Runes

Latest Book: Let’s Try Runes

/ Jenny Barber / Leave a comment

1545213025.png

Launched today, the simply delicious Let’s Try Runes: A Taster Guide for Beginners!

Whether you are simply curious about the art of rune divination or are looking to make runes a part of your deeper spiritual journey, this book will give you the basic foundation skills to get started.

You will find tips on how to make and cast runes, how to make and use casting boards to give greater context to your enquiries, and when you’re ready to try things out, there’s a selection of rune castings you can experiment with to hone your skills.

You’ll also find information on the fascinating history of runes and how they are used in modern times along with some resources to take your studies further.

It’s available right now from Amazon in paperback and ebook formats and will also be available live from the Mystic Maidens stall at various events next year.  (And stay tuned for news of other ebook formats!)

Amazon ebook – https://amzn.to/2SeLAMo

Amazon paperback – https://amzn.to/2GvxdC3

Rune of the Day: Sowelu

/ Jenny Barber / Leave a comment

2018-11-30 11.37.47
Sowelu is the runic symbol for sun and is connected to the Norse sun goddess Sunna/Sol.

Sol was the sister of the moon god Mani, and was charged with driving the chariot of the sun as punishment for her father naming her after the sun. Her chariot was pulled by her two horses Arvak (early riser) and Allsvinn (swift) and she rode with the legendary shield Svalinn which was held between her and the Earth below her so the world would not burn from her passing. As they travelled each day they were pursued by the wolf Skoll and legend says that on the rare occassion the wolf got close enought to nip at Sol, it would cause a solar eclipse.

Traditionally Sol was honoured as a goddess of protection, victory and healing, and these qualities have been given to the rune. Additionally, sun festivals were an important part of ancient Scandinavian life and rolling fire wheels down hills and lighting bonfires were often used to welcome the sun and give it power, giving the rune the qualtieis of celebration, recognition, and things being brought into the light.

Rune of the Day: Ansuz

/ Jenny Barber / Leave a comment

2018-11-29 12.14.10

Ansuz is the runic symbol for mouth or divine breath and is also known as the rune of Odin the All-Father.

It is said that after Odin hung from the world tree to gain knowledge of the runes, he then desired the gift of divine utterance. This could only be attained by drinking the mead of poetry, made from the blood of wise Kvasir as all those who drank the mead became either wise or a poet. After a little trickery, Odin obtained the mead and changed himself into an eagle to carry it back to Asgard. He spilled a little of it on the way and this fell to earth and inspired mortal poetry, and when the mood took him, Odin would favour mortals or other deities with some of the poetic mead.

This gives Ansuz the qualities of guidance from above and influence from authority figures, as well as indicating that inspiration can be found in dreams, meditation or other spiritual questing.

Rune of the Day: Laguz

/ Jenny Barber / Leave a comment

2018-11-28 10.00.09Laguz is the runic symbol for water or lake and is also believed to have connections to the Norse moon god Mani – a god associated with the movement of time, and also divination, witchcraft and the protection of both the living and dead.

This gives Laguz connections with emotions, the flow of life, the psychic realms, the tides, and bodies of water and can indicate a time where imagination and spiritual matters are important and travel is likely. Laguz also suggests a time of ebb and flow, where outside forces are in control of your fate and you must ride out their currents until you are brought safe to your required destination.

Rune of the Day: Thurisaz

/ Jenny Barber / Leave a comment

2018-11-27 11.13.11

Thurisaz is the rune of the thorn and represents ideas concerned with protection in the mental, emotional, physical and psychic realms.

This rune also has connections to the god Thor and the ancient Norse giants so also has qualities relating to aggression and challenges, particularly in respect of challenging outmoded ideas and making societal changes.

Rune of the Day: Perdhro

/ Jenny Barber / Leave a comment

2018-11-26 12.16.33

Perdhro is the rune of secrets, the unseen and matters of chance.

It is thought that early Northern Europeans considered gambling to be a close cousin to divination and the casting of lots was believed to indicate the will of the gods. However it was also believed that the fate revealed was not fixed and that it was down to the gambler or diviner to read their fate and take the action needed to avoid the dangers or improve their own fortunes.

It is also said that the Vikings believed that lot casting revealed inner truths, giving Perdhro its connections with inner transformation and the seeking of esoteric knowledge.

Rune of the Day: Eihwaz

/ Jenny Barber / Leave a comment

2018-11-25 11.15.41

Eihwaz is the runic symbol for yew tree and also relates to the Norse god Ullr, god of winter and winter sports, archery and hunting, who was thought to make his home in ‘Yew Dales’ and likely used yew to make his bows… 🏹

The yew tree represents the cycle of death and rebirth, and was adopted by northern cultures as a symbol of eternal life or longevity and the yew was frequently planted over burial sites to transfer its immortality to dead souls. The yews qualities of renewal can be seen in its use as a Yule log during midwinter solstice, where the wood is burned to persuade the sun to return and in the Norse Rune Poem is called ‘the greenest wood in winter’

This gives Eihwaz the qualities of death and renewal, indicating that while a change may be unwelcome, with patience and flexibility benefits will emerge. 🌳🍂🌱

Rune of the Day: Wunjo

/ Jenny Barber / Leave a comment

Rune - Wunjo3c

Wunjo indicates a time of happiness where success and recognition is yours, especially in areas related to creative or intuitive endeavours. It is also a time for promising social events, resolution of health issues, and news or travellers from across the water. Let Wunjo be your guide today and you will be able to enjoy the benefits of joy, harmony and good times with friends or family! 😀

Rune of the Day: Gebo

/ Jenny Barber / Leave a comment

Rune - Gebo3

Gebo indicates a time of generosity and equal exchanges – in the material world this can mean the giving and receiving of gifts, favours, payments for goods or services, contracts, or information. Gebo also has emotional ties to the realm of love and relationships where true partnership needs give and take from both parties in order to thrive. Either way, letting Gebo be your guide today will ensure your generosity is met in equal measure and a happy balance is achieved all round! 🎁

Rune of the Day: Jera

/ Jenny Barber / Leave a comment

Rune - Jera3b

Jera is the rune of harvest and indicates a time of new beginnings and things coming to fruition. Jera suggests that today is when debts will be paid, contracts will be signed, changes of home likely and rewards made for the time and energy you’ve put into something, so go out and reap what you have sown, for the bounty shall be marvellous! 🌾