RUNES - Afterword

The Poetic Edda

Do you know how to cut them, know how to stain them,

Know how to read them how to understand?

Do you know how to evoke them, how to send them,

Know how to offer, know how to ask?

It is better not to offer than to offer too much

For a gift demands a gift,

Better not to slay than to slay too many.

Thus did Odin speak before the earth began

When he rose up in after time.

These runes I know, unknown to kings’ wives

Or any earthly man.

‘Help’ one is called,

For help is its gift,

and helped you will be

In sickness and care and sorrow.

Another I know;  which all will need

Who would study leechcraft.

On the bark scratch them, on the bole of trees

Whose boughs bend to the east.

I know a third

If my need be great in battle

It dulls the swords of deadly foes,

Neither wiles nor weapons wound me

And I go all unscathed …

***

Joanne Walmsley       Sacred Scribes

DAGAZ

DAGAZ

Alternative Names

Daeg; Dags; Dag; Daeg; Dogr.

Key Phrase     

‘If you stay true to yourself

only good things will come your way.’

                                 

Meaning

Day (daylight)

Viking Rune Equivalent

Breakthrough. Day. Prosperity and abundance.

I CHING

Stagnation

Tarot Equivalent

Death   -  13  -  VIII

Divinatory Meaning

The Light

Corresponding Letter

D

Associated Colour

Light Blue

Associated Herb

Clary Sage

Associated Gemstone

Diamond

Associated Tree

Spruce

Associated Myths and Deities

Sunna, Baldr, Nerthus, Yggdrasil. Sacred to Heimdall – the Watcher.

Relationship Interpretation

Contributions by one partner to the other’s spiritual or psychological welfare.

Healing Colour and Qualities

Yellow

Fever and head complaints; mental fatigue and exhaustion. Can also be used to clear toxins from the body.

Talisman

Worn as a talisman, Dagaz brings a positive outcome to any situation that is of concern.

Dagaz Drawn Upright

Keywords

Happiness, success, fulfilling lifestyle, day, daylight, light, the light that brings hope and happiness, the door of the year, divine light, balance between light and darkness, the right time to plan and embark on an enterprise, midday, mid-summer, prosperity, satisfaction, positive activity, light, hope, good fortune, breakthrough, awakening, awareness, power of positive will, transformation, security, certainty, growth, release, balance, good health, strength, joy, the place where opposites meet.

DAGAZ is ‘Balance’

Dagaz is eighth of the third Aett and the twenty-fourth and final Rune of the Elderfuthark alphabet. Dagaz can mean day time; the time that divides the darkness, as well as the twenty-four hour period known as a full day. 

The Norse counted their days from evening to evening, with the mid-point being dawn with the rising of the sun. The Norse were primarily hunters, farmers and fisherman, and these tasks were predominantly accomplished during the part of the day when the sun shone. Daytime is the time you use to get daily tasks done. It is the time you give yourself to accomplish your goals and objectives. It is the scheduled or allotted amount of hours or minutes you allow for work. In today’s society though, with electricity and the like, people are able to work at any hour appropriate to them (eg. shift work), which gives the day a further scope to use its full 24 hour period.

Dagaz also symbolises the contrasts between darkness and light and is a rune of paradox as well as one of awakening, and metaphorically, of rebirth.

Dagaz is the balancing of opposites. It is the counter-balance which compliments rather than contradicts. It is a rune of clear vision and enlightenment. It represents time and space and the weaving of the Web of Wyrd.

The Dagaz rune also represents the connection of the four elements and the connection with the celestial and natural realms. Dagaz brings together the six cardinal points: the four compass directions, the celestial (or Heavenly) realm above, and that which is below; being all the spirits of the earth and of nature. All of these are integrated and balanced with the Dagaz rune, and brought into our daily lives.

When drawn in a reading Dagaz is informing you that the light shines on the path before you, guiding you. As long as you remain true to yourself, only good fortune can come your way. You are well protected by the power of the light, and are able to draw upon its strength, as well as your own. Dagaz will also give you clear vision. You will be able to see pitfalls and hurdles before they enter your life. This will bring you an added insight as to your true destiny.

Drawing Dagaz often indicates a time to plan or embark on a new journey or enterprise. It often signifies that prosperity and abundance is within your reach and may well be on its way to you right now. 


Dagaz is telling you that the darkness is behind you, and you are to forge ahead, bathed in the light of the sun. Dagaz often signals a shift, breakthrough or move of some kind.

Dagaz suggests the dawning of a breakthrough, awareness and awakening. It promised that clarity will light up life, and says that now is the time to embark on a new enterprise. Using one’s will can bring about desired change, and talks of security and certainty, growth and release.

Because the timing is right, as indicated by the drawing of Dagaz, rest assured that the outcome will be positive. 

Dagaz Drawn Reversed (Merkstave)

Keywords

Dagaz cannot be drawn reversed but can lay in opposition. Lack of hope, disparity, ill fortune, darkness, confusion, uncertainty, lack of personal conviction, loss of faith, sorrow, disheartenment, ignorance, lack of harmony and balance, endings, limits, hopelessness.

Drawing Dagaz reversed or merkstave warns you not to become complacent or too egotistical. It is a message for you to pull back and reassess yourself, your attitudes and what you are doing or not doing, with your life.

Dagaz reversed presages completion and ending.



*

Joanne Walmsley
Sacred Scribes

      

OTHILA

OTHILA

Alternative Names

Othala; Ogthala; Othel; Othal; Ethel; Odhal; Opild.

Key Phrase

‘Focus your thoughts to attract

the right energies that you need

 to make your dream a reality.’

Meaning

Boundaries; a possession.

Viking Rune Equivalent

Separation. Home. Inherited property or possessions.

I CHING

Decay

Tarot Equivalent

The Heirophant  -  5  -  V

Divinatory Meaning

Freedom and Focus

Corresponding Letter

O

Associated Colour

Deep Yellow

Associated Herb

Clover

Associated Gemstone

Ruby

Associated Tree

Hawthorn

Associated Myths and Deities

The nine worlds of Yggdrasil.

Manifestation Uses

For acquiring land or property; to complete a project, or to strengthen family ties. For growth and prosperity. Aid in physical and spiritual journeys.

Relationship Interpretation

Domesticity; joining of property; home or house issues. Social life.

Healing Colour and Qualities

Yellow

To clear blockages and toxins in the body.

Talisman

Othila as a talisman helps the wearer to acquire property, to bring a project to successful conclusion and to strengthen family ties.

Othila Drawn Upright

Keywords

Property, land, a house, a home, inheritance, legacy, inherited physical attributes, the sacred enclosure, boundaries, home, permanency, a sense of belonging, safety, a possession or possessions, family, group, spiritual heritage, experience and fundamental values, guarding and passing on sacred values, patrimony, material and spiritual heritage, ancestral lands, spiritual values, fundamental ideas, belonging, togetherness, liberty of the individual and the clan, duty to resist oppression, integrity, wise use of resources, prosperity and increase in abundance, acquisition, benefits.

OTHILA is ‘Home.’

Othila is the twenty-third rune and the seventh of the third Aett, in the Elderfuthark Runic alphabet. Othila is the meeting place between the Norse’s Midgard and Asgard – between our gods and ourselves. 

This rune represents ancestral property, one’s homeland or one’s ‘home turf’, be it physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. It is your sense of connectedness with your heritage. The Othila rune represents the home and family, its customs, language, duties and responsibilities and the qualities needed to maintain family ties as well as the family homestead. It is the areas of your life in which you feel most comfortable.

Othila represents yourself in your natural state, with no tensions or worries. It is your inner bliss and peace. It is who you are and where you stand in this world. 

Othila comes to represent the realm of wealth and property, but in a way that defines who we are rather than what we have. The Othila rune represents land, as it can be passed on as a legacy, used to feed and prosper, but more importantly, it is our home. The concept and idea of ‘land’ can also represent our ‘centre’, who we are and where we are most comfortable, to give our lives meaning. 

We discover with Othila that after all our travels and adventures, we all eventually end up going home. This shows us that through our travels, explorations and adventures we learn experiences and values that ultimately teach us that our home or spiritual centre is who and where we really are. It is our core. Othila is what and where our real home is to us. None of the lessons learned can be of any real use unless they are actively integrated into our daily life so that we can know our centre point, and anchor to it.

Othila also represents boundaries of all kinds. Boundaries are what we place around ourselves and our properties. They are an indication of ownership, to keep outsiders out and those on the inside (such as cattle) in. In life it is imperative to know your boundaries, although these same boundaries are to be pushed from time to time, to further growth. Knowing our boundaries allows us to make good judgements and choices.

Drawing Othila in a reading indicates that you need to be able to concentrate, but relax at the same time. Focus clearly on your wishes, dreams, hopes and desires, but relax in the knowledge that what you need will come to you. To try to force issues may hinder progress. Wait patiently for other energies to be attracted to your thoughts and these will direct and guide you in the right direction. Othila tells us never to loose sight of our dreams.

Othila is a rune of possessions, house and home and what one holds truly important in their life. It is a rune of groups, promising group order and prosperity.

Othila promises aid in spiritual and physical journeys, and is a source of safety and of abundance.

Othila Drawn Reversed (Merkstave)

Keywords

Disorder, prejudice, manipulation, unfair judgement, homelessness, poverty, bad karma, no sense of belonging, outcast, being bound to a negative situation.

Drawing the Othila Rune reversed may indicate your desire to possess and/or own something, possibly to the point of obsession. Keep in mind that when you try to own something, you run the risk of loosing it. The message is to allow everyone and everything to be as they should.

Othila appearing merkstave suggests that now is not the time to be held down and bound by old conditioning and behaviour. Adaptability to change must be fostered, as change is inevitable. A refusal to go with the flow of change will result in more hurdles and obstacles in your way.

Reversed or merkstave, Othila forewarns of customary order and totalitarianism.

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Joanne Walmsley
Sacred Scribes

    

INGUZ

INGUZ

Alternative Names

Ing; Epel; Ingwaz; Enguz; Iggws.

Key Phrase

‘Live in the moment.’

Meaning

Ing the Fertility God (also known as Freyr)

Viking Rune Equivalent

Fertility. The god Ing.

Divinatory Meaning

The Fire Within

I CHING

Danger

Tarot Equivalent

The Empress  -  3  -  III

Corresponding Letters

N, G

Associated Colour

Yellow

Associated Herb

Self-heal

Associated Gemstone

Amber

Associated Tree

Apple

Associated Myths and Deities

Ing, Nerthus, Thor, the Vanir. Sacred to Freyr and consorts of Freya.

Manifestation Uses

For fertility of the land and farming. For general health and balance. To stimulate growth. For a gradual change or adherence to responsibilities.

Relationship Interpretation

Parenthood, unity, co-operation, integration.

Healing Colour and Qualities

Green

Inguz can be used to ease tension and calm the mind and body. Can be used to ease menstruation symptoms and hormonal imbalances.

Talisman

Inguz worn as a talisman, brings fertility and growth, and encourages good health and restores balance.

Inguz Drawn Upright

Keywords

Male fertility and potency, gestation, internal growth, work, productivity, bounty, being grounded, a connection with the land, peace, prosperity, protection of hearth and home, a beacon of light, potential energy accumulating for a burst of power, good health, balance, farming and cropping, fertility, virtues, common sense, family love, human warmth, home, rest period, grounding, summer sun, inner strengths.

INGUZ is ‘Creativity’.

The twenty-second rune in total and sixth of the final Aett, is the Inguz rune. This rune is often associated with masculine energy and the Moon. The Inguz rune represents Nerthiz, the god Ing (or Freyr), who is the embodiment of fertility. It is this fertility that we call upon to create.


Inguz is concerned with male fertility, gestation and internal growth. It is all about common sense and simple strengths, the home and love of the family, caring and human warmth.

Agriculture represents one of the first attempts by mankind to control the environment, the sustainability of crops and the animals used to maintain them. Throughout ancient times, a primary concern for mankind was the production and harvesting of successful crops for the survival, health and well being of its people.

In today’s Western society, many (if not most) have lost their connection and contact with the land and the process of growing things. The spiritual consequences of this have been disastrous as most people now find it difficult to connect with their own survival instincts and natural intuitions. It has become evident also, in the disrespect given to the earth, the environment and natural resources.

In ancient times, the land was revered as a source of survival as well as one of wondrous beauty. The shape of the Inguz rune shows balance, representing the harmonious relationship between ourselves and the four elements or four directions. Inguz reminds us of the ancient connection between the gods and the land. It is a rune of grounding, and tells us to reconnect and re-link (which is the true  meaning of the word ‘religion’) with our spiritual natures and to reintroduce ourselves to the earth and all its beauties as well as its forebodings. This will reconnect our bodies, minds and spirits.

Inguz is a rune of movement, action and reaction. It is also one of responsibility. The Inguz rune indicates that you are on a spiritual path or journey.


Drawing this Rune means that you now have the strength and personal power to achieve completion, resolution and finalisation with some issues that have been a burden or have been long drawn out. It is crucial here to complete projects and finish unfinished business. From this comes an exciting new beginning. You must be done with the old to allow room for the new.

Drawing the Inguz rune in a reading indicates that although you may feel isolated or out of sync at times, you can be safe in the knowledge that within you burns the fire of inspiration. This will urge you onwards, upwards and striving toward spiritual fulfilment. It is the essence of the Inguz rune that will move you forward. With the Inguz rune in play, we nurture ideas and plans and make way for the future.

Depending upon the situation at hand, drawing the Inguz rune can indicate a time of your darkest hour. You may feel confused, helpless or stagnant. Look upon it as though you are the seed, sitting just below the soil, waiting for the sun to shine and the timing to be right before sprouting forth. It is your opportunity to look within and know that you are on the right path. 

Inguz presages a period of rest and relaxation when anxieties disappear and loose strings are tied. It implies that you are free to move in new directions.

Inguz Drawn Reversed (Merkstave)

Keywords

Ill-health, lack of balance, male impotence, toil, movement with no positive change, bad harvests, hard work that brings little reward.

Inguz cannot be drawn reversed or merkstave, but can lay in opposition. 

Drawing the Inguz rune in opposition indicates that you may be allowing problems and obstacles get you down to the point where you loose your inspiration and drive to strive and succeed. The message is to trust in your own abilities and talents. In fact, it is imperative that you rely on them at this time.



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Joanne Walmsley
Sacred Scribes

     

LAGUZ

LAGUZ

Alternative Names

Lagu; Lagus; Logr; Lagaz.

Key Phrase

‘Still waters run deep.’

Meaning

Creation; water; emotions; the Leek plant.

Viking Rune Equivalent

Flow. Water. A fertility source.

Divinatory Meaning

Emotions; spiritual counselling.

I CHING

The Wellsprings of Life

Tarot Equivalent

Ace of any suit.

Ace of Cups = Joy

Ace of Swords = Creative Power

Ace of Pentacles = Promotion

Ace of Wands = Difficult beginnings

Corresponding Letter

L              

Associated Colour

Deep Green

Associated Herb

Leek

Associated Gemstone

Pearl

Associated Tree

Willow

Associated Myths and Deities

Sacred to Njord – god of the wealth of the Sea, Midgard Serpent, The Aegir (the gods and goddesses of the sea)

Manifestation Uses

To enhance psychic ability and to uncover hidden things.

Relationship Interpretation

Emotions, affections and flexibility within a partnership or relationship.

Healing Colour and Qualities

Blue

Helps with dealing with nightmares. Helps with dealing with psychic blocks. Combine with the Nauthiz rune for infections and skin diseases.

Talisman

Laguz enhances psychic abilities and helps those who wear or carry it face up their fears. It stabilizes emotional disorders and helps uncover what is hidden.

Laguz Drawn Upright

Keywords

Water, ebb and flow of the tides, fluidity, all that flows and changes, lake, sea, creek, river, stream, wave, waterfall, a means of travel, success in travel and acquisition – but with the possibility of loss, emotions, fears, the subconscious mind, hidden things, secrets, revelation, intuition, counselling, guidance, a fertility source, renewal, healing powers, growth, expansion, life force or energy, organic growth, imagination, intuition, mystery, dreams, fantasy, mysteries, the unknown, the bud of new growth pushing through soil, cleansing.

LAGUZ is ‘the Subconscious’.

The Laguz rune is the twenty-first of twenty-four and is the fifth of the third and final Aett. 


Laguz represents water in all its forms. Water is an essential ingredient to life and all living creatures rely on it to survive. Water is associated with emotions of all kinds, but predominantly with healing, peacefulness, love, compassion, intuition and forgiveness.

To the ancient Norse, water of all kinds including the ocean, lakes, streams and rivers were considered a source of wealth and fertility. The Aegir, the gods and goddesses of the sea in Norse mythology, both gave and took life and offered fertility and wealth. The sea is an unpredictable place and home of the Midgard Serpent who led many sailors to their death. Laguz, therefore, comes to represent both the lightness and healing effects of water, as well as the darker sides of the element of water. 

Laguz speaks to our primal fears of the dark, the cold, and all those terrifying things hidden deep within our subconscious minds.

Laguz represents the ebb and flow of life. As water, it seeks its own level taking the path of least resistance or at other times, sinking into the earth to rise again in a different place.

Laguz represents the Well of Wyrd (the well by which the Norn Sisters nourish Yggdrasil) as it holds all the secrets of the unconscious mind and that which is in within each of us. It also represents the collective or Universal knowledge and wisdom. 

Laguz represents psychic abilities and gives one a deeper understanding of the self. Everything that has ever been created or thought of, stems from our subconscious minds. Within each of us lie all the answers to every question. 

Lagus is a rune of the sea, of water’s ebb and flow and of the healing power of renewal. It emphasises imagination and psychic matters, as well as dreams and fantasies and the mysteries of the unknown.

Laguz makes us examine the underlying roots of our personality and behaviour and allows us to modify those aspects which are hindering our spiritual development, and our lives in general. The understanding and wisdom learnt prepares us to face our darker side and acknowledge and accept it as an integral part of ourselves. 

Laguz also prepares the person to take on the task of helping others through this self-examination process, allowing one to empathise more strongly and share their own experiences. This makes the Laguz rune the rune of the ‘spiritual counsellor’.

The message of Laguz is to embrace change as it is the only constant in life. 

Drawing Laguz in a reading encourages you to immerse yourself in the experience of living, without having to evaluate or understand. It is often a message to the inquirer or seeker that it is time for cleansing, re-evaluating, re-organising  and realigning for both body and soul.

Success is within your reach and will come to you with the use of your intuition and wisdom combined.

Laguz Drawn Reversed (Merkstave)

Keywords

Confusion, poor judgement, poor decision-making, lack of creativity, fear, avoidance, madness, obsession, risk, despair, perversity, sickness, suicide.

Drawing the Laguz rune reversed tells of one who must learn to go with the flow. There is a need to initiate some sort of movement or change into many areas of your life. Things are stale and stagnant at present. It also may imply that you have made poor decisions or find yourself in a place or situation that you are not comfortable with. It is an indication that you are experiencing a period of confusion in your life. Negative emotions abound and it is up to you to sort through them to find your truth, then take steps to rectify both your behaviour and the issue at hand.

Reversed or merkstave, Laguz is an indication of a period of confusion and wrong decisions being made through lack of proper judgement. It tells of a lack of creativity, or they are fearful that they are stuck in a rut. 


Laguz reversed can presage madness, insanity, obsession and being cast into such deep despair that unspeakable thoughts may come to mind.



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Joanne Walmsley
Sacred Scribes