Rune Mannaz ᛗ

Rune Mannaz: Meaning, Origin, and Spiritual Powers

Mannaz is the 20th rune of the Futhark alphabet. Its name means "humanity," and it focuses on the human being. Everything is linked to our own destiny. Every decision we make brings us closer to or farther from our destiny. Whether or not to follow our destiny throughout our lives is a decision that belongs to each of us.

One quickly realizes if they are following their destiny. If one is often sick and dissatisfied, it may mean they are on the wrong path. If one decides to follow their destiny, they must be ready to face certain challenges. The path will not always be easy, but it will lead us to our destination. There will be lessons to learn, but in the end, fulfillment awaits us. So, it will be worth it.

It also evokes the recognition of dependence in marriage and promotes strength of mind, intelligence, and detachment from selfishness and illusion. In general, Mannaz refers to a unique person, but it can also represent a couple forming a unit.

For the future, it means that someone will help the person seeking advice and assist in realizing a dream or project.

Origin and Meaning of the Mannaz Rune

Above all, Mannaz embodies our inner self in the context of a divine lineage. We all have a connection to a higher power, but few know how to use it. It is therefore our divine inner self that we can connect with. There is an intelligence within us that we can access by opening our inner eye.

In some cases, it can also mean a link with our partner, with whom we form a symbiosis, or a very close person. That's why Mannaz also represents unification and the ritual of blood brotherhood. Some people belong together, complement each other, and are interdependent.

Mannaz does not only represent the unity of two people. Unity with our "self" also plays an essential role. Finally, the unity of the two hemispheres of the brain can also be crucial.

It is only when these two parts work together that the human being reaches their full potential. The two parts want to harmonize, move forward hand in hand. Mannaz thus helps synchronize our brain hemispheres and our body connects with our mind and soul.

When we look at ourselves in the mirror, we see our reflection. But what we actually see is only the outer appearance. We see what we show of ourselves to the world. And that reflection is sent back to us by others.

Are we truly how we want to be? This is what we can discover with the help of the Mannaz rune. Often, something blocks access to our true self. Is it the external expectations we try to meet? Do we set barriers for ourselves?

Do we compare ourselves too much to others? In any case, there is a barrier, an obstacle that prevents us from seeing who we really are. Perhaps we have tried to meet others' expectations for too long. We then forgot what we really want. Now, we have the opportunity to explore our own being and become the person we wish to be.

Obstacles can be removed, blockages lifted. We simply must not put sticks in our own wheels. And we must learn to let the people around us be themselves. Their views and desires cannot change who we are.

If Mannaz presents itself to us, it is because it is time to find our way back to ourselves. The external must be neglected. It is much more important to look inside. What do we find? What are our deepest secrets? What things do we not like about ourselves and thus have blocked? Far too often, we create a false image of ourselves.

This always leaves a feeling of discrepancy, that something is wrong, that we are not authentic. It is only when we live authentically that we are in harmony with ourselves and can reflect this to the outside world.

Fixed Meaning of the Mannaz Rune

Mannaz represents cooperation. Together, we are strong. There is no shame in accepting advice and help. Another person can support us and broaden our horizons. It makes perfect sense to approach steps as a team and not face everything alone. If Mannaz is associated with positive runes, it indicates that the time has come to implement our plans. We will succeed only if we do not dismiss the help of others but accept it with gratitude.

In combination with Perthro and Laguz, magical abilities are available. If other runes are negative, we may have a problem in which we are too involved. Sometimes it is helpful to take a step back and let things rest. It is only with enough distance that we will realize we have amplified the problem more than it deserves.

The simplest way out of this situation is to adopt a positive attitude. If runes of delay appear, such as Naudhiz, Isa, Othala, Ansuz reversed, we should wait before starting a new project. Again, it is important not to rush. However, Mannaz and Laguz together can also indicate problems with women.

Reversed Meaning of the Mannaz Rune

When Mannaz appears reversed, we will first be alone. Solitude and isolation are on the agenda. However, this withdrawal can serve to orient us in our search for ourselves. Some obstacles and external interferences are to be expected.

In combination with Isa or Naudhiz, it seems preferable to wait before starting a new project. If Jera is present, it is advisable not to deviate from the legal path. Tiwaz, on the other hand, indicates that you should go on the offensive. Sometimes it is also useful to consider others' viewpoints and not focus solely on oneself.

Properties of the Mannaz Rune

• Alphabet: M
• Element: Air
• Deity: Mimir, Odin, Heimdall
• Symbol: Humanity, Ask and Embla
• Interpretation: Cooperation, individuality, friendship, society, help
• Stone: Amethyst, Garnet
• Tree: Vine
• Flower: Honeysuckle, foxglove
• Medicinal Herb: Madder, burnet
• Animal: Goshawk, personal power animal
• Color: Blue, dark red
• Part of the Body: All parts related to movement
• Scent: Nutmeg, sage
• Tarot: The Hierophant, The Magician, The Wheel of Fortune
• Astrology: Sun in Aquarius, Moon in the 4th house, Jupiter

Complete Runes Alphabet >

Further Exploration

To deepen your knowledge about the runes and their symbolism, we invite you to explore the following pages:

• Viking Runes: Origins and Meanings
• Norse and Viking Symbols and their meanings
• The Secrets of Viking Runic Alphabet