April 14th

The Rune of Man

The runic half-month of Mannaz (or Man) begins today, and its last day will fall on April 28th. 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 the rune, with 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 lift your spirits if you are feeling down.