Wednesday, March 31, 2010

March 31, 2010 - Aethel


Aethel

Aethel is the a dipthong but generally has an “e” sound

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

An estate is very dear to every man,
if he can enjoy there in his housewhatever is right and proper in constant prosperity

Aethel (which in this spelling is the Anglo-Saxon word noble, other spellings are ethel [estate] and othal[heritage]) is a rune that is about land, family and ancestry, home and inheritance. Generally when it appears in a reading, it indicates a need to look to ones home and to work within it. All things might be going well, and so now is the time to enjoy it and appreciate it.

In searching for the vowel sound of this rune, I had to google a few times, as the different spellings have different meanings. I did find some interesting things. Aethel was the popular first name for several early kings of England, with each son having a name that started with Aethel. As ethel/othal it general indicates the rune, as that is the name most commonly accepted with it. It has a few associations, some not so pleasant (Neo Nazi movements, White Power movements and other lamentable ideologies). It’s sound is apparently a dipthong from the Greek language that has survived in English, French and German, although used differently within each language. In English, it is often written out as “oe” while American English has just removed the “o” completely (an example from Wikipedia was foederal, which is now federal).

The image of the rune, in a stylized version is called the trollcross (swedishtrollkors) which was used as a pendant and an image to protect valuable objects. This of course makes a great deal of sense in the meaning of the word as heritage, estate and noble, things of great and enduring value.
In rune inscriptions, placing this rune before a name on an object, indicates that the object belongs to that person. While the usage seems ordinary, to me it seems somewhat magical, as it would quickly indicate a thief if they were caught carrying an item with another person’s name on it.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

March 30, 2010 - Laguz


Laguz

Laguz is the letter L

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The ocean seems interminable to men,
if they venture on the rolling barkand the waves of the sea terrify themand the courser of the deep heed not its bridle
Laguz is the ocean or in other intepretations, water, rivers and lakes. As the meanings indicate, it has a strong watery influence from this rune, an influence of flowing and responding to what is flowing around you. Sometimes that flow is dangerous, such as when a ship is caught in a storm or current, and the lives of those aboard maybe lost. Other times the flow is beneficial, like the river current aiding boats speed down the river. Not all flows are obvious, and in learning how to work with them, you can choose which flows to follow and move with, and what flows to leave behind or that need to be struggled with until you reach the right place to change, move or relax. Go with the flow, but which flow will you go with?

Monday, March 29, 2010

March 29, 2010 - Thurisaz reversed


Thurisaz reversed

Thurisaz is the sound “th”

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The thorn is exceedingly sharp,
an evil thing for any knight to touch,uncommonly severe on all who sit among them.
The thorn reversed sits with us today, showing the trials and tribulations of others, while we sit protected in the briar patch. For now, we have found a secure place amidst the thorns, where they aren’t pricking and poking us, so we can have a moment of rest, before you struggle across the path of thorns, which is of course, life itself. In one of the small books by Draja Micharaic (I think it’s spiritual cleansing) he describes what harmful magic by a powerful worker would be like. It would be like nothing. A life where everything happens without difficulty or challenge, because the target has become the pawn, puppet and servant of the worker utterly, and so everything goes forward as the worker plans for the person without difficulty. That is what a true curse is like. Why? Because a life of liberty and responsibility will always have difficulties and challenges, every rose has its thorn. Some days are just less thorn ladened then others.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

March 28, 2010 - Qweorth


Qweorth

Qweorth is the letter Q

Qweorth is one of the Northumbrian runes. There is no rune poem from qweorth.

It’s name’s exact meaning is a mystery, but often qweorth is translated as “fire-twirl” the sacred two ended torch that is used to re-light the sacred fire when the year turns. Because of that association, it is symbolic of a sacred fire, or holy fire, and also the pure aspects of fire itself, both as an act of creation and destruction. Destruction as expressed as the sacred fire used to light funeral pyres, or as a place that offerings are given, consumed and released to the Gods.

When qweorth appears in a reading, expect rapid change and transformation, physical spiritual and otherwise. It is one of the fire runes that shows great heat and intensity. While Sowelo can be a sunny day, Qweorth is the heatwave, that scorches and burns. In some practices, heat and fire is the force that puts things into action, gets things moving towards your desired goal, and often does it quickly. It might be that a fire is being lit underneath you to get you moving forward, either for something you want, or because someone wants you out of their way.

March 28 ~ April 3 - Inguz


Inguz

Inguz is the suffix –ing

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

Ing was first seen by men among the East-Danes,
till, followed by his chariot,he departed eastwards over the waves.So the Heardingas named the hero

A second week of Inguz? Oh my! I am not sure I can survive it. But seriously the feeling about Inguz this week is one of the alternate meanings. It is more about being a receptable and container that allows the forces within to gestate, brew and develop. When they have finally reached their point of readiness, it will be released and spring forth. Like a sprouting seed, like a child reaching puberty, like the act of orgasmic ejaculation, the forces contained within are explode forth, bringing change and transformation. But first the forces must hold, be still and develop until the right time.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

March 27, 2010 - Aesc


Aesc

Aesc is a unique vowel to the original anglo-saxon language. It has the sound “ae”

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The ash is exceedingly high and precious to men.
With its sturdy trunk it offers a stubborn resistance,though attacked by many a man
Aesc, the Ash tree, is the rune of the upper world, as some people might call Asgard. Personally, I just think of it as the top most branches of Yggdrasil. Like being at the top of any tree, there is more light present, and the height gives one perspective, a greater view of the land and world around them. It is an inspired perspective, which can lead to new thoughts and ideas, and also transform old information, because it helps to connect the pieces together. It can be a little intense, and sometimes the information that comes seems unrelated or obscure, but it usually falls into place after some time. So take a deep breath, look around and open see the bigger picture.

Friday, March 26, 2010

March 26, 2010 - Ear reversed


Ear reversed

Ear is the sound “ea”

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The grave is horrible to every knight,
when the corpse quickly begins to cooland is laid in the bosom of the dark earth.Prosperity declines, happiness passes awayand covenants are broken.
Ear reversed is the rune of slowing or stopping the processes of decay, erosion and entropy. While in some cases this might be beneficial, if something is fall apart faster then it needs to, but in other cases, it is more indicative of a resistance or holding back from making necessary changes. It might also just be the necessity to release something whose time has come, to let the structure that supported it, but also contained it to fall away, so what was within can go, and thrive and express life.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

March 25, 2010 - Ehwaz


Ehwaz

Ehwaz is the short e sound like “get”

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The horse is a joy to princes in the presence of warriors.
A steed in the pride of its hoofs,when rich men on horseback bandy words about it;and it is ever a source of comfort to the restless.

Ehwaz (Horse) is the rune of speed, movement and action. Today is not about sitting still, but getting up and doing things. It doesn’t necessarily matter what, just do it!!!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

March 24, 2010 - Peorth


Peorth

Peorth is the letter P

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

Peorth is a source of recreation and amusement to the great,
(the meter of the poem indicates a missing section here), where warriors sit
drinking blithely together in the banqueting-hall

Peorth is one of those runes whose translation is unclear. Only from the poem itself can there be a guess as to it’s meaning.

For me, my hypothesis is that it describes the afterlife. Peorth is to me a rune of the Dead. It is also a rune of Luck and Chance, for no one really knows their destination after death, and we could just as well end up a place we don’t want to be, as well as the place we hope for.

Today especially feels more connected to luck and fortune then anything else to me. Wednesday is generally the day I engage in magic for general good luck. But Peorth is one of those runes that rarely appears for me, so when it does, it tells me that things are loose and light, and it’s up to me to make the best of them. Maybe the bones will fall in my favor, either as benevolent reading, or as lucky 7 or 11.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

March 23, 2010 - Inguz


Inguz

Inguz is the suffix –ing

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

Ing was first seen by men among the East-Danes,
till, followed by his chariot,he departed eastwards over the waves.So the Heardingas named the hero.

Again, Inguz makes it’s appearance this week, now as the rune of the day. So far my intuition about the erotic and sexual nature of Inguz has been strongly confirmed. I think something that should be explained is that the erotic nature of Inguz applied to male homosexuality. Thus, one should now understand that I am male homosexual, or homophile or queer, which is the terminology I prefer. A facet of pre-christian culture which is often overlooked by many, especially within runic information, although there is a very direct connection made within the poem Lokasenna, in which Loki visits the gods while Odhinn is throwing a party, a party which Loki did not receive an invite to. He crashes the party though, and proceeds to insult every god that challenges him, giving away their secrets and revealing their foibles and flaws. When Odhinn and Loki get into this argument, they both point out that they have taken on female forms and acted as women, Loki when he seduced a Jotun’s horse away, Odhinn to learn more in the knowledge and arts of women, particularly their magical arts, which is often perceived as being Seid.
Freyr, as the Vanic god of virility and grain, as well as the counterpart to his sister Freya, a goddess of Love, fertility and sexuality, of course complement each other quite well. As Freyr also embodies forbidden or difficult love because of his union with a Jotun woman, is also no stranger to the “love that dare not speak it’s name.” Inguz also shares in this essence, and so it’s power is well suited to male homophiles, and also speaking to the mysteries of the male homophile.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Types and Methods from the Song of Spells

In the Song of Spells, the last section of the Havamal (Sayings of the High One) the singer tells of 18 spells that he knows, presumably magic he has learned on his quest, from gaining the runes, the song of power he learned from Bestla’s sire, and other sources.

Most of the spells are indicated to be songs, possibly incantations or poetry, and indicated that they were meant to be sung, although sources indicate that the way galdr (which means song or spell song) were not sung in a way that most people would consider singing today. Based upon descriptions, it would have sounded more like Chinese opera and Germanic tongues, as the voice was indicated as being shrill and high pitched, most likely done in falsetto. Of course, that doesn’t mean that is how it was actually done, or how it needs to be done today.

The first eleven runes of the Song of Spells are indicated as being songs or sung, some of them because they don’t indicate anything else. Where that indication is lacking, it might also just be a marker that perhaps it was by pure force of will that the desired change took place, but it is easy to figure that it meant a song. Whether it was wordless, or had a sung incantation, well that is something I desire to find out for myself, and encourage others who are curious and courageous to do so likewise. Of course, in this case, the word rune might indicate poetry of some kind, as in later times it often became a word associated with such things, such as the populary poetry of Traditional Wicca, The Witches Rune.

It is with the twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth rune that the indication is clearly changed (although the sixth rune indicates a methodology that is different, it is not the singer who is working differently, but the singer’s foe.) The twelfth rune indicates that symbols are written and runes and carved, the thirteenth shows the simple use of water, and the fourteenth is the accumulation of wisdom and knowledge into the otherworlds and it’s inhabitants. The following runes can easily be assumed that we return to the technique of magical song, and not much can be said, other then song itself seems to be a powerful and popular technique in the northern tradition.

The 18 runes of the Song of Spells also indicate various areas of magical influence. To any well read or practiced magic worker, most of these should be pretty familiar in terms of general categories. They cover most areas that any worker would have some knowledge in, and so it also serves as a measuring rod for ones experience and ability.

Here is what contemplation on the section I understand to be the different runes

1) the first rune is probably the widest category, as it governs spells that would aid one in most material concerns, ie wealth. I also see it as including magic that removes spiritual “ick” (ie cleansings and purification) and just about anything else that also needs to be addressed in material living for example, gossiping, good luck, breaking bad habits, employment, legal magic etc…
2) the second rune is the rune for healing. That’s pretty obvious. It would include all types of healing, from mental illness, to disease, to injuries.
3) The third rune is for the binding of foes and restricting their ability to do harm. It is in a sense protective, but in reading the stanza, it has more to do with limiting the ability of foes to do harm over all, then protecting the singer.
4) The fourth rune is a rune that breaks restraints, constraints and would also be the curse breaker/jinx killer/ uncrossing. While it describes the northern tradition idea of literally chains and fetters falling away, metaphorical and metaphysical chains and fetters can also be done away with as well. It is appropriate that this would follow the previous rune, which is the opposite, a spell that binds your enemy.
5) The fifth rune is the first spell of protection, as it describes stopping an arrow that has been shot. In Scandinavian folklore the troubles and unusual afflictions that seem to come from nowhere (sudden colds, accidents, bad luck) are often described as troll shot or elf shot, arrows that supernatural beings have “shot” at humans to bring woe and afflictions. The spell of this protection could easily be a protection against those possibly daily troubles or irregular afflictions.
6) The sixth rune describes the action of a foe laying a curse on the singer. In this case though, the singer is able to turn the curse back on the foe by the power of his spell song. Part of what makes this stanza interesting is that it might have described a method of laying spells on others in which a tree root (possibly still living tree) is carved upon to curse someone else. Since that indicates one of the possible methods of laying runes, but it seems to be a method which is not often indicated among ways to work runes.
7) The seventh rune is a rune that quenches fires, and protects against homes being burned down, a common danger when you often had a fire that was never extinguished to cook with, heat with and light your home with day and night. As common folklore often has many protections against lightning strikes for the home, this might also be a spell used for that category, and so belongs to magic that protects the home.
8) The eighth rune is a spell to influence the thoughts and minds of men, in this case to eliminate anger, hatred and conflict within a household or community, because there is dissent or bickering. This is also a traditional use of magic, to keep peace among the home and community.
9) The ninth rune is the rune of weather magic, a common attribute given to all those who work magic. While in this case it is to calm the weather and the sea, it could just as easily be worked to stir up the weather and send storms, or call winds that are beneficial or harmful to sailing vessels, or any type of journey.
10) The tenth rune is a rune of protection against evil spirits, in this case described as “witches” (or in one translation hedge riders). As “witches” are folklorically described as being evil supernatural beings who are able to fly and attack people while they sleep, robbing them of their health or life. It is also a description of the magical attack method known as “hag-riding” in which one who had the skill would visit a person at night, and torment them, possibly unto death. Protections against had riding are various, but a song that would also turn hag riders back, and would destroy them (as some protections are described as doing) it is also has a traditional basis. It could easily have influence over malefic spiritual forces that might be inclined to do the same thing, either by intention, or out of being forced by another practitioner.
11) The eleventh rune is a rune of protection during travel. While it does describe his comrades going to battle, there is the clear suggestion that going to fight involved a journey of kind, and thus there needed to be protection during the journey, the battle, and upon returning.
12) The twelfth rune is the rune of necromantic magic. In the northern tradition the idea of a spectral entity was originally foreign. It was believed that corpses would actually move, get up and speak. Also as indicated before, this is not a song, but symbols and runes which are written, and so the dead man (a man who was hung, which would have been done on a tree, but also likely at a crossroads) comes and speaks, either to share knowledge, or for the worker to gain the aid of the dead in achieving a desire.
13) The thirteenth rune is the next rune that is not a song, but a blessing for children, done with water. Of course the blessing doesn’t come into effect until the child has grown up, but many of the blessings done on children are not meant until they become adults.
14) The fourteenth rune is not a spell, but the accumulation of wisdom and knowledge about the other worlds. In this case, it is the special wisdom that is often attributed to those who work magic and communicate with the residents of the other world. This knowledge also gives them special powers as well, as they can have exchanges with these beings and might also gain powers from. Much as in the more southern idea of words of Power, or the Egyptian names, that by knowing the identities of those forces which command the natural world, so is the singer able to command the natural world as well.
15) The fifteenth rune is a continuation of the knowledge of the other worlds, and their powers. In some translations the “wisdom of Odhinn” is also called foresight. In the sense that seeing these two connected, it might also point to extra sensory powers, by which one can perceive the powers and beings of who command the forces of nature, and by that perception, can know their names and ask for their aid, but in knowing their natures, knows which beings to ask for what manner of aid.
16) The sixteenth rune is one of the few mentions of love magic being used in the northern tradition. The singer describes that by song he may gain the heart of a woman, who is knowledgeable and wise, and so gain her love, and possibly her bed.
17) The seventeenth rune continues this description, but focuses more on the shy and youthful. This is also love magic, but in this case the target is more reticent and withdrawn. It is harder to gain her heart, but with this song, even she will bend to the singers will. To me this describes the more forceful spells used in influence and persuasion that would now days be described as domination or control/command/compelling spells. By compelling the shy maiden, even she gives in to the singers desires.
18) The eighteenth rune is a mystery, as the singer will not describe, except for a special person, which he describes as “his sister or the woman who shares his bed.” Some secrets are best kept secret. Some authors in looking at this stanza have attributed it to sex magic, and thus the intimate relationship of the fellow learner. I see how it might be that, but it could really be anything that the singer just did not wish to share with his audience.

Song of Spells

The last section of the Havamal (the sayings of the High One, a wisdom poem attributed to Odhinn) is a section that describes the various spells known to the mysterious singer of the poem. While in many translations they are called runes, the effects and methods are various, from him signing words, to carving runes, to affecting the world simply through will and perception. Other of the runes he knows are descriptive of unique knowledge that singer has possessed or perhaps even heard.

After completing the work of many months of meditating on the Anglo-Saxon and Northumbrian runes, I felt it was a time to move forward into a seemingly unexplored area. While it often seems that many people may be familiar with the Havamal, none seem to seek it as an opportunity to understand and explore the magic of the runes, galdr and other aspects of Northern Tradition practical magic.

While contemplating the section of the poem, and reading the various runes, spells and purposes, it is also my intent to reach out through trance techniques and gain further instruction and understanding from spirit mentors with home I have alliances for instruction and education.

The translation that I have chosen for my main contemplation comes from the following website: http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/havamal.html

Here is a copy of the complete song of spells. I have placed numbers preceding each stanza which according to the spell given.

Those songs I know, which nor sons of men nor queen in a king's court knows;

1the first is Help which will bring thee helpin all woes and in sorrow and strife.
2A second I know, which the son of menmust sing, who would heal the sick.
3A third I know: if sore need should comeof a spell to stay my foes;when I sing that song, which shall blunt their swords,nor their weapons nor staves can wound.
4A fourth I know: if men make fastin chains the joints of my limbs, when I sing that song which shall set me free,spring the fetters from hands and feet.
5A fifth I know: when I see, by foes shot,speeding a shaft through the host,flies it never so strongly I still can stay it,if I get but a glimpse of its flight.
6A sixth I know: when some thane would harm mein runes on a moist tree's root,on his head alone shall light the illsof the curse that he called upon mine.
7A seventh I know: if I see a hallhigh o'er the bench-mates blazing,flame it ne'er so fiercely I still can save it, --I know how to sing that song.
8An eighth I know: which all can singfor their weal if they learn it well;where hate shall wax 'mid the warrior sons,I can calm it soon with that song.
9A ninth I know: when need befalls meto save my vessel afloat,I hush the wind on the stormy wave,and soothe all the sea to rest.
10A tenth I know: when at night the witches ride and sport in the air,such spells I weave that they wander homeout of skins and wits bewildered.
11An eleventh I know: if haply I leadmy old comrades out to war,I sing 'neath the shields, and they fare forth mightilysafe into battle,safe out of battle,and safe return from the strife.
12A twelfth I know: if I see in a treea corpse from a halter hanging,such spells I write, and paint in runes,that the being descends and speaks.
13A thirteenth I know: if the new-born sonof a warrior I sprinkle with water,that youth will not fail when he fares to war,never slain shall he bow before sword.
14A fourteenth I know: if I needs must numberthe Powers to the people of men,I know all the nature of gods and of elveswhich none can know untaught.
15A fifteenth I know, which Folk-stirrer sang,the dwarf, at the gates of Dawn;he sang strength to the gods, and skill to the elves,and wisdom to Odin who utters.
16A sixteenth I know: when all sweetness and loveI would win from some artful wench,her heart I turn, and the whole mind changeof that fair-armed lady I love.
17A seventeenth I know: so that e'en the shy maidenis slow to shun my love.
These songs, Stray-Singer, which man's son knows not,long shalt thou lack in life,though thy weal if thou win'st them, thy boon if thou obey'st themthy good if haply thou gain'st them.
18An eighteenth I know: which I ne'er shall tellto maiden or wife of mansave alone to my sister, or haply to herwho folds me fast in her arms;most safe are secrets known to but one-the songs are sung to an end.

March 22, 2010 - Os reversed


Os reversed

Os is the vowel O

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The mouth is the source of all language,
a pillar of wisdom and a comfort to wise men,a blessing and a joy to every knight.
Os (mouth) is the rune of language, communication, eloquence, poetry, song and incantation. I also consider it to be the rune of Odhinn, especially in his role as Galdrfadr (Father of Spells). When it appears reversed, expect troubles with communication, language and other such pursuits. It is rather similar in meaning to that dread thrice annual event that people all seem to fear, Mercury Retrograde. At least, in this case, it is only for day, and it will soon pass. It might also even be easily resolved with aid of other magic that has been done in advance.

March 21, 2010 - Dagaz


Dagaz

Dagaz is the letter D

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

Day, the glorious light of the Creator, is sent by the Lord;
it is beloved of men, a source of hope and happiness to rich and poor,and of service to all.

Dagaz, (Day) is the rune of day, dawn, transformation, change, and time. It is time as immediate and quicky, the moment to moment, and day to day. As the rune that follows Inguz, (which is the rune of the week) Today (Sunday) seemed to be filled with great energy and action, and with the need for constant motion to keep resolving things, as things change, shift, transform, and move ever forward.

For me personally, I made my ritualized observance of the change of the season on the Wiccan liturgical calendar. Some call it Ostara, I just prefer the Spring Equinox. While the equinox is more a time of Inguz, it is also a time of Dagaz, as the catalyst sets the change of Dagaz in action. In virtually every climate, life will be springing forth in the northern hemisphere, somehow. In colder places, the snow will probably start a great retreat and flowers and leaf buds will begin to appear. In warmer climates, like Southern California, It is probably the greenest season of all, as the possible for rain still exists, but other weather patterns which are usually cooler and overcast, allow plant life to flourish before the burning heat of summer sets in and strips the hills and exposed areas of smaller plant life. Changes are turning, and now having aligned myself with the change, I can see the transformation come through and participate more closely with it.
Dagaz

March 21 - March 27, 2010 - Inguz


Inguz

Inguz is the suffix –ing

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

Ing was first seen by men among the East-Danes,
till, followed by his chariot,he departed eastwards over the waves.So the Heardingas named the hero

Ing is the name of one of the gods of the Anglo-Saxon peoples. It is another name from Freyr, the Vanic god of crops and grain (among other things). The rune Ing speaks to his power to bring fertility and virility to the earth and to people.

In my personal experience, there is something about the appearance of Inguz that says “you are going to get laid.” I think it is something about fertile/virile nature of Inguz that flows through this rune that brings out of the erotic and sexual appetites of people. Of course, sex is just a catalyst for human life, relationships, metaphysical connections and so much more. As Inguz is the rune of the catalyst, that which triggers the change or growth or transformation that follows, It makes perfect sense to me that Inguz would have such a strong tie to male sexuality, as the catalyst to human reproduction,

Of course, in another sense, it is a perfect rune to embody the season we have just entered into. As this past weekend marked the turn of the solar year into spring time, as we have just had the day of even hours of light and darkness (otherwise known as the spring equinox) now the sign of life are going to be full force. The change of the season is going to be marked by day after day of bursts of energy, as in much colder climates then Southern California, flowers, trees and other plants will be springing to life. Here, there are sign of that too, but they are more subtle. Our winter rains have nourished the plant life, and new growth, has only peeked through. Some of our native flowering plants have blossomed forth, and for the moment our hills are green, instead of the rest of the year brown. More changes are going to come, don’t you worry.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

March 20, 2010 - Gebo


Gebo

Gebo is the letter G

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

Generosity brings credit and honour, which support one's dignity;
it furnishes help and subsistenceto all broken men who are devoid of aught else.

Gebo means generosity or gift. Showing generosity was a necessity of various northern cultures, Part of the reputation of famous individuals was how generous they were with their wealth, food and abundance, particularly with guests from afar. Often times, part of the generosity was an unspoken contract, that by accepting the gifts of the host, the receiver would come to the aid of the host when called upon.
Gebo’s meaning partakes of that idea. In a reading, it shows what might be necessary to achieve your desires, either from expressing generosity, or generosity that has already been expressed to you, and therefore you are indebted to giver. That is not a bad thing. It is the various commitments and obligations of giver and receiver that sustains a culture, and by honoring those commitments, society is kept up. It is only when the debt begins to grow out of control, problems arise.

Friday, March 19, 2010

March 19, 2010 - Berkana


Berkana

Berkana is the letter B

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)
The birch bears no fruit; yet without seed it brings forth suckers,
for it is generated from its leaves.Splendid are its branches and gloriously adornedits lofty crown which reaches to the skies.

Berkana’s name means Birch. In the Anglo-Saxon rune poem however, the tree described is actually the poplar. Interestingly enough, the poplar tree produces small buds which are known as Balm of Gilead buds, which are recommended for use in healing external skin issues, like sunburn. The buds also figure in magical usage as an herb of love, particularly in soothing and reuniting lovers who have been estranged by conflict or misunderstanding.
Berkana meaning is one of growth, nurturing and feminine energy. Many authors comment on the shape of the letter reminding them of full breasts, particular of a pregnant or breast-feeding mother. In a reading, it can indicate that a gentle and nurturing action is taken. It can also indicate that the situation is progressing gently. This figures especially well for questions about health, healing, childbirth or issues where sudden growth and increase might de-stabilize the situation.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

March 18, 2010 - Nauthiz


Nauthiz

Nauthiz is the letter N

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)
Trouble is oppressive to the heart;
yet often it proves a source of help and salvationto the children of men, to everyone who heeds it betimes.

Today’s rune of Nauthiz is showing that there is a need to focus on how one is nourishing, sustaining and growing to yourself and others. Maybe you need to spend some time healing, or contemplation on what really feeds you and nourishes you instead of what you can just fill yourself with, whether that be food, actions, information and other things. Today is definitely an opportunity to heed the trouble and find the source of help and salvation.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

March 17, 2010 - Aethel


Aethel

Aethel is the sound “ah-eh”

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

An estate is very dear to every man,
if he can enjoy there in his housewhatever is right and proper in constant prosperity

Aethel translates to estate, usually with the connotation of family-owned property that is passed down as inheritance.
Aethel is a rune of ancestry, but also inheritance. It is genetic inheritance, as well as financial inheritance, but also spiritual gifts as well. It also is an indicator of the home, and issues around the home. Depending upon other runes in a reading, it might show blessings, conflict or other issues that are happening in the home. It might also call to focus your energies around the home. Cleaning, decorating, repairing or just enjoying your time in that personal space is what you need.
For me personally, as I glanced at the stanza of the rune poem, it immediately became clear, that it was more of reference of me being alone in my home, as the members that I had been sharing the home with are momentarily gone. So now I can enjoy in my own home whatever is right and proper for me.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

March 16, 2010 - Hagalaz


Hagalaz

Hagalaz is the letter H

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

Hail is the whitest of grain;
it is whirled from the vault of heavenand is tossed about by gusts of windand then it melts into water.

Hagalaz (hail) is the rune of the day. Small hail is somewhat of a wonder, and yet can be beneficial, as it melts and turns into water, which can nourish plants and land. Large hail can be terrible destructive, destroying structures, hurting people, animals, plants and crops, and generally wreaking havoc. Yet, it too melts into water, which can sustain and nourish those that have survived the initial onslaught.

That is the meaning of Hagalaz. Generally considered a unfavorable rune, Hagalaz is the fury and violence of nature. Storms, Lightning, Hail, torrential downpours which lead to flooding and mudslides, but it can also include earthquakes (how appropriate) wildfires (which is different from Arson, but for a surer sign of that expect to see Qweorth as well) and any natural disaster, or seemingly natural disaster. On metaphysical levels, it shows those subtle energies being unsettled and over active, and often acting in destructive ways. Nothing is left the same after Hagalaz, but what does survive is often stronger and more capable.

Monday, March 15, 2010

March 15, 2010 - Os reversed


Os reversed

Os is the vowel o

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The mouth is the source of all language,
a pillar of wisdom and a comfort to wise men,a blessing and a joy to every knight

Today I cast the Os reversed. Os is the translated as “mouth” as that thing which words come out from people. Esoterically, Os is the power of speech and song, everything having to do with voice. It is a rune of wisdom, but also of eloquence. When it is reversed, it shows problems with that area. Communication is misread, words are misheard, phone calls are missed. Try to make do as best as you can, and if you can, think about what you say before you say it, and re-read anything written before you publish it.

March 14, 2010 - Eihwaz


Eihwaz

Eihwaz the long sound of the vowel i

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The yew is a tree with rough bark,
hard and fast in the earth, supported by its roots,a guardian of flame and a joy upon an estate.

The names of Eihwaz are translated as Yew, a type of evergreen (taxus species) that has poison fruit and is toxic to humans. It is also much used in construction bows, but that particular facet belongs to Yr. In the esoteric sense, Eihwaz is the rune of Defense, but also a rune that represents Yggdrasil as the world tree upon which everything is connected, and so it shows connection. To have it show up today with Gar as the rune of the week, an aspect of Yggdrasil with the rune that represents the whole of Yggdrasil itself is kind of a big thing, I think. The combination of those runes shows that essential oneness, and a deeper sense of connection to it, at least for today.

Rune of the Week March 14 - March 20 - Gar


Gar

There is no letter for Gar

There is stanza for Gar

Gar means spear. It is the last rune, and doesn’t belong to any of the aettirs. In a certain sense it completes the English runes, but it is also outside of them. As I have indicated before, spear is a euphemism for Yggdrasil, the World Tree of the Northern Tradition.

In a reading, Gar is a non answer. It indicates that you need to stand back, and let things happen and not to worry over the results. They will come on their own. It is also a tabula rasa, a blank slate that shows that anything can be done here, because it is not influenced by anything, and it’s influence is not necessarily something that will be felt. To have this show up as the energy working through for a week is kind of an interesting space. On one hand, it is the end and beginning and yet neither. It’s a week for taking new opportunities, or to bring other things to a clean end. How you use it is up to you, but the important thing is to act.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

March 13, 2010 - Yr reversed


Yr reversed

Yr is the letter y

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

Yr is a source of joy and honour to every prince and knight;
it looks well on a horse and is a reliable equipment for a journey

Yr is often translated as the yew bow by most. Yr’s meaning when it is reversed is lack of skill or ability, and a lack of efficiency. As it relates to the day, it shows that perhaps events of the day may be handled sloppily or carelessly. It might also be an opportunity for learning a skill, and being open to where your lack of ability is, might educate you in handling the events better. In examining the rune of the week, Ior, with Yr reversed, it shows that there might be a need for being open to learning how to handle the boundaries, and also straddling those boundaries as you work through them.

Friday, March 12, 2010

March 12, 2010 - Mannaz Reversed


Mannaz Reversed

Mannaz is the letter M

Anglo- Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The joyous man is dear to his kinsmen;
yet every man is doomed to fail his fellow,since the Lord by his decree will commit the vile carrion to the earth

Mannaz means man. It is the rune of Humanity (all of us), but also a rune of the Mind and the whole man, from the first human to the last human.

I was feeling the reversal of Mannaz strongly this morning. I overslept, was absent minded, distracted at work, and just a lot of confusion. I broke a glass plate from tempature shock, and was feeling mentally overwhelmed by work, while at the same time having a conversation via email with a friend trying to figure out our plans for this weekend, which seemed to be changing a lot. It was just be smashed by a giant wave with now control or anything to hold onto. I am not sure what brought it about. It seems to have ebbed for the moment.

So, yeah Mannaz reversed can just point to inner turmoil or confusion. Your mind is shocked and unable to cope (for some reason) and things just seem to be hitting you really hard and fast, or slipping right by you, unnoticed.

I think I am going to flip this bitch.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

March 11, 2010 - Ac


Ac

Ac is the vowel sound “a” (ah)

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The oak fattens the flesh of pigs for the children of men.
Often it traverses the gannet's bath,and the ocean proves whether the oak keeps faithin honourable fashion

Today’s rune is Ac, the Oak tree. This seems like a fairly popular rune, both upright and reversed appears to show up fairly regularly. I would have to say it has something to do with perhaps a general permeating force that is present during this season (as to me we are still in winter time until the spring equinox) and often winter is seen as the hard cold season, connected to slow, but enduring strength, like the element of earth.

Today Ac feels like a very positive sign. Thursday is the day I engage in magic for wealth, finances and other money related issues. Mostly I work for myself, but occasionally for “clients.” To have the enduring and sustaining power of Ac to be supporting my work is a good sign, especially that today most of the magic was for long term financial work and stability. Definitely a good sign.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

March 10, 2010 - Ear


Ear

Ear is the sound “ea”

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The grave is horrible to every knight,
when the corpse quickly begins to cooland is laid in the bosom of the dark earth.Prosperity declines, happiness passes awayand covenants are broken.

Ear is often translated as grave or tomb. The stanza describes the image often associated with the early medieval mindset about death.

Esoterically, Ear is also about death. It is the slow decay and death of things both physical and immaterial, and of course how all things end. In a reading that is what Ear reveals, that something is ending, or that what is said is the final say in the question at hand.

Like Symbols of Death in various divinatory systems, it doesn’t necessarily mean immediate or personal death of the querent. Death happens in life all the time, Plants die and retreat during the autumn and winter, or are harvest and die to make grain and other food stuffs. Animals are slaughtered for food. Habits die, relationships die, periods and phases of life come to an end. Just realizing the part that will die that needs to die is tricky sometimes.

As a runeworker and a sorcerer, to me Death is my ally. In order to work change on the physical level, things need to be able to change. That means bringing an end to things, which is part of the cycle of change. Creation, Preservation, Destruction. But before Creation can occur, what was present before needs to be destroyed, it needs to die.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

March 9, 2010 - Gar


Gar

There is no letter equivalent for Gar

There is no rune poem for Gar

Gar is one of the Northumbrian runes, and it’s name means spear. The spear is often equated with Odhinn and his spear, Gungnir, but it is also another euphemism for Yggdrasil, The World Tree.

In a reading the meaning of Gar is somewhere between, “Answer unclear, Ask again later” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” As a symbol of the totality of creation, it reflects all that is, but also all that does not exist. The polarity of being and non-being is at play within Gar’s meaning, which is an interesting dynamic within the context of the rune of this week, Ior. In a sense we have already reached the most central point of Ior, being between the boundaries of two states, and yet so evenly balanced between the two, that we have become all and nothing simultaneously.

What we have is a Tabula Rasa, a blank slate, where we can start again and also finish in our lives, bring things to complete closure, while opening up other doors. Nothing that came before, matters now, and their may be no reward (or punishment) for actions taken. It is an opportunity to act and be open, and let things happen as they will, or as you will.

Monday, March 8, 2010

March 8, 2010 - Khalk


Khalk

Khalk is the letter K

There is no stanza in the rune poem for Khalk, it is Northumbrian Rune.

Khalk, typically translated to mean cup or chalice, is one of the northumbrian runes. Most early esoteric rune lore interepreted Khalk as being the a refernce to the Holy Grail.

To me Khalk is a cup, the Cup of Victory and Attainment, but also the Cup of Dreams and Desires. In a reading it shows either reaching your goals, or realizing what those goals might be, and how much farther your need to go to reach them. As I was engaging in some dreaming work today, I also had the insight that Khalk might also beneficial to dreams, useful in engaging in dream work, but also in as an indicator that you should look to your dreams for answers or insight to your question or needs. Not only night dreams, but your day dreams of success of attainment as well.

March 7, 2010 - Ac Reversed


Ac Reversed

Ac is the vowel a (ah)

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The oak fattens the flesh of pigs for the children of men.
Often it traverses the gannet's bath,and the ocean proves whether the oak keeps faithin honourable fashion.

All I can say about Ac reversed today is that it seems to be rune that appears frequently when I am physicall, mentally, or spiritually tired from activities of the previous day. Ac indicates that my energies are low, and that I lack stamina, fortitude and the power to endure.

Week March 7 -March 13


Ior

Ior is the sound io

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

Ior is a river fish and yet it always feeds on land;
it has a fair abode encompassed by water, where it lives in happiness

The rune of this week is Ior, the river-fish. A creature who feeds on land and also lives in water. A life lived in two worlds.

It is a rune of boundaries, and mutability. As boundaries, it defines where one world begins and the other world ends. Property markers, fences, definition are all parts of understanding Ior. On the other hand, the markers, fences are themselves, both parts of either side, and yet also neither side. They are liminal items, and the experience of Ior is one of being a liminal being. Traditional liminal beings of human culture are the transgendered shamans, priests, girl boys, and boy girls, amazons and berdache, In Northern Europe the word often used is Ergi or Argr. They are equally applied to those engaged in religious and spiritual cross dressing, and even acts that cross those boundaries, like same sex orientation, or taking up the role and practices of the opposite sex. Before the modern day, traditional gender roles were often more well defined then current standards, as well as dress and behavior. But in many pre-christian and tribal cultures, they often had a spiritual functionary, and often frequent stories of people who would cross these roles. Even among the Gods, bi-gendered and dual sexual natures, cross dressing, gender shapeshifting, were often occurrences. Ior embodies this nature and takes part of that history. They are liminal beings, and so is Ior, crossing the boundaries that define things, and exisiting within it, as both and as neither. The third mind between self and other is both us and not-us; In, out and the threshold between the two.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

March 6, 2010 - Jera


Jera

Jera is the letter J

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

Summer is a joy to men, when God, the holy King of Heaven,
suffers the earth to bring forth shining fruitsfor rich and poor alike.

I think today is going to be a good day. The turn of phrase that fills my mind is “Slow and Steady win the race.” Move thoughtfully and deliberately towards your goals for today, and everything will turn out fine.

Friday, March 5, 2010

March 5, 2010 - Thurisaz


Thurisaz

Thurisaz is the sound “th”

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The thorn is exceedingly sharp,
an evil thing for any knight to touch,uncommonly severe on all who sit among them.
Thurisaz, the thorn and the thurse (ice giant) is the rune of misfortunes, challenges and difficulties. It indicates that things are doing to be difficult today, as you will be encountering a lot of things that are unpleasant or just hard to deal with. Perhaps an injury will occur, or a vehicle will break down, or you will miss your bus. Don’t expect today to be an easy day.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

March 4, 2010 - Nauthiz


Nauthiz

Nauthiz is the letter N

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

Need is oppressive to the heart;
yet often it proves a source of help and salvationto the children of men, to everyone who heeds it betimes.

Nauthiz, the rune of need, necessity and troubles is the rune for today. It is a call to awareness, to be aware of what is pressing upon you, or where you might look and see what in your life is lacking. Focusing on that now, might help prevent other problems or difficulties later.

Often time when Nauthiz comes up in a reading, the necessity is unclear. At that time, you should expand the rune with additional runes to clarify what is being indicated. Today, the clarifying rune was Jera, year and harvest. The need that is calling is one about tending to those things that need time and investment to come to fruition. Another meaning I add to Jera is patience. Not everything can come in a hurry, even if that is what you want. Sometimes, you just have to be patient. Work what can be worked, labor where you need to labor and have things ready so that when it does come, it’s effects can be lasting and enduring

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

March 3, 2010 - Qweorth


Qweorth

Qweorth is the letter Q

There is no rune poem for Qweorth

The meaning of Qweorth, much like Peorth, is unclear. The most common meaning I have seen with people who have sought to define it is the fire-twirl. The fire-twirl is the sacred brand or torch that was used by earlier peoples to re-ignite fires. In some cases, it was a longer branch and may have been lit at both ends. To me, that is what I see in the image of the rune Qweorth, a branch that has been lit at both ends.

The fires that the twirl would re-ignite may be home fires, and even sacred fires, although usually the twirl itself was probably lit from a sacred fire, perhaps one that was kept burning all the time, an eternal flame. As the harnessing of fire and learning to create fire is one of the advances that humanity used to protect itself and slowly transformed culture and society, it is often given a sacred status, and the re-lighting of fires was a unique ritual, especially done after the winter solstice.

The other sacred fire is the funeral pyre. This is the meaning that Raven Kaldera focuses on, understandably so as his mistress is Hela, the Northern European Goddess who governs the afterlife and the underworld, known as Hel or Helheim.

As the symbol of the sacred fire, Qweorth symbolizes all of these qualities. It shows that this fire is burning, and it either needs to be tended or perhaps now is the time to re-ignite. It may also show that a great purification is taking place or coming, in which all that is unworthy or lacking will be burned away. It is destructive, but the destruction quickly clears the way for new things to take it’s place. Much like a forest fire will destroy acres of trees, but often the seeds of the trees are now stimulated to grow, their seed coats opened or burned away, allowing them to propagate. The fire also quickened the cycle of fertility, as the ash of the trees and plants now fertilizes the ground that they once fed upon, which may have become depleted because the cycle had become slowed down. The fires of creation can destroy, much like the fires of destruction can create.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

March 2, 2010 - Ac


Ac

Ac is the vowel a (ah)

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The oak fattens the flesh of pigs for the children of men.
Often it traverses the gannet's bath,and the ocean proves whether the oak keeps faithin honourable fashion.

Ac’s meaning of stamina, endurance and longevity is applied to our selves today. As the forces of the week move by like molasses in January, today is an opportunity to build our stamina. What form this takes depends upon you. It can have a feeling of being besieged on all sides, and having to stand strong and firm, or it may be quiet and still, allowing you to do the work of growing deeper into what gives you stamina and the ability to be strong and solid. It might even have opportunities to do both.

Monday, March 1, 2010

March 1, 2010 - Tiewaz


Teiwaz

Teiwaz is the letter T

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

Tiewaz is a guiding star; well does it keep faith with princes;
it is ever on its course over the mists of night and never fails

In the stanza, Tiewaz is considered the Pole star or North Star. It’s other names Tiw or Tyr connect to a God with the same name, who was a god of war (not blood thirsty savagery, but tactics, strategy, diplomacy and planning) judgment, and law. He has a very famous story that is easily found with a google search.

Teiwaz is a rune of wisdom and judgment. In the context of a reading Tiewaz indicates that wisdom, judgment and clarity are present or needed (depending upon the context and placement). Generally abrupt actions will be avoided, and so some mistakes will be averted as things are examined, contemplated and decided upon.

It often seems to me that Judgments is a value that is looked down upon in this day and age, and it is something I don’t understand why. The phrase that springs to me is “Don’t Judge me, dude.” I have come to understand that judgment is a good thing. Judgment is the skill that keeps us from doing things that are detrimental to us. It helps us to avoid people, situations and events that would cause un-necessary stress, discomfort and displeasure. It doesn’t mean that you should look down on people, but rather that you know the people you want to hang out with, and the people you don’t want to spend time with. Judgment helps you to perceive the right direction in life for you, instead of the right direction other people think you should go in. It helps to perceive those you mislead, falsify and manipulate you and others to get what they want, and leave you behind. For all these benefits, I just don’t understand why judgment is so looked down upon.

Rune of March - Thurisaz reversed


Thurisaz Reversed

Thurisaz is the sound ‘th’

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem (from ragweedforge.com)

The thorn is exceedingly sharp,
an evil thing for any knight to touch,uncommonly severe on all who sit among them

It appears the last week of February was a preparation for the whole month of March, as we are returned to Thurisaz reversed. There is a protective quality to thurisaz reversed that is like being a small animal who seeks protection amidst the thorns and briars. Because of being the type of being you are, you can be safe inside there, as you move cautiously past all the sharp thorns and pricks, meanwhile the predators, those who are coming after you, are not able to move through them successfully and are cut and pricked, and so leave you alone, allowing you to continue going on. Yes, they can be severe on you too, but for right now, they are protecting you from harm.

Another quality that Thurisaz has is the ability to slip past or penetrate defenses, obstacles and blockages. Looking at a small thorn, it seems such a tiny harmless thing, but yet they can just slip right through even the best protection and prick you. Many times as child growing up, I have been pricked from thorns of plants in my mother’s garden, even though I was wearing heavy denim and leather gloves. I made the wrong move, or that one un-protected spot just got through and pricked me. Thurisaz is also good at finding that one un-protected spot, that weakness, that chink in the armor. In the reversed state, you can use that to your advantage. It is an opportunity to break through obstacles, but also personal barriers to reach your desires or goals.