Rune Othala ᛟ

Rune Othala: Meaning, Origin, and Spiritual Powers

Visually, the Othala rune resembles a fortress: a diamond resting on two supports. This symbolism evokes the importance of property and possession. The fortress can also represent protection and refuge.

A house, even temporarily in our possession, symbolizes security and grounding. Possession is a material constant in the earthly world, but it can also be perceived as spiritual enrichment.

The Othala rune symbol is often found in heraldry, for example, in the German armed forces as a sign of the main rock.

Othala means "home." It can refer to the family home of the person seeking advice or their spiritual home. This rune signifies grounding and familial bonds, as well as material, genetic, and spiritual inheritance. It is the rune of delimitation, protection, and intimacy, but also of personal identity.

It can also, when used lawfully, help acquire wealth and solve complex problems. Othala's advice: It is important to examine how the past and present are in direct relation to each other. It is also necessary to analyze old habits and, if needed, break away from them.

Origin and Significance of the Othala Rune

Othala is the 24th rune of the Futhark alphabet. It symbolizes possession and channels energy. Possession is often linked with inheritance. However, possession should be seen as something temporary.

Things can belong to us in the material world, but they are more borrowed than truly ours. Indeed, nothing is permanent in this world, neither the house, the car, nor even our body. However, Othala does not only represent material possession but also home and grounding.

To activate the rune, it is enough to focus on a single thought. However, it is important to stay relaxed and not force anything. The energy will come to you when it is ready. Only patience will allow you to reach your goal. The energy of thoughts helps to follow the direction destined for you. The only condition is to always keep your dreams and goals in mind.

Almost everyone with a basement or a storage room knows this problem. Over time, we accumulate things. What we no longer use, what we sort but cannot part with, ends up there. According to the saying: "Out of sight, out of mind."

But the objects, the old furniture, everything is still there. They remind us, even if we hide them. And one day, we have to open that basement door. We must face the problem. We then start piece by piece. We open boxes, closets, drawers. We take everything out to get rid of it.

And with each box we open, the room empties, and we feel freer. It's as if a weight is lifted from our soul. Othala helps us recognize when we have accumulated too many things, when it is time to start cleaning up. It indicates that it is necessary to reflect on what we really need.

It is not always necessary to fill up a closet or an empty box anew. Sometimes, it's good simply to be free. However, this cleaning also allows us to reflect on what we really need and what we wish for in our lives. And when we have started to free ourselves from the old burdens, it leaves a lot of room for new things.

What do I want in my life? What makes me happy? What fulfills me? We can then ask ourselves all these questions and find new fulfillment. Relationships with others can also be questioned. Why do I cling to this person? Am I dependent on this person?

It is only when we are at peace with ourselves and satisfied that we can form a special bond. Only when we can rely on ourselves and are independent are we ready to be there for others.

Othala, in this context, can also mean separation, whether it is from things or people. But after every end of the chapter, a new one begins. The journey may be laborious, but it will be worth it.

Fixed Meaning of the Othala Rune

Othala represents possession. It doesn't matter whether you already possess these things or they are yet to come. They often come by inheritance, whether material, like a house, or immaterial, like a quality or a trait of character inherited.

Possession can also be the result of hard work. Apart from inheritance, Othala can also mean support. The family, friends, and close ones who support us. We are part of a group and, yet, we remain individuals. We can count on others and be there for them. Othala thus represents both material and spiritual prosperity.

Reversed Meaning of the Othala Rune

If the rune appears reversed, it can signify the loss of something. One can lose something they possessed. Perhaps they thought they would receive an inheritance, but the will was changed at the last minute.

All this can lead to frustration and disappointment. It is then necessary to show patience and not try to force anything. Strength lies in calmness.

Accept the course of events. Sometimes, something is not meant to be, and it is of no use to cling to it. We cannot influence external circumstances and the outcome of events. We can only work on our attitude and change our perspective.

In this case, we must learn to detach ourselves from possessions as well as thought patterns. Above all, do not get discouraged and continue to trust life to find a solution to this situation.

Properties of the Othala Rune

• Alphabet: O
• Element: Earth
• Deity: Odin
• Symbol: Home, Fortress, Heritage
• Interpretation: Ancestry, possession, inheritance, experience, values, and traditions
• Stone: Amethyst, Ruby
• Tree: Hawthorn, Elm, Gorse
• Flower: Snowdrop
• Herb: Sorrel, Houseleek
• Animal: Stork, Whale
• Color: Yellow, White Gold
• Body Part: Vital Forces, Brain, Spine
• Fragrance: Chamomile
• Tarot: The World, The Sun, The Moon
• Astrology: Sun in Leo, Moon in Taurus, Moon, Pisces

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