may be an object, but also something spiritual or emotional. Most of the time, this gift arrives just when we need it most.

Gebo knows when the time has come. If this rune presents itself to us, it means that we can count on love, peace, and constancy. If life was not very harmonious before, a pleasant harmony will now prevail.

Remember that when you receive a gift, you must also offer something to the universe. Especially in a relationship, this often happens naturally. We give love and receive that love in return.

But sometimes, it may take time to receive something. This should not prevent us from giving. Just make sure not to give too much of yourself and exhaust your energy. Moderation is key here.

Properties of the Gebo Rune

• Alphabet: G
• Element: Air
• Deities: Frigg, Odin
• Symbol: Gift, generosity
• Interpretation: Balance, exchange, partnership, generosity, relationships, agreement, gift, and marriage.
• Stone: Yellow serpentine, amber, opal
• Tree: Elm, ivy
• Flower: Rue, Patience Dock
• Herb: Wild pansy
• Animal: Pig, owl
• Color: Deep blue
• Body: Nervous system, sexual nature disorders
• Fragrance: Lilac, storax
• Tarot: The Lovers, The Sun
• Astrology: Sun in Pisces, Moon in 6th house, Sun, Neptune

Complete Runes Alphabet >

Further Exploration

To deepen your knowledge about the runes and their symbolism, we invite you to explore the following pages:

• Viking Runes: Origins and Meanings
• Norse and Viking Symbols and their meanings
• The Secrets of Viking Runic Alphabet