The Runes
This is a very basic introduction to the runes. The correct name for the runic alphabet is the Futhark.
It is the old Scandinavian/viking language.The Futhark consists of 1 blank & 24 runes.
The best type to use are those made by yourself using wood, it doesn't matter what shape you make them, as long as you carve the runes onto them correctly, alternatively, you can buy them, but they are not as personal and as ideal. What follows is an example of the runes and basic meanings, I would recommend buying a good book on runes, the only problem is there are many variations of the meanings.
THE ELDER FUTHARK
f....fehu/feoh......possessions, nourishment....wealth, responsibility
u...uruz/urisaz/ur...strength, man/womanhood, power
th...thurisaz/thorn...gateway, place of non-action, a test to overcome fears
a...ansuz/os...signals, messenger rune, represents the god loki, inspiration
r...raido/rad...communication, re-union, a journey, a change
k/c..kano/ken...opening, fire, torch, initiation
g...gebo/gyfu...a gift, a sacrifice, partnership
w/v...wunjo/wynn...joy, light, wisdom
h...hagalaz/hoel...disruptive natural forces, inner conflict
n...nauthiz/nyd...constraint, necessity, eventually overcome the impossible
i...isa...overcoming challenges, conquering fears
j...jera/ger...harvest, fertile season, one year, natural order
y..eihwaz...defence, assertiveness
p...perth/peorth...initiation, secret matters
z...algiz...protection
s...sowulo/sowelo...wholeness, lifeforce, the suns energy
t...teiwaz...warrior energy
b...berkana...growth, re-birth
e...ehwaz...movement, progress
m...mannaz...the self
l...laguz...the flow
ng...inguz...fertility, new beginnings...ing..the norse hero god
d...dagaz...breakthrough, transformation
o...othila...separation, retreat, inheritance
the blank rune....the unknowable, the end and the beginning....represents the Norse God Odin.