Friday, May 27, 2011

Runes 101 - Runes in Mythology1

The Runes are fascinating because there are two stories of their origin, one in etymology and one in mythology.  While I will cover them both eventually, I'd like to write about the latter first, because the origin of the Runes is a fascinating story in Norse mythology.

You see, Odin, the chief of the Norse gods, is responsible for getting the Runes.  This story is part of the Poetic Edda, thus occurs in the form of a poem originally.  The beginning of the poem has Odin hanging from Yggdrasil, which is Norse mythology's world tree.  He hangs there for nine days and nights without food or drink, pierced by a spear, a sacrifice to Odin, himself to himself.

Looking downwards, he spies the Runes.  He seizes them, then falls to the ground.  This is where the short version of this story usually ends, but there are two points I'd like to make here.  First, although Odin grabs the Runes, I have found no consistency in where they were sitting before he grabbed them.  This may be due to my own shortcoming from having to rely on English translations of the story, but certainly something I will continue to research to get a definitive answer.  Second, what happens next, after Odin has the Runes, strikes me as being equally noteworthy to his time hanging in sacrifice on the tree.  I consider this the long or complete version of the story.  Here again, there is no consistency in the translations.

What is clear in this long version, however, is that the Runes are more than letters.  Two verses after Odin grabs the Runes, he grows in wisdom and insight.  In the next verse, there is a suggestions that you must find the right Rune for you, that Runes are great, powerful magic.

I wish I  understood these verses better than I do, but I promise to research it more and let you know what I find out.  If you know this story and have something to share, please add a comment to this post and, if possible, please reference your source of knowledge.  Otherwise, look for more "Runes 101" posts soon.

Monday, May 23, 2011

I Really Don't Want To Do It

Today, I have one friend and one client who are writing papers, one is for a class the other a dissertation.  They are both struggling through the final phase of the process.  As much as I enjoy writing, I found the final phase of my Master's thesis a struggle too.  I wish I had some words of wisdom to offer.  "Hang in there."  "You're almost done."  "There's a light at the end of the tunnel."  These are all things I heard as I was nearing the end of my program.  During that time, I drew Runes to help me over the roughest spots.  I decided that, today, I would draw a Rune for them.

I sought advice on the idea of finishing a difficult project.  The Rune I drew in response to this inquiry was Wunjo reversed.  What does the Rune of Joy say in its reversed position?

Things are slow in coming to fruition.  Wunjo reversed reminds us that birth is a long and arduous process, not only with regard to children, but all things that we create that are worthwhile.  We undertake challenges for a reason and, sometimes completing those challenges becomes more than we bargained for.  Still, if we are serious, sincere, committed and open, we have laid the foundation for patience and perseverance, which is called for in times of struggle.  Trust in yourself and you cannot fail.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Enjoy Each Season's Gift

Many of my friends have been voices their dislike with the rainy spring that seems to be everywhere this year.  To you all, I say, "take heart."  Think of the beauty that this nourishment brings with it.  The wild flowers in this picture have a small window of life, but their existence makes our world a little happier, brighter.

It may help to think of Inguz - the Rune of Fertility - in times like these.  Inguz brings us from a Chrysalis state to experience life anew.  Now, while the rain is falling outside, is a good time to plan and prepare for the rain's departure and make the most of the coming sun.  It is coming, but to enjoy it more fully, to make the most of it, we must be ready.

Rain may not seem like a gift when you want to go outside and play, but it is a gift in its own right.  Use this gift wisely and you will find yourself better able to reap the gifts offered by the next season.