The Seventh Rune

A gift requires
a gift in return
as I receive so do I provide

Names - GYFU - gift or generosity, GIBA - gift, GEBO - gift or hospitality, GIFU - gift or wedding

Pronunciations - "gee foo" "gee ba" "gee bo" "gif oo"

Phonetic Value - "G"

Symbolism - The Solar Wheel

Keywords - Exchange


Gyfu is symbolized by the pictogram of a cross of equal lengths. This rune represents hospitality, generousity and giving. Through this image the concept of equal exchange is expressed by the two staves of equal length and thickness, in essence this rune is a depiction of two things of equal value matched against each other or an exchange of things of equal values.

This rune is also a depiction of the joining of giver with the one who receives. It is through this concept of joining that the deeper meaning of the rune is expressed.

If each stave is seen as an individual, it doesn't take too much imagination to view the crossed positions of the two staves in this pictogram as a simple depiction of the giving, receiving, and joining of a sexual union.

This image is also a form of the solar wheel and is traditionally one of the shapes cut into sweet rolls to celebrate the changing of the seasons and the gifts of grain and wealth from the gods which is given back in the form of sweetened offerings. As such, this rune has the meaning of a gift from the Deities, particularly through union.

Gyfu is a symbol of exchanged vows, balance, marriage, and ecstasy both physical and mystic. In the Norse traditions (as well as many other cultural traditions) a gift required a gift in return enhancing the pleasure of giving and receiving for all involved.

It should be noted that the cross has long been a symbol of sacrifice in all forms and many cultures. Every decision of value encompasses some sort of sacrifice or trade-off. Again the concept of trade-off leads us back to the quid-pro-quo nature of Gyfu.

Phonetically it isn't very much of a stretch at all to link "Gyfu" with "gift" and the derivation of similar sounds that make up words of similar meaning such as give, giving, giver, gifted, forgive, etc... seems most intuitive. It may be so. Even if Gyfu isn't found to be one of the roots of the present day gift, the meanings are so similar as to make etymological distinctions mostly unimportant.

Magically Gyfu can be used to promote harmony, bring about union, receive divine instruction and gifts, and increase magical power.

Used as a part of a talisman or vademecum, this symbol can be the basis for fairly powerful love charms and other glamours, but it is wise to remember the "exchange" component of this rune. Magical use of thus rune will not result in a one-way charm and carlessness may ensnare the caster as much as the target.

In divination Gyfu can represent sacrifice, exchange, marriage, partnership, increase due to consolidation, or any of the following forces.

GYFU UPRIGHT:Gifts, sacrifice, generosity, balance, exchanges, contracts, personal relationships and partnerships, sexual union.

GYFU MERKSTAVE (Gebo cannot be reversed, but may lie in opposition): Greed, loneliness, dependence, over-sacrifice, martyrdom, obligation, toll, privation, bribery, lack of balance.


To Return to the Midnight Moonchild Rune Page, please select the Runes icon to your left. For more detailed information on the meanings of each individual rune, please select the individual Rune icons to your left