Gebo (ᚷ) is the seventh rune in the Norse Futhark runic alphabet and represents the phonetic sound G. It also means gift or exchange.
In the Viking world, gift-giving was extremely important as it solidified relationships and forged bonds of loyalty. Today, it is less about physical gifts and more about the attention, care, and energy that you share with others. While one should never give just to receive, it is also a reminder that you attract what you put out into the world.
The Gebo rune is linked with Odin, who sacrificed himself on the world tree Yggdrasil to learn the secrets of the wounds, which he then willingly shared with mankind. It is also linked with Viking chiefs who would give arm rings to his warriors as a sign of respect, and would receive loyalty in return. He was also careful to share his wealth, whether that be through individual gifts, festivals, or help when needed.
Gebo Rune Poems
Our understanding of the Old Norse runes comes from rune poems, which provide explanatory stanzas for each letter. There are often Norwegian, Icelandic, and Anglo-Saxon poems for each rune, but only an Anglo-Saxon survives for the Gebo rune.
Gift is for every man a pride and praise, help and worthiness, and of every homeless adventurer it is the estate and substance for those who have nothing else.
The Gebo rune reinforces the importance of giving in relationships. The Vikings believed that they had to give sacrifices to their gods to receive their blessing, and give their courage in battle to be chosen to live alongside Odin in Valhalla after death. They believed that chiefs had to give wealth and respect to their subjects and received loyalty in return. They believed that it was necessary to give hospitality to those who arrived at your door, which you could expect in return when abroad. The Vikings understood the power of generosity.
Gebo in Divination
In divination practices, the Gebo rune can have several meanings:
- Partnership – the Gebo rune can point specifically to partnerships or deals of mutual exchange and reminds you of the importance of giving and fair treatments
- Generosity and Energy – the Gebo rune can encourage generosity when you are able and is a reminder that the energy you put out is also what you receive
- Gratitude – it can be a reminder to be grateful for what you have, and to show your appreciation to the people who have helped you along the way; no one does it all alone
The position of the runestone in relation to the reader influences the reading:
- Upright: Encourages generosity, gratitude, and an openness with your energy and available resources
- Merkstave (reversed): Potentially overstretching yourself or abusing the goodwill of others
- Sideways: A warning about the kind of energy you are attracting into your life and how you might change it
How it should be read also depends on where it falls in relation to other runes.
- Combined with Wunjo or Ehwaz – relationships based on trust or joy
- Combined with Fehu – relationships that lead to financial gain
- Combined with Berkana – a new relationship or one with a child
- Combined with Thurisaz – a legal dispute or fairness within negotiations
- Combined with Othala – ancestral assets
Gebo Associations
Libra – symbolizes the balance of the scales and also empathy for others
Seventh House – governs partnerships and contracts
Venus – the planet of love and harmony
Justice – a reminder that actions have consequences and that we are responsible for ourselves
Six of Pentacles – signifies moments of generosity, charity, and the balance between giving and receiving
23 September-13 October – a period to give in order to receive and to live in harmony with yourself and others
Gebo in Magical Rituals
Use the Gebo rune in magical rituals to channel positive energy and to help the people you care about.
- Combine the Gebo rune with a gold or silver candle for candle magic spells when you are looking to strengthen relationships
- Choose a Gebo rune talisman when doing energy work to dispel negativity and enhance the intensity of your energy
- Include the Gebo rune in binding runes to bind contracts to ensure fairness
- Focus on the Gebo rune when meditating on gratitude
Leave a Reply