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reversed runes merkstave

Reversed runes (merkstave): which ones reverse and what they mean

In the tool's options, the Allow reversed runes switch turns merkstave on or off. With it on, a reversed rune shows upside down on the table, labeled Reversed, with its own text.

Only what changes appearance can be reversed

Merkstave is the modern term for a rune that lands upside down. The rule this tool applies is about shape: a rune can only be reversed if its drawing rotated 180 degrees differs from the original. Nine runes look identical both ways and so never come out reversed: Gebo (X), Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa (a single stroke), Jera, Eihwaz, Sowilo (zigzag), Ingwaz (diamond) and Dagaz (bow tie). The other fifteen, from Fehu to Othala by way of Tiwaz, Berkano and Laguz, change appearance and can carry a reversed meaning.
Traditions disagree on one point: some authors also give Nauthiz a reversed meaning, and the list of symmetric runes varies with the drawing used for each rune. The tool picked the shape criterion and makes it checkable: the code compares the rotated stroke with the original stroke, and the automated test confirms that the nine marked symmetric really coincide and that the remaining fifteen do not. When a symmetric rune appears, the screen explains that it has no reversed position instead of leaving it without a reading.
In practice, each reversible rune comes out reversed with a 50% chance. In a one-rune draw, the probability of a reversed one is 15 in 24 times one half, or 31.25%; in a nine-rune draw you expect on average 2.8 reversed runes. With the option on, a rune has 39 possible outcomes (24 upright and 15 reversed); off, it is 24. In a reading, merkstave usually points to the blocked, excessive or unresolved side of the rune's theme rather than to a bad omen: Fehu reversed speaks of waste or attachment, Raidho reversed of delay and detour.

Who reverses and who does not

Runes that never reverse

Input: 9 runas
Expected output: Gebo, Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Sowilo, Ingwaz, Dagaz

Drawing identical rotated 180 degrees.

Runes that can reverse

Input: 15 runas
Expected output: 24 menos 9

From Fehu to Othala, except the nine symmetric ones.

Odds of a reversal in 1 rune

Input: 15/24 x 1/2
Expected output: 31,25%

With the reversed option on.

Possible outcomes, 1 rune

Input: 24 + 15
Expected output: 39

24 upright plus 15 reversed.

Average reversed in 9 runes

Input: 9 x 15/24 x 1/2
Expected output: 2,8125

Expected value, not guaranteed in each spread.

Full tool FAQ

What is the Elder Futhark?

It is the 24-letter Germanic runic alphabet used in inscriptions from the 2nd to the 8th century CE. Its name comes from the first six runes: f, u, þ, a, r, k. The Kylver Stone in Gotland (around 400 CE) carries the complete series.

Do the rune meanings come from the Vikings?

What is a reversed rune (merkstave)?

Why do some runes never come out reversed?

What is the blank rune?

What is the difference between the spreads?

Is the rune of the day the same for everyone?

Is the draw really random?

Can I share a spread?

Can runes predict the future?

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to use reversed runes?

No. Many readers ignore merkstave. Turn the switch off in the options and all runes come out upright, with equal chances among the 24.

Is a reversed rune a bad sign?

Not necessarily. In modern reading it shows the stuck or excessive side of the theme, which can be exactly the useful warning. The tool shows both meanings so you can compare.

Why does Nauthiz not reverse here?

Because the drawing (a vertical stroke crossed by a diagonal) is identical rotated 180 degrees. Some authors give it a reversed meaning; the tool follows the shape criterion for every rune.

Next steps

Only what changes appearance can be reversed

Merkstave is the modern term for a rune that lands upside down. The rule this tool applies is about shape: a rune can only be reversed if its drawing rotated 180 degrees differs from the original. Nine runes look identical both ways and so never come out reversed: Gebo (X), Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa (a single stroke), Jera, Eihwaz, Sowilo (zigzag), Ingwaz (diamond) and Dagaz (bow tie). The other fifteen, from Fehu to Othala by way of Tiwaz, Berkano and Laguz, change appearance and can carry a reversed meaning.

Traditions disagree on one point: some authors also give Nauthiz a reversed meaning, and the list of symmetric runes varies with the drawing used for each rune. The tool picked the shape criterion and makes it checkable: the code compares the rotated stroke with the original stroke, and the automated test confirms that the nine marked symmetric really coincide and that the remaining fifteen do not. When a symmetric rune appears, the screen explains that it has no reversed position instead of leaving it without a reading.

In practice, each reversible rune comes out reversed with a 50% chance. In a one-rune draw, the probability of a reversed one is 15 in 24 times one half, or 31.25%; in a nine-rune draw you expect on average 2.8 reversed runes. With the option on, a rune has 39 possible outcomes (24 upright and 15 reversed); off, it is 24. In a reading, merkstave usually points to the blocked, excessive or unresolved side of the rune's theme rather than to a bad omen: Fehu reversed speaks of waste or attachment, Raidho reversed of delay and detour.

Who reverses and who does not

Runes that never reverse

Input: 9 runas
Expected output: Gebo, Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Sowilo, Ingwaz, Dagaz

Drawing identical rotated 180 degrees.

Runes that can reverse

Input: 15 runas
Expected output: 24 menos 9

From Fehu to Othala, except the nine symmetric ones.

Odds of a reversal in 1 rune

Input: 15/24 x 1/2
Expected output: 31,25%

With the reversed option on.

Possible outcomes, 1 rune

Input: 24 + 15
Expected output: 39

24 upright plus 15 reversed.

Average reversed in 9 runes

Input: 9 x 15/24 x 1/2
Expected output: 2,8125

Expected value, not guaranteed in each spread.

Full tool FAQ

What is the Elder Futhark?

Do the rune meanings come from the Vikings?

What is a reversed rune (merkstave)?

Why do some runes never come out reversed?

What is the blank rune?

What is the difference between the spreads?

Is the rune of the day the same for everyone?

Is the draw really random?

Can I share a spread?

Can runes predict the future?

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to use reversed runes?

No. Many readers ignore merkstave. Turn the switch off in the options and all runes come out upright, with equal chances among the 24.

Is a reversed rune a bad sign?

Not necessarily. In modern reading it shows the stuck or excessive side of the theme, which can be exactly the useful warning. The tool shows both meanings so you can compare.

Why does Nauthiz not reverse here?

Because the drawing (a vertical stroke crossed by a diagonal) is identical rotated 180 degrees. Some authors give it a reversed meaning; the tool follows the shape criterion for every rune.