Perthro - The Meanings of the Runes

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Perthro, the fourteenth letter in the Elder Futhark alphabet, struggles to have a direct translation, but roughly means "lots" (as in "casting lots"), "cup" (as in a cup used to cast lots or dice), and "game piece". Keep in mind that many of the original names and meanings of the runes prior to the writing of the rune poems have been lost to time, and perthro is one such example. However, the appearance and names of the runes have evolved over time, so it is safe to say that this is one way in which the meanings have evolved over time as well. Digging into history, we do the best we can to define the runes based on both the context of their uses in the rune poems as well as the context of the culture as it stood within it's time and regional sphere. The definitions as we know them are not incorrect, but they aren't the whole truth either.

Gambling was a popular recreational activity, both for Germanic tribes as well as warrior cultures in general. In the Anglo-Saxon rune poem, perthro was used to indicate a game piece which was used to play a game similar to modern day chess.

Casting lots--whether that is flipping a coin, tossing dice from a cup, or even casting rune tiles--has long been used as a form of divination. Perthro is a rune of the mysteries of fate. Although when I write "fate", I do not mean the contemporary Judeo-Christian belief of predestination. I mean "fate" as in the forces that shape possibilities. Always remember, in using them for readings, the runes aren't simply telling you the future in a definitive manner, they are providing guidance and advice. You shape your own fate by the way you meet the challenges ahead.

Perthro governs the laws of cause and effect and synchronicity, and given its connection to games, it contains a playful quality. Perthro is also related to the collective unconscious and the space for ancestral memories. It is a rune of mystery--things hidden, unknown, unrevealed. However, it's also still a rune of fun times and recreation.

In a reading, it might be telling you that you need to examine what in your life or situation is open to chance versus what is under your direct or slightly indirect influence. It may be giving you notice that a seemingly random or unexpected factor may come into play. It's also possible that perthro is telling you to deal with your uncertainty, that you need to take risks, or that maybe you need to lighten up a little. It could also point to the discovery of something previously hidden or it may be saying that there is information that you are not meant to know yet.

Especially with ambiguous runes like perthro, always use your intuition to guide your readings.

Summary

Direct translation: "Lots", "(Dice) Cup", "Game piece"

Symbolizes: Mystery, fate, things hidden, play/recreation

Features to note: Perthro governs the laws of cause and effect and synchronicity, and given its connection to games, it contains a playful quality. You shape your own fate by the way you meet the challenges ahead.

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Resources (paid links):

Taking Up the Runes by Diana L. Paxson

Runes for Beginners by Lisa Chamberlain