Runes 303 - Rune Art - The Wand

That's right.  I made a wand.  Last year, ebbed and flowed...and swirled...and cascaded over cliffs.  Good moments and bad.  And, I wanted to end the year on an upswing, so...yeah, I made a wand.  It's also why my post is coming in January instead f December, but it was worth the one day delay.

(As with all my artistic endeavors, I acknowledge that I am not a visual artist, but I do like to be creative.)

The wand is made from a piece of lilac bush wood that I cut last spring, just before the bush bloomed.  Lilacs are my favorite flowers and, while I'd love a set of Runes from lilac wood, I've never been able to get a satisfactory-sized piece from which to cut them.  I'm happy with the wand, and it does have six (actually seven) Runes carved into it, which I will get to shortly.

It was pretty easy to make the wand.  I cut it to size and smoothed the ends, then shaved all but the handle.  Next, I burned my first Rune into the handle end - Jera.  Jera, as many of you know, is my guiding Rune, so I wanted it to be at the wand's foundation.  I suppose you could think of it as the wand's core.  The wand shaft was pretty smooth after I removed the bark, so I didn't sand it at all.

With an exacto blade, I carved the simple design into the shaft.  This made the carving/burning easier.  (None of this work was visible int he pictures I took, so I didn't include any.)  The lines on the shaft are to move the energy through the wand and out the tip.  I made four lines following the natural curves of the wand, so they are not perfectly straight.  Using a few different wood-burning tips, I burned the lines.

All that was left was the Runes.  I thought about each one and its placement for quite a while even though I had been mulling over which Runes to carve since I cut the wood from the bush.  I want this wand to help guide me through 2019 and likely a lot farther than that.

I chose Sowilo, the sun, a beacon leading to safe harbor.  I placed it closest to the tip.  Ansuz was next on the same side as Sowilo.  For me it represents my writing, beyond the Rune's instinctive wisdom.  Turing the Rune one quarter, I added Tiwaz, Tyr's Rune.  I have a strong affinity for Tyr and appreciate the three aspects that I feel through his Rune - sacrifice, strategy, and perseverance. Another quarter turn and I burned in Eihwaz to remind me of and call on my inner strength, and Ingwaz for Freyr.  Ingwaz doesn't simply hold fertility, it's the way it feels comfortable to know that you are ready to take the next step in any endeavor.  It tells you that you're ready.  The last Rune was the toughest, but once I chose Kenaz, it felt right.  Kenaz represents the torch, human-made fire and, by extension, human ingenuity and creativity.  Kenaz has come up for me a lot in recent readings, so I felt compelled to see where my own creativity could lead in the coming months.

Runic details on the wand shaft

Once the Runes were carved, I darkened the handle a little bit by rolling the side of a hot wood-burning tip up and down it as I turned it to make the coloring even.  To complete it, I protected the wand with a nontoxic sealant.  And, now it has a place in my sacred space with other my other special items.

I want to note, that while I wrote about the Runes on the wand and why I chose them, for now at least, I will not be using this wand for anything other than ornamentation of my sacred space and a visual reminder of what I want to have guiding me through the coming year and beyond.

Runes 402 - Rune Dialogues - Transitions

Transitions create curves, inclines, bridges,
and crossroads on our life paths

One of the most often asked about situations from people who ask me for readings has to do with transitions.  The largest percentage of transition questions are work or career related, but romance and moving are close seconds with a similar number of inquiries each.

No matter what kind of transition you're going through, it seems there should be a standard set of tools that will help you navigate those transitions and get you through the twists and turns, hills and valleys, and over those dreaded bridges.  That was my line of thinking when I began my latest dialogue with the Runes.

Me:  What tools do we need to help us through transitions?

Runes:  Hagalaz, Raido, Perthro.  Hagalaz serves to remind you that transitions are part of the ongoing process of life.  When they begin, they upset the normal processes that have been in place, but going and getting through them is essential for growth.  Raido reinforces life's journey.  Life is a series of transitions of different duration and intensity.  Perthro offers insight on two fronts to manage transitions.  First, Perthro alludes to challenges, games of chance.  These are key parts and the point of any transition.  Transitions challenge you; transitions provide opportunities to take risks (games of chance).  Second, transitions are easier when you have support.  Perthro speaks directly to support from friends, community.  Don't do it alone if you don't have to...and chances are that you don't.

Me:  This is very helpful.  Can you offer more insight into each?  Being aware of the tools is one thing, but how can we best use them?

Runes:  For Hagalaz, you can find help with Othala, Ansuz, and Thurisaz.  When you face the hail Rune, it is important to remember Othala, for it is fluidity in time.  It represents not only your heritage, but your current family and your legacy.  When these two Runes face off, a lot is determined.  Othala informs how you approach the transition and what you gain or lose by going through it.  Ansuz is simple.  Throughout the transition, communication is vital.  You will gain and use knowledge, and learn lessons.  Growth.  Thurisaz is strength, the power you need to get through.  Call it drive or determination.  Your intention is to not only survive the transition, but thrive.

Me:  That is a lot more depth into how to manage the onset of and get through the transition.  What about Raido?

Runes: Raido is more about navigating when you are in the throes of the transition.  This is when you can use Ehwaz, Laguz, and Gebo.  In this instance, the aspect of Ehwaz that is used is loyalty.  Loyalty is a foundation and, loyalty here is to the intent of the journey.  It means staying true to successfully completing this phase of the journey.  Laguz is another Rune that has two parts that oppose each other, but that are equally important.  You have to know when to relax and go with the flow and when to go into the depths to gain greater understanding, because sometimes its a push and sometimes you just have to ride portions out. That can be hard, but Gebo's gifts can come from unexpected places.  A challenge successfully met is a gift.  The underlying message in Gebo is to look for the positive and build on that.

Me:  That is important guidance for managing the twists and turns and even the unexpected when going through a transition.  And Perthro?  What deeper information can you give us on that?

Runes:  I give you Wunjo, Jera, and once again, Ehwaz.  As always, the ultimate goal is joy - Wunjo.  When you go through a transition, you do it either for the joy that awaits on the other side, essentially because going through the transition is going to make you happy, or because you hope to find joy somewhere along the way.  In the case of the latter, sometimes the best first step is the perspective that Gebo offered with Raido.  A challenge, which is part of Perthro, that is a real struggle usually turns out making us feel a lot better in the end.  Jera is always a good Rune to have.  It serves as a gentle reminder that everything is a process.  How do we get to a bountiful harvest?  Sometimes things are sunshine and butterflies and sometimes you have to spread a lot of manure (and not the deceitful bullshit kind, but rather the actual get your hands dirty, smell it in the air stink kind).  Things aren't always going to be easy, but if you do what needs to be done for good or bad, and don't try to cut corners, it will be worth it.  And, last is Ehwaz.  In this position, we focus on partnership and relationship, even the teamwork aspect of Ehwaz and transitions.  As much as you might think you're doing something alone, you don't live in a vacuum.  What you do affects and impacts others in ways you may not realize, so when you're going around a particularly sharp bend or up an steep incline, remember, you are not or do not have to be alone.  There is always someone there who will help.

Me:  Thank you for this wonderful advice.  Jera reminded me that sometimes transitions take longer than we expect, but we have many tools at our disposal to manage them.  So, whether we are dealing with romance or trying to decide our next career move, we should take stock in those tools and utilize them as best as we can.

Runes 402 - Rune Dialogues - Get out of the Funk

In the past few months, more and more people have come to me seeking guidance from the Runes about how to get out of the funk that is surrounding them, how to deal with the chaos that seems to be invading the world, and to simply get out of the rut that they're in.  In short, more than at any other time I can remember in the past few decades, people are feeling discouraged, sad, frustrated, and even angry most of the time.  This is true on multiple levels - the individual, community (regional, national), and global levels.

When a friend of mine told me that she just wants to be happy again, but can't seem to find a way, that prompted me to write about this general sensation through a dialogue with the Runes.

I began the conversation by asking a basic question: When we're in a funk, how can we get out?

Normally, the answer comes in a single Rune, but this time, the Runes gave me three - Jera, Gebo, Berkana - to acknowledge the situation and reframe our thinking.

Runes:  Jera is the Runes of the year, and there can be no doubt that the past year (past while) has been hard - the growing funk to which you refer.  This gives your question context.  Gebo also presents us with a challenge in two ways.  First, we have been giving of ourselves and not in the usual willing way (not out of choice, but out of circumstance), but we must find a way to change the tide of things.  That is the second part - the challenge.  How do we turn something that seems to be a negative into a positive?  Berkana affords that conscious beginning.  You are acknowledging that you want to change things.  That is the starting point.  Now, is the time to take action.

Me:  But how?  What is that step?

Runes:  Begin by acknowledging your funk and accepting the challenge it presents.  With that recognition comes the opportunity to begin to address it.  To take a first step. Let Raido set the path for that journey.  Raido falls under Jera (see image above), to remind you that the journey will take time.  Eihwaz, the yew tree, represents your inner strength; it is what will help you face the challenge of the funk that Gebo gives, and step away from it.  One of the easiest ways to find the strength to begin is to use Fehu find something that you value.

Me:  That makes sense, but it can't be that simple.

Runes:  It is true that some things are easier said than done, but sometimes humans make things harder than they need to be.  Mannaz, the Rune of Humanity, embodies this struggle, but it is also a reminder that humans are not perfect.  Mistakes will be made, but working to correct them and to ultimately make the change you want is all part of Mannaz.  Fehu, once again, reminds you that if you really want to make a change, focus on something that you value, something that is important enough to you that you are willing to do something about it.  Don't try to do it all or be everything to everyone or every cause.  When you are in a rut or funk or everything seems like it has gone to shit, you cannot keep doing things the same way.  Kenaz represents creativity and innovation.  Find a new approach, but don't give up.

Me:  Thank you.  That does help to clarify things.  It is important to remember that most of what we do is our choice and I think those Runes remind us of that.  It sounds like we have to focus on our individual actions.

Runes:  That is true, but individuals don't function on a singular level.  Within each of us are small daily things that we do that build on larger ideals that we continue to aim for.  For example, it is fair to say that people want to be happy, but happy is a broad, higher level way of being.  Wunjo represents that goal.  But how does one achieve it?  They achieve it by empowering themselves through those smaller daily activities.  There is a lot of power behind this simple statement.  Thurisaz, the thorn Rune, is a Rune of power.  As you build that power or empowerment, and channel it toward the things that you value, you will be able to manage the rut, funk, and chaos found in Hagalaz.  Remember, the hail Rune has two parts - the initial destructive force and the beginning that happens once the hail melts.  If you are working toward that higher level joy, and can remain focused on that, you will be able to deal not only with this funk and chaos, but the next round that may come your way.

Runes 301 - Making Your Own Runes - Shells

The Runes I have been using for several years were not intended to be a permanent set even though I stained them with my blood as part of the ritual.  I made them after the original staves I had been working on were ruined.  They have served me well, but I always planned to make another set and, this year, I committed to making at least three new sets of Runes.  Last week, I finished the first one.  Shells.

I have a strong connection to water and live near a lake.  Earlier this summer, I collected the shells while visiting a friend's cottage on the lake.  When I got home, I washed the shells to clean them so that I could write the Runes on them.  Though I wasn't considering this part of the ritual, I certainly felt Freyr's energy while I was doing it.

With the shells clean and dry, I painted a Rune on each one, going in order of the Elder Futhark.  I applied two coats and let them dry for several days.  I was waiting for the right moment to complete the ritual - a blessing on them.  This also got to be tricky, because I wasn't using my own blood.  When I mixed it with the paint, it changed the color.  Some say a drop of blood will suffice and that may be true, but I prefer a drop for each Rune.  Instead, I decided to take them back to the lake and rinse them in the lake water, but I had to wait for the right moment.

One morning last week, it was raining and I realized this was the moment I needed.  I put the Runes in a pouch and stopped by the lake on my way to work.  As the rain fell on that cool, misty morning, I emptied the Runes into the sand right where the water was lapping onto the shore.  It gently washed over them as I took each one separately and swirled it in the water before wrapping it into a cloth.

Although I called on Njord for a blessing, it was Freyr who presented himself more prominently.  Njord was there, but took a secondary position.  I know that neither god is associated with the Runes like Odin and Heimdall, but I requested Njord as a god with a connection to the sea.  I sometimes sense him along the shore and around marinas, so it felt right.  Still, it was Freyr who stood behind me to the left and watched as I completed my ritual.  I take his presence to mean that this was a good time, a fertile time, for me to bless the Runes and make them my own.  Even though my blood wasn't used, the water from the lake and the rain served to create that bond.

When I got home from work, I drew three Runes for myself to make them my own.  Eihwaz, Jera, and Sowilo.  These are three powerful Runes for me.  Eihwaz has become an important Rune for me when I need to be strong or calm - focused.  Jera is my guiding Rune; whenever it shows up in a draw, it is powerful.  And Sowilo is my Rune for the year, reminding me of feminine energy (to balance last year's Rune - Thurisaz).  I think this sets a good precedence for this set of Runes and the connection between them and me.

 

Runes 402 - Rune Dialogues - Struggle

We all deal with a struggle at some point in our lives.  Some are big and some are small.  Sometimes the small ones pile on top of each other and can feel like a big one.  For me it's the time of year.  The end of July to the end of August is a tough time of year for me for personal reasons and I find myself struggling more than any other time of the year.  The bright side is that, once September arrives, I hit a productive time that lasts more or less through the end of the year.  Although my period of struggle is nearly over, the last month to six weeks has been more of a struggle than usual, so I turned to the Runes and asked them for guidance to get me through the next week or so.

Me:  I am having a really hard time right now.  What guidance can you offer to help me approach this struggle?

Runes:  When this year started, you chose the Rune that can help you.  You chose Thurisaz for its power.  That power can overcome the angst you're having right now.

Me:  Thank you for that reminder.  Right now, I am not sure how to harness that power to move me forward.

Runes:  Raido can help you on your journey.  Your journey actually requires you to focus that power so that you can move forward.

Me:  I appreciate what you're saying, but I am feeling very overwhelmed by everything that is required of me, all that I have to do before I have any time to do what I really want to do.

Runes:  You must find time to do the things that make you happy.  You were not intended to live a life without it.  Wunjo reminds you of that importance.

Me:  I am confused.  Are you telling me to do what makes me happy and forsake that which doesn't?

Runes:  No.  It is something to strive for though.  Remember your guiding Rune - Jera.  It is the Rune of the year, a complete cycle, which can represent balance.  Perhaps the best way to avoid or minimize these struggles is to find a balance that allows you to consistently engage in the things that you want to do for yourself.

Me:  In other words, when I am going through a struggle, if I focus on doing something for myself regularly, that will help?

Runes:  When you focus some of your power on the things that are fulfilling for you, it can make the things that weigh you down more bearable.  If you focus on them long enough, your struggle will lighten and things will become clear again.  That is the message Dagaz gives you.  The day Rune symbolizes the return of a lighter time in the cycle of your year.

Me:  So, you are saying that I need to set aside time to do the things that I enjoy for myself?  Part of my struggle is that my other responsibilities eat into that time and when that happens at this time of the year, I lose focus.

Runes:  That is exactly what I am saying.  When you are struggling, it is even more important to focus some of your power on the things that make you happy.  That is what you need to get you through the struggle.  That is why, for your last Rune, I give you Nauthiz.

Me:  Thank you for your guidance and wisdom.  This was very insightful and has helped me to relax, take a step back from my struggle, and take a breath.

Runes 401 - Rune Rituals - A Simple Blessing

Back in May, my kids and I went for a bike ride and stopped at a beach by the lake.  I don't usually pick up shells or rocks or things like that to bring home; I'm of the take only pictures, leave only footprints frame of mind most of the time.  However, I was drawn to this piece of drift wood that I just couldn't put down.  I knew I had to have it and I knew I had to have my name and my Rune (Jera) carved into it.  My carving skills aren't great, so I asked a friend to do it for me, which he graciously did.  Nothing fancy.  Here's what it looked like when he gave it back to me:

It was the perfect starting point.  Then, I went through a ritual, similar to when I made my own Runes.  It needed to be painted and sealed.

First, I thanked Njord for providing the wood to me.  Soaked by the lake, smoothed by being rolled around near the shore, and left to dry on the beach.  It is perfect.

After I selected my paint, I invoked Heimdall and Odin, because they gave us the Runes.  Then, I pricked my finger and put nine drops of blood into the paint.  The sacrifice was to them.  As the drops fell into the bowl, I thanked Heimdall for sharing the Runes with Jarl and thanked Odin for his nine-day sacrifice to obtain the Runes, all their secrets and mysteries.  The blood was also my way of making the carving my own. 

This process strengthened my connection to the carving and to the gods.  Even though there wasn't enough blood to noticeably alter the color of the paint, I know that a piece of me now resides within the wood.

I let the paint dry over night, then sealed it with a non-toxic varnish, but not before I expressed my appreciation to all of the gods and goddesses.  This piece of Rune art and the process to create it was important for me in strengthening my connection to the mythology that I love.

I was especially pleased that, when I drew Runes as the final piece of this ritual, I got Perthro, Jera, and Berkana.  Simply put, Perthro represents my friend in this process who did the initial carving for me.  Jera is my guiding Rune; that's why it's on the carving.  And even though Berkana comes at the end, it symbolizes for me that this work of art represents a new phase in my relationship to the gods and the Runes.

Runes 202 - Bind Runes - Powering Through

We all want to focus on our dreams and passions, figure out and pursue those things that we identify as our priorities, and we want a smooth path to accomplishing them.  A smooth path or a smooth part in our paths can be hard to find at times.  Sometimes, we are staring at a huge pile of poo that we just have to power through, even though we have no interest in doing so and our heart is not in it.  This is different from letting go of things beyond our control.  This has to be done.

This necessity of powering through has been an occasional theme in my life and in the lives of many of my friends.  As with the other bind Runes I've linked to (above), I felt that this situation deserved more than just Rune wisdom; I wanted to take that wisdom and give it the extra strength of a bind Rune.  I asked the Runes for insight into powering through when no other valid option exists and they gave me Jera, Uruz, and Laguz.

Jera, Uruz, and Laguz placed
together to form a bind Rune.

Jera is always a good Rune for me.  In this instant, it tells me that, even though powering through is not a method I would choose to do on a regular basis, it is necessary and that it is part of something bigger.  This moment of powering through is not all there is to what I am doing and Jera provides an important reminder of that.  I placed Jera first and centered in the bind Rune, because of this and because this is what will carry me through this part of my process.

Uruz, the Rune of the aurochs, came next.  At first, I thought this somehow represented physical strength, like I must be strong to power through what I am facing.  But, Uruz means more than just the physical strength of the aurochs ox.  The aurochs represents not something that is wild, rather an animal that is free from the influences of society (not domesticated).  As part of society, what this means to me is having a critical eye towards my situation or going into it with open eyes.  In essence, Uruz is saying, "Take heart.  You are conscious of the fact that powering through is not who you really are and you see this moment for what it is, just an unpleasant moment that will pass."  With this perspective, I can approach the situation with mental and emotional strength, something I need to help me power through.  Uruz provides me this strength, so I placed it at the bottom of the bind Rune, to support it.

Laguz, as the third Rune, accomplishes two things for me.  First, it is yet another reminder that powering through is part of something bigger.  This is represented in the depths of the sea and everything that determines waves, currents, marine life, and flow.  Just as a storm at sea is sometimes part of the sea's process, so too powering through is part of mine.  Second, is the comforting part of this Rune, which recommends relaxing and rolling with what is happening.  Since I have decided that powering through is the best option at this point in time, I might as well make the most of it.  Therefore, I placed it front and center in the bind Rune to reinforce the mental and emotional strength allotted by Uruz and as a way of managing the moment identified by Jera and bringing me to the next phase from a place of positive flow.

These explanations give me the completed bind Rune, a bind Rune that says I have made the conscious choice to power through my current situation; that it is just an uncomfortable moment in something bigger in my life; and that recognizing this allows me to power through from a position of mental and emotional strength, so that I don't come out the other side drained, depressed or unsure of what is next.  Given this consciousness, it also affords me the opportunity to embrace and learn from the process.

I hope that, if you ever find yourself in a "power through" situation, this bind Rune will hep you.

Runes 201 - Indvidual Runes - Gebo

Gebo may appear to be the simplest Rune to interpret; it means gift.  But, that is just the on the face.  So much more lies just under the surface that needs to be explored, because a gift implies so many other things, such as an exchange or balance of power in a relationship, acceptance and rejection, and highlights the differences between classes.  The latter is especially prominent in the Old English Rune poem, where the notion of a gift is relative to one's societal stature:

Gift for men is adornment and complement, support and dignity; and for all the dispossessed, forgiveness and sustenance, who would otherwise have nothing.

-interpretation from the Rune Primer, Sveyn Plowright

These deeper meanings enticed me to explore this Rune in more detail.  When I asked the Runes what they would like me to know about Gebo, the first Rune they gave me was Jera.  For me, this was an especially powerful message, because Jera is my guiding Rune; it is the most important gift I have received from the Runes.  Drawing this Rune first also signifies to me that everyone's greatest gift is different.  For example, Jera is the Rune of the year and represents time and process and, in the end, a good harvest.  This is a reminder that serves me well on a regular basis.  However, I have a friend whose greatest gift is Ansuz and he uses it to represent the importance of clear communications in his relationships.

Now that we know how the gift is defined and that it is different for everyone, the next question I posed was about giving a gift.  In response to this question, the Runes offered Thurisaz.  This Rune often times has negative connotations related to giants and thorns.  However, at its core is a sense of power.  Giving a gift can prove a powerful act.  If can forge alliances, win someone's favor or even just make someone's day.  That last one may seem a bit sappy, but a simple act can be very powerful.  At first glance, this Rune might seem like a calculated effort, but giving a gift actually is calculated, whether we realize it or not.  Most times, we probably give a gift in celebration or appreciation of something, but sometimes we do it only out of obligation, which can taint the gift.  I think what this Rune is telling us is that giving a gift is important and there are implications on both sides of the act, but as the gift giver, if you don't put genuine thought into it, it will show.

So, what about receiving a gift?  What do the Runes have to say about that?  Must we be gracious, even if we hate the gift?  Must we accept the gift?  Sowilo appears to address this angle. This strikes me as an interesting placement for the sun Rune, because it seems to say, "Yes, of course, you must accept the gift and be gracious."  However, what the sun does is shed light on things and makes it easier for us to follow our path.  In a sense, it offers guidance.  Perhaps, then, its guidance goes beyond the simple act of graciously accepting a gift.  Perhaps it is guiding us to wisdom about the relationship we have with the person giving us a gift.  This fits nicely on the heels of Thurisaz, because essentially what it is saying is we will know the meaning of the gifts we receive if we seek to understand the intention behind their presentation to us.

Winter Solstice Runes 2

On Sunday we celebrate the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.  Last year, I also wrote about this solstice by asking the Runes what they wanted to share with us about it.  This year, my question was more specific. I wondered how did we arrive here?  What was the path we followed over the last year and how have we realized it?

I think the response - Jera, Tiwaz, Dagaz - builds on last year's post, which presented Berkana, Laguz, and Othala.  What the Runes told us last year was that we were poised at the beginning of something and that we had to be creative and not be afraid to try new paths and realize that, while those paths may include personal gains, that we should look beyond ourselves in the process and recognize that the things that we do affect and are affected by others as well.  The three Runes this year are offering us guidance in looking back over the past year. 

Jera was the perfect first Rune, because it is the Rune of the year and represents, more so than any other, the idea of process and cycles.  It calls on us in this time of silent reflection during the winter solstice to look back over the year and realize how we arrived here.  Did we follow the wisdom the Runes shared with us last year?  Were we creative in choosing the steps we took that formed the path we look back on now?  Were we conscious of the ways in which our steps (choices) affected others?  As I look back over the year, I can say that, for me, these are some of the most important questions I can ask and I realize that not only was the Rune's guidance last year exactly what I needed, but that in a completely unconscious way, I followed that advice and had wonderful though not always easy outcomes.

The second Rune for this time of silent reflection is Tiwaz.  Now, I confess that I have an affinity to these two Runes (Jera and Tiwaz) more than I do to any others, but their positioning here still holds true.  Tiwaz is the warrior Rune, a Rune that represents strength and sacrifice.  We don't always think about both sides of that coin.  When we are exhibiting strength and making tough decisions or just standing up for ourselves, sometimes we don't acknowledge that sacrifices are being made along the way, especially if they are not our sacrifices, but sacrifices of those who support us.  This comes from Othala last year and the fact that whatever choices we made during this year were supported by others around us.  Rather than think only about the strength that you showed this year in making hard choices, think about who supported you in making those choices.  What strength did they show?  How did they support you?  Did it involve a sacrifice on their part?

Just as Jera was the perfect first Rune, Dagaz is the perfect third one, because it almost presents us with another beginning - the day - but it also reminds us to look back over the past year and find those bright spots that helped us get through the rough ones.  It shows us where we were strong, but it also calls to mind its own set of guiding questions.  What made those bright spots bright?  How did they come about?  What did you have to do to achieve those bright spots?  Think of your creativity.  Who helped you achieve those moments?  How did you on your own and with help from others build on those bright spots to make them more enduring?

Interestingly, these three Runes also set the tone for the coming year.  Jera says remember that there is a process for everything that happens during the year.  Tiwaz reminds us of the strength we carry through that process and that there will, at some point, be a sacrifice required.  Dagaz supports these ideas with a focus on the light, which I take to mean the positive.  By focusing on the positive, when we face a challenge, it will be far easier to over come.

With that practical, but important guidance from the Runes, I will wish you all well in the coming year and Happy Yule!  Gleðileg Jól!

Runes 403 - Rune Interpretations - Family, Friends, and Life

It's been a whirlwind summer for me and I don't expect to have much a weekly routine until early September.  However, until then (and over the past week), my life is going to be filled with family and old friends.  My family and friends are spread out all over the country (and some even around the world), so I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of family and friends and the life they bring to my life.  I asked the Runes how they would summarize this important aspect of our lives.

Their response gave me pause, but answered my inquiry perfectly.  In fact, each Rune seemed to align with a different part the question.

Ehwaz in the first position represents many great aspects of family.  Although we saw Ehwaz just a couple of months ago at the solstice, Ehwaz has four main meanings, each of which relates easily to family - loyalty, relationships, journeys, and the ways in which we make those journeys.  Perhaps these speak to me especially now as I just spent the weekend at a family reunion, but if we think about these words, we can see how easily family fits into these characteristics.  Family is there for you; that's the loyalty.  It's also a comfort I carry with me, knowing that, no matter what happens, my family will always be there for me.  That ties directly into the idea of relationships; for better or worse, family creates the first relationships we have and, most likely, the longest and last.  They travel life's journey with us (whether we want them to or not sometimes) and, I think they are the ones we are most willing to travel for, especially in times of emergencies and celebrations.

I liked drawing Jera to represent friends.  Not only is it the Rune I consider to be mine - my guiding Rune - but it represents cycles, symbolizing the changes that can happen within the span of a year.  In other words, we know that, with friends (just as with family sometimes), our relationships depend on the cycle of our lives.  Sometimes we are so involved in things that are happening in our own lives, we "forget" about our friends for a while.  Other times, it's the reverse and we don't hear from our friends, because they get busy with their own lives.  But the magic of true friendship is that, no matter how much time we spend away from each other, when we cycle back together, that time of separation dissolves and it is as if we have been together continuously.

Sowilo symbolizing life... well, I am not sure I need to explain this one.  Sowilo is the sun Rune, light and life, and the feminine energies of caring for others, creativity, and compassion.  This Rune is energy in all its forms.  Not only is it the basic necessity for life, but through the feminine aspect, it brings those things which make us human, the attributes that give us the capacity to care and create, to life.

If we consider all three Runes together, it paints a picture of hope and reminds us not only of the importance of the relationships we form with family and friends, but of the energy that we bring to them and they bring to us.

Runes 402 - Rune Dialogues - Motivation

I don't know about you, but last week has a few high points in crappiness for me, so I decided it's time for some changes, time to take some initiative and get the ball rolling in the direction I want and need it to go.  So, I turned to the Runes and on one quiet morning late last week, and asked them for some guidance, which, of course, turned into an important dialogue about motivation.

Here's the question that was lingering in my head - why is it that, too often, we have to become fed up with the crap before we do anything to make effective, positive, and long-lasting change?  Once I realized that this was my problem at the moment, I was able to begin to change my perspective and ask about the positive motivation I need to move forward on the things I want to do.  It was this shift that led me to talk with the Runes in an effective way.

Me:  Some crappy things happened this week that are weighing on me and I need some positive motivation.  Where should I focus?

Runes:  It sounds as if you have experienced that first half of Hagalaz - the hail storm.  But, remember the other half, the nourishment that hail storm leaves in its wake.  The negative experiences you've had are leading you to the creative solutions you hold within you.  It is a shame that the negative experiences must occur, but you are correct in your recognition that becoming "fed up with the crap" motivates us to make changes.  The trick is going to be ensuring that you bring these changes to fruition, so that the crap or, at least, this crap doesn't happen again.

Me:  That is an excellent point.  Thank you for helping me see this perspective.  Although it would be nice to not have to deal with the crap, through Hagalaz, it can be a great motivator for change.  So, now that I feel ready and motivated to make serious change, how do I know it is time.

Runes:  Ingwaz assures you of that.  This Rune represents Ing, the hero, but it also refers to Ingvi Freyr, the fertility god, a god of peace and plenty.  This is where you should focus your attention, on these attributes - fertility, peace, and plenty.  Like Hagalaz, the characteristics of this Rune indicate a process.  Where Hagalaz's hail storm provided the motivation you needed to shift your focus to your true goals, Ingwaz reminds you that you stand on fertile ground and that fertile ground will bring you peace; through accepting that peace, you have the potential to achieve positive gains.

Me:  You are right, of course.  Thank you for reminding me that I am standing on fertile ground and that it is my choice in how I proceed.  I must decide the challenges I face.  I know the general direction I want and need to go, but how can I ensure that I follow that path as I need to?

Runes:  Begin with careful contemplation.  Create a plan before simply jumping in.  Isa can help with that.  The ice Rune requires not caution, but care.  Tread with care. Be still.  Listen.  Think.  Those are the first steps your motivation should take.

Me:  But what if I lose my motivation?  I am prone to leaping and figuring things out, in large part, as I go.  How do I curb my enthusiasm without losing my motivation?

Runes:  Jera.

Me: (giant grin appears on my face as I kiss this Rune).  That was sneaky; giving me my Rune.

Runes:  Yes, but you know what it means.  It will even motivate you more, I think.

Me:  You are right about that.

Runes:  Jera is your Rune because you need this prompt to keep you moving in your process.  No Rune, more than Jera does that for you.  This Rune, the Rune of the year and the harvest screams out time to you.  You must take the required time to bring your forward motion to fruition so that you end up where you want to be.  Encompassed within it is the process that Ingwaz showed you.  You are starting on fertile ground and you will find peace through Isa's wisdom and unleashing the creativity of Hagalaz's second half.  Do you see the interlinked processes?

Me:  I do.  Thank you.  One last question.  What tool do I need to assist me along the way?

Runes:  You must use the greatest tool you possess on this front - Ansuz.

Me:  Of course.  Ansuz incorporates not only communication, which will be indispensable, but the gods and the idea of the mouth of a river.  I am standing at the mouth of the river after a rough journey over open seas.  Now, the path narrows and leads to my goals.  The gods will be with me on this journey as they always are and I will use one of my greatest assets - communication.  Thank you.

Runes 101 - Runes in Mythology - The Adventures of Merlin

Last week, I started watching a British fantasy show on Netflix, called The Adventures of Merlin.  Broadly based on King Arthur and Camelot, this show depicts Merlin and Prince Arthur as youth (Late teens, early twenties) and, even though Arthur's father, King Uther, has outlawed magic by penalty of death, there is still plenty of magic and mythology around, which is why this is a Runes in Mythology post.

In season 1, episode 6, a sorcerer comes to Camelot.  While I won't give away the plot, I will say this: he has a small box with him that's full of beetles which he can 'bring to life' and 'freeze' by chanting.  However, what makes the box interesting is that it has four Runes inscribed on it and looks roughly like this:

The first glance of the box caught my eye immediately and I can't tell you how many times I had to hit pause to capture just the right image of it to inspect the Runes.  Once I got it, a few realizations came to mind.

First, Othala is inverted.  Second, like Othala, the third Rune is also an 'o' Rune reversed and, as near as I can tell, from a Futhark called the Latinized or Medieval Futhark (which according to the source I found was used primarily for decoration and not actually for inscription).  Last, the first and last Runes are not etched exactly like the Elder Futhark Runes.

In fact, the 'f' Rune (Fehu) is curved and seems to derive from one of the Younger Futhark versions, while Jera is etched similar to the Elder Futhark, but not exactly, having more of a diamond shape to it, than the interlocked aspect it actually has.

I struggle with Rune usage such as this.  One one hand, I am happy to see the Runes being used and love that family and friends consult me immediately whenever they see anything the suspect is a Rune.  On the other, it bugs me that they are so confused and misrepresented, deriving from different futharks - Fehu from a younger Futhark;  Othala the Elder, but inverted; the third is an 'o' Rune from a medieval futhark; and Jera's similar depiction of the Elder, with a slightly off diamond shape.

Perhaps what struck me as being the most odd about these Runes is that they appeared in a show about Merlin and King Arthur.  I mean these tales are from England, so I would expect the Runes they use in the show to be from the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc.

Maybe I shouldn't dwell on such small details, but I can't help but feel like, in anything, if you're going to do it, you should do it as correctly as possible and this clearly isn't.  So, I'm torn - happy to see the Runes and to be able to recognize the short comings of their presentation, but disappointed in those same presentation errors.

The Empowerment of Isa

Isa is the ice Rune.  I know many people who, when they take time to reflect or meditate or just pause, pick up Isa.  It's supposed to invoke a period of calm or rest, even peace. 

Using Isa for this purpose can be very powerful, because it is important, sometimes, to just sit and be with the present without judgement or expectation.  This is one way that Isa can help to empower us.

However, Isa also tends to be associated with stillness and caution, a lack of progression or forward movement.  In this instance, Isa suggests that things aren't flowing.  It comes with warnings to stop and 'enjoy the view', but not to tread on the path.

So what do we do if this happens, if we happen to get stuck in a place (a mental, emotional, spiritual or physical place) that acts on us like this aspect of Isa?  It inhibits our forward motion, though we are still eager to move in a positive direction?

Remember, even water molecules in ice move a little, despite being frozen.  So why can't we still wiggle when an external force makes us feel stuck?  Frozen?

This is another way that Isa can be very empowering.  It can help us work within a confined space.  Although there may be limits to what we can do in this restrained position, this is a great time to prepare, to work on small pieces of the puzzle that we will need down the road.  We can keep our eye on our long term ambition, but work within the short term to support it.  Isa can also help rally our inner strength, that part of us that needs to stand up and fight or that needs to bide our time just a little longer.  Moreover, one great way to spark creativity and innovation is by restricting avenues.  (I use this technique occasionally with great success in writing workshops.)

Now... I don't usually mention a Rune's place within the Futhark... but I think this one is particularly interesting.  The ice Rune is wedged between Nauthiz, the Rune of need and necessity, and Jera, the year Rune.  These two Runes support Isa's position and role.  We begin with recognizing what we need, what our basic requirements for survival are.  With Nauthiz, we do exactly what we need to do.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  Once we know what those needs are, we start to acquire them through Isa where, of course, we heed its advice to use caution.  Once we wiggle within Isa's boundaries and address our most basic needs, we will move on to Jera, the year, the harvest, the process.  This is where our plans hit their stride and forward progression surges.

Jera is one of the best Runes we could have here, because it allows us to take what we've accomplished through the support of Isa and move forward in a stronger way.  By accepting Isa's freeze and working on what we could within its confines, we lay a foundation on which to build.  Laying that foundation through Isa's slow and cautious movement empowers and ensures us that, when the time arrives (Jera) for real forward motion to resume, we will be ready to make the most of it.

Runes 402 - Rune Dialogues - Time

Last week's post about releasing disappointment included two Runes related to time - Jera the year and Dagaz the day.  That, obviously, got me thinking about time, its various durations and how we use it.  In considering time, I also decided it was time to start a new series, Rune Dialogues, which relays the conversations I have with the Runes about certain topics. 

I began this time dialogue with our two time Runes from last week.  And, I can assure you, this conversation went nowhere near the subjects I imagined.  Instead, the Runes provide us with a foundation for the way we spend our time, rather than telling us specific tasks. 

Me: Last week, you gave me Jera as the second Rune of three, when I asked about releasing disappointment, and followed it with Dagaz.  These struck me as two very important Runes dealing with time, so I want to learn more about it.  Can you give me more details about time and how we use it or should use it?

Runes: In using time, making the most of it so to say, Dagaz is a good place to start.

Me:  Yes, last week, Dagaz told us to move out of the shadow and into the light.  Metaphorically, I took this to refer to our capacity to think critically, instead of responding emotionally.  Is that how we should begin, by thinking critically?

Runes:  Think of it in a more positive way.  Your ability to think and weigh situations is a step, but finding the positive aspect in this process is a true gift.  That is why I give you Gebo here, so that you can strive to find the positive aspects of the good and bad on your path.  It is also possible that others will see your ability to find and move forward in a positive way and reflect it in their actions too.

Me:  What is the best way to do that?

Runes:  Wunjo belongs here, because it works in two positive ways.  First, it simply reminds you to be happy.  Coupled with that, if you are true to a path that makes you happy, you will find a way to do things that not only make you happy, but that lead you to sustained happiness.

Me:  But this is all rather obvious.  I know I asked you how we should use time and your response - that we should use it to make ourselves happy and share that joy with others - is sage advice.  Thank you.  However, most of us, how ever well-intentioned, find it more difficult than it probably should be to follow that path and I believe it comes down to how we use our time.  So, can you be more specific about how we can follow your advice and use our time on things that make us happy?

Runes:  Fehu, Jera, and Othala.

Me:  I think I understand Jera as planning and process, and Othala as time with friends and family and building a happy home, but why Fehu?

Runes:  Remember, Fehu measures wealth. Cattle is not the only way to measure it, neither is money. Wealth is more than possessions.  How you measure your wealth and the things to which you assign value plays a great role in determining whether or not you are happy.  For some people, that translates into money (generally gained by working).  But work takes on many forms.  Growing a garden is work; it may not pay you much money, but it may give you peace of mind that you are growing your own food or beautiful flowers; it may just give you some quiet time to relax or time to reconnect with Earth.  So, as you are planning how to proceed on your path through time, keep in mind that money is not the only form of wealth and, once things are given their true value, the direction of your path or how you spend your time may change.

Me:  What if that which makes us happy is not very productive?

Runes:  Thurisaz will give everything its place.  You must realize that happiness unleashed through something that empowers you is very positive.  However, with Thurisaz comes great power, the kind you do not really want to mess with unless you can manage it.  The message here is two fold.  First, don't let the things that make you miserable control you - don't give them this great power - and, second, being happy does not mean being completely reckless either.

Me:  So you're saying that what makes us happy can also be detrimental to us, like the negative things in our lives, if we don't give it context within everything else and if we don't manage it?

Runes:  You must let your natural joy be free.  Think of it as Uruz, a wild ox, not cattle.  Approach it with caution.  Be aware of its power.  And realize that, if you work with that free energy, your time will be well spent and will benefit you and others greatly.

Me:  Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me today.

Runes 403 - Rune Interpretations - Releasing Disappointment

Welcome to 2014!  This year, I am proposing a different approach to the new year.  Instead of jumping right in to making resolutions, I propose first releasing disappointment, which I'll explain in a moment.  I do this for two reasons.  For starters, I am not a fan of resolutions, if for no other reason than they tend to be "commitments" we make on a lark or because we are expected to and not because we are truly committed to completing them; as a result, we create little or no infrastructure to support or ensure our success.  The only thing the accomplishes in the end is adding stress to our lives.  Second, building the support to accomplishing goals is far different from making well-intended, but not necessarily realistic proclamations.

Briefly, before drawing the Runes for this week, I want to explain what I mean by releasing disappointment.  When things don't go our way (the way we though or hoped they would) or we "fail" to complete something we say we're going to do, we go through emotions like anger, frustration, and sadness.  What I suggest is that by releasing those feelings, we let go of the disappointment that underlies them.  Infused within this idea is the creation of support to ensure success in not only accomplishing goals, but. equally important, becoming adaptable when challenges and obstacles present themselves.  In this way, we empower ourselves and, instead of dwelling on negative things, focus on positive potential.

So, what did the Runes tell me when I asked them what we can do to release disappointment?  Berkana, Jera, and Dagaz provide the answers.

I could not have asked for a better first Rune in answer to this question.  Berkana, the birch Rune, deals with birth and beginnings with a splash of creativity thrown in.  Two weeks ago, when I drew winter solstice Runes, this Rune also came first and presented the solstice as the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.  Similarly, by letting go of our disappointment, we allow ourselves to begin anew.  The fact that this comes with the beginning of the new calendar year just reinforces the idea.  Put simply, whenever we decide to release disappointment and stop being hard on ourselves and/or others, we find ourselves at a starting point and with an opportunity to move forward in a more positive way.  Just as the birch grows again in the spring, so too can we.

Our second Rune is my personal guiding Rune and the perfect Rune in this position for this question.  Jera reiterates what I stated above about building support and infrastructure around the things we want to accomplish.  If a farmer doesn't give her seeds enough room to grow, enough water, minerals and sunlight... and time, she will not have a very good harvest.  This metaphor can be transferred to any other process.  In addition, Jera is both complex and simple at once.  It incorporates time (a year), the harvest (a cycle), and process (how the cycle functions).  Yet, within these layers, is the simplicity of doing what must be done.  The challenge arises when obstacles make what must be done a very curved, twisted and contorted path.  This aspect can be overwhelming, so, where do we find the strength and focus and desire to accept those turns and keep moving forward toward our dreams?

The answer is simply Dagaz, the day Rune.  If we have created a good plan, even if things go awry, if the plan's foundation is strong and stable, we can manage the bumps and loop-de-loops that occur.  The challenge within this is to recognize that the process will not be a straight line and to not be disappointed when the first bumps comes into view.  It is not a sign of impending failure or doom.  We must simply shed the darkness that these obstacles bring; move out of the shadow and take step into the light.  In this sense, Dagaz represents our capacity to think critically, instead of responding emotionally.  We know that everything seems clearer in daylight than in darkness, but it is what we do with the things we can see that makes the difference.  Look at all the pieces.  See how they fit together.  Weigh options.  Then, when you're ready, take the first step.

Runes 403 - Rune Interpretations - Unfinished Projects

If you're looking for the Winter Solstice Blog Hop post, click here.  Otherwise, please read on.

As 2013 draws to a close, we all have unfinished projects we need to attend to. Why aren't they done yet?  Sometimes we haven't had the time; other times we're waiting on other people or for a part to arrive.  But, speaking from experience, in general, procrastination is a primary culprit.

However, we need to look at what causes procrastination in the first place, then look at the deeper questions - why do we procrastinate and how can we get past it?

These are the questions the Runes and I discussed to help us finish off 2013 on a positive note and energize us as we enter the new year.

The first Rune I drew was Jera and I drew it in response to the question, "What can you tell us about unfinished projects?"  This Rune represents the year or, perhaps, in this case time - time for a process to be completed or finding time.  So, of course, we received Jera, to remind us that unfinished projects have their own process, but they are also part of a larger process - our general forward progression through time.  This Rune sets the stage for addressing our other questions and serves as our guide for finding ways to finish  projects.

We must look at those questions from multiple perspectives, because we procrastinate for many reasons.  Therefore, my next question isn't simply why do we procrastinate, rather what does our procrastination tell us about why we do it?

Runes:  You must use Isa here.  You must pause and think about the truth.  You know why you procrastinate; now you must recognize it,  admit and accept it.  Only that will help you move forward, whether it is toward completing the project or understanding why you won't.  Although Isa is about caution, when you stop and consider your next step, the point of this contemplation is taking that step.

Me:  Thank you.  I agree; reflection, acknowledgement,and acceptance are key components to many processes.  We should take the next step, but we must step with an understanding of where we are placing our foot.  What if we look at procrastinating around the issue of time?  What if we feel we simply can't find the time we need to complete a project?

Runes:  Ingwaz is the Rune you need for this question.  For, when the time is right, when everything is in its place, the situation will be ready for the next step, for completion, whether that means completing the task or letting go if it and moving on.  You may also want to consider this.  Fear may be keeping you from completing a project.  Fear of not knowing what will happen after it's done, fear of succeeding; fear of failing.  What Ingwaz says in this case is that the time has come.  You may fail, you may succeed, you may not know what is coming next, but the time is ripe for taking the next step towards completing that project.  You cannot live in fear, especially when that fear is nothing more than speculation.

Me:  Thank you.  I had not thought of fear, but I can see how that could be an important aspect to consider.  What about external factors?  What if there are things external to us that influence whether or why we finish a projects?

Runes:  Your conflict does not come from outside.  It is internal.  You are doing something that conflicts with who you are and the desires you have.  That is why you cannot complete it.  Nauthiz represents the need to act with discipline and, in so doing, you will acquire what you need.  Sometimes things that seem unrelated are quite close knit in the end.

Me:  Of course, internal issues are part of any challenge or conflict.  That is good advice; thank you.  However,  what if what we need is for the external factor to act?  Let me rephrase a bit. What if we are waiting for someone else?  What if they have to make the next move?  Take the next step?

Runes:  You must move on where you can in a way that you can until that external force, that person you're waiting on, acts.  Tiwaz reminds us that true warriors make sacrifices to get things done.  One sacrifice is time - waiting - or doing what you can until that force acts.

Me:  Yes, thank you, but how can we move forward on other fronts and finish off other projects when one is distracting us from the the others?  Being distracted can cause procrastination, right?

Runes:  Do not look too far ahead.  Dagaz is the day Rune.  Although things tend to be clearer in the light of day, Dagaz, like Jera, represents a time frame.  While Jera covers a year, Dagaz says focus on the next twenty-four hours.  Accomplish what you can in that time.  Choose the path that allows you to move forward and accomplish things.  A sense of accomplishment on some front is important.

Me:  I am grateful for your guidance and insight today.  Thank you.

Finishing up projects is not always just a matter of sucking it up and doing it or forcing our will on others to get things done.  Sometimes we have no choice but to wait;  other times, we procrastinate.  The way we get past that procrastination is by examining why it exists for a particular project or task.  Only then can we know if completing it is the right thing to do and, if so, realize and take the next required step.  When we're feeling overwhelmed with all the unfinished projects that are staring at us, maybe the best thing we can do is not to look too far ahead.  Focus on what needs to be done today and go from there.  After all, isn't that how we create momentum?

Runes 401 - Rune Rituals - Pace Yourself

We've all heard and probably used one or more of these idioms in our lives:

"Don't put the cart in front of the horse."    "Don't jump to conclusions."

"Don't get ahead of yourself."                      "Slow and steady wins the race."

But, why is pacing ourselves important?  This is a question I've pondered... a lot!  In fact, it is why I named my company the Jera Institute.

Jera represents the year, the harvest, a cycle or process.  Everything has a process through which it must go to fruition and that process must be honored.  When we skip steps, race through them or jump ahead, we can run into trouble and create problems for ourselves or others.  That is a key reason why pacing ourselves is important, though not always easy, because it requires patience.  Jera represents the importance of process and, in turn, setting and following a pace.  This is particularly important when we have a strong tie (usually emotional) to the outcome.


Given its importance, I decided to conduct a ritual to remind myself that pacing yourself is important and to acknowledge the subtle difference between the routineness of following a schedule and creating an overarching  pace.

For the past week, I've had this image in my head.  Tiwaz painted on a light-colored angular, yet oval-ish rock.  This was the foundation for the ritual, but it took me a few days of contemplating it to figure out why.  It's Tyr's story; it's how he lost his hand.  Tyr placed his hand in Fenrir's mouth, knowing the wolf was going to bite it off once he realized he could not break free from Gleipnir, the tether the gods used to bind him.  But, it was Tyr's ability to remain calm to show a stable, confident pace as he walked up, placed and kept his hand in the wolf's mouth, while the wolf twisted, turned and writhed trying to escape.  It's that calm that's required when you know the outcome or you're trying to force a particular outcome that is the pace.  You're not rushing to the outcome, not trying to make it happen before its time.  That is why Tyr's Rune is this ritual's cornerstone.

In addition to Tiwaz, I asked the Runes what else they would like me to know about pace.  Interestingly, I drew Jera first, reinforcing what I said above about honoring the process.  Nauthiz came second and made me feel that everything to this point is right on track; we are using the things we need to complete this ritual honoring the importance of pace.  Doubly though, it strengthens the idea of needing to establish and or maintain a pace, especially in situations where we are so tied to the outcome.  Finally, I pulled Ehwaz, the horse.  With regard to pace, I think the final line of Ehwaz's Rune poem offers the perfect summary - it is, to the wanderer, ever a benefit.  If pace is the 'it' in this line is pace, it benefits the wanderer, by giving direction and consistency.

My turtle's name

The last piece for this ritual is a turtle, oddly enough named Pace.  It was a gift from my husband when I was struggling through the data processing of my Master's thesis.  It reminded me that, like Tyr, I just needed to do what had to be done in a calm and consistent way, and the outcome would be my degree.  Although Tyr lost his hand, he knew and was linked to the outcome - everyone was safe from the wolf.

With these pieces in place, I began the ritual by setting up its three aspects.  Tiwaz, painted on the rock representing Tyr's calm and confident pace, gives the energy of this great god to the ritual.  The three Runes I drew explain the importance of setting a pace.  At last, I set down Pace, my ceramic turtle, as a personal example of how pace, in a situation when I was so eager to reach the outcome, was important to reaching that outcome successfully, without skipping a step to get there.

As I laid down each item for the ritual, I chanted, "I am grateful for Tyr's brave example of setting and maintaining a pace.  When I am strongly tied to the outcome of a process, I must remember the importance of pacing myself.  Pacing myself has been successful in the past and will be again."

Once all three pieces were in place, I took a breath, held my hands over each piece and repeated my chant over each one, taking a deep breath and exhaling before moving to the next one.

I know it's not poetry, but the repetition solidified the essence of the ritual's components and the importance pacing myself.  The next time I start to get ahead of myself, I will recall this ritual and remember Tyr and find the right pace.