MANNAZ

MANNAZ

Alternative Names

Man; Mann; Manna; Madhr.

Key Phrase

‘Your Destiny Awaits

- Claim It.’

Meaning

A Human; Mankind; Human Existence.

Viking Rune Equivalent

A human;  the Self

I CHING

Family

Tarot Equivalent

The Chariot  - 7  -  VII

Divinatory Meaning

Destiny

Corresponding Letter     

M

Associated Colour

Deep Red

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

Green

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.

Talisman

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

Sacred Scribes

     

EHWAZ

Alternative Names

Eoh; Aihwas; Eh; Ior.

Key Phrase

‘Always be as loyal and supportive

to those around you, as they are to you.’

Meaning

A Horse or Horses, transportation.

Viking Rune Equivalent

Movement. Horse. 

Divinatory Meaning

Progress

I CHING

Duration

Tarot Equivalent

The Chariot  -  7  -  III

Corresponding Letter

E

Associated Colour

White

Associated Herb

Ragwort

Associated Gemstone

Iceland Spar

Associated Tree

Oak or Ash

Associated Myths and Deities

Sleipnir; Freya’s feathered cloak. Sacred to Frey.

Manifestation Uses

An aid to communication, transportation, to send a wish or ‘spell.’ To obtain hidden knowledge.     

Relationship Interpretation

Brings harmony to relationships; partnerships; joint efforts; sexuality between partners.

Healing Colour and Qualities

Blue

Awakens the inner mind. Aids the healing of abdominal pain or dis-ease as well as the sexual organs. Good to ease menstruation symptoms.

Talisman

The Ehwaz rune can be worn as a talisman to bring power, for clear communication purposes, and it brings clarity in divination.

Ehwaz Drawn Upright

Keywords

All forms of transportation, horse, power, force, purpose, the need to acquire, strength, will, determination, motion, summer sun, assistance, long-living, stands hard and fast, energy, communication, movement and change for the positive, steady progress, harmony, regeneration and rebirth, teamwork, trust, loyalty, emotional responses, adaptability, a message from the gods, stats, pride, joy, clear confirmation of the signs around it, a comfort to the restless.

EHWAZ is ‘Energy and Motion.’

Ehwaz is the third rune in the third Aett and the nineteen rune of the Elderfuthark alphabet. The Ehwaz rune symbolises inner-strength and fortitude. It is a rune of strength, will and determination to perform one’s duties diligently. Ehwaz represents energy and motion and the force and power by which to achieve.

Specifically, this is the rune of the Horse, or Horses. The Ehwaz rune represents ‘horse power’ and the ability to work hard and carry heavy loads. The horse has been a powerful symbol in every culture, in every age. In Norse mythology, it is believed that the Sun is drawn through the sky by horses. Their relationship with humans is unique in that they have the ability and intelligence to be companions as well as workers. The horse allows us to perform tasks that would normally be beyond our strength, and to travel long distances that would normally be beyond our reach. Horses are known to be strong, swift, loyal and courageous and are one of the most spiritual amongst the animal kingdom. The horse is an animal that never lost its power by being domesticated.

In respect to the Ehwaz rune’s connection with the horse, it is not an impersonal energy source, but rather a living, breathing being whose needs and desires must be taken into consideration, rather than to be simply used as a tool or slave. This rune reminds us to only use the horse for its help and never to harm it. The horse is to be respected and cared for, rather than used and neglected.

Within the Ehwaz rune we see a duality. Ehwaz comes to represent the duality of man and his ability to deal with his world. It sees one making choices; weighing up options before proceeding.


Ehwaz symbolises masculine and feminine qualities and energies and encourages one to use both sides of their personality, both male and female, masculine and feminine. Ehwaz is finding balance.

The stallion and mare aspect come into play within the interpretation of Ehwaz. The stallion is headstrong and virile and is the epitome of raw energy. He looks to face the world head-on and on his own terms. The stallion is a powerful tool, but must be carefully controlled and maintained to avoid harming it, yourself and/or others. Balance must be achieved to harness the power of the stallion and use it wisely.

The mare symbolises fertility, femininity and the intuitive instincts. She is a creature that works with others and often looks for guidance before acting. Ehwaz is telling us that sometimes we must lead – but to be a good leader, we must know how and when to follow.  

Drawing Ehwaz in a reading may indicate that you need to make new connections. Doing this will draw the energies towards you that will help you to overcome all obstacles before you. Ehwaz’s advice is to seek out those who share your views, attitudes and lifestyle. Remember that each person who comes into your life, for however long, comes to teach you lessons and vice versa.

Ehwaz indicates that you have the strength and support to be able to make quick progress on your path, but this depends upon you being loyal, supportive and true to those around you. In return, you can expect those traits to be reciprocated.
 

Ehwaz tells you to always be proud of your achievements, whilst remaining humble, as this will ensure that your travels will be swift, positive and rewarding.

Drawing the Ehwaz rune can indicate a ‘bonding’, a partnership, a marriage or betrothal or a melding of ideas and concepts. If a marriage is in the offing when Ehwaz appears, it will be an ideal match. 

Ehwz represents co-operation and adjustments and tells you that with team effort, strength, will-power and determination, you will achieve all goals set forth, with ease.

Transportation is indicated when Ehwaz appears. It heralds change for the better brought about by gradual development and steady progress. Ehwaz promises harmony and teamwork, trust and loyalty. 

When Ehwaz is drawn in a reading, take note of the runes surrounding it. Ehwaz is confirmation of the messages of the other runes. 

The strongest message of the Ehwaz rune is ‘what is yours will come to you.’

Ehwaz Drawn Reversed (Merkstave)

Keywords

Recklessness, haste, disharmony, mistrust, death, betrayal, lies and deceit, feeling confined in a situation.

Drawing the Ehwaz rune in reverse or merkstave is indicating that you need to learn to go with the flow of life.


There is a need to initiate some movement and action into many areas of your life. If you do not attend to this, you will become stagnant and stale and will not fulfill your goals and aspirations. You need to take action promptly. You may find that a few simple changes may bring about wonderful, positive changes and effects.

Reversed, Ehwaz suggests a craving for a change of some sort. A restlessness or being confined in a situation not of your own making may be implied with Ehwaz reversed or merkstave. It can also presage reckless hast, disharmony, mistrust and betrayal.

*

Joanne Walmsley

Sacred Scribes

    

BERKANA

BERKANA

Alternative Names

Berkano; Beorc; Bairkan; Bjarkan.

Key Phrase

‘Now is the time

 to put the knowledge and wisdom

 you have learned into practice’.

Meaning

A Birch Tree

Viking Rune Equivalent and Meaning

Growth. Birch Tree. Re-birth.

Divinatory Meaning

New Beginnings

I CHING

Collective Force

Tarot Equivalent

Judgement  -  20  -  XX

Corresponding Letter

B

Associated Colour

Dark Green

Associated Herb

Lady’s Mantle

Associated Gemstone

Garnet

Associated Tree

Birch

Associated Myths and Deities

Freya, Frigg, Hel, Nerthus, Holda, Berchta, Idunna. Sacred to the Earth Goddess.

Manifestation Uses

Healing (particularly infectious wounds), achieving conception, making a new start. Promotes safety and secrecy.

Relationship Interpretation

Fertility, children, parental projection of the self onto the children.

Healing Colour and Qualities

Blue

Aides with pregnancy, delivery (birth) and for dis-ease of the womb or uterus. Can also ease the pain of menstruation and related symptoms.

Talisman

Berkana can be worn to ward off and heal infections. It can also be worn to bring about good harvests and/or to make a fresh start.

Berkana Drawn Upright

Keywords

Fertility, health, new beginnings, birth, conception, plenty, clearance, nurturing, protection, mental and physical growth, prosperity in an enterprise, youth, vigour, beauty, purification, spring, liberation, regenerative power, renewal, personal growth, brings light, creative abilities.

BERKANA is ‘Rebirth and Feminine Energy’.

The second rune of the third Aett is the rune Berkana. It is the eighteenth rune of twenty-four. It is a ‘birth rune’.

Berkana is the rune of the Birch tree, and like the young Birch tree, Berkana has the power to be flexible without breaking. In ancient traditions, Birch twigs were used to bring prosperity and to encourage conception. The branches represent fertility. In European folklore and tradition, Birch twigs were affixed above a sweetheart’s door on May Day, and were placed in stables and houses to promote fertility.  Young men, women and cattle were struck with Birch twigs for this same purpose, and young boys would be sent out into the fields and around the town, to ‘beat the bounds of the parish’ with branches of Birch to ensure prosperity in the coming year. 

‘Witches’ were said to ride broomsticks made from Birch. This concept originated with fertility rituals where dancers would ‘ride’ brooms though the fields, the height of their jumping indicating how high the grain should grow that coming season.

In Norse mythology, the Berkana rune represents various goddesses simultaneously, including Freya, Frigg, Hel, Nerthus, Holda and Berchta. This Rune is one of femininity and represents the ability to give birth, to be motherly and nurturing as well as the sexuality of the breasts. Berkana is the rune in which we find the embodiment of feminine energy which resides in both males and females, although the qualities are generally looked for in women. It is the rune of ‘Mother Earth,’ the ‘Great Mother,’ or the ‘Earth Goddess.’

Berkana represents the path of the mother, the healer and the midwife, bringing new life after death, just as the Birch puts out the first leaves after winter. Berkana’s ‘wound’ is one of menstruation and her ordeal is that of childbirth. The Birch tree is abundant and all providing and heals through nourishment, cleansing and loving. It was often planted before a house was built, to protect the home and its occupants in Nordic countries.

Berkana also comes to represent burial mounds in which we return to after we die. It is a rune which leads to blossoming and ripening and is concerned with life, death, rebirth and renewal.  Berkana’s actions are gentle, yet penetrating and pervasive.

Drawing Berkana in a reading warns you not to wallow in the past and let obstacles and problems hold you back, today. You will be able to receive and appreciate new opportunities and adventures if you find yourself in a place not relevant to your life. Many doors of opportunity are opening up for you at this time, but you must use discernment and discretion. There is much energy around and this could prove to be a very exciting time. There is great activity and motion. Make the most of it.

Drawing Berkana indicates that this is a time to sow seeds and make plans. Be aware though, not to expect to see instant results and immediate rewards for your efforts, as new ideas and concepts need nurturing, feeding and growth before they are able to bare fruit. Patience and diligence are needed here.

Berkana tells that a meeting will bring romance, arousal and desire, and promises that an enterprise or new venture that has begun will be successful and will bring prosperity.

Drawing Berkana gives one a sense of protection in a caring and gentle way. With this rune in play growth is unavoidable on all levels including the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Berkana Drawn Reversed (Merkstave)

Keywords

Family problems or domestic troubles, anxiety, carelessness, abandonment, loss of control, deceit, sterility, stagnation.

If the Berkana rune is drawn merkstave, it is an indication that you may have been careless in your actions (or in-actions) and now find yourself in an uncomfortable position. You may feel dismay at failing to take right action or making wise choices. It is your opportunity to look at situations and those involved, then rectify issues. 

There is also an indication that you may be suffering with family problems, conflict or turmoil.  his can be both immediate family or distant relatives. It can also relate to close friendships and bonds with others. Look to your own actions and emotions first, before seeking to lay blame on others. 

Plans, ideas and concepts that you thought were sound may turn out to be a waste of your time and effort. Do not allow this to discourage you – it is merely indicating that a different concept or angle must be looked at.

*

Joanne Walmsley

Sacred Scribes

     

TEIWAZ

TEIWAZ

Alternative Names

Tiwaz, Tir, Tyr, Teiws, Tiw.

Key Phrase

‘Now is the time to make use of

the skills and wisdom you have acquired.’

Meaning

Tyr (Warrior God), the Tyr Rune, fatherhood, the arrow, a spear point.

Viking Rune Equivalent and Meaning

Warrior. The Norse warrior god Tyr; Victory in battle; A guiding light.

Divinatory Meaning

Initiation

I CHING

Repeating

Tarot Equivalent

The Wheel of Fortune  -  10  -  X

Corresponding Letter

T

Associated Colour

Bright Red

Associated Herb

Sage

Associated Gemstone

Coral

Associated Tree

Oak

Associated Myths and Deities

Sacred to Tyr  -  Lord of the Heavens and war-leader, the Ferris Wolf; Odin’s ordeals.

Manifestation Uses

For strengthening the will; healing a wound and for strength and protection; victory; success; judgement and matters of law; decisions or guidance. 

Teiwaz can be invoked to heal any curse or ailment that has been wrongly placed upon you.

Relationship Interpretation

Combined strength and authority. There is work to be done together and it will only be achieved together.

Healing Colour and Qualities

Brown

Excellent to aid gout and rheumatism in combination with the Isa rune.

Talisman

Worn as a talisman, Teiwaz protects the material surroundings, brings victory, strengthens the will, and helps to heal wounds.

Teiwaz Drawn Upright

Keywords

Order, self-sacrifice, a voluntary sacrifice, stability, lawfulness, justice, courage, honour, morality, duty, discipline, responsibility, glory,  strength, conflict, a wound, leadership and authority, rationality, victory, success in a legal issue, protection, a protective amulet, knowing your personal strengths, steady, reliable, optimism, faith, analysis, the Pole Star, the vault of the Heavens.

TEIWAZ is ‘Order’.

The Teiwaz rune is the first rune of the third Aett. It is the seventeenth rune in total. Teiwaz is the rune of the god Tyr. Tuesday was named after him. Teiwaz is a rune of justice and order.

Like the warrior god Tyr, the Teiwaz rune represents inner strength, morality and honour. In Norse mythology and cosmology, the god Tyr’s sacrifice of his hand to allow the binding of the Ferris Wolf, was a noble one. Tyr is noted for his sense of duty and ethical responsibilities, in contrast to the pantheon of deities who are not concerned with such.

The Teiwaz rune symbolises all qualities associated with the god Tyr, including strength, heroism, duty and responsibility. It is said that Teiwaz is 'Tyr’s Rune'. Tyr is believed to be one of the oldest of the Norse gods and his position may well have originally superseded that of Odin.

The Teiwaz rune is one of the oldest runes in the Elderfuthark, having remained virtually unchanged from the earliest Bronze-age rock carvings, and it’s meanings and implications remain true. Teiwaz focuses the attention and forces discipline. Embodied in this rune is the energy of discernment and discrimination and is one of courage and dedication.

The Teiwaz rune is phallic in shape and contains the embodiment of masculine energy, which resides in both men and women. The qualities of Teiwaz are often exerted and looked for in men moreso than women, as a way of measuring and judging them. Teiwaz, the rune, is one of fatherhood and all that it entails.

The arrow of the Teiwaz rune represents going straight to the source, or the heart of things. It shows hitting the bullseye on the target and shooting straight. This rune gives one the ability to remain objective and judge in fairness. It also gives the potential for handling conflicts positively.

The Teiwaz rune symbolises new challenges and initiations into new understandings. It represents voluntary sacrifice made by someone who understands exactly what they are giving up and why.

When the Teiwaz rune is drawn in a reading, it is telling you that there is a need for fearlessness as your victory is already assured if your heart remains true. It is also a time to make use of all the skills and wisdom you have learned so far in this lifetime. 

You are warned to protect your faith, as it will be challenged. 

Remember, the truth will always be victorious in the end.

If Teiwaz is drawn in a reading, rest assured that justice will prevail.

Teiwaz Drawn Reversed (Merkstave)

Keywords

Over-sacrifice, martyrdom, mental paralysis, injustice, imbalance, strife, war, losing, conflict, failure in competition, dwindling passion, self-sacrifice, arguments, difficulties in communicating, separation.

The Teiwaz rune reversed indicates that you have all the power within that you will need for the challenges ahead, but you may feel despair, a loss of hope or direction. Listen carefully to your own heart and you will be shown your next (positive) step. The danger may lie in hasty action or ill-timed occurrences. There may also be matters of trust (or lack thereof) and confidence at hand and you are warned to listen to your inner advice before proceeding. It also calls for examining your motives carefully.

Teiwaz reversed or merkstave suggests a reversal in energies and creative flow. It hints that one may be suffering from mental stagnation that he or she is over-analytical and prone to self-sacrifice. 

Injustice and imbalance often appear in the wake of Teiwaz reversed. It implies dwindling passions and a difficulties in communication. A separation of some sort may be imminent.

*

Joanne Walmsley

Sacred Scribes