Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Isa

As the ice begins to melt up north, I decided to sit with Isa - the Ice Rune - and reflect on some of the things happening in my life.  It's one of the Runes whose meanings is clear and, built into that meaning is caution and treading carefully.  It tells us to pause and look around, to see the whole picture and then take the next step.  This is what makes Isa the perfect Rune to hold when you are contemplating things.

Before I create a plan, I like to sit with Isa to think about it.  Then, I usually draw three Runes to support the issue I'm thinking about, and there tends to be a common process in those Runes.  The first one will tell me what I need to consider, the second will tell me how to go about it, and the third gives me the results results I should get if I follow the plan.

It's a little like a Norn reading; Urd is the the past - what you must consider.  This one may seem like a bit of a stretch, but hear me out.  When you consider things, the past is a major part of that consideration whether you realize it or not.  What have I learned from the past?  I don't want to repeat the past.  Should I try it again?  I've done this and this, now how do I do this?  Everything builds on the past one way or another.

The second Rune - telling you how to go about addressing the issue - represents Verdandi, what you must do in the present.  This isn't always a clear action.  Sometimes it is a skill or feeling you possess.  Isa will help you process the meaning.  Skuld aligns with the third Rune.  She is not exactly the future, rather more what should be (as I noted above) if you do what you need to do in the present; the results you will get.

I had a few friends try sitting with Isa to contemplate a single issue in their lives and then draw three Runes.  I should point out here that this process differs from an interpretation, because you have been sitting with the issue, considering it from all angles, weighing pros and cons, etcetera.  It's more like a mini ritual.  Anyway, here is what happened for them:

One friend had a situation at work and she wasn't sure if she should tell Human Resources about it.  She sat with Isa an hour a day for three days and then she drew Algiz, Gebo, and Ingwaz.  It was her past experience with taking care of herself through Algiz that gave her the gift (Gebo) she has for speaking up for others that she needed to use.  Ingwaz assured her that the time was right.

Another friend is contemplating getting a second job to pay for a trip he wants to take.  He sat with Isa for two hours and drew two sets of three, first on what kind of job he should get and the second on his ability to actually make the trip happen.  The two hours and two sets signify the second job - 2, 2, 2.  Wunjo (the joy Rune) and Kenaz (the torch Rune) overlapped these two draws.  Along with Raido, the riding Rune, at the beginning of the first draw, and Ehwaz, the horse Rune, at the end of the second, he discerned that whatever job he got would have to use his artistic skills, because that is what would make him happy and able to stick with the job to raise the money for the trip. He could also make the trip work, but it might happen in a non-traditional way.

Finally, another friend recently broke up with her long-time boyfriend and she was thinking about contacting an old boyfriend, not to get together with him, but to resume the friendship she let fall by the wayside, so as not to create any problems with the boyfriend who just ended their relationship.  She sat with Isa for a total of seven hours, an hour a night for a week.  Then, she drew her three Runes - Laguz (the water Rune), Wunjo (the joy Rune) , Berkana (the birch Rune).  Her relationship with the old boyfriend had always been easy (Laguz), they navigated everything without a fuss; it just flowed.  The idea of reconnecting with him and finding out what he'd been up to for the past few years made her happy (Wunjo) and she wanted to act on that happiness.  However, she also had to realize that whether or not he responded to her, was secondary to the fact that reaching out to him was a big step in moving past her recent break-up and getting on with her life (Berkana).

Through my own process and those that my friends undertook, Isa helped us to focus and contemplate before we drew our Runes, which gave us clearer results.  I hope sitting with Isa can help you in the same way.

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 201 - Individual Runes - Thurisaz

Thurisaz is an incredibly powerful Rune whose meaning is cast in the light of foreboding and negative energy.  However, power is neither positive nor negative.  It is a force and how one manages it determines whether it is positive or negative.  We just need to be careful not to let this great power overwhelm us.

Although Jera is my guiding Rune, to begin 2016, I chose Thurisaz as my Rune for this year.  At first, I thought it was because I wanted to "unleash my power" and be the strong and outspoken woman I was when I was younger.  And I thought I could manage it.  After a bit of a rough start and a bit of reflection, I realized that I needed the power in this Rune to reinvigorate myself, because I had let the daily drudge drag me down.  I did not need to unleash my power, rather simply find it again and embrace it.  So my questions for the Runes around Thurisaz were: How can I use the powerful energy of this Rune to get myself back up on my feet and become more of who I used to be?  How can the power of Thurisaz help me to find my energy and passion?

The three Runes I received in answer to these questions were: Tiwaz, Othala, and Kenaz.  This struck me as following the Norns and here's why.

Tiwaz is the warrior Rune, linked to Tyr.  In this position, Tiwaz is given to me by Urd, the Norn who tells of the past.  This is who I used to be and I say that adding a bit of clarification relative to the present.  Although this is who I was in the past and who I want to be in the future, this is a reminder that Tiwaz still resides within me.  I still show glimmers of Tiwaz everyday, but its prominence has given way to the daily drudge.  This is my reminder to get it back.  Thank you, Urd, for showing me this.

The Rune from Verdandi is Othala, a Rune strongly linked to family (heritage and the homestead).  This is a wonderful Rune, for although I know I am doing this for my family, it is important to get this prompt.  Moreover, for me, this Rune also represents the garden we have (or will have) in our yard.  In that way, Othala provides an additional layer to the idea of doing things for family.  Not only do I want to nurture my relationship with my family (mentally, emotionally, and spiritually), but I want to nurture my family's health (physically).  The garden is an important symbol of that, of overall well-being.  Thank you, Verdandi for showing me the full picture.

Skuld, in her wisdom, shows me my personal yearning.  Although what I am doing is for my family, I must also do what will make me happy as an individual.  By presenting Kenaz, she brings me full circle to the reason that I chose Thurisaz for 2016.  Kenaz, though its meaning is less clear than most Runes, is light, human-made fire.  This represents, for me, human innovation and creativity.  This is what I need to bring back into my life - my creativity.  I need to reconnect with the things that drive my passion.  This is why I need Thurisaz!  I am grateful Skuld, for your insight.

Thurisaz is the powerful force that, used with care and caution, will revive my inner warrior (Tiwaz) by reigniting my creativity and passion (Kenaz), thus helping me to do the same for my family (Othala).

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.

Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Berkana 2

Nearly two years ago, I looked at Berkana as I was starting a new business adventure with a friend. Although that adventure has run its course, last week, I started another new adventure and Berkana came to mind once again.  In fact, when Berkana reveals itself to us, we tend to be drawn to ideas of beginnings, birth, and even creative unleashings.

What we tend to forget, because we frame things as every ending is a beginning, is that every beginning also means that something else has come to an end.  I like to think that something coming to an end is a good thing, but it isn't always or, even if it is, it isn't necessarily easy.  So, what I wanted to know is how we can experience the release of what is ending as we move forward into our beginning.  So, I asked the Runes, "Using Berkana to symbolize our beginning, how do we acknowledge what has ended?"

Wunjo, Nauthiz, and Raido came as the Runes' reply.

"Be happy," the Runes say.  Okay, it's not as simple as be happy, but it sets the tone.  More specifically, it means don't regret what happened, what has come to pass.  It may not have been great, but we can take or make something positive from every experience.  We can learn and grow and, in many ways, those experiences that are hard help us to grow the most.  They help us to find strength and courage.  And, even when good things end, we are grateful to have had those moments.  Take the good and move that forward.

Nauthiz came second and focuses on needs, wants, and what is necessary.  I find this Rune to be quite important, because it calls for awareness without actually warning us to be careful.  Instead, it seems to tell us to be smart, to use our wits and be wise in the way we approach things.  It does not say move slowly, rather move smartly.  How does this help us recall what has ended?  It adds to what Wunjo said.  Where Wunjo tells us not to regret things, Nauthiz says take the aspects of the past that we need and bring them forward, but be smart about what we choose.  Acknowledge what has ended, but don't let it weigh us down; we don't need that.

The final Rune is Raido; Raido is the journey.  This is the Rune that tells us that we are not alone on our journey and reminds us to live life.  Basically, Raido in this position, reinforces the need to move forward.  We cannot escape what has ended, because it was part of the journey that got us to where we are now, to that first next step to where we are going.  Coupled with Wunjo, its message is enjoy the ride and, coupled with Nauthiz, it says that even though we are enjoying the ride, we still need to be aware of the path.  Look back and see where you've come from.  Acknowledge the road behind you and build your next moment on the foundation that lies in your wake.  It is stronger than you think.

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.

Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Uruz

Uruz is one of those Runes with an obscure meaning, but tends to follow the Anglo-Saxon meaning of aurochs or wild ox.  Though there is some consensus that the Anglo-Saxon Rune poem comes closest to Uruz's original meaning, I wanted to consider the Old Icelandic and Old Norwegian Rune poem meanings too.  The old Icelandic poem calls Ur (Uruz) drizzle and the Old Norwegian poem says that is it slag from bad iron.

Interestingly, when I asked about the Icelandic poem meaning of drizzle, I drew Sowilo, which seems to counteract drizzle.  When asking about the bad iron slag of the Old Norwegian poem, I drew Eihwaz, the yew tree, a strong wood used to make exceptional bows.  This seems to oppose the slag from bad iron, because bad iron makes a weak sword, but the yew tree makes a strong bow.  I don't know if these were supposed to cancel each other out, but they appear to, so I turned back to the idea of the aurochs from the Anglo-Saxon poem and asked about this meaning.

The Rune I drew in response, almost as if to say that it is, in fact, a Rune that represents the wild ox, was Uruz itself.  Still, we cannot consider Uruz without acknowledging that the aurochs is a 'wild' animal.  I would say it means less 'wild' and more free, not domesticated, even independent.  Coupling these ideas - physical well-being and strength with free or freedom/independence - I had the two aspects of this Rune on which to focus.

What should we know about these aspects of Uruz?

With regard to physical strength, though it could relate to several things, the message I've been getting lately refers to taking care of physical health, holistic physical strength, not just physical power.  This stands, in some ways, in contrast to the usual idea of physical strength and power and says, instead, it's okay to have weak moments and it is important to allow ourselves time to heal after them.  We cannot spend our lives powering through everything - going without proper sleep, nutritious food, and some form of physical activity.  There are other aspects to life that give us balance to move forward in a healthy way, not just acting like a bull in a china shop.  As we age, it becomes even more important to pay attention to this for our overall well-being, not just physical prowess.

The other aspect I like about this Rune is the idea of 'wild'ness.  Often times, I see depictions of Uruz standing in contrast to Fehu - the wild ox versus domesticated cattle.  However, I don't think this means run wild, disregard everything else completely and do whatever the hell you want, not in the rebellious sense anyway.  That mindset seems to support the idea of powering through, which has no balance in it.  Rather, what I take from this is the idea of freedom to make choices, not to follow things blindly like a sheep, and question everything and make sure you agree with it before simply following suit.  This is such an important part of this Rune, for even though we talk about being wild, what we are really talking about is using our innate abilities and one of our greatest as human beings is critical thinking.  When we employ that, we have the capacity to become a much more peaceful and accepting society.  However, what Uruz says is start with yourself.  Develop your own critical eye, not in the sense of negativity, but in the sense of thoughtfulness.  Think, consider, and make independent, well-reasoned choices.

Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Ansuz

Ansuz, like Ehwaz, signifies many important aspects of life.  Ansuz is considered the mouth Rune (mouth of a river), the mouth Rune (the origin of language and, by extension, communication), and the god Rune.  What makes this especially interesting is that each Rune poem (Old Norwegian, Old English, and Old Icelandic) depicts a different meaning.  In looking at the complex Rune, I want to address each of these features.

Let's begin with Ansuz as the mouth of a river as explained in the Old Norwegian Rune poem.  I like beginning here, because the mouth of a river can mean the beginning, middle or end of a journey, depending on the direction you are heading; it can mean arriving in a new land or returning home.  It symbolizes an adventure, embarking on or completing something new or representing something familiar.  For the Vikings, for example, the seas were roads; it is how they traveled between lands and explored their world.  I mentioned this last week in terms of creative exploration and Laguz.  However, here it can go beyond exploring to settling and managing.  By starting with this aspect, we can determine which path we are on - a new path or strengthening a familiar one - and build from there.

With our chosen path in mind, we can look at Ansuz as it relates to language and communication.  Back in April, I undertook a Rune Ritual around Ansuz's communication feature.  I chose Ansuz for this reason, because I want to make a living off of my writing, a major form of communication.  Moreover, I have used Ansuz to help couples remember that communication is vital to any relationship.  These uses show a beginning (my career) and something familiar (relationships) demonstrating the importance of how we use communication in our lives and how our word choice, the tone of our voice, our gestures, and facial expressions impact them.  Ansuz tells us to be aware or increase our awareness of the way we communicate.  In support of this idea, the Old English Rune poem focuses on this interpretation of Ansuz and puts special emphasis on how wisdom gives warriors comfort (in the sense of happiness) and confidence.  The important thing to remember here is that wisdom is gained not because communication is a one way street, rather includes interpreting and understanding the messages being communicated to us.

On an even more personal level, Ansuz links us to our deity.  In this regard, the Old Icelandic Rune poem points specifically to Odin as the the head of Asgard and the one in charge of Valhalla.  It is fitting that Odin is represented here, because he is the god of poetry and wisdom.  These characteristics of Odin are just as important, if not more so, than Odin as god of war, because they not only imply our own spirituality in communicating with our deity, but they also in highlight, once again, the importance of communication in all its forms.  What is equally important to recognize is that Odin, the chief Norse god is tied directly to communication, implying or reinforcing the importance of the latter throughout the world and and the role it plays in the journeys we take and paths we follow in life.

Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Ehwaz

Over the past few months, Ehwaz has been showing itself more regularly in readings I've done for myself and others and in posts on this blog (Pace Yourself Ritual, Working Runes, and Applying Runes to Different Situations).  Ehwaz, the horse Rune, signifies many important and practical aspects to life.  It is a symbol of loyalty, teamwork, relationships and partnerships, pilgrimages, and modes of transportation on life's journeys.  Because it is coming up so often right now, it is time to investigate it in more detail.

I wanted to see how it reflects each of its attributes.  I drew a Rune for each one and here is what I got.

Loyalty in and of itself is challenging; trying to determine where loyalties lie, to whom you should be loyal and how to manage when someone close to you is disloyal are all pieces of Ehwaz.  Berkana helps explain the loyalty within Ehwaz.  The birch Rune brings to mind beginnings, birth, perhaps indicating that loyalty is the foundation of everything else carried on Ehwaz's back.  It is a key ingredient in the success of any relationship, partnership or team.  A pilgrimage cannot be truly fruitful if the pilgrim is not loyal to the intent of the journey.  Likewise, loyalty to the vehicles you use on life's journeys will determine how well those vehicles carry you.  If you want to be a pianist or a dancer, unless you practice your scales or steps, your vehicle, in this case your talent, will not take you very far.

The second aspect of Ehwaz is relationships, whether with a single person or a group.  Algiz is a great Rune for this aspect of Ehwaz, because it is about protection and self-defense.  What makes it so interesting is that, although we are talking about relationships, it brings self-defense into the mix.  Its meaning here may be a bit counterintuitive, because it is not suggesting that you must defend yourself against others, rather that others supporting you reduces the need for you to defend yourself or to stand alone.  In the process of defining self-defense, it almost shifts to protection as its point.  Essentially, Ehwaz reminds us that we are not in this alone and those who are in our corner will protect and support us (be loyal to us) so that we do not have to be on guard all the time.

Isa supports pilgrimages in that they usually require some reflection.  When undertaking a pilgrimage, we need to understand why we are doing them and what we hope to gain by going on one.  Isa, as the ice Rune, reminds us to move forward carefully, with understanding of what our forward motion means.  What's most important to remember is that a pilgrimage does not necessarily have to be a physical action.  In fact, in this regard,  Isa is even more powerful in supporting the pilgrimage of Ehwaz, because a major component of mental, emotional, and spiritual pilgrimages as inward journeys involves reflection, not only self-reflection, but reflection on the people and situations that affect our lives.

The last key feature of Ehwaz, and perhaps the most obvious, especially as we look at Ehwaz's physical shape - a horse, is a mode of transportation.  Once again, our minds drift first to physical transportation on horseback or in another type of vehicle.  However, we must also consider our talents and desires as modes of transportation, for they drive us forward in a different way, in our careers and personal endeavors, in our relationships and life experiences.  Of course, I drew Ansuz in this regard, for it represents the way that we communicate in this world, how we view ourselves and the images we portray of ourselves to others.  Our mode of transportation can make it easier or harder  for us to get around in this world.

Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Hagalaz

When I began using the Runes, I would cringe every time Hagalaz came up as part of my cast.  The Hail Rune.  Hail.  I've been in plenty of hail storms in my life and I can tell you this; when hail hits you, it hurts, sometimes causing injury.  It can also break or destroy things it hits.  Given that, my initial dislike of Hagalaz seems understandable.

However, after working with the Runes for about a year, Hagalaz and I reached an understanding and it has become a very empowering Rune for me.  Yes, yes, it doesn't necessarily start off well, but the initial upheaval is an opportunity to confront a bad or overwhelming situation, learn from it, allow that experience and new knowledge to empower you, as you move forward.

I'd like to thank the Runes for supporting my summation, for when I asked them if my assessment of Hagalaz was accurate, they gave me Nauthiz, Gebo, and Berkana.

Nauthiz represents need or necessity.  Although we probably do not want to be hit by the upheaval a hail storm generates, there is a lesson it provides us, an opportunity to grow and learn.  How we manage this first half of Hagalaz, the disruption to our lives, is important.  It requires us to look at the situation and discern its point.  What do we need from this situation, whether we want it or not?

Gebo is the perfect Rune in this second position, because it reminds us that, even though we are caught in an unpleasant situation, its result is a gift.  This is an important recognition to make, because it requires a change of perspective and beckons us to move beyond simply being frustrated by having our lives interrupted and thrown off kilter and, instead, approaching it more holistically.  We don't often (if ever) think of a negative experience as a gift, which is the empowering part of the Hagalaz process.  What positive influence can this situation have on us?

At last, we reach the end of the Hagalaz process.  Remember, when hail melts, it provides water, nourishment.  In this moment, after we have survived the initial storm and found the positive empowering aspect of it, the worst is over.  The end of Hagalaz is a beginning, so why would we not draw Berkana, the birch Rune, the Rune of beginnings?  Perhaps, the best part of Hagalaz, which ties so nicely into a beginning, is the creative force behind it.  Most people think immediately of 'creativity' in an artistic sense when they see the word 'creative', but it doesn't have to mean that at all, rather simply 'to create'.  How can I use what I have experienced and learned from this bad situation to create or forge a positive beginning from it?

The next time Hagalaz hits, remember, it is a process full of opportunity and beginnings too.

Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Ingwaz

A few weeks ago, I talked about empowerment, especially with regard to taking control of situations.  By taking control of our own circumstance, we create a fertile environment in which to function.  This brings Ingwaz to mind with its fertility and relationship to Freyr.  But how can we utilize Ingwaz in a productive and positive way to make the most of an empowered situation?

First, we must look at Ingwaz itself to determine what fertility means.  By empowering ourselves, we create a situation whose potential and energy is fertile, fertile for us to take advantage of and reap the rewards of hard work and or bravery.  However, we must do it without becoming overbearing or greedy.

The stage is set.  Opportunity awaits.  We must focus on fertility in this regard and allow it to feed the sense of empowerment we have built.  Freyr's essence, as the Norse god of fertility, peace, and plenty explain that we can prosper if the ground is fertile and we don't incite conflict.

With that understanding, I asked the Runes how we might make the most of our new found empowerment.  I drew Raido, Othala, and Ansuz.  I understood what this draw meant for me immediately and  I believe that many people may be able to relate to the story the Runes presented.

We begin with recognizing that we are on a journey.  Raido, as the riding Rune, tells us this.  Journeys such as this, that carry us into the fertile territory we have created through our own empowerment can have great impact on us and our perception of things.  Raido represents fruitful travels as we engage Freyr.  I really like the Rune poem for this Rune (Old English version), because it basically says it's easy to sit and talk about adventure, but much harder to actually undertake to have one.  Yet, that is what we are doing and adventures or journeys like this will create a change in us.

Othala answers the very important question  - why undertake this journey?  In short, what do we hope to accomplish by doing it?  Othala signifies a happy and peaceful home; it implores us to advantage of this fertile moment in hopes of positively impacting our home and what we give to our family and friends.  We hope to provide something for ourselves and a solid foundation for our loved ones as they grow and learn from watching and sharing our experiences.

With Ansuz, we arrive at how we will achieve a prosperous journey.  Here again, I turn to the Old English Rune poem to interpret the meaning of this Rune in this position.  It talks of wisdom and support and language and counseling.  It is associated with Odin and the idea of comfort or strength to warriors.  Together, this signifies that we must take time to make wise choices, seek other perspectives, and realize that, as empowered warriors, we can and must be strategic in our approach to this position of strength we have established for ourselves.  As we step onto this path of empowerment, we must use our wisdom and realize that our steps leave a trail for future generations to follow or learn from.

I hope you are empowered to take your first step on this journey.

Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Nauthiz

All I've been thinking about since last week, for reasons I won't go into here, is gluttony.  It is hard not to sound preachy or political when discussing the state of society, but society's gluttony strikes a nerve that saddens and concerns me.  I've been reminded first hand of mass consumption and waste, our complete detachment from the sources of the things we buy, and the stress our contemporary lifestyle creates.  Conversation after conversation ended with me questioning, "To what end?"

And, to that end, I found myself clinging tightly to Nauthiz, the Rune of need and necessity, because it seems to address this problem so well for me, by shifting away from the wants of a system long since broken.

Nauthiz presents a dual warning, of being aware of trouble and the importance of heeding its effects in time.  Interestingly, the trouble sighted in its Rune poem afflicts the heart and I believe, when it comes to gluttony, we have our second dual warning, warnings for the heart- one physical and one mental and emotional.  But, what can we do to heed the warning in time?  This is what I asked the Runes this week.

I was not surprised that Jera was the first Rune presented to me.  I appreciate the reminder that heeding the warning and addressing it will not happen over night.  It will take time, be a process.  Because I have such a strong affiliation with this harvest Rune, it did help to comfort me and, in a way, give me hope.  It also reinforces the idea that the process of change must begin.

Berkana was the second Rune, assuring me that, once we heed the warning, we do face a beginning. This beginning involves a new way of doing things and largely turning away from the current way of  consuming and wasting, detachment and stress.  This is a Rune that brings us back to nature and couples with Jera to remind us of nature's processes and the need to reattach ourselves to them; that a healing or time of healing must take place.

Of course, Thurisaz reminds us that this is a move of great power.  If we unite, our force becomes the giant that no one wants to challenge.  It is strength in numbers.  In essence, for this beginning to be successful, we have to move forward together and, if we do, we will be a force to be reckoned with.  Instead of trying to make life better for ourselves through gluttony, we have to look at the bigger picture and make life better for everyone.

This also explains why, in between each of these Runes, I drew Mannaz, the Rune of humanity, and kept returning it to the pile.  It wasn't time yet, but now it is.  The gluttony I've witnessed over the past week cannot be overcome alone, as the self, though the self must undertake the process of change.  We must unite and focus on needs not wants.  It won't happen overnight, but it affords society the opportunity for a thoughtful beginning.

As much as Nauthiz's Rune poem ends in hope, so I end this post in hope.  It is a quote from Ghandi, "Be the change you want to see in the world."  Let others know what you're doing on this front; share a comment here and let's begin to build our giant force!  Have a fantastic week!

Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Eihwaz

Recently, I have drawn Eihwaz fairly frequently.  Since it rarely comes up for me and is now showing itself at more regular intervals, I decided it was time to investigate it in more detail.

For me, Eihwaz, as the Rune of the Yew tree, is a symbol of stability or courage.  Yew trees are the longest living trees in Europe, a clear sign of stability for generations of humans to have the same tree always there.  Looking a little deeper into the actual physical tree, we find it has special characteristics to increase its longevity, including a resistance to burning.  It was also a favorite wood for making bows.

A quick look at the Rune poems for Eihwaz confirms these attributes.  The Anglo-Saxon poem describes the yew as holding fast to earth, with a rough exterior and as fire's keeper.  The Old Norwegian poem refers to it as the greenest tree in the winter and hard to ignite when fire is set to it.  Yew trees did not exist in Iceland where birch trees constituted the only woods, which may be why the Old Icelandic poem focuses on yew bows.

With this background of a tough, stable tree though, how do we use this Rune in our current situation?  Interestingly, the insight provided by the Runes points to another tree, the birch, which signifies beginnings or birth; the homestead; and our self or higher self.  Yes, Berkana, Othala, and Mannaz guide us in using Eihwaz at this time.

I really like this combination, because, in one sentence, what the Runes are saying is, "You are at a point in time where you have an opportunity to do something that is true to your self that has strong ties to your personal life, and could be good for your self."

Berkana offers the opportunity through a beginning or birth.  It is likely that this opportunity relates to our creative side or to something that we enjoy doing.  This provides good incentive for undertaking what it is that is presenting itself to us.  This really feels like a career issue.  I have a good idea of what this means for me; what opportunity does it represent for you?

Othala can play multiple roles in this situation, because it represents so many important aspects of our lives - the homestead, inheritance, and tradition.  Perhaps we can affect all three by improving things at home immediately, building on the future, and setting the stage going forward.  Conversely, it could mean that all these things are coming together to support you.  Perhaps because one of your ancestors or relatives did something to improve their home, which set the stage for you to capitalize on their efforts. It would be their future giving you your beginning.

The final Rune, Mannaz, could also be the first Rune depending on your approach.  Mannaz could mean that taking the opportunity before you will strengthen your self (if this Rune is in the third position) or that it is time for your self to step up and take the opportunity (placing the Rune in the first position).  Either way, remember that this Rune represents not only those aspects of ourselves that make us human, but all the forces of our higher self that support us all the time.  I believe that this Rune also means that, by taking this opportunity and making the most of it, we are strengthening our self and the bond between our self, our higher self, and those around us.

Where is Eihwaz in all of this?  As we labor over our decision, Eihwaz keeps showing itself to us as a gentle reminder that there comes a time to be brave; but we must also be mindful that being brave can sometimes mean making a hard decision.  Only we know what our beginning opportunity is and Eihwaz supports our courage in making the choice to follow it.

Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Othala

I spent the weekend with my siblings (all six of them), some nieces, nephews, and a couple of cousins where we all grew up.  I knew it would be great to see them all again, but I also knew that there would be challenges in getting through the three day event.  Still, it got me thinking about Othala, the Rune of the homestead and inheritance and I decided to ask the Runes how to work with Othala so that I could enjoy thoroughly the time with my brothers and sisters.

I had quite a chuckle when the first Rune that I drew was Laguz, but was surprised that I did not draw Perthro as one of the other two Runes, because it is the Rune of social gatherings and games of skill, which seemed to fit into the way our family functions usually go.  Instead, after Laguz, came Ehwaz and Dagaz, the Runes related to a pleasurable journey and clarity.  Let's sort them out.

I laughed at Laguz, the water Rune, because the saying that I associate with this Rune is, "Go with the flow."  This is good advice whenever you're interacting with a large group, but especially when dealing with family.  Essentially, in this instance, Laguz reminds us that we are not going to see eye-to-eye with everyone (in the group) or everything and we can choose to get along and be respectful or fight and argue over every little thing.  This is sage advice and something I strove to do over the weekend.

Ehwaz is the horse Rune, signifying two things, travel and the relationship between horse and rider.  Travel fits in this situation, because we traveled from the northwest and west of the US and from Canada to the place where we grew up.  Although we did not travel by horse, what we need to recognize is that the horse represented easier and safer travel than walking.  The second aspect of Ehwaz is that the relationship that a rider has with his/her horse is one of trust and closeness.  Interestingly, no matter what disagreements may exist among family members there is a trust that, if push come to shove, your family will be there for you.  This provides the underlying strength in returning to Othala's homestead.

Dagaz is the Rune of the day.  Although this Rune represents the idea of clarity, in this instance, I believe that clarity can come only through contemplation and reflection first over what transpired during our three days together.  It gives us pause to realize the importance of Othala in representing homestead and heritage, in recognizing family traditions and how each of us interpreted those traditions and experiences into our own lives.  Dagaz allows us to realize what we've learned, how we've grown, and how we appreciate not only where we came from, but that we shared that experience with each other and can relate to it in our own way as a group and as individuals.

Othala's importance reminds us of our connection or bond to our roots, our family, our past, and how those things influenced and shaped who we are today.

Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Sowilo

Welcome to March!  This month, in the northern hemisphere, we really begin to see the return of the sun, reaching a balanced point around the world on March 20th - the equinox, when all of Earth receives twelve hours of daylight and twelve hours of darkness.  This year, I hope to make the most of the sun's return and, with the approaching equinox, I inquired about Sowilo, the sun Rune.  How can we embrace the returning sun and make the most of the increased energy and light we receive?

Sowilo, the Rune of the sun offers good fortune if properly utilized.  I especially like the way that Sven Plowright explains it in his book, The Rune Primer, as "a sign to lift the spirit".  In essence, the sun gives us energy literally and figuratively.  How can we incorporate that energy into our lives as we move forward this year?

The three Runes that offer to guide us in this endeavor are Perthro, Tiwaz, and Fehu.  I find this group to be particularly interesting and fitting.

We begin with Perthro, a Rune whose meaning is social; it encompasses friendly games and competitions that take place in social venues. It requires social interactions and, on some level perhaps, a rite of passage.  Essentially, it provides us with an opportunity to engage; engage with others, engage in a process of initiation and acceptance.  Through Perthro, we realize the power of Sowilo energizes and inspires us to accomplish goals and move forward.

Thankfully, we have Tiwaz supporting those efforts.  This is one of my favorite Runes, Týr's Rune, Norse Mythology's sky god, the left-handed god.  In this draw, both aspects are important.  The relationship to the sky is an obvious one, but it is the latter that we must look at in more detail.  I have recounted the story of Týr and his sacrifice in past posts (Runes 201 - Individual Runes - Berkana, A Rune for Time), but what I would like to look at now is why he might have put his hand in Fenrir's mouth, why he would take that risk, knowing what the outcome would be.  I believe the bottom line is that the gain was greater than the loss.  What this Rune, in this instance, tells us is that part of embracing Sowilo involves taking risk to move forward, but not risk for the sake of risk, rather a calculated risk, where you comprehend the potential outcomes of the risk.  This means that, like Týr, we must understand our actions and a good way to do that is to have a plan.  Channel Sowilo's energy into your plan, which outlines how your rite of passage, through Perthro, will occur.

Our final Rune is an obvious result of embracing Sowilo through Perthro and Tiwaz.  If we allow the sun's energy to carry us forward and we channel that energy through a well-thought out plan, in the end, we reap the rewards.  Bear in mind, however, that Fehu, while representing wealth, does not necessarily mean money in the modern sense.  Fehu literally means cattle, which was a primary measure of wealth in Viking times.  Now, I am not suggesting you will end up with cattle, rather that wealth takes many forms.  Friendship, property, equipment, insight, and wisdom are all forms of wealth.  If money is your goal, make that clear as you begin your rite of passage, driven by Sowilo and supported by Tiwaz, both of which are forms of wealth in their own right.

Sowilo can provide us with energy to pursue and achieve our goals and, if we are smart about it, once we complete our rite of passage, our lives will be more enriched from it.