Runes 403 - Rune Interpretations - Optimism

I had a nice chuckle as I sat down this morning to write this post, because it's focused on optimism and this is the first post that missed its month.  It should have been posted in September, but here we are: October 1st.  Maybe it's mocking me or maybe it's the perfect step into optimism.  Either way, I just have a feeling that we could all use a little optimism in our lives at this point.  So, I asked the Runes to give us some insight into this hopeful idea.

The simplicity of their guidance is reassuring.  They gave me Mannaz, Wunjo, and Gebo.

The subtle reminder provided by Mannaz, the humanity Rune, tells us we're all humans;  all imperfect, but that's okay.  One of the marvelous things about imperfection is its variety.  And, we all know that variety is the spice of life.  But, the more important message behind this Rune is also that, as humans, we can decide how we perceive things and what we do with them.  We can choose to turn away from negative perceptions and emotions and responses to things that take us outside of our comfort zone.  Because, let's face it; there's a reason it's called a "comfort" zone even though it may not be the best place for us.  It's familiar and we liken familiar with good, which isn't necessarily true.

Wunjo is an interesting choice to follow on Mannaz, especially because we may liken our comfort zone to a  happy place.  So, does the joy Rune tell us that we should stick to our comfort zone?  Is it countering Mannaz?  I don't think so.  I think it is challenging us to find true happiness, to broaden our comfort zone and truly make it a space filled with joy.  That means we have to make that decision to turn away from negative perceptions, emotions, and responses.  If we accept negativity, how will we achieve happiness?  We won't.  In this way, Wunjo offers encouragement to reject negativity in all forms and pointing out that, because we are human, we can do it.  I've given many readings to people with a similar message: focus on the positive.  Often times, their response is to say that they don't know how to do that.  My response is always the same.  You just do it.  You make a conscious choice to be happy.  It occurs to me that what Wunjo in second position is suggesting is that choosing to be optimistic is the first step toward joy.

Our third Rune, Gebo the gift Rune, reinforces optimism in no uncertain terms.  The ability to choose optimism, especially when the world seems so full of negative energy today, is an incredibly powerful gift that we can give to ourselves.  Our own optimism can spread to others too.  The most amazing part is that we can all do that simply by making that conscious choice.  Making the choice is easy, but following through on it may not be.  Remaining optimistic in the face of obstacles real or perceived isn't necessarily easy, but the joy that awaits you on the optimistic path is worth it and so are you.

My being able to publish a blog post every month is a small thing, but I am optimistic about being able to do it and it is okay that other things in my life needed my attention this month.  I am still optimistic I will get October's post done before November arrives.  In case you're wondering, some of those other things in my life that needed my time this month aren't simple little things like writing a monthly blog post, and I am letting you know that so that you know you are not alone in facing beasts, turning away from negativity, and making a conscious effort to focus on optimism to make yourself happier.  I'm with you and I am sure that many other people who read this blog are too.

Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Dagaz

When I delve into individual Runes in a post, sometimes it's just about the characteristics of that Rune and sometimes I use other Runes to explain how to use a single Rune in a certain situation.  An important thing to remember is that, while each Rune has its own meaning, how it is applied varies depending on the situation or line of questions.

Over the past month, I have drawn Dagaz far more often than usual, which made me wonder why.  What is the message that the day Rune is sending to me?

Based on the three Runes I drew to help explain Dagaz for me and why I have drawn it so often lately, the over-arching themes I received were clarity, opportunity, and choices.

The first Rune I drew was Othala, the Rune of the homestead and inheritance.  Interestingly, when I considered Othala, just over three years ago, Dagaz came last with a message of clarity.  So, what Dagaz helps me do here is get clarity around my homestead.  Contemplating Othala in terms of clarity is interesting because my initial thought was clarity around financial issues and I was expecting Fehu.  Othala signifies to me that the clarity around homestead (aka: family issues) is broader than simply financial issues, though Othala does include the notion of inheritance, which has financial implications.  In this instance, Dagaz can be clarity around time spent with family, working on the house or yard or even strengthening local community to support the larger notion or indirect interpretation of homestead.

Berkana came second.  This is a Rune I have explored twice - one more personal venture that looked at beginning an adventure and one that looked at acknowledging what has come to an end.  Through the lens of Dagaz, Berkana is presented in terms of looking for opportunity or, even better, creating opportunity.  In other words, Dagaz heightens opportunities; it's a good time to look for opportunities that already exist or to create opportunities for yourself or others.  This combination is very positive and powerful.

I received Uruz, the aurochs Rune last.  This is a great Rune on which to end, because Uruz, the wild ox, is free, free to live as it wishes, free to make choices.  Dagaz, as the day Rune, shines light into our lives, allowing us to see things clearly (if we choose to look) so that we can make choices.  Likewise, having Dagaz present reminds us to make informed enlightened choices, ones that will be beneficial to us and to our homestead.

Dagaz is a positive and powerful Rune of light and, by those virtues, provides us with clarity - the ability to see things clearly if we pause and look, opportunities - both existing and created, and choices - beneficial ones that are informed by seeing the larger picture.

Runes 402 - Rune Dialogues - Dealing with Change

Change is a part of life.  In fact, some say that the only thing that is constant in this world is change.  Still, that does not negate the fact that some people really struggle with it.  Someone very dear to me does not deal well with it, but his life is about change in a fairly big way.  Despite it being a positive change, his aversion to change hasn't changed.  So, I decided to engage with the Runes to ask for their guidance in managing it.  How can we deal with change, whether good or bad, for our own well-being without reacting negatively to it?

The Runes make it clear from the onset that this is truly a personal issue.

Runes:  Mannaz reminds us that humans possess both strengths and weaknesses.

Me:  That is true.  Thank you.  So, this tells us that it is okay to not like change; that it is a natural part of who we are.

Runes:  It is, but so is how you deal with it.  You may not like it, but it is going to happen, so perhaps the best way to approach change is the way you approach a new day.  That is why Dagaz comes second.  Each day begins as an opportunity.  What you accomplish and how you feel during the cycle of one day depends on your choices and your perspective.

Me:  You are saying that we need to be more conscious of the things we do, right?

Runes:  I am saying that by being more conscious, you can have a better effect on your day.  Berkana represents birth and beginnings.  When we are born our opportunities are unlimited.  Change presents beginnings too; sometimes not in ways we would like to receive them, but when a beginning presents itself to us, it holds nothing more than potential and you can choose how you engage that potential and what direction it takes.

Me:  Of course.  Thank you.  This makes it seem much easier.

Runes:  Do not misinterpret my intention.  The way you approach change is important, but that does not necessarily mean it will be easier or even pleasant.  However, I place Uruz here, not only because dealing with discomfort requires strength, but also to remind you that it requires you to think freely and critically about such a situation.

Me:  How will we know if we are succeeding or what can we do to ensure that we are thinking freely and critically?

Runes:  Perthro takes this struggle outside of you (Mannaz) and into a social component.

Me:  So, we need to find the fun in the situation.

Runes:  That is only part of it.  It is important to find the lighter side, but more importantly, you must engage socially,  If you withdrawal from the inevitable change, you make everything a struggle.  It is in your best interest to participate in the process of change.  It helps forge new relationships, build loyalty, and it affects your wyrd.  That is where Gebo comes in, for when you give, in this case to a situation, without expectation of an end result, the gift within the situation will reveal itself to you in many ways.

Me:  Your insight has been very wise.  I understand that it is okay to not like change, but that the way that we engage with and accept it will have profound impact on the experience we have with it.  If we resist less and work on building relationships, the outcome is far more likely to be a positive one.  Thank you.