Study › Runes & Norse › Gebo
Gebo (ᚷ) is the seventh rune of the Elder Futhark. Its name means "gift", and its meaning is exchange: the balance between two sides, in friendship, love and dealings with the gods. It cannot be reversed.
Keywords: gift, exchange, balance, partnership, harmony
What does the Gebo rune mean?
Gebo is the seventh rune of the Elder Futhark. It comes after Kenaz, and Wunjo comes after it.
Its name means "gift", and it stands for equal exchange, most often in relationships of every kind — the justice, harmony and balance held between two sides. That balance shows in fair dealings between people, and between people and the gods. In runic magick Gebo can mean a literal offering left for the gods after a rite. In more worldly terms it is honest reward for work: a fair wage, a fair price. In love it is a bond that is balanced and good for both.
Gebo is the first rune that cannot be reversed: turned upside down, its shape and meaning stay the same. It is harmony wherever exchange is possible. In magick its clearest form is the giving of a gift or offering to the gods during a ritual — you ask for their help, and offer something in return.
The joy that follows a fair exchange is the next rune, Wunjo.
Gebo in a reading
Gebo in love
Love freely given. Giving and receiving in equal measure. A balanced relationship. A true partnership. Harmony between two people.
Gebo and money
An unexpected gift or bonus. A fair trade. Income and expenses in balance. A profitable partnership. Harmonious dealings.
Gebo and health
Health as a gift to value. Rest and effort in fair exchange. The body in balance. Help from others heals. Body and mind in harmony.
Gebo on the spiritual path
A spiritual gift. Giving and receiving grace. Inner balance. Union with the divine. Harmony within.
Can Gebo be reversed?
No. Gebo looks the same either way up, so it has no reversed meaning: it reads the same however it falls.
Gebo in the rune poems
The rune poems are the oldest sources for the runes' meanings. Here is what each one says of Gebo, first as written, then in English.
Norwegian Rune Poem
Icelandic Rune Poem
Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem
Gyfu gumena byþ gleng and herenys,
wraþu and wyrþscype and wræcna gehwam
ar and ætwist, ðe byþ oþra leas.Generosity brings credit and honour, which support one's dignity;
it furnishes help and subsistence
to all broken men who are devoid of aught else.
Questions
How do you pronounce Gebo?
Say it "GEH-boh".
What does the Gebo rune look like?
Gebo (ᚷ) is an X, two lines crossing.
Can Gebo be reversed?
No. Gebo looks the same either way up, so it has no reversed meaning.