Odin, the All-Knowing One and Shaman/Mortal, brought humanity the Rune symbols, in order to transcend the illusion of separation and connect us with All That Is
Symbols can be all around us in every modern life, communicating to our conscious and unconsciousness minds; as messages from the Universe. For me, I discovered the Ancient Runes over 25 years ago, on a life-changing pilgrimage to Glastonbury. Theses angular symbols felt familiar like reacquainting with old friends.
The word Rune means to ‘whisper’. Our ancestors, the ancient Celts and Anglo- Saxons, would tell stories and recite poetry to teach people the inherent wisdom and knowledge contained in these 24 angular symbols. Odin, the All-Knowing One and Shaman/Mortal, brought humanity the Rune symbols, in order to transcend the illusion of separation and connect us with All That Is.
The 24 Runes are equally divided into 3 Aetts, or families, of 8 Runes. I work with the Elder Futhark- the oldest sequence of the Runes, with the most research and study attached to them. Other deviations exist such as the Northumberland and Anglo Saxon Runes.
The first Aett is concerned with our Conscious existence on Planet Earth. How we look after our physical wellbeing, how we communicate and express ourselves; in essence how we work, rest and play.
The second Aett is concerned with the Unconscious realms. Carl Jung, the psychologist, was a great advocate of Runes and how symbolism influenced human behaviour, inner beliefs and our actions. This Aett uncovers the hidden to be made conscious. That may be overcoming fear, healing the past or discovering our inner talents and gifts.
The third Aett is one of transformation. How we integrate the conscious and unconscious in order to transform, grow and ultimately evolve.
Here are the Runes for spring, which are all in the Transformational Realm.
Ehwaz
Ehwaz is an Earth element Rune that is number 19 in the Elder Futhark sequence and connected to the Goddess Freyja and God Frey. The polarity of this Rune is both feminine and masculine. The active theme for this Rune is from 30th March to 14th April.
Keywords for Ehwaz are Co-operation, Teamwork, and Harmony. This seems particularly pertinent since Brexit is occurring in the UK and Europe. Ehwaz asks to look at the bigger picture and work together for the good of the whole.
Ehwaz is often associated with the animal totem the Horse, which embodies the energies of power with grace and movement. The corresponding flora is the oak tree native of the UK and crystal is milky quartz.
Mannaz
Mannaz is an Air element Rune that is number 20 in the Elder Futhark sequence and connected to the Ask and Embla; the first Man and Woman. The polarity of this Rune is both masculine and feminine. The active theme is from 14th April to 29th April. Keywords are Intellect, Humanity and Sacred Union.
Mannaz asks us to combine the qualities of head and heart to approach life and issues; logic and reasoning married with care and compassion. The totem associated with Mannaz is the balanced Human Being. A state I am sure we can all aspire to! The corresponding flora is Ash and Elm trees and crystals are ruby and garnet.
Laguz
Laguz is a Water Rune that is number 21 in the Elder Futhark and associated with the Goddess Njord of the seas and waters. The polarity of Laguz is feminine. The active theme is from 29th April 14th May. Keywords are Emotions and Go with the flow of life.
Laguz is highly sensitive and connected to the phases of the Moon which influence nature (tides, gardening) and can affect human emotions. Safe loving boundaries, affection and humour are needed to honour and express all emotions. Being near bodies of water or enjoying water pursuits such as spas, swimming and bathing are encouraged under Laguz. The animal totems associated with Laguz are salmon and hare. The corresponding flora are willow trees, which are often found near water and leek/onions which can make us cry. Crystals are calcite and aquamarine.
Ingwaz
Ingwaz is an Earth Rune that is number 22 in the Elder Futhark and associated with the God Ing and Goddess Nerthus. The polarity is both feminine and masculine. The active theme is from 14th May to 14th June. Keywords are Fertility and Gestation.
Inguz is connected to the Womb and Sacral area. This denotes a time for endings and beginnings, and be in the void. Then plant new seeds– literally, emotionally and metaphorically. Nurture and tend for growth, ready for birth/launch often a period connected to the number 9– months or years. Animal totems associated with Laguz are the honey bee. The corresponding flora is apple trees and crystals are amber and malachite.
Hope you’ve found these Tales of the Runes for Spring informative and insightful!
Ann O’Keife is a medicine woman, based in West Sussex. She is a Rune expert and reader with over 25 years experience. Ann holds regular sacred ceremonies and workshops in creative writing workshops, runes and laughter. Her passion is to uplift, inspire and teach. Ann has appeared in both national and regional media. For more information, workshops and readings with Ann O’Keife in Sussex, London or online please contact her via her website www.livinglifefully.net
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