Wunjo (ᚹ) is the eighth rune in the Norse Futhark runic alphabet and represents the phonetic sound W. It also means joy or harmony. In rune readings, it is associated with positive outcomes and success, but also finding happiness in the small things and gratitude for what you have.
The Wunjo rune is linked with both Freyja, the goddess of love and beauty, who represented joy and pleasure, and Balder, the god of light, joy, and purity. Famously, Badler’s mother, Frigg, secured promises from all things in existence never to hurt her son, making him invincible. Loki, in his jealousy, took it upon himself to see if Frigg had forgotten anything, and indeed she had forgotten to secure the promise from the humble mistletoe plant. Loki fashioned a mistletoe dart that killed Balder. This is a reminder that no matter how strong happiness may seem, it can be destroyed if you focus on the negative.
Wunjo 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 Wunjo rune.
Joy is had by the one who knows few troubles, pains, and sorrows, and to him who himself has power and blessedness, and a good enough house.
The poem implies that the joy of Wunjo is the joy of having enough and being happy with what you have. If you have the basics you need to survive and you are free from pain or sorrow, you should feel free to experience happiness and joy. Don’t always fall into the trap of striving for more.
Wunjo in Divination
In divination practices, the Wunjo rune can have several meanings:
- Joy and Happiness – Wunjo represents the emotional ease of feeling satisfied and happy with what you have. In this way, it links to gratitude. It also links to the Stoic idea of not basing your happiness on having certain material things or reaching certain goals. You can still strive for those things, but they should be separate from your self-worth and happiness.
- Success and Recognition – That said, Wunjo can also be a harbinger of success, suggesting that you will soon enjoy the fruits of your labors and recognition for all your hard work.
- Harmony and Community – The rune can also point to harmony, within yourself, but also often within a group and community. We are who we spend the most time with, and when we are in harmony with those people, our lives are lighter and more joyful.
The position of the runestone in relation to the reader influences the reading:
- Upright: The Wunjo rune is almost always a welcome, suggesting that your life is full of happiness and joy and that you are likely to see success in the near future. It can be a reminder to embrace what you have and not let the “more” mentality undermine what you have.
- Merkstave (reversed): This can suggest a period of sorrow, isolation, or frustration. You may be out of harmony with yourself or others, or suffering negatively from recent setbacks. It can be a reminder that attitude shapes experiences and to look at setbacks as opportunities.
- Sideways: In this case, the Wunjo rune can suggest imminent relief from hardship and the first steps towards healing.
How it should be read also depends on where it falls in relation to other runes.
- Combined with Gebo – harmonious relationships and strong bonds within groups
- Combined with Thurisaz or Sowilo – success and satisfaction after a period of work and struggle
Wunjo Associations
Sagittarius – a fire sign that emphasizes optimism and freedom
Ninth House – governs philosophy on life, higher learning, and your attitude or outlook
Jupiter – the planet of expansion, growth, and good fortune
The Sun – reflects the way that energy impacts your life positively and negatively, and reminds you that the energy you put out into the world is what you can expect in return
Nine of Cups – is often heralded as a wish card, symbolizing deep fulfilment, contentment, and the realization of your desires
13-28 October – a period to enjoy the basic pleasures of life and embrace calm and peace
Wunjo in Magical Rituals
Use the Wunjo rune in magical rituals for positivity and healing, and rituals for gratitude and to uplift your mood.
- Combine the Wunjo rune with a blue candle for candle magic spells when you are looking to embrace gratitude and develop a positive attitude
- Inscribe the Wunjo rune on a small piece of wood, stone, or jewelry to use as a talisman to promote optimism and ward off negative thoughts and energy
- Place the Wunjo room somewhere in your living space to promote a peaceful and joyous atmosphere
- Include in bind runes that are designed to promote happiness or cooperative harmony
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