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 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.

Yule Wishes

Whether you celebrate Yule or Christmas or Hanukkah or another holiday at this special time of year, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for reading my blog.

I celebrate multiple holidays between now and the end of December, some with friends and some with family.  But it is Yule, which occurs on the solstice, that is the holiday I link to my spirituality for many reasons.

I did a three-Rune draw for the solstice and want to share it with you along with my best wishes for the coming year!

Please remember that you can always email me if you have any questions or would like your own personal reading.

 The Runes I drew were Laguz, Perthro, and Berkana.  They address the simple question: What Runes will you give me to share for the Solstice?

I like these Runes, because they answer the question as simply as it was asked and lend themselves to moving into the new year in a thoughtful and positive way.  They seem to say relax and enjoy yourself.  Have fun with friends and family and prepare for the new year to begin.  Perhaps, most importantly, in this draw there exists a strong sense of optimism, which I hope we can all carry with us into and throughout the new year.

Laguz has always been a bit perplexing to me, because as the water Rune it represents fluidity and flexibility (go with the flow), but it also beckons the mysteries that lie within the depths of the water, which may also be advice to look deeper into things and into ourselves.  This may be great chance to take some time to reflect, think more about what we want for ourselves and how we might get it, and prepare to go into the new year strong, happy, and committed to your goals.  At the same time, this time of year can be very festive and a good opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family.

I think that is why Laguz is followed by Perthro.  For me, Perthro represents social gatherings, the perfect Rune for this time of year.  It is a time to gather with loved ones, to relax and have fun, play games and eat and drink.  Plus, being with family and friends can provide support to make looking more deeply at our hopes and dreams easier and more productive.

Berkana as the last Rune is quite encouraging too, because it signifies beginnings.  It can represent the fact that a new year is starting and with that new year comes hope and maybe optimism about what we can accomplish in the next twelve months.  It can be a fresh start or a chance to begin again.  How ever you decide to approach 2017, I hope you have a wonderful year!

Remember, the Runes are always here for you!

See you next year.

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 202 - Bind Runes - Letting Go

Sometimes in life, we cannot resolve or rectify things that happened in our past.  In these situations, we can develop a very deep felt need to find a resolution though.  But, this need can overpower our current lives.  We are not satisfied because we cannot resolve something from our past, which makes us unhappy, and our need to obtain those answers so that we can feel satisfaction about our past makes us unhappy in the present.  What's most important is that, if we don't resolve it, we will be unhappy in our future life as well.

Given this, the question becomes how do we let go of things we cannot resolve?  This reads to me like using a Norn cast is the best approach, because our situation includes the past, present, and what should happen in the future.  So, I asked the Norns for guidance, then I took the Runes they gave me and made a bind Rune to strengthen our resolve to let go.

The Norns showed me Hagalaz, Eihwaz, and Laguz.

A bind Rune for letting go of things you cannot resolve.
The image on the left shows hows the Runes were bound together.

The Rune from Urd really sets the tone, telling us everything we need to know about the situation.  Hagalaz is the hail Rune and it contains a complete process within itself.  Drawing this Rune first, acknowledges that there was a destructive force (situation) in our past.  It is important that we acknowledge it here.  However, there is another part to the hail Rune that provides nourishment.  In this instance, I am not so sure we are talking about lessons learned, rather more about what we can choose to take from the damage of the hail storm.  In essence do we say, "Look at this mess.  You've ruined everything!"  Or do we say, "This is a mess.  What is still intact?  What can I use, maybe in a different way, to rebuild or create something better?"  The former locks us into the past, while the latter offers potential and opportunities for the future.

Whereas Urd established the situation, Verdandi points to us.  Eihwaz helps us realize who we are right now as we try to deal with Urd's situation.  What really stands out to me with this Rune is its strength, not asking the question, "Are we strong enough to let go?", rather telling us that we are.  In fact, it is a gentle way of assuring us that we can do this, that it is time to be brave and take that step. There is no 'how' in this instance; there is only do.  Just take a deep breath and make the commitment to let go and then let go.  This requires not only the bravery and strength infused in the Rune, but trust and/or faith, which may be harder to muster than bravery.

With the situation and the recognition of our abilities to address it sorted, we turn to - what now?  What action do we need to take to let go of this issue from our past and move forward in a positive way?  Skuld gives us Laguz, the water Rune.  This strikes me as almost another process, though this Rune does not contain a process in the same way that Hagalaz does.  Part of letting go entails relaxing, going with the flow - an idea I associate with this Rune.  If we accomplish this aspect of the Rune, the flow will continue forward in a similar fashion - relaxed, easy, smooth.  Once that smooth flow is established, we can go deeper into it, exploring its mysteries and living life more fully, because we are no longer weighted down by the past.

Binding these Runes together demonstrates a clear process for us to follow.  It creates a clearer, connected picture for us to wrap our heads and hearts around and provides us with a reminder of the effort we must apply, and the release we will feel.

Runes 402 - Rune Dialogues - Managing the Truth

The truth can be a challenging aspect of life.  More specifically, it can be problematic when it is entirely evident, but must be handled carefully so as to obtain the desired outcome.  In this case, the truth becomes the elephant in the room; it is obvious that everyone knows it is there, but they choose to ignore it and, as a result, life sputters on as it always has.

Well, I say, "Nertz to that!"

I cannot sit idly by with a giant elephant in the room.  However, also as an adult, I realize I cannot simply blurt things out.  The situation has to be handled with tact and care and finesse.  So, I engaged the Runes to help me manage it.

Me:  What can you tell me about this truth?

Runes:  Thurisaz represents the situation well.  It shows us that truth is power and, if the power is unleashed haphazardly, it can wreak havoc and make the situation worse.  However, if it is focused and guided, it can bring great rewards.

Me:  Thank you for your wisdom.  Thurisaz does align well with my current situation.  The question is how do I roll out the truth?

Runes:  Laguz has two aspects, one of following the flow as it rolls out; the other looking deeper at the mysteries or secrets being kept.

Me:  So these are the paths from which I must choose.  Do I follow the flow of the others involved and the other information that is being provided?  Or do I expose the secrets?

Runes:  The time is fertile, as Ingwaz shows, for you to guide the flow of things as they are unrolled.  But it also reminds you to be careful.  You will reap what you sow.

Me:  Reaping what I sow could be good or bad.  I don't want to put bad energy into the mix, but I see what is best for the big picture in the long run.

Runes:  If you do nothing, things will not change.  If you do nothing, there will be no beginnings for moving forward.  Berkana will keep appearing to address this fear.  If you want things to change, to begin anew, the truth is the path that leads in that direction.

Me:  Yes, I know the truth must come out.  I am just not sure how to expose it without creating collateral damage.  I don't want to simply be a finger pointer.  I need to be able to say, "This way no longer works.  We must step onto a new path."

Runes:  Raido is the journey down that path.  Raido tells you to be the change, to stand up.  Live life!  You cannot help but guide the big picture onto a new and productive path.

Me:  I have missed engaging with you in this way.  Thank you for your guidance and insight.  What is the last word on this?

Runes: The last words are the words you have already written.  Remember Algiz and Heimdall.

Me:  The words from my novel excerpt.

Runes: Yes.

Me:  Thank you.  I needed this conversation with you tonight.  Tomorrow I will begin writing the words that will reveal the truth.

Runes 202 - Bind Runes - Priorities

I received some interesting feedback about last week's post, but one really stood out, because it was a nuanced aspect to the idea of dealing with change that relates to priorities.  The question was - how can you keep from losing track of your priorities, especially when change occurs?  The example was a personal project this person has been working on consistently for a few years.  However, her family is going through a big change right now and she wants to make sure that she manages to keep working on this project, which has come to mean a lot to her.

I asked the Runes her question and their response was simple, but I felt like I wanted to capture the strength that lies within its simplicity.  So, I made them into a bind Rune.  The Runes I drew were Nauthiz, Laguz, and Mannaz.

This is the way I chose to bind them, because, I felt that Nauthiz and Laguz were tied to Mannaz on the left, almost as if, even though Mannaz was last, it was actually first and they are responding to the foundation of the human experience.

Nauthiz, the Rune of need and necessity, came up about a year ago in a slightly different context, but its overarching meaning is still the same - the idea of need versus want.  Nauthiz acknowledges that it is easy to get caught up in the new things that come with change.  Whether they are good or bad, we can find ourselves dedicating far more time to them than we should or really need to.  As the first Rune drawn, it suggests that we need to create an awareness of the things we need and make sure that we keep them in our lives.  Too often we focus on a single aspect of 'need', such as money, but we need a diversity of things in our lives and that is what Nauthiz tells us.  For some it means time outside hiking or gardening, for others, maybe writing or reading, for example.

Laguz was second and also appeared in our last bind Rune about life's pursuits.  In that bind Rune, it told us that we must not get stressed out, but we cannot simply kick back and let our circumstances take control of lives.  We must move consciously.  Similarly, in this instance, Laguz says that part of moving consciously within the flow of our lives means that our hobbies or special projects or time with family and friends are not just going to happen on their own.  We need to make a commitment to them (maintain it) through the changes in our lives.  In essence, it is our responsibility to ourselves to engage in the activities that fulfill different parts of who we are.

That leads us to Mannaz, the Rune that came first last week and feels first today.  Last week's message was important, however brief.  We are human; we have strengths and weaknesses.  Beyond the self, Mannaz brings the larger human society into the picture.  When considering priorities, Mannaz reminds us to consider how we want our individual self to exist and interact with the society in which we exist.  How will it influence us and we it?  How do we want to be a part of it?

Joining these three Runes together as I have establishes us as part of a larger entity or force.  Placing Nauthiz lower and, in a way, closer to Mannaz allows us to acknowledge what we need to feel fulfilled, especially those things that we might be inclined to let slip away, because of some major change in our lives.  Laguz, then, helps us prioritize those needs and find a way to continue to honor their place in filling our lives with the things we need.

Runes for You

After a completely crazy week and the need to let go and forget it over the weekend, I realized that I could not write the post I had planned, because I did not have the time to finish the book I'm currently reading to review.

However, because the Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld always have wisdom to share, I called on them through the Runes and asked them what knowledge they would like to tell me about your past, present, and future - 'you' representing both you personally and the larger societal you.  Yes, a Norn cast for you.  Here is how they lined up:

Urd, representing your past, showed Laguz.  In this instance, the water Rune represents your past and and you must consider that past as part of your life going forward.  Just as water nourishes you, so too does your past, though in a very different sense.  Where water provides for your physical existence (by drinking it, using it water food, and for cleanliness among other things), your past provides mental nourishment.  Your past experiences have taught you lessons and prepared you for each step forward that you take.  Coupled with this are the mysteries held in a deep or stormy sea.  They can be scary, but you cannot be afraid to try new things; remembering that all of your life experiences up to this point have helped to prepare you for the next challenge you face, the next choice you make.

Verdandi gave me Fehu, the cattle Rune, which symbolizes your present and equates generally to finances.  The Rune poems for Fehu are quite interesting, for while they all clearly call it money, the Old Icelandic and Norwegian poems point out that it causes quarrels among kinsmen, and the Old English poem almost counters that with the suggestion of sharing your good fortune with others - keep things somewhat equitable (perhaps to avoid quarrels and conflict).  I think this is indicative of our current society, where the wealth is being concentrated among the few.  Now is the time to take the lessons from your past and apply them to your current situation.  There are any number of sayings I could call on here to make this point.  How about Margaret Mead, who said. "Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world.  For, indeed, that's all who ever have."  This calls the idea of personal responsibility to the fore.  Add to that, "It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction" (by Diane Grant), and you have a very powerful opportunity presenting itself.

Skuld offered Raido, the riding Rune.  Having just looked at Raido a few weeks ago, it is fresh in my mind.  Following on Verdandi giving us Fehu, Skuld showing Raido signifies change - a journey.  Essentially, your future should experience a change, it should be different from your present.  However, as we know, this is not a done deal with the Norns.  This is what should be, but only you can make it so.  You will never get where you want to be if you don't consciously undertake the challenges life presents.  You must take the reins and move or you will be moved in a direction you do not wish to be carried.  I will end with a quote from my Raido post, because it flows perfectly with the wisdom we have received from Urd and Verdandi.  In support of her sisters and through Raido, Verdandi 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." 

Runes 202 - Bind Runes - Life's pursuits

I began a line of questioning with the Runes today that I intended to relate to job searches, changing careers, and the like.  However, as I contemplated and interpreted the meaning of the three Runes I received - Kenaz, Laguz, and Fehu - I realized that I was limiting them to a single parameter in life, when they applied easily to many pursuits.

Not only could I not confine these Runes, but I wanted to strengthen them by binding them together.  The final product may not look pretty, but it is a powerful reminder of a positive mindset as we endeavor into life's pursuits.

 

Although it's not the prettiest or most balanced bind Rune I've made, I love it just for the open visual.  This Rune looks like it is open to so many possibilities.  Beyond the visual, the Runes that are bound here are very uplifting.

I drew Kenaz first and its simplicity is revealed in this position.  Commonly referred to as the Rune of the light or torch, Kenaz represents human made fire, made using human creativity and knowledge.  This indicates to me that we should pursue those things that come naturally to us or that we have worked hard to learn and master.  That is where we will find satisfaction.  Even if it is not possible to undertake these things to earn a living, they must remain an active part of our lives, for they feed our joy.

Laguz was next.  Though I often say, "go with the flow" when this Rune appears, it is not simply a matter of kicking back and letting things happen to us.  We must still be active, preferably proactive in life's pursuits.  While we should try not to let things stress us out, we must also realize that life does not flow directly from A to B.  In other words, it's not going to be easy, but if we follow Kenaz (doing the things that come naturally or that we have worked hard to master), it will be worth it.  The thing to remember is that, like the depths of the sea, life is full of mysteries and, like the river making its way across the floodplain to the sea, life is also full of twists and turns, calm waters and rapids.  If we sit back and do nothing, those aspect's of life are going to kick our asses.  We have to navigate these parameters consciously.

I laughed a bit when I saw the final Rune - Fehu.  It seems to be counter to the implication of the first two Runes.  Where they suggest guiding our lives toward joy and contentment, Fehu is the cattle Rune' money; suggesting that money is the happiness we seek.  However, two points stand out against this idea.  First, whereas cattle used to be a form of 'money', in broader terms, it represents wealth and today wealth cannot be measured in terms of financial prowess alone.  The second point ties directly into that idea, because the Rune poems claim that those who have money should dole it out in abundance, essentially share the wealth, and that money is the source of a lot of arguments with loved ones.  In essence, don't put all your eggs in one basket - don't make financial wealth you're only goal.  Good health, good friends, a loving family, work that you enjoy or that allows you to do the things you enjoy, these are all aspects of wealth.  So, Fehu is not counter to Kenaz or Laguz; rather it reinforces them by making you consider the types of rewards you want to achieve through Kenaz and Laguz.

Separately, these three Runes offer important guidance in the pursuit of life.  Together, they unite our natural talents and acquired knowledge with our abilities to proactively navigate the twists, turns, and mysteries of life, and realize that money is only a single goal within and along that path; we will be far richer in the end, if we pursue good health, loving relationships, and activities we enjoy as we pursue financial security.

Runes 402 - Rune Dialogues - Following Two Paths

Through my most recent dialogue with the Runes, the importance of posing a question just right so that you can understand the answer the Runes offer and so they can understand the true intent of the question being asked, became very clear.  In other words, you have to ask what you want to know.  Don't be vague.

After about twenty minutes of engaging with the Runes over the weekend, I realized we were dancing around the actual question that I needed to ask.  More importantly, perhaps, I was waiting for the Runes to present themselves when what I needed to do was put forth the first Rune myself. Once that was sorted, I laid down Jera as the starting point.

Jera is the year Rune, the Rune of the harvest and the implied cycle or process to achieving a bountiful one.

As I set down this Rune to restart my conversation with the Runes, I asked how I can manage my time over the next year to 18 months as I follow two paths forward - one for my current situation and one that leads to a different future.  Essentially, how can I maintain the path I am required to be on right now, while ensuring that it will lead me to the path I want for the future?

The Runes responded by showing me Laguz, the water Rune.

Me:  Ah, Laguz.  But, you see, part of the problem is that I cannot relax and go with the flow.  I understand that I cannot push the river (control where and how water moves), but I need to define some sort of course to help me move forward.

Runes: Mannaz reminds you of who you are.  What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Me:  I don't understand.  What is the link between Laguz and Mannaz that you are wanting me to see?

Runes:  Fehu is a bad focus for making your plan.  Laguz is more than flow.  Many mysteries lie below its surface.  If you wish to focus on exploring those mysteries, you must be aware of your weaknesses.  Right now, that weakness is focusing on money.  You showed me Jera to start this, so focus on the process.  Even if money is the ultimate goal (or one of them), your focus should be on the next step, not on the final one.

Me:  Oh, I see now.  Thank you for that clarification.  You are correct and I do tend to jump ahead; that is why I laid Jera.  How do I stay focused on taking a single step at a time?

Runes:  Thurisaz will guide you.

Me:  But Thurisaz is a very powerful Rune and, if not managed well, the power unleashed by it can turn to chaos and create even more trouble.  That would not be good.

Runes:  You are a warrior, are you not?  Tiwaz shows you the warrior you are. Remember that one of the key aspects of a warrior is her strategic ability. You can manage your own power unleashed through Thurisaz.  Channel that power.  Do not be afraid.

Me:  That is true; I am a warrior, but I am also weary of letting my power get way from me, but you are right, I should not be.  And, what will happen if I do unleash it and maintain it?  If I can stay focused on each step and not jump ahead?

Runes:  These are the Runes you want to see in the future - Raido, Dagaz, and Wunjo.  If you trust in your abilities, and unleash them with focus and direction, this is the path that will reveal itself to you in the future.  Raido is your travel on  all aspects of this path.  It will lead you to a point where you can see things clearly, though they may not be so clear right now.  Once you can see things clearly and have a sense of where things are, you will be happier.

Me:  These are good Runes.  Thank you.  That is what I need to do - see opportunities clearly.  I am nervous about how good these Runes are though.

Runes:  You know the Norns.  Raido is your past (Urd) and path, the one that has led you this moment (Verdandi), where you are beginning to see shimmers of light from Dagaz, an end to an arduous journey.  Wunjo is what should be, according to Skuld.  It is still up to you to bring it to fruition.  Realizing that happiness is within your power can be overwhelming, but if it is what you truly seek, you will find a way to guide this path to it.  What you must decide is whether or not this is the path that will get you to Wunjo.

Me:  Thank you for your wisdom.  You have shown me how to follow two paths to secure my current situation and ensure my future one by looking simply at the next step and not focusing on the ultimate goal.

Runes 401 - Rune Rituals - Othala

This was an entirely unplanned event - a ritual around Othala.  In fact, I was going to try something new in the bind Rune series, but as I drew the Runes, I realized that they were showing me something that is, in fact very old... Othala.  This Rune represents the homestead, inheritance, even family.  As I drew three more Runes - Sowilo, Mannaz, and Laguz, I realized the Runes were painting a picture for me, so I decided to paint a picture using these Runes, while telling the story.

I preface this by assuring you that I am not a painter, nor do I have aspirations to be that type of artist, but I will share this image with you and hope that you will appreciate the story and go easy on the art.  In fact, the point of this ritual is the story.

Here is the picture I painted during the ritual:

And here is the story it tells:

Othala is our foundation; it represents our family.  In this story, it goes even a step further, a step deeper to signify the human species.  It shelters us, which is why Mannaz is placed directly underneath of it, so that we may appreciate our place of shelter and all that it protects.  Our shelter is built of earth and gives our family a place to gather without threat.

While our world is built of earth (and is Earth), two other elements support our life force - sun and water in the forms of Sowilo and Laguz, which is why they are on either side of Mannaz and almost appear to physically support Othala.  Sowilo is the sun that empowers us through the energy it provides not just for us, but for our food and all other life forms on the planet.  We also need water, another basic necessity for life, which Laguz gives us.  Laguz nourishes us, cleanses us and serves as primary means of transport.

To complete our story, I was compelled to paint a white circle around this image.  On the simplest of levels, the circle can represent the protection of our family and our home.  On another simple level that has become complex, it can symbolize our atmosphere, which locks in everything we need to live our lives on Earth, including the air we breathe.  It is white, because it is subtle, barely visible, but without it, we would not be here.  Within that lies the complexity of how we care for Earth as our home and not just our dwelling as our home.

As I painted the circle, I simply breathed deeply and realized that what I had done through this painting and story telling ritual was to create an image that, for me, is humans' existence on Earth and that Othala affords us the daily comfort we need to survive, but that there is so much energy around it from Laguz and Sowilo, that we live among many luxuries, like creativity and love, which we don't always embrace or share widely enough.  Therein lies my original goal - trying something new - by embracing and sharing the love and creativity that surrounds us.

Winter Solstice Runes

Saturday night was the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere.  For me, it represents the end of Earth’s annual cycle.  It felt right to ask the Runes what knowledge they would like to share with us about it.  What was most interesting to me was that, while there was an acknowledgement of looking back over the past year, it was veiled in a look forward and planning for the new cycle or year.

The three Runes I drew were Berkana, Laguz, and Othala.

Although we are reaching the end of the annual cycle, Berkana is a about birth and beginnings, reminding us that every ending is also a beginning.  Berkana is the birch Rune, representing a tree that sprouts through coppicing and Berkana’s Rune poem notes that the tree grows despite not flowering.  It is this aspect that reflects on the past year and provides a good reminder for the next one.  We notice when flowers bloom, whether they are individual flowers or on trees or bushes.  Many flowers become food and those that don’t still provide bees with nectar to make honey, which we also use for food.  These are obvious cycles that culminate by bearing fruit literally and serve as a figurative symbol for the way we recognize a completed project.  We complete cycles with something tangible, something clearly visible – our figurative fruit.  However, Berkana tells us that not every cycle has an obvious ending.  Sometimes, it happens over time, without a huge climax.  It is important to recognize and acknowledge these completed cycles along with those that end with a concrete benchmark.  As I look back over my year, I don’t readily see a lot of flowers or fruit.  However, I do see a lot of growth, some subtle and some more obvious.

Laguz supports this idea from Berkana, that not every accomplishment is entirely obvious.  Laguz is the water Rune, but like Berkana, it has more depth than the surface may suggest.  As I have often said, Laguz makes me think of the saying, “Go with the flow.”  While that is still part of the insight offered here – that we must not dwell on the negative, rather accept it, learn the lessons from that experience, and move on – Laguz also represents the mysteries of the seas and stands as a symbol of creative exploration.  I say this from an ancient Norse perspective.  That is to say that although a stormy sea could be detrimental to Norse ships, water was also how they traveled the world.  They traversed rivers and oceans like roads leading to new places and opportunities.  In a similar way, we can explore our world and not be afraid to step off a concrete road to try one that, like the seas, is a little less predictable.  We cannot be afraid try new things or delve deeper into things we are already doing on some level.  This is how we grow and where we find our next beginning.

Our final Rune – Othala – takes us to a level beyond ourselves.  Thinking about endings and beginnings, we can be drawn immediately to the personal aspects of that.  Finishing college, for example, is an ending of one part of our life, but it also marks the beginning or our professional career.  Along with starting a new relationship or leaving one place to live in another, these experiences all possess an individual perspective.  Although Othala can, to some degree, represent the personal in the sense of a legacy, Othala is more about the greater good, the homestead and inheritance.  It represents a larger scale, perhaps even at the community level or higher.  It’s about more than building your own career, though the individual definitely supports your ability to build a homestead.  Othala requires us to think beyond ourselves.   

So, as we complete cycles and begin new ones, these three Runes represent at least two very important things to consider in looking over the past year and aspire to as we move forward.   First, even when our beginnings are or seem self-focused, they reach into the larger community that surrounds and supports us.  Second, we should not be afraid to attempt completely new creative beginnings. What fruit are you hoping the new annual cycle will bear?

Runes 202 - Bind Runes - Letting go of Anger

We all get angry.  We all get angry over silly stuff.  But, sometimes, when people we are close to do or say things that hurt our feelings, I mean really hurt our feelings, how do we manage the anger that builds out of that?  Although anger doesn't help anything and other people's choices are out of our control, after we acknowledge that we are hurt, the next emotion in the process tends to be anger.

I wanted to know how we can get past the anger without acting on it, because acting on anger can have a snowball effect on the situation, when the best approach is to diffuse it and reduce the power we are so easily willing to give to anger.  So, I turned to the Runes for guidance on how to manage this part of the healing; the Runes and I had quite a dialogue before this draw felt manageable. 

Twice they gave me Laguz - the water Rune - the idea of going with the flow, which we cannot do when we are hurt and angry.  We will get there, but not yet.  Given this, I assured the Runes that they needed to take a step back.  That is when they gave me what I needed - Isa, Gebo, and Ansuz.  I combined these three into a bind Rune and drew it on a piece of paper so that the next time I am hurt and angered by someone close to me, I can carry it with me as a reminder of how to get past it.

Each Rune helps to dispel the anger in its own way and each one builds on the other.  Putting them together in a bind Rune reinforces their power and the course we need to take to let go of the anger.

Isa is very important as the first Rune.  The ice Rune is about stillness and caution, reminding us to take time to reflect on the situation and examine our feelings.  This is sage advice, because lashing out when we're angry is not the best approach to dealing with things.  Isa recommends, instead, that we pause, consider, plan, and even organize our thoughts and feelings.  Look at the big picture, for the situation clearly includes more than you and the person with whom you're in conflict.  This will also help us realize what is in our control and what is not.  We need to let go of the latter.

Gebo reminds us that not all gifts come in neatly wrapped packages with a bow on top.  In a way, Hagalaz comes to mind.  Things start out bad - we are hurt - but as we deal with the fall out of the bad situation, things will get better.  What distinguishes this from a truly "Hagalaz situation" is that, as we reflect and think about what has happened, we will find a gift within it.  My first thought is that one gift may be realizing our own strength or abilities, by simply taking the time to reflect and consider the entire conflict instead of allowing our anger to jump into the middle of it.  Through this, we will be able to forgive, apologize, and/or clarify, which may be a gift to the other person.

This is where the final Rune comes into play.  Ansuz gives us the next step in approaching our anger.  Once we have it under control and have reflected on it, we know how to communicate going forward and, sometimes, that communication is to remain silent at least until the time is right when we can have a civil dialogue with the goal of resolution.  That is when it becomes about sharing or gaining wisdom (another gift).  What is important to notice here is that there is no indication that we should seek revenge or stand up and defend ourselves.  The message seems clear - there is no need for that.  That would serve only to steep the situation in more anger and likely make things worse, whereas contemplation calms and gives perspective through consideration.

At some point, defending ourselves may become necessary, but for now, maybe it is time for Laguz and just letting it wash over us.  I understand now why the Runes showed it to me when I first posed the question.  It is the ultimate answer - don't let it get to you - but I needed to follow the path to get there.

Runes 403 - Rune Interpretations - Taking a Break

I have been on "vacation" the last two weeks and am heading home today.  The reason put vacation in quotes is because I spent much of my vacation working.  I had editing project after editing project to complete, a couple even came with rush requests; plus, my family and I were caring for a sick relative (who is recovering nicely).  Of course, many of us make remarks about needing a vacation after we return from a vacation, so I got to thinking about what we can do to allow ourselves to take a legitimate, guilt-free break, even if it's just for a day.

Interestingly enough, the first Rune I drew was Dagaz, the Rune of the day.  I accepted this as a symbol of my goal - to take a single day and make it whatever I deemed to constitute a vacation.  For one thing, Dadgaz acknowledges that it is important to take this time and, in a way, commends us for acknowledging that we need a break and that it is okay to take one.  Moreover, day brings us light and, with it, we awake, so we could look at taking a break for a day as our awakening or, at least, our chance to have one.  Without focusing on it, but merely by our actions, we may reevaluate something of consequence in our life and come to a new conclusion about it.

Since the Runes agreed with the idea of a single day, I wanted to know what we are supposed to do with our break.  Perthro was an interesting response, because I had been thinking about a day of quiet relaxation, maybe reading a book or watching a movie.  However, Perthro countered that notion with the idea of social gatherings, games, and friendship.  In essence, a day engaging with our friends in lighthearted entertainment may be just the ticket.  I can appreciate the idea of returning home and catching up with friends; it is a good way to unwind and have a bit of enjoyment.

Still, I expressed my desire to the Runes to have a quiet day to myself, that kind of break, and was caught off guard by Eihwaz.  At the end of May, I looked at Eihwaz in detail and the message I received was that I have an opportunity to do something good for myself and that would also go beyond just me.  Although I had in mind to take a day for myself this week and have a break from everything, the Runes consistently ensure me that now is not the time.  Instead, my break is a break from working for others and taking care of others and, instead, having a good time with others.  In the long run, this will likely prove more beneficial.  I think this represents the idea of recognizing and appreciating the support of friends and the strength that has in our lives.

While I can certainly enjoy a break with friends, the Runes final message to me was Laguz, the water Rune, and another Rune I looked at in detail earlier this year.  I know it's cliche, but Laguz tends to make me think of the saying "go with the flow" and I am certain that that is one of the underlying messages here.  I asked the Runes about taking a break and having time for myself and they said, "Not right now.  Right now, you need to spend time with friends."  That was their 'relax and go with the flow' directive.  However, by slipping Laguz into the mix, not only are they telling me to relax and enjoy this time, but that there is a flow and that flow will lead, at some point, to the break I want.

Of course, Laguz is more than flow.  It also represents mystery, the natural power of the sea, and an intuitive flow.  It's dark and, for me, there is an odd sense of an impending creative explosion.  If I am correct, that will be my break, because that will be when I write for myself.  This is what Eihwaz was telling me about working for me instead of others and it reinforces another plan I made for myself.  You see, I'm taking a solstice to equinox passion challenge for my writing.  Maybe that's the break I need, not a single day, but a couple of hours each day and that is what the Runes are telling me.

I can take a break, but the break is not about me, rather about strengthening friendship bonds and that, following Laguz will lead me to the break I really need, a break to refuel my passion.  Through these questions, the Runes have helped guide me not to a break from work, but to time with friends and a bigger and better break to focus on the work I enjoy.

Runes for Celebration!

I'm taking a break from the various series this week to celebrate the second anniversary of this blog.  I'd like to thank all of you who read, follow, and share my posts.  This blog has become a true labor of love and that is thanks to all of you!

I looked back at the post I wrote for last year's anniversary (Runes of Gratitude) and it still rings true.  However, since then, the number of visits has nearly quintupled!  I'm nearing 70 public followers!  And, I've started two communities, both called Runes and the Futhark, to encourage discussions and share knowledge about and interest in the Runes.  One is on google+ and the other is on facebook.  None of this would be possible without your support, so thank you!!

To show my gratitude this year, I offer Runes for celebration!  Your support has given me the confidence and energy to try new things over the past year and wade into uncertain waters to learn more about the Runes.  For that, I want to celebrate with you!

I asked the Runes what they would give me for this celebration.  They said, "We give you Nauthiz, Hagalaz, and Gebo."

I said, "Thank you.  I appreciate that, but I'm not sure I asked the question properly.  I accept that I shouldn't go overboard with celebrating.  Thus, you showed me Nauthiz, the Rune of need and necessity, but I feel the need to celebrate the accomplishments I've had on this path with those who made them possible.  I also understand that Hagalaz reminds me that things don't always go smoothly.  I know there will be rough spots and disruptions, but they are part of the path; I can learn from and work through them.  Through this process and thanks to the support of everyone who has made this blog possible, I received Gebo, the giving Rune.  Gebo represents not only giving without expectation, which everyone involved has done, but the actual gifts - the Runes,their wisdom, and guidance."

However, I was thinking more along the lines of Wunjo, Dagaz and Laguz, the Runes of joy and pleasure, daylight and clarity, and water or flow.  I was going for more of a party sentiment.

So I asked again, because, "Nauthiz, Hagalaz, and Gebo are not how I want to recognize these great benchmarks, rather I would like to acknowledge them and empower the energy that created them.  What would you say to that?"

The Runes said, "Oh, we see.  Thank you for clarifying.  In that case, we give you Ingwaz, Berkana, and Kenaz."

"These are perfect!  Thank you for your guidance and understanding," I replied.

The first Rune shows fertility through Ingwaz, Freyr's Rune.  This is a positive symbol and indicates that everything we have done together to this point has laid the groundwork for good things to happen.  We can celebrate what our efforts have brought to fruition thus far.

Berkana is the Rune of the birch tree and signifies beginnings.  This marks the entry into the third year of this blog.  When we begin things, we begin with enthusiasm, optimism, and powerful energy.  We can celebrate that on which we embark and carry all the positive energy forward with us!

What better way to begin the third year of this blog than with light from the torch of Kenaz illuminating our path?  Of course, Kenaz is not only light, but is also associated with creativity.  This is where I make my promise to you for the coming year.  I promise to do my best to make the coming year fun and interesting, educational and enjoyable, and I hope that you will engage with me as we take our next steps on the path to explore the wonder of Runes.

As always, please feel free to comment on posts and email me with ideas, questions, and feedback.

Thank you for your support and encouragement!  I'm excited about the coming year!