Elder Futhark

I would like it noted that I am not a historian, and that I have based my understanding of these symbols on many sources, some of which disagree with others. The biggest issue seems to be between those who believe that individual runes only represented the sounds of the alphabet of that language, and those who believe that they also hold symbolic meanings. There are also "modern" schools of mysticism that muddy the waters by introducing entirely unsupported meaning, and usages historically speaking. I will try to take all of these into account here.  

Elder Futhark is the oldest runic alphabet used by the Proto-Germanic (not to be confused with German) tribes of Europe, dating back to the 2nd to 10th centuries. Comprising 24 characters, it was primarily employed for writing inscriptions on various artifacts. Each rune had symbolic significance and phonetic value, making it a crucial aspect of early Germanic languages and cultural expression.The symbolic significance of Elder Futhark runes is derived from various sources, including runic inscriptions, archaeological findings, and historical records. While not every rune's meaning is explicitly documented, some inscriptions include words or phrases that provide context. Additionally, later runic poems and manuscripts, such as the Icelandic and Norwegian Rune Poems, offer insights into the symbolic meanings associated with specific runes. Although interpretations vary among scholars, these sources collectively suggest that Elder Futhark had both phonetic and symbolic elements.

Evidence for the mystical use of runes comes from historical texts, runic inscriptions, and archaeological findings. The use of runic symbols in divination and magical cobracteates and runestones, sometimes include cryptic or magical messages. Later medieval manuscripts, like the "Hávamál" from the Poetic Edda, contain ntexts is mentioned in Old Norse sagas and poems. Additionally, runic inscriptions on various artifacts, such as verses suggesting the magical and divinatory properties of runes. While concrete evidence may be limited, these sources collectively indicate a cultural and religious association of runes with mystical practices among the Germanic peoples.

I would urge you to do your own research to see what runes best suit your needs. Regardless of exact historical usage, which we may never understand, they are a beautiful link to our past.