Runes 403 - Rune Interpretations - Courage

Sometimes it's hard to find the courage to do things that we don't want to do.  I'm talking about big things here, like standing up when you know others will do their damndest to tear you down, to discredit you; to share a life altering experience in the face of ridicule; and to relive trauma.  I asked the Runes to offer insight into how to not only find that initial courage, but to get through the entire process.  The Runes were spot on in their guidance.  They gave me Tiwaz, Perthro, and Hagalaz.

I really like the order in which these are presented, because rather than give me Hagalaz first, which would have started us off on a low note, the Runes offered empowerment in Tiwaz.  Tiwaz is Týr's Rune and it has three strong aspects to it - Týr as a warrior, Týr as a sky god, and Týr's sacrifice.  Starting with the latter, in this instance, a sacrifice was made once (in the past) and now a different kind of sacrifice must happen, one that is tied directly to the first.  This is the requirement or decision to take a stand.  As a sky god, we have a bird's eye view of the situation.  This means that we can see how all the various parts of the situation come together.  It gives us an understanding of things so that we can be strategic, prepared.  Finally, as a warrior, we are reminded that we can persevere, because being a warrior is about far more than hand to hand combat.  Through this single Rune with these three different, but connected aspects, our individual courage is brought to light.

Perthro, in second position, reminds us that we are not alone.  While our friends may challenge us at times, true friends support us through hard times.  In fact, it is often said that in hard times, we find out who our true friends really are.  I would take this a step further to say that beyond friends who support us, there are strangers who share our experience, who understand what it means and the courage it takes to stand up, and they support us as well.  When we have a wavering moment, we can remember that not only do we have our own courage to rely on, but that we have the support friends and unknown others.

This is important to remember, so that when the hail storm of Hagalaz hits, we can weather it and come out on the other side knowing that we did what we needed to do.  This is why Hagalaz is in the third position; the first two Runes prepare us to be hit by the hail and to not only survive, but come out on the other side with new potential.  Remember, when hail melts it provides nourishment from which new things - ideas, perspectives, opportunities, etc. - can blossom.

Runes 303 - Rune Art - Deeper Meanings

Through readings and rituals, the Runes can be very empowering.  They can also provide some great and consistent energy through art.  I've recently started using art to express that very thing and am excited to launch a new series on  this blog as a result: Runes 303 - Rune Art.  Though it wasn't planned, this piece of art turned into something far deeper than the artistic representation I thought I was creating.

I love the coast - the beach, the sea air, the expanse of the ocean, and the life the coastal ecosystem supports.  I wanted to choose three Runes to represent the major aspects of this beautiful natural setting.  I chose Laguz, Ansuz, and Sowilo.

Taking the blank canvass, I wanted to create a background to depict the sand.  Once that was dry, I started to outline the sea with Laguz in the center.  In the upper left, I painted Sowilo to signify the sun.  In the lower right, I placed Ansuz as the embodiment of a river delta or the mouth of the river.  Opposite Sowilo, I made splotchy dots to denote the stars in a night sky.  Opposite Laguz, I painted the tributaries that feed the rivers that leads to the sea.

As I added the finishing touches, I considered the three Runes I chose and realized that they are more than a mere representation of the coastal ecosystem.   I recognized a much deeper meaning to them, one of self-exploration and awareness.

Laguz, the water Rune, is central to the image and beckons us to explore and face the mysteries of the deep where the sea is a metaphor for our subconscious.  The Old English Rune poem warns that people who take to the sea in an unsteady ship will be terribly frightened by the waves.  Similarly, if we venture into new parts of our subconscious, though it might be scary, we must be prepared to accept what is there.  It does not mean that what is there cannot be changed, merely that what we find is the current state.  It is what we do with the recognition of the current state of things that matters.  As we explore, we must remember to look at the good as well as the bad, the accomplishments as well as the challenges.

Having Sowilo above Laguz brings comfort, for Sowilo represents the sun and feminine energies of support and caring.  It lifts spirits and gives hope.  Interestingly, Sowilo's Old English poem mentions the sea-stallion bringing travelers to land, to safety.  This is the same sea stallion mentioned in the Laguz poem that is not heeding its bridle.  When I made this connection, it strengthened the empowerment of the image I had painted.  With Laguz, there is exploration and uncertainty, but Sowilo watches over that uncertainty and provides the space for it to be processed and understood safely.

Ansuz, as the mouth of the river, feeds Laguz, creating an intriguing dynamic when interpreting the image beyond its face.  Ansuz is almost like the beginning, for as the origin of every language (according to the Old English poem), its ideal intention is to provide wisdom and build confidence through knowledge shared.  But, we know that communication does not always follow its intended path.  Though well-intentioned, Ansuz's message can be twisted and contorted in the storms of Laguz, thus creating the challenges an exploration of Laguz might uncover.  In this way, it counters Sowilo nicely to provide balance to the meaning of the image and remind us that we must sometimes pause and reevaluate certain parts of our lives.

I was pleasantly surprised to realize that, through this creative exercise, I had actually produced a piece of art that holds such provocative meaning and insight.  What is especially profound is that what the Runes in this art revealed is exactly the effect that the coast has on me.  When I go to the beach and look out over the ocean, my reality (my current state) becomes much easier to accept and address just by being there.

Thoughts with Norway

I am sure I don't need to tell you about the horrible events that happened in Norway a couple of days ago.  This week, I dedicate my space to those affected by this tragedy.  I found this photo on the web.  I am re-posting it here as a symbol of support to my favorite region of the world.  May you heal quickly.