Rune Study Post #9: Wunjo

Happy Wednesday! Today's focus will be on Wunjo, the eighth and final rune of the first aett.

Wunjo translates to "joy," and connects to themes of harmony, happiness, joy in community and family, and hope.

Given the state of horror in the world at present, I am particularly happy to arrive at this rune: may its energy reach into the hearts of all those who are suffering deep and unimaginable sorrow, and transform the hate and power-centric mindsets of those perpetrating terrible acts against the innocent.

An Anglo Saxon rune poem* reads:

Joy is had by the one who knows 

few troubles, pains and sorrows,

and to him who himself has

power and blessedness,

and a good enough house.

Questions:

1) What other meanings do you attribute to Wunjo?

2) How do you utilize this rune in your practice?

3) If Wunjo has presented itself in your rune castings, how have you seen its energy manifested?

*translation from Runecaster's Handbook by Edred Thorsson

Rune Study Post #8: Gebo

Happy Wednesday! Today's focus will be on Gebo, the seventh rune of the first aett.

Gebo translates to "gift," and connects to themes of gift giving, generosity, reciprocity, and exchange of sexual energy.

An Anglo Saxon rune poem (translated by Marijane Osborn) reads:

Giving is a grace that gains respect 

and honor for the giver; those owning nothing

find it a help when perhaps there's no other.

Questions:

1) What other meanings do you attribute to Gebo?

2) How do you utilize this rune in your practice?

3) If Gebo has presented itself in your rune castings, how have you seen its energy manifested?

Rune Study Post #7: Kenaz

Happy Wednesday! Today's focus will be on Kenaz, the sixth rune of the first aett.

Kenaz translates to "torch," and connects to themes of craftsmanship, skill development, illumination, and the quest for knowledge.

An Anglo Saxon rune poem reads:

The torch is known to every living man

by its pale, bright flame; it always burns

where princes sit within.

Kenaz is one of several runes that I felt called to work with when my children were quite ill with a stomach flu earlier in the winter. The element of fire as a way to burn away sickness felt very appropriate and ultimately was very effective as well.

Questions:

1) What other meanings do you attribute to Kenaz?

2) How do you utilize this rune in your practice?

3) If Kenaz has presented itself in your rune castings, how have you seen its energy manifested?

Rune Study Post #3: Uruz

This post is part of an ongoing rune study series that invites discussion around the runes and personal experiences that relate to working with this system.

Today's focus will be on Uruz, the second rune of the first aett.

Whereas Fehu represents domesticated cattle, the word "Uruz" translates to "Aurochs," the wild ox of Europe and other regions. Uruz connects to health, strength, and courage. Interestingly, I've often drawn this rune on mornings where doctor visits or other health-related activities have been the theme of the day! This is also a rune I have utilized with galdr (along with some others) when my kids have been ill.

Questions:

1) What other meanings do you attribute to Uruz?

2) How do you utilize this rune in your practice?

3) If Uruz has presented itself in your rune castings, how have you seen its energy manifested in the tangible world?

Rune Study Post #2: Fehu

This is a continuation of the rune study series that started with a brief overview of the three aetts (click here to read that post). I will be posting these rather close together until I catch up to where we are in the current course, and then I'll slow down and begin to post only every Wednesday.

Today's focus will be on Fehu, the first rune of the first aett.

The word "Fehu" translates to "cattle," and this rune connects to moveable wealth and resources. In the distant past your wealth was apparent in the size of your herd. Nowadays this often equates to money, but it does encompass more than that, such as goods that we acquire, personal assets, and even our hamingja.

Questions:

1) What other meanings do you attribute to Fehu?

2) How do you utilize this rune in your practice?

3) If Fehu has presented itself in your rune castings, how have you seen its energy manifested in the tangible world?