Perthro (ᛈ) is the fourteenth rune of the Elder Futhark and the sixth rune of the second aett. This rune represents fate, mystery or chance. It symbolizes the unknown aspects of life and other forces that may be beyond our control, yet influencing our lives. When Perthro appears in a rune reading, it may be pointing to hidden knowledge, uncertain outcomes, and the need to have trust in the unfolding events, even if you can not understand what the outcome may be.

For me, Perthro symbolizes the moments when you have to let go and let fate unfold. Just like rolling the dice—you don’t always know what’s coming, but sometimes you just have to take the leap and see where things land. 

Perthro reminds me that there’s a certain freedom in embracing the unknown, even when we can’t fully understand the forces at play. It also holds a deeper lesson: life is a balance between fate and free will. Some events are out of our control, but there are always moments where we have the power to shape our own path. Perthro teaches us when to surrender and when to seize control.

Historical Context

Perthro’s meaning is a bit unknown because its precise linguistic origin is debated. Scholars have most commonly interpreted it as a “lot cup” or “gaming piece,” referring to objects used in games of chance or divination, which were prominent in ancient Germanic societies.

Basic Information

• Name: Perthro (Proto-Norse), also known as Perþ (Old English)
• Pronunciation: “PERTH-row”
• English Translation: Lot cup, gaming piece
• Symbol: ᛈ

Perthro is the rune of mystery, chance, and the unknown. It speaks to what’s hidden—within ourselves, in our circumstances, or in the larger patterns we can’t fully grasp. When this rune appears, it often signals a time of uncertainty, unexpected shifts, or inner transformation. It asks us to trust the unfolding, even when we can’t see where it’s going.

Perthro may point to:

• Hidden knowledge or secrets: Something important may be just beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered or understood.

• Uncertainty or unpredictable outcomes: The outcome isn’t fixed. This could reflect a situation still in motion or one that’s influenced by unknown factors.

• Deep reflection or introspection: A call to look inward and explore parts of yourself that may have been buried, ignored, or forgotten.

• Initiation or spiritual development: A marker of beginning a new chapter—especially one involving intuitive growth, occult studies, or personal ritual.

• Twists of fate or unexpected changes: Life may be reshuffling something behind the scenes. Perthro reminds us that some shifts are meant to surprise us.

• Decision making in the unknown: A reminder that we don’t always get clear answers. Sometimes we have to choose with limited information and move forward anyway.

• Personal growth through uncertainty: Growth doesn’t always come with a map. Perthro encourages leaning into the unknown rather than resisting it.

• Trust in the process: Even when things feel unclear or out of your hands, this rune invites you to find strength in surrender and openness.

For me, Perthro has shown up when I’ve been standing at a threshold—between one version of myself and the next—with no clear path forward. It doesn’t offer guarantees, but it does offer invitation: to trust my instincts, listen for what’s emerging, and be willing to step into the dark without needing every answer first.

Challenging Aspects of Perthro
Perthro doesn’t have a traditional reversed form, but it can still show up in a reading as a source of tension, especially when the unknown feels more overwhelming than exciting.

In a challenging position, Perthro may point to:

• Feeling ungrounded or directionless

• Struggling with uncertainty or lack of control

• Obsessing over outcomes that can’t be predicted

• Avoiding introspection or resisting inner work

• A fear of change or discomfort with spiritual unknowns

• Refusing to take necessary risks or over-relying on logic when intuition is needed

In my own experience, Perthro can show up like a cosmic shrug—when I want answers, but the only thing available is the invitation to trust. It can feel frustrating, especially when life already feels unstable, but it’s also where deep personal insight often begins. Sometimes, the point isn’t to know—it’s to stay open.

Though Perthro isn’t explicitly linked to a specific deity, it has strong connections to themes of fate and mystery found in Norse mythology:

• The Norns: Perthro’s associations with fate and destiny align it with the Norns, the female beings who control the destinies of both gods and men. The Norns’ weaving of fate mirrors Perthro’s themes of the unknown and unfolding events.
• Urðr’s Well: The Well of Fate, one of the three wells that nourish Yggdrasil, connects to the deeper, hidden knowledge that Perthro represents.
• Games of the Gods: In some myths, gods are known to play games of chance and skill, possibly reflecting Perthro’s symbolic association with gaming and fate.

In terms of astrology, Perthro resonates with the following – but remember these are not traditionally linked. It is only to gain a better understanding of connections between the runes and astrological influences:

1. Neptune: The planet of mystery, intuition, and the unknown aligns perfectly with Perthro’s themes of hidden knowledge and fate.
2. Pisces: This water sign is known for its emotional depth, spiritual awareness, and connection to the unseen, making it a fitting match for Perthro’s focus on the mysteries of life.
3. 12th House: This house governs hidden matters, the subconscious, and introspection, which aligns with Perthro’s themes of exploring what lies beneath the surface.

When working with Perthro, here are some key things you can reflect on:

• How comfortable are you with uncertainty?
• Are there areas in your life where you could benefit from letting go of control?
• What hidden parts of yourself or your life might you benefit from exploring?
• How can you better attune yourself to the flow of events shaping your path?

Meditating on Perthro’s shape or drawing it while reflecting on these questions can help bring clarity or spark new insights.

Perthro’s association with fate and mystery makes it a useful rune for:

• Divination rituals: Enhancing the accuracy or depth of divination tools such as Tarot, runes, or casting lots.
• Meditation: Focusing on Perthro helps open the mind to intuitive insights and hidden knowledge.
• Fate or destiny rituals: Use Perthro in workings designed to explore or influence one’s life path and destiny.
• Enhancing intuition: Some practitioners incorporate Perthro into spellwork designed to sharpen their psychic abilities or improve their intuitive skills.

Third Ætt (Tyr's Ætt)
17. ᛏ (Tiwaz) - Tyr, justice
18. ᛒ (Berkano) - birch, fertility
19. ᛖ (Ehwaz) - horse, trust
20. ᛗ (Mannaz) - human, self
21. ᛚ (Laguz) - water, flow
22. ᛜ (Ingwaz) - Ing, fertility
23. ᛟ (Othala) - inheritance, homeland
24. ᛞ (Dagaz) - day, breakthrough