# Three Positions of Runes: Direct, Mirrored, and Inverted

**Source:** Galina Bednenko, chapter from *Руническая школа* (Runic School), published by Центрполиграф. Extracted from chernayamagiya.com forum thread "Значения рун" (Post #7, author Banshi).

## Theoretical Framework

The Elder Futhark runes can appear in **three possible positions**: direct (прямое), mirrored (зеркальное), and inverted (перевернутое). However, **not all runes can exist in all three positions** — this depends on their graphic symmetry.

### Definitions

**Direct position (Прямое положение):** The rune's principle as such — the concept itself in its natural manifestation. For example, Laguz in direct position means "flowing waters and guiding current, that which leads by itself."

**Mirrored position (Зеркальное положение):** An **conscious, deliberate** stance toward the principle — either a conscious refusal to manifest the principle, or a conscious acceptance of what the principle brings. Crucially, mirrored position is NOT a negation but a qualitatively different relationship to the rune's energy. For example, Laguz mirrored means "analytical approach to the matter — a conscious refusal to 'go with the flow,' where the guiding current becomes predictable and calculated."

**Inverted position (Перевернутое положение):** Not simply the "opposite" or "negation" of the direct meaning, but a **new principle in its own right**, which may be equally powerful as the direct position. For example, Laguz inverted means "inability to cope with the natural flow or to move at all — sometimes a refusal of natural movement."

### Graphic Logic of Positions

The three-position system is grounded in the physical properties of rune tiles:

1. **Vertically symmetrical runes** (e.g., Mannaz) can only be "inverted" — flipping the tile changes top to bottom but left and right remain the same.
2. **Horizontally symmetrical runes** (e.g., Perthro) cannot be truly "inverted" — flipping the tile produces a "mirrored" version. Perthro turned upside-down is actually mirrored Perthro.
3. **Fully symmetrical runes** (both vertical and horizontal axes, e.g., Dagaz, Gebo, Ingwaz) **cannot change at all** — they look identical in any orientation.
4. **Asymmetrical runes** (e.g., Raido) can be both mirrored and inverted, giving all three positions.

### Key Principles

- **Some runes have no mirrored position** because their principle cannot be voluntarily refused — it is a fundamental force that either operates or doesn't. Example: Algiz ("that which is invoked, not denied"), Tiwaz ("non-resistance to evil immediately places us in the position of the object of this rune's action").
- **Some runes have no inverted position** because the absence of their principle simply means the situation is governed by a different rune entirely. Example: Thurisaz ("if there is no obstacle, there is nothing to talk about"), Hagalaz ("if there is no destruction, then we all have joy and happiness").
- **Mirrored position involves conscious choice** — this is the crucial distinction from inverted position, which represents an externally imposed condition.
- **Runes deal with reality, not psychological defenses**: As Bednenko explicitly states, "Runes pay attention only to real things, and are not inclined to consider various soul-searching, doubts, or psychological defenses as something substantial."

## Complete Three-Position Reference for All 24 Elder Futhark Runes

### First Aett (Freyr/Freyja's Aett)

#### Фе (Fehu)
- **Direct:** Physical state of a person, bodily needs (food, drink, sex, sleep). Health and satisfaction of life needs. Source of physical well-being — finances.
- **Mirrored:** Abstinence, fasting, physical limitations, stinginess.
- **Inverted:** Deprivation, limitation in satisfying physical needs, and also ill health.

#### Уруз (Uruz)
- **Direct:** Energy, instinct, sexuality, recklessness, elemental force, vital power. Dominance of the animal, active, aggressive principle over the peaceful and vegetative.
- **Mirrored:** Accumulation of strength, intentional inaction, restriction of movement. "Bed rest" or "sitting in ambush."
- **Inverted:** Loss of strength, fatigue, apathy and the like.

#### Турс (Thurisaz)
- **Direct:** A test in claiming more than one already has. Both an obstacle on the path and the possible overcoming of it simultaneously. Here a person encounters expected difficulties, but may also become a victim of circumstances.
- **Mirrored:** The traditionally considered "inverted" Thurisaz is actually **mirrored**. In mirrored form, its meaning is **test as initiation**. The person knows what they are going into and what they will receive as a result. This is a choice made in advance. When drawn in divination, the rune often speaks of the **predetermined nature of events**.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist — "if there is no obstacle, there is nothing to talk about."

#### Ансуз (Ansuz)
- **Direct:** The rational, intellectual principle. One who gives and receives knowledge; one who speaks (sometimes sings, if the song is meaningful) and one who listens.
- **Mirrored:** Silence. Refusal to listen and know. Or a deceiver.
- **Inverted:** Unknownness, absence of information. The deceived one.

#### Райдо (Raido)
- **Direct:** Road and path in the full semantic spectrum of this symbol. From an actual journey or constant road to the life Path.
- **Mirrored:** Intentional stop, absence of movement. Return.
- **Inverted:** Inability to move, absence of path or road. Confusion.

#### Кано (Kenaz)
- **Direct:** A mixture of fire and air elements. Mental and spiritual forces of a person in an expansive burst or expansion. Emotions, unconscious impulses, impulsiveness, obsession with an idea, feverish delirium. This is creative itch and inspiration. The primary force of creation, which can both create and destroy.
- **Mirrored:** Already focused light and almost "tamed fire." It is specifically this position of the rune that can be perceived as **conscious creation, building, enlightenment, education**.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist — Kenaz represents a primordial element of the world order that has always existed.

#### Гебо (Gebo)
- **Direct:** The relationship between giver and receiver. Voluntary gift of oneself (part of oneself, what I can and want to give) to another. Relationships and mutual obligations. A moment of fateful meeting and contact.
- **Mirrored:** Does not exist.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist. "Gebo means that which is unconditionally noticeable when it occurs. And a conscious refusal or impossibility of existence gives nothing new. Runes, as we have mentioned, pay attention only to real things, and are not inclined to consider various soul-searching, doubts, or psychological defenses as something substantial."

#### Вуньо (Wunjo)
- **Direct:** Luck — innate and acquired gift, or temporary favor of fate. Victory — that which will be positively evaluated by people. Achievement of a goal as a result of action. Usually what can bring joy.
- **Mirrored:** Action regardless of result. Non-attachment to victory.
- **Inverted:** Failure, defeat. Feeling of sadness, melancholy.

### Second Aett (Heimdall's Aett)

#### Хагалаз (Hagalaz)
- **Direct:** Destruction, catastrophe. There is a certain fatality to it.
- **Mirrored:** We cannot influence what is happening here. But what we can do is consciously accept that everything has its end, comes into decline, and is destroyed.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist — "if there is no destruction, then we all have joy and happiness."

#### Науд (Nauthiz)
- **Direct:** Coercion. Inevitability. Need, lack of something.
- **Mirrored:** Necessity. A conscious need for something. Limitation for the sake of one goal.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist. "In this aett, the runes are primarily elemental, connected with what happens to a person or exists outside them as external forces and circumstances. One can somehow cope with these, but one cannot deny them."

#### Иса (Isa)
- **Direct:** The rune of Ice. Immobility, the static principle, inertia of matter. Fixation on something. Constancy, stability, stagnation.
- **Mirrored:** Does not exist.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist. "Isa represents reality itself, everything that can be constant and real. This cannot be denied, this cannot be fought. And if this is not present, then it will be a different rune (primarily Kenaz or those close to it in graphic form)."

#### Йару (Jera)
- **Direct:** Completion of a period in a certain cycle. Harvest autumn and preparation for new trials of Winter, or a new Spring, rebirth and youth of life.
- **Mirrored:** This position and meaning of the given rune differs little from the direct in meaning and real impact.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist. "This is what always exists, and if the matter is not in this, then another rune will be found."

#### Иваз (Eihwaz)
- **Direct:** "Bridge between worlds" on the World Tree. A critical, marginal situation and the only way out of it. Often accompanied by the theme of choice ("there or back," "this or that," "go forward or wait" and even "something must be done, but what?").
- **Mirrored:** In this position, the "bridge" becomes a "boundary." Just as the World Tree not only connects worlds but also separates them from merging with each other. The way out of a situation becomes a way to protect oneself within it. In practice, this is often barely distinguishable from the direct position.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist. "If there is no critical situation, then thank the gods."

#### Перт (Perthro)
- **Direct:** The unconscious, deep psyche, dreams. Manifestation of what was previously hidden. The play of chance. Also — the female reproductive cycle and organs.
- **Mirrored:** Enclosure in a ghostly world of visions, immersion in one's own fantasies and illusions. Living in "one's own" world. Or the opposite situation: refusal of intuition and inner feeling.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist. "Either the principle of the Perthro rune exists — that is, it is somehow reflected in the situation — or it does not exist at all."

#### Альгиз (Algiz)
- **Direct:** Combines a "protective sign" and the symbol of the World Tree. Often — patronage of deities, higher forces, simultaneously a call for such help. A community united by an idea or principles (a so-called egregore).
- **Mirrored:** Does not exist. "The Algiz rune is that which is invoked, not denied."
- **Inverted:** Connection with roots, benefit from accumulated experience; a certain groundedness. Habitual rituality (household accepted magic, seasonal holidays). Used in crisis moments when retreat and respite are required.

#### Сигель/Совелу (Sowilo)
- **Direct:** The rune of the Sun. The solar disk and its movement, or sunlight. Clear vision and readiness to achieve the goal. Correspondence to a certain order, harmony.
- **Mirrored:** Movement widdershins (counter-clockwise/against the sun). Unnatural and often intentional action directed at destruction.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist. "This is impossible, otherwise there would be no order of things in the world at all, and no world as such."

### Third Aett (Týr's Aett)

#### Тюр/Тиваз (Tiwaz)
- **Direct:** Active action, seizure, subordination and control. Establishment of a new, one's own order. Not so much desire as intention. However, to achieve the greatest result, one must direct one's strength "by the rules, by justice."
- **Mirrored:** Does not exist. "Ideas of 'non-resistance to evil' or any other pressure, or refusal of one's own initiative, immediately place us in the position of the object of this rune's action, and/or this will proceed along another rune."
- **Inverted:** Fruitless use of force or loss of strength.

#### Беркана (Berkano)
- **Direct:** Female creative principle. Can be both growth and fertility. Vegetative, not animal power of nature. Protection and care of the young.
- **Mirrored:** Connection with another world. Cold detachment. Possibly refusal to interact with the masculine principle.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist. "Everything outside this principle will proceed along other runes."

#### Эваз (Ehwaz)
- **Direct:** Movement and rhythm. The correct rhythm. Properly chosen movement. Desire and the inertia of the Universe, true Desire.
- **Mirrored:** Does not exist. "This is something that can be done either correctly or incorrectly. It is impossible to refuse this."
- **Inverted:** Incorrect or uneven rhythm. Sometimes an error in how something is done. Or "this is not what the world needs."

#### Манназ (Mannaz)
- **Direct:** The creative-active "masculine" principle of humanity. Active social self-assertion, socialization. Mutual dependence of members of a certain community, social structure.
- **Mirrored:** Does not exist. "As in most runes of this aett, we can only speak of a person's (or their state's) correspondence or non-correspondence to a certain order. Either they (or she) succeed at something, or they don't. Moral (rational) justifications and excuses interest no one."
- **Inverted:** The sense of belonging to social structures is lost. Waste of constructive force. Sometimes asocial behavior.

#### Лагуз (Laguz)
- **Direct:** Rune of flowing waters and guiding current, of that which leads by itself. This is not "growth" but rather "tendency." Sometimes passivity and inaction of a person.
- **Mirrored:** Analytical approach to the matter. That is, a conscious refusal to "go with the flow." And here the guiding current becomes predictable and calculated.
- **Inverted:** Inability to cope with the natural flow or move at all. Sometimes refusal of natural movement.

#### Ингуз (Ingwaz)
- **Direct:** Causes, beginning and stimulus for something.
- **Mirrored:** Does not exist.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist. "Obviously, the manifestation of this principle either exists or does not arise at all."

#### Одаль/Отила (Othala)
- **Direct:** One's own space, land, home, clan, family. Ordered order. Connection with ancestors.
- **Mirrored:** Does not exist. "This is what cannot be voluntarily refused. Rather, refusal changes nothing."
- **Inverted:** Going beyond the ordered world. Disruption of the habitual order of things.

#### Дагаз (Dagaz)
- **Direct:** Transformation, unprecedented change. As if awakening from sleep and rebirth in a different quality.
- **Mirrored:** Does not exist.
- **Inverted:** Does not exist. "This is not something that accompanies us constantly, it only happens occasionally. Therefore, only those moments when this exists are important."

## Summary: Which Runes Have Which Positions

| Rune | Direct | Mirrored | Inverted |
|------|--------|----------|----------|
| Fehu | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Uruz | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Thurisaz | ✅ | ✅ (test as initiation) | ❌ |
| Ansuz | ✅ | ✅ (silence/deceiver) | ✅ |
| Raido | ✅ | ✅ (intentional stop) | ✅ |
| Kenaz | ✅ | ✅ (tamed fire) | ❌ |
| Gebo | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Wunjo | ✅ | ✅ (non-attachment) | ✅ |
| Hagalaz | ✅ | ✅ (conscious acceptance) | ❌ |
| Nauthiz | ✅ | ✅ (conscious necessity) | ❌ |
| Isa | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Jera | ✅ | ✅ (similar to direct) | ❌ |
| Eihwaz | ✅ | ✅ (boundary) | ❌ |
| Perthro | ✅ | ✅ (fantasy world/refusal) | ❌ |
| Algiz | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (groundedness/retreat) |
| Sowilo | ✅ | ✅ (widdershins) | ❌ |
| Tiwaz | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Berkano | ✅ | ✅ (cold detachment) | ❌ |
| Ehwaz | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mannaz | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Laguz | ✅ | ✅ (analytical approach) | ✅ |
| Ingwaz | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Othala | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Dagaz | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |

**Key pattern:** Runes that are purely elemental/force-of-nature (Isa, Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Sowilo, Jera, Eihwaz, Perthro) tend to lack an inverted position — their force either operates or is absent. Runes that involve human agency (Fehu, Uruz, Ansuz, Raido, Wunjo, Laguz, Tiwaz, Ehwaz, Mannaz, Othala) are more likely to have inverted positions representing perversion or loss of that agency.