4
Runes
The text at the top of the page is from Beowulf, and there is supposed to be a sudden “conversion” from Paganism to Christianity, at this point in time. This is not particularly evident in Beowulf, and there are only a few sacred remarks, most likely on the insistence of a religious supervisor.
For a person to know something about the world, at that time 600-700 AD, or somewhat later, such information would be in a Latin alphabet. In at least three cases, a Latin alphabet represents the notation and sound of the runes, so that there is, remarkably, no linguistic interruption. There are three variants of the Rune Poem, namely: in Elder Furthark, Icelandic, and the Anglo-Saxon Runes. In the latter, each rune is assigned a Latin name, and a verse. The end result is that calligraphy is a natural representation of the undulations of the tongue. For example the letter “T” is pronounced with the tip of the tongue. The letter “G” is pronounced with the back of the tongue, as in ‘goose’. In Anglo-Saxon, or Old English script, the ‘g’ is a ‘t’ with a squiggle underneath.
Wealth is a joy to every man—
but every man must share it well
if he wish to gain glory in the sight of the Lord.
Aurochs is fierce, with gigantic horns,
a very savage animal, it fights with horns,
a well-known moor-stepper: it is a creature of courage!
Thorn is very sharp, harmful to every man
who seizes it, unsuitably severe
to every man who rests on it
Os is the creator of all speech
a supporter of wisdom and comfort of wise men
and a blessing and hope to every man
Journey is to every warrior in the hall
pleasant and bitingly tough to him who sits
on a mighty stood over the mile paths
Torch is to every living thing known by its fire
bright and brilliant, it burns most often
where the princes take their rest within
Generosity of men is an ornament and praise
support and dignity, magnificence and existence
to every suffering man who is otherwise destitue
Joy he possesses who knows few woes
pain and sorrow and has for himself
prosperity and bliss and also the abundance found
in the fortified dwellings of men
Hail is the whitest seeds it comes down from the air of heaven the gusts of wind toss it about afterward it turns to water
Necessity is oppressive to the heart: yet it often becomes
for the children of men a help and salvation for each, if
they have hearkened unto it
Ice is extremely cold, excessively slippery,
it glistens glass-clear, most like to gems,
it is a floor wrought by frost, fair of sight.
Runes come from the Nordic area where the ancient Vikings once lived, worked, and fought. Though they were relatively savage in their outings, the Vikings were people in touch with Earth and the many forces that coexisted with them. They have a whole lore that includes many popular god figures such as Thor, the son of Odin. Thor carried a mighty hammer and many of us know him from comic books. The father of Thor, Odin, was the creator of the Runes and is the most important holy figure of the Viking people. Odin hung upside down from a tree limb for a chance of higher knowledge and right before he came down from the tree limb, he was bestowed with the new system called the Runes. These symbols were used for writing and magic by the high priests. Below we discuss some runes most used today and their meanings.
ALGIZ - Protective Sanctuary
This is the place to stay when you are in need of a safety zone. As a mirror to teiwaz, the warrior goes to the sanctuary to reflect and heal the wounds of the battle. This is a place to feel the full pain and not to shy away, for there is a lesson here. Meditation on this rune should involve the painful things in life and what is to be learned from the anguish. Facing the pain will make you stronger and wiser for the next battle.
ANSUZ - Messages and Signals
Noting marks tell us where we are and what action we should take from this point. The Ash tree is represented here and this is a strong tree, usually weathering storms and leaving clues of its battles. We grow as we weather our own storms and the perceptive person can read the marks of our environment. The meditation here is to focus on the marks on our past to direct us in our future plans.
BERKANA – Growth
A spring-like perpetual growing is the meaning of this rune. The Birch tree is highly associated with berkana and the "b" is with smooth lips, not like saying "bird". The meditations associated would concentrate on the rapid growth of a new situation or fertility, although inguz is also used. Problems that are treated with berkana usually come to pass with fruitful outcomes.
DAGAZ - Daylight and G-d's Light
This is the time of the light, the time to work and the period of the normal day. Christian faith had some influence on the meaning. G-d's light is given to save man from the chaos of darkness. The meditation here is to concentrate on performing well in the days' working hours. This is the time for labour to bring about "fruit". Use this time to do your part to make the things around you better for the people in the community.
EHWAZ - The Sacred Horse
Where would the Viking be without their horses to take them on the long journeys. The goddess Frey had special appreciation for these animals. The message here is to not forget the useful beast given to us for us to train to take us to a higher level of civilization. In meditation, we focus on the tools that take us to higher levels in our lives. We thank those responsible for making these things accessible and then we learn the use of these items to their full potential, as if it were not for our tools, we would make little progress.
EIHWAZ - Yew Tree
Weapons decided if you would keep your land and resources. To defend themselves, the Vikings found the use of the Yew tree and made bows. This tree gave them the ability to defend themselves. The characteristic crackle of the wood soothed them during the cold winter nights. Meditate on the actions necessary to defend our position in our lives and to enjoy the things we have worked for in our "down" time. Keep learning the best ways to defend against the malicious actions of others and strive to never be caught off-guard.
FEHU – Cattle
This is what the community considers wealth. The commodity of the Norse peoples before a currency was established, and you better believe that they sacrificed one of the herd now and then to keep the gods happy. The important reminder is to always be thankful and humble when things are well in the economy. Meditation focuses on a type of thanksgiving for what has been acquired and not to squander when things are plentiful. Appreciate that there will be a rainy day by the rules of cycles and to prepare for it.
GEBO - The Gift of Harmonic Relationships
When we acknowledge our higher power and in turn the higher power gives back to us, then we have harmony. This is a great representation of the working of karma. Good things come in return for good deeds. We need to meditate on the magic of working with knowing our spiritual forces and treating them as we want a pleasing and easy environment to allow us to set us up for good things to come. There is a strong showing for respect of nature.
HAGALAZ - Destructive Forces
This is an acknowledgement of the force of nature at its worst. The Vikings had many a harsh winter and year-round poor weather. Months of work could be ruined by an act of nature. This also represents those things that are out of our control. We should meditate on the acceptance of the tough times brought on by the seasons. We cannot control everything that goes on around, so we should to learn to "let go and let G-d" as the saying goes.
Raido Teiwaz
Patrusiak