OS

In the runic alphabet this character is sacred to the god of the runes, Odin or Woden, the archetypal magician, cunning man or shaman, represented in myth and fairy tales as Hermes, Merlin, Thoth, even Gandalf. Literally this rune refers to the 'word of God,' the divine breath or wind; so the keynote of Os is wisdom and the communication of ideas and knowledge.

Falling upright in a reading it is a sign that the querent is probably a good communicator, able to put his ideas over skilfully and clearly. It can also mean that he is on an inner journey to discover wisdom and knowledge, perhaps seeking communication between this world and those beyond.

Prominently placed, Os signifies that the querent will receive wise advice and counsel from an older person or will himself give it to someone younger. But when reversed, this rune's positive aspects vanish.

The querent may say the wrong thing, causing a chain of events he cannot control, or may himself be the target of malicious gossip or rumours that lead to loss of reputation. The warning here is that words can cause harm.