Gebo - The Meanings of the Runes
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Gebo, the seventh letter in the Elder Futhark alphabet, directly translates to "gift". It probably goes without saying that this is a rune of generosity and hospitality. Generosity was a highly valued virtue, much as it still is today, and it was viewed as a characteristic of a good king. Old Norse literature and Germanic legends warn against turning away a stranger at your door or being inhospitable in general. In ancient Icelandic culture, one had to be generous and giving in order to have a good standing in society.
However, in later periods the Norse began practicing more moderation and they viewed too much generosity as being foolish. Therefore gebo is a rune of both giving as well as receiving. The ancients acknowledged the importance of balance in offerings, and the meaning of gebo leans more toward an equal exchange rather than a gift given with blind philanthropy.
Gebo stands for both monetary and material exchanges as well as exchanges made between the gods and humanity. In Norse religion, sacrifices and offerings made to the gods were not intended to be bribes or payment for services rendered. They were symbolic of an exchange of loyalties. According to their beliefs, humans were not subservient to the gods--humans and gods worked together. The gods empowered humans and the humans' belief strengthened the gods so this is also a rune of mystical and spiritual exchange.
Gebo is associated with the Vanir, a group of gods and goddesses responsible for fertility, wisdom, and wealth. Humans need the gifts of the Vanir to survive, but there must also be balance between what we take and what we give back, especially of the earth. We must show gratitude, give thanks, recycle, conserve, act in environmentally conscious ways, and pay forward.
Think back to the rune fehu. Wealth was not meant to be hoarded, it was to be spread around for the good of all. But both fehu and gebo come with warnings. If you are handing out cash and gifts left and right, this can be bad for both the giver and the receiver. Obviously the giver would eventually find themselves going without while providing for others, and receivers run the risk of becoming dependent on these gifts. Those who give should do so because they are grateful that they are in a position to do so, and the receivers of said gifts should view this reception as an opportunity to rise up and use the gift as a springboard so that one day they may also be in a position to give as much as they have received.
Summary
Direct translation: "Gift"
Symbolizes: Generosity, hospitality, giving/receiving, giver/receiver, equal exchange
Features to note: Gebo stands for both economical exchanges as well as exchanges made between the gods and humanity. According to ancient Norse religion, the gods empowered humans and the humans' belief strengthened the gods so this is also a rune of mystical and spiritual exchange. Gebo is associated with the Vanir. Those who give should do so because they are grateful that they are in a position to do so, and the receivers of said gifts should view this reception as an opportunity to rise up and use the gift as a springboard so that one day they may also be in a position to give as much as they have received.
Resources (paid links):
Taking Up the Runes by Diana L. Paxson
Runes for Beginners by Lisa Chamberlain
