The starting point is the self. Its essence is water. Only clarity, willingness to change, is effective now. A correct relationship to yourself is primary, for from it flow all possible right relationships with others and with the Divine.

Remain modest – that is the Oracle’s counsel. Regardless of how great may be your merit, be yielding, devoted and moderate, for then you have a true direction for your life.

Be in the world but not of it. And yet do not be closed, narrow, or judging; rather, remain receptive to impulses flowing from the Divine within and without. Strive to live the ordinary life in a nonordinary way. Remember at all times what is coming to be and passing away, and focus on that which abides. Nothing less is called for from you now. This is a time of major growth and rectification and, as a rule, rectification must come before progress. The field is tilled before the seed is planted, the garden is weeded before the flower blooms, and the self must know stillness before it can discover its true song.

Now is not a time to seek credit for accomplishments or to focus on results. Instead, be content to do your task`s for the tasks sake. Herein lies the secret of experiencing a true present.

If you take the Rune of the Self and cut it down the middle, you will see the Rune for Joy with its mirror image. There is here a subtle caution against carelessness. The Self is required to balance the self.

Nothing in excess was the second phrase written over the gateway to the temple at Delphi. The first counsel was Know thyself.

Reversed: If you feel blocked, Mannaz urges you to begin by being clear with yourself. Do not turn to others now, but look inside, in silence, for the enemy of your progress. No matter what area of your life is in disarray, stop and consider: You will recognize the outer enemy as but a reflection of what you have not, until now, been able or willing to recognize as coming from within.

Above all do not give yourself airs. Breaking the momentum of past habits is the challenge here: In the life of the Spirit, you are always at the beginning.