Tag: Runic alphabet

The Wicca Book of Days for April 14 – The Rune of Man

The Wicca Book of Days for April 14th

The Rune of Man

The runic half-month of Mannaz (or Man) begins today, and its last day will fall on April 28. As its name indicates, this rune means “man,” and it may be interpreted on the one hand as signifying a male person, and, on the other, as referring to mankind, or humankind. Different interpreters put a different gloss on the meaning of this rune, which some saying that it points to the self, and others, that it highlights how the individual relates to the wider human community. And yet another view is that Mannaz denotes defense, especially of the human race collectively.

Heartening Hyssop

If you are feeling vulnerable to attack, fortify yourself with a herb that grows under mighty Mars’s protection, namely hyssop. Inhaling the essential oil will strengthen your immune system and will life your spirits if you are feeling down.

The Wicca Book of Days for March 14th – The Rune of Renewal

The Wicca Book of Days for March 14th

The Rune of Renewal

March 14 marks the beginning of the runic half month of Berkana (or Beorc), whose last day will fall on March 29. The mists of time may have obscured the precise meaning of Berkana, but it is generally interpreted as meaning the birch tree, whose symbolic correspondences include growth, renewal, and springtime fertility (the birch’s buds are usually the first to be seen in spring in northern Europe). It is also a rune denoting feminine fecundity, with specific reference to the Norse goddess Idun, whose gift of everlasting youth was manifest in the form of magickally rejuvenating apples.

 

Temperance Transference

Take advantage of the prevailing energies of this day to meditate on the major-arcana Tarot card, Temperance (XIV). A winged figure pours liquid from one cup to another in an unceasing flow, and signifies the harmonious union of such opposing principles as spirit and matter and consequently also healing.

Calendar of the Sun for March 12th

Calendar of the Sun
12 Hrethemonath

Blot to Odhinn All-Father

Color: Dark blue
Element: Air
Altar: On a cloth of dark blue place a horn of mead, an evergreen branch, and a set of runes laid out in concentric circles.
Offerings: Mead. Do something in a leadership position, especially if it is difficult.
Daily Meal: Bread. Cheese. Goat milk. Meat. Mead.

Invocation to Odhinn All-Father

Hail Odhinn, Lord of Asgard,
Warrior and wanderer, valiant and wise,
You to whom all the gods of Asgard look,
Sky Father on the eight-legged steed,
You who traded an eye for wisdom
And ruled a turbulent realm,
Give us the wisdom to accept
The twists and turns of Fate
Even as you surrendered yourself
To the mercies of the Norns.
Protect us, All-Father,
From what harm may come to us.
Lead us through the wilderness
And bring us safely to that great hall
That you reserve only for the brave of spirit.

(Each comes forward and is purified with the evergreen branch. They choose a rune with their eyes closed, and one who is studied in such things tells them the meaning of the rune that they have selected. Then the mead is passed around in a toast, and the rest poured out in a libation to Odhinn.)

The Wicca Book of Days for Feb. 12 – Sunny Sowelu

The Wicca Book of Days for February 12th

Sunny Sowelu

Today marks the start of the runic half-month of Sowelu (which may also be spelled Sowilo or Sowulo, and is sometimes called Sigil), whose last day will fall on February 26. This rune represents the sun, which has been growing ever brighter since December’s winter solstice, and has been shining a little longer each day, too. Scholars of the runes generally link Sowelu with Baldur, the “Shining One,” or the “good God” of Norse myth, who was murdered through the trickery of Loki, Odin’s foster brother . Symbolically, Sowelu can be interpreted as denoting such positive, dynamic concepts as enlightenment, strength of will, soar energy and victory.

“Here Comes The Sun!”

If you have been feeling a little down turn to clary sage to lift your spirits. Either take it in the form of an herbal supplement or tea, or heat 5 to 10 drops of the aromatherapy oil in a vaporizer.

Calendar of the Sun for Thursday, Feb 9th

Calendar of the Sun
9 Solmonath

Day of Nerthus and Wuldorfader

Colors: Green and blue
Elements: Earth and Air
Altar: Lay with a green cloth, and place upon it pots of earth in which has been drawn the runes Feoh, and Berkana, and Jera, and seeds to be planted, and a wooden tray of small cakes marked with the runes Sigil, and Tyr, and Ansuz, and a horn of mead, and a pitcher of rain or snow water.
Offerings: Planting seeds. Doing something to clean the earth or air.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian, with wholegrain bread and vegetables. Mead and honeyed tea to drink.

Invocation to Nerthus and Wuldorfader

Great Mother Earth beneath our feet
Who gives forth all our sustenance,
Who feeds us from your breast,
Never let us forget
How much we owe
Your eternal fertility.
Father of Glory above us,
You who send the rain
To grow your bride’s crops
High enough to touch your hand,
May you be generous to us this year.
Earth and Rain, we beg you
To move in a joyful dance together
And never spend too long apart.

(Chant wordlessly as each person digs a hole in the pots of earth, places in a small cake, sprinkles seeds over it, tamps down the earth, waters it, and sends energy into the seeds. Then pass around the horn of mead, drink to Mother Nerthus and Wuldorfader, and pour out the remainder as a libation.)

The WIccan Book of Days for Jan. 28th – Algiz, the Averter

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January 28th

Algiz, the Averter

The runic half-month of Algiz (or Eohl) starts on January 28. It is thought to invoke the protection of a higher being, mainly because the appearance of the rune evokes the image of a person standing with his or her arms raised heavenward, as if imploring, or a else a hand whose palm is facing upward or outward, as if warding off an aggressive force. Two alternative meanings are the of “elk” and “elk sedge,” i.e., a prickly type of marsh grass, but even if interpreted as such, the primary meaning of both still implies self-defense or protection.

“A Helping Hand”

Wear a hand of Fatima as a protective amulet today. Available from Islamic outlets, this representation of the hand of the Prophet Muhammad’s daughter (the thumb denotes her father) represents Allah and the Five Pillars of Islam. Its palm often incorporates an eye that is said to deflect the malign energies conveyed by the evil eye.

Today’s Runes for Jan. 13th is Ken

Today’s Runes

Stone Runes are most commonly used for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control. Ken is the rune of light and knowledge, driving away darkness and ignorance and revealing hidden truth. This rune also brings forth images of friendship and comfort. Ken is the light of inspiration, the light of imagination, and a beacon in the darkest hours

Today’s Runes for Jan. 12th is Fehu

Today’s Runes

Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement. Fehu represents cattle the Norse symbol of wealth. This rune has some interesting implications based on the fact that cattle, unlike land, move about of their own accord. Cattle also reproduce, so this rune often speaks of wealth that renews or perpetuates itself. Wealth takes many forms, but this rune generally represents the value that is purely material or monetary in nature. Alternatively, this rune is deeply associated with Frey, and hence can be the harbinger of fertility and children.

Today’s Runes for January 11th is Ehwaz

Today’s Runes

Gold Runes are most commonly used for questions about business, career, and property. Ehwaz is the rune of the eight-legged horse that the god Odin rode into battle. Horses are symbolic of a number of things. Firstly, horses may symbolize vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, planes, or boats. Secondly, horses may symbolize not wealth, but status. Thirdly, horses may symbolize motion towards an objective. As such, this rune suggests a journey or a quest to achieve a goal or improve one’s station in life. On a deeper level, the rune Ehwaz evokes the unique relationship of horse and rider as an inseparable team. To the modern eye this may be the relationship of master and underling, but to the Norse it was a total union. In fact, early representations of Odin are not of a man and a horse, but, of a centaur-like creature – the ultimate symbiosis of Man and Nature.

Today’s Runes for January 10th is Raido

Today’s Runes

Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement. Raido means to ride. In this rune, the image is not so much the riding of a horse as in riding in a cart or as cargo. As such Raido may suggest a journey, but is much more indicative of communication. Alternate interpretations based on the use of Raido as a cognate in other words give it the meaning of council, judgment, and moral correctness. Therefore, this rune is the rune of wise advice and good leadership.

Today’s Runes for Jan. 9th is Ger

Today’s Runes

Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement. Ger is one of the runes that touches on the cycles of the year, in this case the fall harvest. These cycles are eternal, which is represented in the rune by the fact that it is unchanged by reversal. Ger can represent pregnancy or other forms of fruitfulness, and is especially indicative of the cycles of providence and karma – that which has been sown is now being reaped. This rune can also represent the cycles of wealth, for crops were frequently a sign of wealth.

Today’s Runes for January 8th is Perth

Today’s Runes

Stone Runes are most commonly used for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control. Perth is the rune of chance and gambling. Throw the dice, read your fate. Gaming is a fine way to pass the night…as long as one is careful. Games of chance have outcomes that are hidden from us, and as such Perth represents secrets unknown. Perth symbolizes enjoyment and wild abandon, but be watchful, for Perth is also the rune of mystery and the outcomes unexpected. You cannot lose if you do not play, but neither can you win…

Today’s Runes for January 7th is Uruz

Today’s Runes

Spirit Runes are most commonly used for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion. Uruz symbolizes the Auroch, a member of the ox family that became extinct long ago. This rune represents the strength, bravery, and endurance of this animal of old. Uruz portends the ability to meet problems head on and to overcome them. When the world was new, warriors used to test their strength against the Auroch. Hence, this rune has come to represent the masculine principle and the capacity to meet a challenge.

Today’s Runes for January 6th is Dagez

Today’s Runes

Spirit Runes are most commonly used for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion. Dagez means daylight, and represents divine light. This rune generally refers to dawn (the initial sparking of energy) or to midday (the climax of energy). Both dawn and midday are symbolic of change, but unlike the changes in the perpetual circle of the year which are slow and subtle, the changes over a day are much faster and more dramatic. The breaking of a new day is symbolic of the rapid illumination of dismal circumstances, and is suggestive of Satori. Be careful – although this rune generally suggests a positive change, the symbology of a peaking point suggests that there must be a change downward as well. Fortunately for some, this rune is cyclic and irreversible, and so permanence is not promised – the only thing you can be sure of is an exciting ride.

Today’s Runes for January – is Tyr

Today’s Runes

Spirit Runes are most commonly used for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion. Tyr is the symbol of the warrior. This rune most represents masculine force and potency, and frequently victory in battle. Beware though, for this rune represents directly the Norse god whose name it bears – Tyr stands out in legend for having sacrificed his hand that he might bind Fenrir, a monstrous wolf that threatens to swallow the world. As such, this rune is known to portend a great victory that can be bought with a terrible sacrifice. Tyr is also the god of law, frequently placed in such position above Odin. In this aspect, protection of justice may be had by this rune.

Today’s Runes for January 4th is Berkana

Today’s Runes

Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement. Berkana represents the birch tree. The birch is frequently symbolic of renewal, rebirth, birth, growth and fertility. This rune is a joyous one, representing good outcomes from ventures undertaken. It is the rune of the family and of a good household.

Today’s Runes for January 3rd is Uruz

Today’s Runes

Spirit Runes are most commonly used for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion. Uruz symbolizes the Auroch, a member of the ox family that became extinct long ago. This rune represents the strength, bravery, and endurance of this animal of old. Uruz portends the ability to meet problems head on and to overcome them. When the world was new, warriors used to test their strength against the Auroch. Hence, this rune has come to represent the masculine principle and the capacity to meet a challenge.

Today’s Runes for January 2nd is Gebo

Today’s Runes

Stone Runes are most commonly used for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control. Gebo means gift, and like any gifts, the rune may be understood on many levels. Gifts are generally positive things, for both the giver and the recipient. In many cultures however, gifts and favors carry with them an obligation to respond in kind. It is for this reason that gifts, and hence the rune Gebo, are frequently symbolic of friendships, marriages, alliances, mergers, and other bonds between people or organizations. Gebo is a strong rune and the unions represented are strong as well. Moreover, Gebo is not reversible, as true friendships are not easily undone.

Today’s Runes for January 1 is Berkana

Today’s Runes

Gold Runes are most commonly used for questions about business, career, and property. Berkana represents the birch tree. The birch is frequently symbolic of renewal, rebirth, birth, growth and fertility. This rune is a joyous one, representing good outcomes from ventures undertaken. It is the rune of the family and of a good household.

Today’s Runes for December 31st is Othila

Today’s Runes

Stone Runes are most commonly used for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control. Othila is the homeland. Land was the purest form of immovable wealth in Norse civilization, distinct from the movable wealth represented by Fehu. This rune speaks of stability and safety stemming from inheritance, both material and genetic. With respect to the question asked, consider the background of the people and families involved…