Category: Divination Journal

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for May 13

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today

 

bw-naudhizThe Past
Naudhiz

Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.

 

bw-wunjoThe Present
Wunjo

Wunjo denotes joy and shared bliss. It may also represent a job well done and the satisfaction one feels from completing such a task. Wunjo brings good fortune and harmony.

 

The Future
Othala

Othala reversed represents chaos and homelessness—a general lack of roots. Now is a time for you to take care of that which you have, so as not to lose it.

Your Rune for Wednesday, May 13th is Hagalaz

bw-hagalaz

bw-hagalazYour Rune For Today
Hagalaz

Hagalaz is the hail Rune. It denotes chaos, destruction and disruption on a primal level. You may experience delays in moving toward your goals.

Additional information about the Rune, Hagalaz

hagalaz : hail

 

Phonetic equivalent: h

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: sudden loss, ordeal, destruction, disaster, clearance, testing, karmic lesson, drastic change.

MAGICAL USES:  removing unwanted influences, breaking destructive patterns

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Ragnarok, Loki, Frost Giants

ANALYSIS:  The idea of the destruction of the old being necessary to the growth of the new, as contained in the Norse myth of Ragnarok, is essential to our understanding of this rune.  Interestingly enough, hagalaz lies between sowulo (fire) and isa (ice), reminding us of the Norse creation myth and the creative potential that lies between these two opposites, even though their meeting may seem first to be destructive.  Like the Tower in the Tarot, hagalaz is only a negative rune if we choose to view it in that way, and refuse to learn its lessons.  Appearing as it does at the beginning of the second aett, it marks both a beginning and an end, and knocks us out of the safety and complacency of wunjo.  It represents what a friend of mine used to refer to as the ‘flying ladle Fates, syndrome’ – that whenever things appear to be going too well, you can expect a good, healthy whack in the head from the Fates, just to make sure you’re paying attention.

These sorts of ‘wake-up calls’ from the Gods will happen frequently throughout a person’s life, but are often misinterpreted as divine punishment for some imagined wrong when in fact they are merely a way of drawing your attention to a recurrent pattern in your life.  Unfortunately, these types of events have a tendency to repeat themselves with greater and greater severity until the lesson is learned and the pattern is broken.  For example, someone who needs to break their dependency on a certain type of person will find themselves in relationships with such people over and over again with more and more disastrous results until they recognize the pattern as emanating from themselves and break it willingly.

 

Source:
The Runic Journey (PDF)

Author: Jennifer Smith

Your Witches Rune for Tuesday, May 12th is The Scythe

Your Daily Witches Rune for Today

The Scythe

Sudden changes and endings. Making a final decision. Completing something. Walking away from something or someone. Danger.

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, The Scythe….

The Scythe

This symbol is very familiar to most of people, often associated with harvest and death. In the runes, it is no different. The Scythe is related to endings, sudden separations, final decisions, important changes and danger.

The appearance of this symbol show that there’s something in you life you need to bring to end now, before it snowballs into something worse. Usually, the decision that the Scythe forces you to make is one you’d rather escape from… it’s a painful and difficult choice. Even though you know (or feel) it’s for the best, you’ll mourn the fact that it has to happen.

Also, the Scythe is connected to sudden, swift changes that force you to alter completely your plans, strategies and sometimes the very way you see the world. The situation is no longer what it was, your modus operandi no longer works here. Your ideas no longer correspond to the reality. The information you have is no longer accurate, or useful. You need to strain those adaptation muscles and find a way to keep standing while the rug is pulled from under your feet.

Although this rune can represent physical danger, such as accidents or surgeries, many time it refers to sense of foreboding. Something just isn’t right… the fear of loss looms large. Trust these feeling and proceed with caution. This rune can also relate to actual death and all related to it: burials, graveyards, inheritances, heirlooms, legacies and things connected to your ancestry.

In relationship readings, the Scythe suggest caution too. It can represent sudden and irresistible attractions, the kind that inspire people to do crazy things. . Obviously, this rune also represent separations, divorce and conflicts, always leaving a sour aftertaste. The strong passion can quickly transform into strong resentment. In its most positive note, this rune can symbolize relationship that completely transform the people involved.

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for May 12th

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today

 

bw-tiwazThe Past
Tiwaz

Tiwaz is the Warrior Rune. It represents pure, masculine power and the ability to successfully fight to meet your goals. However, you must be careful that costs of attaining your goals overshadow their values.

 

bw-isaThe Present
Isa

The Ice Rune, represents stagnation and a passionless existence. Your life’s course may seem blurry at the moment, but if you persevere you will move onto better days.

 

bw-kenazThe Future
Kenaz

Kenaz foretells the coming of clarity and knowledge. It is time for you to grow by exchanging knowledge with others. Opportunities are upon you.

Your Rune For Tuesday, May 12th is Laguz

bw-laguz

bw-laguzYour Rune For Today
Laguz

Laguz is the feminine Rune. It denotes a deep sexuality and fertility. Laguz also represents that which is ever changing and renewal. You may be in a tremendous spiritual growth period

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Laguz

laguz: water

 

Phonetic equivalent: l

 

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: emotions, fears, unconscious mind, things hidden, revelation, intuition, counselling

 

MAGICAL USES: enhancing psychic abilities, confronting fears, stabilizing mental or emotional disorders, uncovering hidden things

 

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Njord, Midgard Serpent

 

ANALYSIS: When most people think of water, they generally think of its more pleasant associations – peacefulness, love, compassion, intuition, and the emotions in general. However, we must remember that, to the Norse, water most often meant the sea, and the sea was a terrifying, unpredictable place, home of the Midgard serpent and the grave of many sailors. Laguz, then, should be thought of in terms of the lighter and the darker sides of the element of water. It speaks to our primal fears of the dark, the cold, and all those terrifying things hidden deep within our subconscious minds.

 

Like eihwaz, which forced the journeyer to confront his or her mortality, laguz makes us examine the  underlying roots of our and behavior, and allows us to modify those aspects which are hindering our spiritual development. The understanding and wisdom gained through eihwaz and the runes that followed have prepared the journeyer to face this darker side (represented by laguz) and accept it as an integral part of their selves. Laguz also prepares the person to take on the task of helping others through this self-examination process, allowing them to empathize more strongly and share their own experiences, making it (among other things) the rune of the spiritual counselor.

The Runic Journey

By Jennifer Smith

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for May 8th

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today

 

The Past
Naudhiz

Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.

 

The Present
Eihwaz

Eihwaz represents the Yew tree and its everlasting nature. The Yew may bend, but it does not break. You are on the right course and have the strength and ability to meet your goals. Congratulations!

 

The Future
Hagalaz

Hagalaz is the hail Rune. It denotes chaos, destruction and disruption on a primal level. You may experience delays in moving toward your goals.

 

Your Daily Witches Rune for May 7th is The Scythe


Your Daily Witches Rune for Today

The Scythe

Sudden changes and endings. Making a final decision. Completing something. Walking away from something or someone. Danger.

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, The Scythe….

The Scythe

This symbol is very familiar to most of people, often associated with harvest and death. In the runes, it is no different. The Scythe is related to endings, sudden separations, final decisions, important changes and danger.

The appearance of this symbol show that there’s something in you life you need to bring to end now, before it snowballs into something worse. Usually, the decision that the Scythe forces you to make is one you’d rather escape from… it’s a painful and difficult choice. Even though you know (or feel) it’s for the best, you’ll mourn the fact that it has to happen.

Also, the Scythe is connected to sudden, swift changes that force you to alter completely your plans, strategies and sometimes the very way you see the world. The situation is no longer what it was, your modus operandi no longer works here. Your ideas no longer correspond to the reality. The information you have is no longer accurate, or useful. You need to strain those adaptation muscles and find a way to keep standing while the rug is pulled from under your feet.

Although this rune can represent physical danger, such as accidents or surgeries, many time it refers to sense of foreboding. Something just isn’t right… the fear of loss looms large. Trust these feeling and proceed with caution. This rune can also relate to actual death and all related to it: burials, graveyards, inheritances, heirlooms, legacies and things connected to your ancestry.

In relationship readings, the Scythe suggest caution too. It can represent sudden and irresistible attractions, the kind that inspire people to do crazy things. . Obviously, this rune also represent separations, divorce and conflicts, always leaving a sour aftertaste. The strong passion can quickly transform into strong resentment. In its most positive note, this rune can symbolize relationship that completely transform the people involved.

Your Daily Rune for Thursday, May 7th is Perthro

bw-perthro

bw-perthroYour Rune For Today
Perthro

Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Pethro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Perthro

perþ : dice-cup? vulva?

Phonetic equivalent: p

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: rebirth, mystery, magic, divination, fertility, sexuality, new beginning, prophecy

MAGICAL USES: fertility, easing childbirth, to aid in divination and magic, enhancing psychic abilities

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Freya, Angrbode

ANALYSIS:  The actual interpretation of perþ has been the subject of much controversy among runic scholars.  The problem lies in the fact that the initial P sound doesn’t occur anywhere else in the old Germanic language, leading to the belief that the word was imported from another language.  The Old English rune poem seems to indicate that it had to do with some sort of game, leading many to interpret it as ‘chess pawn’ or ‘dice-cup’.  The dice-cup meaning is particularly interesting as it not only fits the shape of rune, but also hints at such an object’s original use as a container for the runes themselves.  An alternate interpretation of perþ is derived from the Slavic ‘pizda’, meaning ‘vulva’.  This meaning (although obscure and somewhat unlikely) fits quite into the progression of runes up until this point, symbolizing the rebirth that follows death.  Viewing it as a symbol of the womb of the Goddess, it represents the same element of the mysterious and hidden as ‘dice-cup’, but taken literally as ‘vulva’, it adds a powerful, feminine, sexual counterpart to uruz that would otherwise be missing from the fuþark.

However you choose to interpret the literal meaning of perþ (and again, nobody really knows what that is), the basic symbolism is that of a vessel, nurturing and giving ‘birth’, keeping hidden and secret all those mysteries, which can be uncovered only after the initiation of death.  The rune is closely tied in with the idea of fate, that the road we travel, regardless of what we choose to do along the way, is pre determined from the moment of our birth.  The very act of being born sets us along a course of cause and effect, action and reaction that we may choose to follow blindly, or try to divine through the runes or other means order that we may better understand the lessons we will learn.  Perþ is the beginning of this process, as well as the tool for accomplishing it.

Source:
The Runic Journey
By Jennifer Smith

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for May 6th

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today

 

bw-mannazThe Past
Mannaz

Now is the time for you to explore your inner self and those of others. Your intelligence and creativity are very well honed at the moment. Cooperation from and with others should be very easy to attain.

 

bw-thurisazThe Present
Thurisaz

Thurisaz embodies the polarity of life and death and the struggle to keep them in balance. Expect conflict, hardship and obstacles, but be assured that remaining focused and in touch with your inner strengths will see you through whatever comes your way. This Rune may also represent protection from your enemies, which is never a bad thing.

 

bw-elhazThe Future
Elhaz

Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.

 

Your Daily Rune for May 6th is Ingwaz

bw-ingwaz

bw-ingwazYour Rune For Today
Ingwaz

Ingwaz signifies completion, success and fertility. Your present ambitions are about to be met. You are fecund in both mind and body.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Ingwaz

inguz : Ing

Phonetic equivalent: ng

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: work, productivity, bounty, groundedness, balance, connection with the land

MAGICAL USES:  fertility, farming, growth, general health, balance

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Freyr / Ing, Nerthus, Thor, the Vanir

ANALYSIS:  Ing is a Danish / Anglo-Saxon name for Freyr, the God of agriculture and fertility.  Agriculture represents one of the first attempts by mankind to control the environment, and the fertility of crops, animals and people has always been the primary concern and religious focus of most Pagan agrarian societies.  From the earliest Sumerian accounts to modern-day British folk custom, people throughout history have sought to ensure the success of their crops.
The vast majority of people in Western society have lost all contact and connection with the land and the process of growing things.

The spiritual consequences of this segregation from the earth have been disastrous, since most people find it difficult to relate to deity in a purely man-made environment.  The shape of this rune can be likened to that of a field, but its real significance may lie in its balance, representing the harmonious relationship between ourselves and the four elements / four directions.  Inguz reminds us of that ancient connection between the Gods and the land, and re-links (the real meaning of the ‘religion’) us with our spiritual natures through the realm of the physical.  It is quite literally a grounding rune, and by reintroducing us to the earth, it reconnects our bodies, our minds and our spirits.
ðagaz

Your Rune Persona Cast for Tuesday, May 5th

 

The Persona Cast

This is a very simple five Rune cast used to explore your personality.

Where You Are In Life
Sowilo

The Sun Rune, denotes power and strength. That which you want may be attained. Sowilo also denotes mental clarity and added warmth to your relationships.

 

Your Primary Thoughts
Berkano

Berkano is the Rune of birth and rebirth. This may symbolize a time when you are capable of great personal growth. Love may be in the air as well.

 

What You Desire
Uruz

Uruz is the Rune of harmony, order and inner strength. Often it marks endings and beginnings of periods in our lives. Uruz also symbolizes your ability to tackle new challenges by confronting them with the powers that lie within you. Opportunities probably abound for you right now.

 

Your Goals
Dagaz

Dagaz represents the fresh light of a new day. You are close to making a breakthrough. You have the will to change whatever you deem necessary. You may see the world with absolute clarity at this time.

 

Your Future Deeds
Isa

The Ice Rune, represents stagnation and a passionless existence. Your life’s course may seem blurry at the moment, but if you persevere you will move onto better days.

 

Your Personal Rune for May 5th is Wunjo

bw-wunjo

bw-wunjoYour Rune For Today
Wunjo

Wunjo denotes joy and shared bliss. It may also represent a job well done and the satisfaction one feels from completing such a task. Wunjo brings good fortune and harmony.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Wunjo

wunjo: glory

 

Phonetic equivalent: w

 

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: success, recognition of achievements, reward, joy, bliss, achievement of goals, contentment

 

MAGICAL USES: for success in any endeavor, to motivate, to complete a task.

 

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Baldr, Asgard

 

ANALYSIS: Wunjo is the last rune of the first aett, and thus represents both the end of one cycle and preparation for the next. It is a very positive, stable rune, and is another place where people tend to get stalled along their journey. Christian poets related it to heaven, but in fact it more closely resembles the Pagan Valhalla, since this particular paradise is not a permanent one.

 

Like the wealth of fehu, the glory of wunjo is only an illusion. We have achieved success on one level only, and there are many more lessons to be learned. It is, however, a welcome respite that allows us to rest, re-charge our batteries and prepare ourselves for the rest of the journey. It also gives us some perspective, allowing us to look back and reflect on the road thus far. Wunjo gives us a glimpse of what is possible, but if we try too soon to reach out and grab it, like the Grail it will disappear between our fingers.
by Jennifer Smith

Today’s Witches Runes for May 4th is The Crossed Arrows


Today’s Witches Runes

The Crossed Arrows

(sometimes called War or the Crossed Spears, sometimes the Crossroads).

Two arrows, usually shown crossed, sometimes just in the air about to intersect. They are coloured bright red. The gender is male and the number four. Its simple answer is yes.

This rune corresponds to the Sabbat Litha, the summer solstice around 21st June (21st December), when pagans in the UK become more visible as they celebrate, gathering at ancient sites such as Stonehenge and Avebury to greet the sunrise on the longest day. Actually, contrary to popular belief, they are not celebrating the Sun’s rise, but thanking him for his sacrifice and the good fortune they hope to enjoy through the summer, acknowledging his selfless decline towards death. For pagans the real celebration is at Yule, when the sun rises again after the longest night, born to renewed life and strength as the Star Child or Child of Promise.

Meaning: this rune points to troubles ahead, illness, mechanical breakdown, quarrels and other misfortunes. It also carries the meaning that these are not insurmountable, but traditionally this has been a rune of ill omen. In versions where the Crossroads replaces the Arrows, the rune still has an ominous feel about it. Something is about to happen, something that will change your plans, cause you difficulties and force choices on you.

The astrological sign associated with this rune is Aries, and the planet Mars. Its deepest meaning is challenge.

 

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune

Witchstones

Wendy Trevennor

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for May 4th

 

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today

 

bw-perthroThe Past
Perthro

Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Pethro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.

 

bw-fehuThe Present
Fehu

Fehu is the Rune of prosperity, good luck and unbridled creative energies. Being associated with Frey, this Rune is also a powerful omen of fertility. Fehu is one of the three Mother Stones and should never be taken lightly.

 

bw-naudhizThe Future
Naudhiz

Naudhiz reversed may tell of needs met and harmonious relationships. Your passions for someone or something may be at their pinnacle.

 

Your Daily Rune for May 4th is Perthro

bw-perthro

bw-perthroYour Rune For Today
Perthro

Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Pethro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Perthro

perþ: dice-cup? vulva?

 

 Phonetic equivalent: p

 

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: rebirth, mystery, magic, divination, fertility, sexuality, new beginning, prophecy

 

MAGICAL USES: fertility, easing childbirth, to aid in divination and magic, enhancing psychic abilities

 

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Freya, Angrbode

 

ANALYSIS: The actual interpretation of perþ has been the subject of much controversy among runic scholars. The problem lies in the fact that the initial P sound doesn’t occur anywhere else in the old Germanic language, leading to the belief that the word was imported from another language. The Old English rune poem seems to indicate that it had to do with some sort of game, leading many to interpret it as ‘chess pawn’ or ‘dice-cup’. The dice-cup meaning is particularly interesting as it not only fits the shape of rune, but also hints at such an object’s original use as a container for the runes themselves. An alternate interpretation of perþ is derived from the Slavic ‘pizda’, meaning ‘vulva’. This meaning (although obscure and somewhat unlikely) fits quite into the progression of runes up until this point, symbolizing the rebirth that follows death. Viewing it as a symbol of the womb of the Goddess, it represents the same element of the mysterious and hidden as ‘dice-cup’, but taken literally as ‘vulva’, it adds a powerful, feminine, sexual counterpart to uruz that would otherwise be missing from the fuþark.

 

However you choose to interpret the literal meaning of perþ (and again, nobody really knows what that is), the basic symbolism is that of a vessel, nurturing and giving ‘birth’, keeping hidden and secret all those mysteries, which can be uncovered only after the initiation of death. The rune is closely tied in with the idea of fate, that the road we travel, regardless of what we choose to do along the way, is predetermined from the moment of our birth. The very act of being born sets us along a course of cause and effect, action and reaction that we may choose to follow blindly, or try to divine through the runes or other means order that we may better understand the lessons we will learn. Perþ is the beginning of this process, as well as the tool for accomplishing it.
Additional Info:
By Jennifer Smith

Your Witches Rune for May 1st is The Sun

abe85-sun

Your Witches Rune for Today

The Sun

Meaning: This is the rune of success, it denotes a positive outcome, denotes personal progress, and personal enrichment of one’s life. If you are just wanting an uncomplicated ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ answer to your question then it is a clear ‘YES’ when it appears as the ‘leading rune’, nearest to you . If its position is furthest from you then the affirmation still stands but it is delayed or influenced by other aspects.

 

 

Source:

Witch Runes- How to make and Interpret

Allison Beldon-Smith

Your Rune for Friday, May 1st is Thurisaz

bw-thurisazbw-thurisazYour Rune For Today
Thurisaz

Thurisaz embodies the polarity of life and death and the struggle to keep them in balance. Expect conflict, hardship and obstacles, but be assured that remaining focused and in touch with your inner strengths will see you through whatever comes your way. This Rune may also represent protection from your enemies, which is never a bad thing.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Thurisaz

þurisaz : giant

 

Phonetic equivalent:  th (as in ‘thing’)

 

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: hardship, painful event, discipline, knowledge, introspection, focus

 

MAGICAL USES:  aid in study and meditation, self-discipline, clearing out a bad situation

 

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:  the Frost Giants, Loki

 

ANALYSIS:  þurisaz is the first of the ‘obstacle’ runes.  These obstacles are not necessarily destructive things, but are placed in our path to strengthen and teach us.  After all, you can’t have a mythic hero without dragons to slay or giants to fight!

 

The lesson 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 offers us.  What may at first appear to be a negative, destructive event may well turn out to contain an important lesson.  The Giants may seem to be evil and destructive to the Aesir, but they bring about change, and eventually clear the way for a new age.

 

Source:
The Runic Journey (PDF)

by Jennifer Smith

Your Daily Witches Rune for April 30th is The Blank Rune/The Black Rune

The Witches Rune for Today

The Blank Rune/The Black Rune

Meaning: This sigil is supposed to pictorially represent ‘dark’; it is the rune of difficulties. It tells of negative influences ruling for a while; things are lost and experienced, but they will ultimately lead to positivity. For all are learning stages, and unless one door closes how will another one open. Look at the nearest runes to shed further light regarding the brevity of the problem and how soon it will happen.

 

 

Source:

Witch Runes- How to make and Interpret
Allison Beldon-Smith

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for April 30th

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today

 

bw-naudhizThe Past
Naudhiz

Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.

 

bw-ansuzThe Present
Ansuz

Ansuz represents mankind’s spiritual connection to God and the universe. It is often referred to as the “God Rune.” This Rune embodies reason, truth and justice. It denotes the coming of knowledge and true counsel from a higher authority.

 

The Future
Eihwaz

This may be a time of confusion for you. That which you have built may be in jeopardy of crumbling. Do not allow yourself to give in to your weaknesses.

 

Your Daily Rune for April 30th is Elhaz

bw-elhazbw-elhazYour Rune For Today
Elhaz

Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Elhaz

algiz: protection

Phonetic equivalent: x, z
DIVINATORY MEANINGS: protection, assistance, defense, warning, support, a mentor, an ethical dilemma
MAGICAL USES: for protection, hunting
ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Heimdall, Gjallerhorn
ANALYSIS: Heimdall is an interesting and mysterious figure in Norse mythology, and I associate him with the rune algiz because of his role as protector and guardian. He is the watcher at the gate who guards the boundaries between the worlds and who charges all entering and leaving with caution. He is best known for his famous horn, but his sword is also important in the consideration of rune. Snorri mentions that the poetic name for a sword is
‘Heimdall’s head’, and the poetic name for a head is ‘Heimdall’s sword’. This is particularly significant if we consider that one form of his name was ‘Heimdali’, meaning ‘ram’. Through the image of the ram,Heimdall’s sword and his horn can be seen as two different sides of the same image. Both the sword and the horns (or the elks antlers) are symbols of power that may be used for either offence or defence, depending on the situation.
In terms of the journey, we have passed through death and rebirth, and must now face the Guardian before returning to our world. It is he who charges us to use our new-found power wisely. The person can no longer be simply concerned with their own personal development, but must now consider the effect that their actions may have on others. This is a crucial turning point, and the person will either choose to adopt a system of ethics or ignore the effect on others and only work to serve their own ends. Again, the sword is in their hands, but they must decide whether to use it for defence or offence.