Showing posts with label runes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label runes. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The Poetic Edda
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,
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 …
MANNAZ
Alternative Names
Man; Mann; Manna; Madhr.
Key Phrase
‘Your Destiny Awaits
- Claim It.’
Meaning
A Human; Mankind; Human Existence.
A human; the Self
I CHING
Family
Tarot Equivalent
The Chariot - 7 - VII
Divinatory Meaning
Destiny
Corresponding Letter
M
Associated Colour
Associated Herb
Madder
Associated Gemstone
Garnet
Associated Tree
Holly
Associated Myths and Deities
Ask and Embla, Midgard. Sacred to Odin – the All-Father and Heimdall – the Watcher.
Manifestation Uses
To represent a specific person or group of people; to establish social contacts and relationships; to benefit others, the self and the whole. To invoke co-operation and social order. Can be used to mediate in a conflict situation.
Relationship Interpretation
Intellectual compatibility and mutual understanding.
Healing Colour and Qualities
Helps with the healing of cuts, scratches, minor burns and small wounds. In combination with the Isa rune, Mannaz can be used to aid accidents and wounds.
Mannaz and Sowulo combined gives aid and healing to nervous disorders and ligament pain.
The Mannaz talisman may be worn to represent someone else (eg. A loved one) or a group of people or an organisation.
Mannaz Drawn Upright
Keywords
Humanity, human existence, culture, memory, intelligence, connection to others, what we share in happiness, family, self, awareness, community, relationships, social concerns, creativity, skill, adornment, co-operation, ability, benefit of the whole, the intellect, mind power, forethought, success, augmentation, friends and enemies.
MANNAZ is ‘Humanity.’
The fourth rune of the third Aett and twentieth in total is Mannaz.
This is the ‘Rune of Mankind’ – the Human. It is said to represent the ‘perfect human’, regardless of gender. This belief appears to be based on the thought that we are all genetically linked to the gods and the universe. This rune represents the human as a whole, incorporating the intelligence, memory, rationality, common sense, traditions and cultures of the human race. It represents our ‘humanity’.
The Mannaz rune exposes and expresses both the strengths and weaknesses of the human being. It is the essence of what the Norse and ancient peoples of all cultures, as well as many of us today, look to pass down and teach our children: to be smart, to remember your ancestors, to act fairly and to honour the god/s. Mannaz is a part of the soul of the human race that connects all and says ‘we are one.’
According to Norse Cosmology, the realm of the human race is Midgard. Mannaz represents all of humanity who dwell on the Earthly plane.
Mannaz is the rune of relationships and connections. It is about those with whom with have intimate relationships, such as our immediate circle of family and friends, to the wider community. It also extends to our connection with nature and our instincts to be social creatures. Mannaz represents our connection with the Universe and nature, as well as the lifecycle of birth, death and rebirth.
Mannaz is the entire web of human relationships. Mannaz is our ‘home’ and speaks for all those whose lives we touch when we use the gifts we have been given through who we are as humans.
The Mannaz rune is one of mortality, but also represents interdependence and support, as well as duty and responsibility. No individual is independent of others and each plays a part in the larger pattern of life, interacting within other’s lives as well as living their own.
Mannaz in a reading may be an indication to either seek assistance from others, or look to those whom you can assist. Your willingness to assist others, whether or not you are in need of assistance yourself, indicates to all the calibre of who you are. Within the context of life, you will be aptly rewarded.
With the Mannaz rune drawn, you can expect some sort of co-operation or aid from others. Interactions should run smoothly and amicably. Plans will go to order, and you may receive some assistance, or help with an issue.
If a problem were to arise at this time, it will be dealt with quickly and positively, to the point where you may be baffled or mystified as to how the solution came about so promptly and effectively.
Mannaz talks of an attitude towards other people and their attitude in return.
Mannaz is concerned with intelligence, forethought and creative skills and abilities. When the rune appears in a reading, you can expect to receive some sort of aid or co-operation. You may also be surprised with a quick win or gain in some way.
Drawing Mannaz in a reading would suggest that issues with those close to you may be prevalent. Embrace all interactions and look for the deeper meaning in conversations and situations as they arise.
Be safe in the knowledge that everything that comes to you, comes for a reason. Embrace everything and learn from the lesson/s. By learning each lesson as it presents itself, you will go onwards and upwards.
Mannaz Drawn Reversed (Merkstave)
Keywords
Depression, mortality, blindness, self-delusion, awareness of our shadow-side, slyness, cunning, manipulations, mortality, lack of help and support from others.
Mannaz drawn reversed or merkstave may indicate a rocky path at present. Obstacles may lay ahead and plans may go astray. Take heed in that you become both stronger and wiser along this journey. You do have the power within to deal with life’s problems as they arise. Take a step back to retrace your steps and you will see where you may have mis-stepped. Now is the time to take the other path.
Drawing Mannaz reversed is telling you to examine your attitudes, and modify them if required. Maybe you are tackling issues, or others, with too much energy. You may be inadvertently turning people away from you, which in turn may disappoint you.
Mannaz drawn reversed may also be indicating a time when you will feel isolated and possibly rejected by others. Now is not a time when appropriate help will be forthcoming. It is a time for you to stop whatever you are doing and reconsider your life, your lifestyle, attitudes and actions. Look within for new direction.
*
Joanne Walmsley
ANSUZ
Ansus; Ansur; Os.
Key Phrase
“Everything that comes to you
comes to teach you.”
Meaning
Authority figure, a god, a leader, mind and body balance, justice, shaman, clairvoyance, wisdom, receiving a message or insight.
Viking Rune Equivalent and Meaning
Signals. The Norse god Loki; Mouth of a river; mouth from which to speak.
I CHING:
Progress
Tarot Equivalent
The Magician - 1 - I
Divinatory Meaning
A message. For use for those who wish to study ardently; aids in concentration.
Corresponding Letter
A
Associated Colour
Associated Herb
Fly Agaric
Associated Gemstone
Emerald
Associated Tree
Ash
Associated Myths and Deities
The god Odin – god of wind and spirit and the god Loki - the ancient trickster and shape-changer.
Manifestation Uses
For wise decision-making, success, leadership, or to help in divination. It can be used for the acquisition of inspiration, knowledge and understanding; helps with true sight.
Relationship Interpretation
Interpersonal communication. A time to examine communication techniques between partners; a time to be honest in all dealings and be forthright in true emotions and feelings.
Healing Colour and Qualities
Red
Aids healing to the hands and ears.
Helps in divination and in making wise decisions. Also excellent for seeking leadership.
Ansuz Drawn Upright
Keywords
Communication, a revealing message or insight, wisdom gained and wisdom earned, conscious work, success, leadership, inspired speech, ancestral power, passion, inspiration, enthusiasm, transformation, encouragement, compassion, blessings, source of blessings and joy, the divine breath, the sacred ash – The World Tree, holding fast, protection, guarantee of order.
ANSUZ is the ‘effect of energy.’
The fourth rune of the first aett is Ansuz. This rune represents the instinctive, primal energy of the Uruz rune, tempered with the discipline and experience of Thurisaz. These elements are combined in the personage of Odin, who exhibits the characteristics of both chieftain and shaman; a god of wisdom as well as war. The Ansuz rune is often referred to as the ‘Rune of Odin’, the ‘Rune of the Ash Tree’ or the ‘Rune of Release’. In traditional references it is the ‘God Rune’.
In Norse mythology Odin brought down the wisdom of the runes and conveyed their information for the rest of humanity to learn from. Therefore, the Ansuz rune is often regarded as a rune of ‘communication.’
Ansuz is the rune of inspired speech and incantation as a creative expression. Ansuz shows us the power of speech, which passes along knowledge with the breath of life from generation to generation. It is the passing on of knowledge through the spoken word, rather than the written.
Ansuz also represents conscious work and the bringing in of wisdom gained to the levels of awareness where one can recognise things for what they truly are. There is a certain lack of ‘compassion’ and ‘perspective’ in this rune, as situations and issues are often viewed from a distant standpoint, when this rune is prevalent.
The Ansuz rune tells of increased awareness of what the future holds. Linked to Odin, it is a rune of inspiration, wisdom, aspirations and communication and promises spiritual renewal and progress, clear vision and good health.
This rune represents power, both secular and spiritual and because of this, lessons must be learned thoroughly thus gaining the wisdom to live life wisely.
Drawn in a reading, the Ansuz rune may be telling you a message of something new unfolding. New beginnings start with new connections and linkages that direct us onto new pathways and new directions. Be aware during meetings, chance encounters, visits and contact with others, particularly those of which you feel are wise or knowledgable. They may hold the key to a query you have and may inspire and propel you forward.
The answers to your questions are already here and you already know them; you just haven’t heard them clearly yet. Look for signals and confirmations which are all around you, all the time. Everything has a special significance. If you learn this truth, you will understand and take heed of the messages around you.
The Ansuz rune drawn in a reading may indicate a need to connect emotionally with the self, others and with all issues at hand, to make the wisest decision and/or choice. Listen to your inner-self and what it is telling you, then move forward with the knowledge and wisdom learned from the experience.
The telling to others of your experiences also facilitates in their learning, giving them the option to learn from your mistakes as well as their own, and by heeding yours, learn from them as well.
Ultimately, by either our action or lack of action, we are responsible for what happens around us, and to us. Anzus is the rune representing our responsibility to ourselves and our world. It is not the action itself, but the result of that action which counts here.
Ansuz, when drawn in a reading, will bring release quickly. This is a release of stress and of blockages preventing one to move from a situation or issue, or the decision to release oneself from a burden. You may feel trapped or tied down to a situation and feel you are unable to escape and see no resolution. When you put your effort into resolution, the effect of the energy released through the Ansuz rune is freedom; physically, mentally and spiritually. Freedom is only achieved with strong will, determination and the true desire to release the burden. Ansuz shows you the effect of your positive (or negative) action.
Trust that everything that comes to you, comes to teach. By acknowledging this truth, you will grow in knowledge and wisdom.
Ansuz Drawn Reversed (Merkstave)
Keywords
Manipulation by others, misunderstanding/s, delusion, boredom, vanity, arrogance, aloofness, grandiloquence.
Drawing the Ansuz rune reversed could be showing you that you need to take heed and listen to what others are saying to you, and more importantly, what you are saying to yourself. You may be in a trap where your own lack of conviction can allow others to manipulate you. Watch out for hidden agendas, false or double meanings, and check the fine print.
You may be concerned over what appears to be a lack of clarity with an issue, failed communication or awareness, or a feeling of confusion about a situation. With this may come a sense of futility or wasted effort. This signifies a time for you to clean out the old to usher in the new.
Ansuz drawn reversed or merkstave denotes that you have not found the answers you seek because you have asked the wrong questions. You must seek your answer in a different way. Look within and all will become clear.
It also warns to be on guard for expressions of superiority and vanity.
*
Joanne Walmsley
THURISAZ
Alternative Names
Thorn; Thurith, Thurs.
Key Phrase
‘You have the power within you
to face anything that may cross your path.’
Meaning
Thorn, The Strong Ones, Giants, Thor’s Hammer,
Viking Rune Equivalent and Meaning
Gateway, Giant; a thorn; the Norse god Thor;
I CHING:
Zenith
Tarot Equivalent
Justice - 11 - XI
Divinatory Meaning
Spiritual authority, hardship, a painful event, discipline, knowledge, introspection, focus.
Corresponding Letter
TH (th)
Associated Colour
Associated Herb
House Leek
Associated Gemstone
Sapphire
Associated Tree
Thorn, Oak
Associated Myths and Deities
Loki - trickster and shape-changer; The Frost Giants.
Manifestation Uses
Use as an aid in study and meditation, self-discipline, clearing out a bad situation or bad energy.
It may be used in meditation as a potent tool to understand Thor and what he embodies.
Relationship Interpretation
General conflict area; a battle of the wills.
The Thurisaz rune may indicate upheaval and/or a power shift within the dynamics of the relationship.
Healing Colour and Qualities
Used to strengthen a healthful aura; aids insomnia and sleep disorders.
As a talisman, Thurisaz can be used for study and meditation or for the resolution of an unfortunate situation.
Thurisaz Drawn Upright
Keywords
Thorn or Giant, thorn on a branch, elements of nature, the primal force, directions of energy, applied power, protection, defence, reactive forces, directed force of destruction and defence, conflict, instinctual will, vital eroticism, regenerative catalyst, challenge, a tendency toward change, catharsis, purging, cleansing, fire, male sexuality, fertilisation.
THURISAZ is ‘Energy in Motion.’
The third rune of the first aett is Thurisaz. This rune is the first of the ‘obstacle’ runes. These obstacles are not necessarily destructive, but are placed in our path to strengthen and teach us. They are there for us to overcome.
Thurisaz is a force of defence and destruction. In ancient times, as well as in some places today, bramble or thorny bushes were used to fence and protect boundaries. One form of Norse execution was to throw criminals into thorns. Thor is the god that protects sacred enclosures in much the same way that the thorny hawthorn, blackberry or rose bush does. No matter how beautiful the rose, one should always be watchful of the thorns.
The message of this rune is ‘to learn you must suffer’ – meaning not only literal suffering, but also in the biblical sense of ‘allowing’ – allowing one’s destiny to unfold as it should, and allowing one’s self to experience all that life has to offer us. What may at first appear to be negative, possibly even destructive, may well turn out to contain an important lesson.
With Thurisaz, you are being confronted with a clear reflection of what is hidden in yourself, and what must be exposed and examined before right action can be undertaken. This rune strengthens your ability to wait. You have no option but to learn patience.
The Thurisaz rune may indicate conflict or protection; as in protection from conflict. On some levels, it represents the subconscious. The energy of conflict is neutral in, and of itself. It is important to the Norse worldview to accept the dynamics involved here. With Thurisaz in play, the strength of the individual’s will and the opposing will from the environment will be at odds.
Another example is; you get an idea to build a house, which is Fehu. Then you draw the building plans for the house, this is Uruz. Thurisaz is the actual building of the house.
When you have motivation you make things happen. Thurisaz is the power of that motion.
Thurisaz is the rune of tests and challenges. Within the context of a reading, if Thurisaz is drawn it is showing you that you have the power within you to face anything that might cross your path. Fear nothing.
You have the authority to claim your destiny. Let no one deter you from your search for the truth – your truth. Hold fast to your birthright. Be a spiritual being, but always remember to keep your feet firmly on the ground.
Spiritual authority brings power. It is up to you to use that power in an unselfish and loving way. Power can corrupt if you do not have a true and honest heart. Like strength, spiritual authority is a power that is designed to help you keep on your path. It is not a power to exert over others for selfish ends.
Thurisaz tell you to listen to your instincts, always.
Thurisaz Drawn Reversed (Merkstave)
Keywords
Danger, defencelessness, compulsion, betrayal, dullness, evil, envy, malice, hatred, torment, spite, lies, attack, troll, demon, instability, a change for the worse, a bad energy.
With the Thurisaz rune drawn reversed shows that a quickening of your development is indicated. Yet even in times of accelerated growth, you will have reason to halt along the way to consider and reconsider the old and to integrate the new. Take advantage of these halts.
If you are undergoing difficulties, remember, the nature of your passage depends upon the quality of your attitude, the clarity of your intention and the steadfastness of your will. Be certain that you are not suffering over your suffering.
Drawing the Thurisaz rune merkstave demands contemplation on your part. Hasty decisions made at this time may cause regret as you will be coming from a place of weakness. You may deceive yourself about your motives and create new problems, which may be more severe than the ones you are attempting to resolve.
Reversed, Thurisaz warns of naivety and vulnerability in a situation that may prove to be negative. It tells of betrayal and the approach of a malicious and deceitful person.
Thurisaz reversed tells of betrayal and the approach of a malicious and deceitful person.
Thurisaz drawn merkstave tells you to beware that you keep your personal power in check. Never use it to manipulate others or for your own personal gain, particularly at the expense of others.
Strength is only power when it is used constructively and positively.
*
Joanne Walmsley
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