Rune Jera ᛃ

Rune Jera: Meaning, Origin, and Spiritual Powers

Jera is the fifth rune of the second aett of the Futhark alphabet. It symbolizes the spiral pattern of time. It connects the forward movement of time, through our hopes, dreams, and fears, and the backward movement, through our memories. Jera represents the completion of a cycle, a season, or a year.

It illustrates the eternal contrasts of opposites that form a whole. The twelfth rune of the Futhark represents rhythm, change, continuous movement – everything is interconnected. Harmonious movements, such as inhalation and exhalation, heartbeats, the changing seasons, day and night, represent the progressive yet relentless energy of the Jera rune.

If you do not plant seeds, do not work, and do not pursue your goals and desires, Jera will create situations that reflect this lack. The consequences of past human actions manifest in the future. The aim of constant change is to adjust to annual cycles rather than fight against them. Be aware that everything in life follows cycles.

Jera means "year", thus indicating the passage of seasons. It symbolizes perpetual cycles, the cycle of life and fertility.

Jera is the rune of hope and continuous movement. It also represents new momentum, peace, and harmony. For the consulter, it signifies that a period of waiting is to come. Regarding the future, it announces a period of abundance.

Origin and Meaning of the Jera Rune

Traditionally, this rune is compared to the wheel of the completed year. Major festivities and seasons have completed a cycle. Jera, "Yehr-ah" in Celtic language, evokes the English "Year".

The symbol of the Jera rune is formed by two Kenaz runes. They stand close to one another but face opposite directions. Thus, these forces are represented, producing an eternal rhythm through their mutual interaction.

Jera's runic power symbolizes constant change and patience, as nothing remains as it was, yet everything returns in a circle. The summer harvest becomes winter seed, the seeds of winter produce the next summer's harvest. Everything we send out returns to us at some point. Jera's power embodies constancy through infinite change in the cycle of life.

The meaning of the Jera rune can be described as a reaction to past actions. A positive action and proper timing later produce good living conditions, peace, or repetition. Poor timing brings poverty, regression, and conflict.

Jera is also called "Jara" in some regions – the year. Other names for the Jera rune are Ger, Jer, Ar, and Yer. Its main theme is harvest, fertility, and growth: "All will be well". If you draw the Jera rune, it's a positive sign. You have acted well in the past and now receive the reward for all your efforts.

However, you have not arrived at your destination, but according to Jera's energy, you are at a turning point. Thus, there is no wrong path because everything you do serves a purpose in the future. Even if you worry due to developments, everything has its reason. When the time comes, you will realize in retrospect that everything happened as it should.

You have reached your current position only because you did the right thing at the right time. You may have taken detours along the way, but it's not a loss. Even long paths ultimately lead to the goal and are therefore also correct. Life is not a highway where you go straight at full speed. Jera can magically slow things down or speed them up.

Fixed Meaning of the Jera Rune

After sowing, cultivating, and nurturing, it is now time to harvest. This will bring a period of happiness and peace, with expectations of prosperity. It is a period of abundance, joy, and celebration. Jera heralds a time of new beginnings, new growth, and the realization of long-term projects.

But be careful: wait to celebrate the harvest until all fruits are safely in storage. Jera reminds you to be patient and wait for the right time. Keep the wisdom and knowledge of the past time as a treasure, for after the harvest time comes winter. You must face new challenges to properly handle the fruits so they do not rot.

In the coming year, a new cycle begins. It is a time of transformations. Let go of the old to make way for the new. Establish a balance by using the experience of the past period to harvest better crops.

To achieve this, it is necessary to develop new concepts, ideas, and plans. Show more initiative, spend more time caring for seedlings, and safely support the branches that bend under the weight of the fruits.

In a modern context, this means that a breakthrough will bring about a period of stagnation. If the Jera rune appears in a reading, it can also indicate to the consulter that there may be unfinished business coming back that needs to be concluded and put aside once and for all.

Reversed Meaning of the Jera Rune

Jera does not have a reversed interpretation, as it shows the same image both ways. However, take its position into account: Jera can be in opposition. This is a warning of an unexpected turn of fortune, which may signify a major change in life and lifestyle. Conflict becomes inevitable, poverty looms, and timing becomes faulty.

When the Jera rune is reversed, it is a message to stop procrastinating and make concerted efforts for the future.

Properties of the Jera Rune

• Alphabet: J, G
• Element: Earth
• Deity: Baldr
• Symbol: The wheel of the year
• Interpretation: Year, harvest, change, cycles, completion, and reward.
• Stone: Luvulite, emerald, carnelian
• Tree: Maple, oak
• Flower: Cornflower
• Medicinal Herb: Rosemary, nettle
• Animal: Eagle
• Color: Green, light blue
• Body Part: Body rhythms
• Scent: Oak bark
• Tarot: The Fool, The Emperor, Wheel of Fortune
• Astrology: Sun in Taurus, Moon in 2nd House, Jupiter

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