Wunjo

Wunjo embodies the feeling of joy, belonging, and well-being that comes from the people you consider your relatives. It can be found in a welcoming embrace, in the shared memories you laugh about, and in the loving names you are called only by your partner and family. It promotes harmony between body and mind and can support the healing process.

For the Anglo-Saxons, this rune was known as Wynn. In the modern alphabet, it corresponds to the letter W or V. This rune symbolizes glory, joy, and spiritual reward, perfection, harmony, domestic happiness, a happy household, luck, and close friends—all of which are represented by Wunjo. Beauty, fair skin, and fine hair are also traditionally associated with this rune. It is considered one of the four runes of love and indicates an attraction that will develop into a lasting relationship. The rune is naturally airy, with associations to clouds, wind, spinning wheels, and flax.

Sometimes, Wunjo is interpreted as gentleness, as an affectionate gesture or a smile. Other times, it is more associated with ecstasy, bliss, and the fulfillment of one's will. It is also linked to wish fulfilment and the realisation of desires. Its role in personal ecstasy and communal joy is important and highlights the need for happiness both for the individual and for the clan—Wunjo facilitates this difficult balance.

Wunjo is the last rune in the first Aett, or rune family. It concludes the primal runes associated with education, youth, and family. Like Sowilo and Dagaz, which conclude the second Aettir, Wunjo carries something that speaks of forces beyond the individual's control.

Literal Meanings: Joy, pleasure
Key Meanings: Ecstasy, belonging, family, friendship, kinship