Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Raido

Yes, I know it's been only three weeks since I wrote about another individual Rune - Uruz - but Raido insisted that this week was its turn.  No matter what question I posed, Raido would be part of the draw and it was usually first.  I could not deny it; besides, it feels right to consider Raido today.

I'd like to begin by looking at its relationship to Ehwaz, the horse.  In the post I wrote about the horse Rune, I pointed out what I see as its main features - loyalty, relationships, pilgrimages, and modes of transportation of journeys.  Simply put, Ehwaz (and its attributes) carries us on our journey and Raido is the journey.  Through Ehwaz's attributes, our journey is made easier.  It reminds us that we are not doing this alone.  Even if we feel we are, we must remember the support of and partnerships with friends and family.

With that support in mind, Raido is the voice inside of us beckoning us to get up and live life.  The first line of the Old English Rune poem warns us that it is easy to sit around telling tales, but much harder to actually step onto the path and take a chance.  It also implies that doing so is worthwhile.  As my dad used to say, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Which ever way we say it, Raido represents change, which is a requirement for progress.  On some level, it signifies a physical change, such as in location - a move or a new job, maybe even both - but more specifically, it means a major and intentional change in our lives.

We will never get where we want to be if we don't consciously undertake the challenges life presents.  In other words, Raido says, "Don't just sit there while life happens to you; don't allow yourself to be a victim of your circumstances.  Take charge of where your life leads you."  Yes, there are times when we need to sit and contemplate our next steps and make plans, but now is not that time.  Raido tells us the time has come to follow the path we envision for ourselves.  We must take the reins and move or we will be moved in a direction we do not wish to be carried.

We must remember, however, that though this is our journey, you we are not alone and we must be kind to our horse (family and friends who are supporting you) along the way if our ride is going to be successful and smooth, and to make the hills easier to climb.