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Mythology:
The dutiful Frigga, the wife of Odin and queen of the Gods of Asgard, is the main deity associated with this rune. This goddess was the epitome of wifely virtues, who sat at her spinning wheel creating the clouds. In southern Germany, she was said to be shaking the fluff off her blankets if the sky was full of misty vapour. She is the patroness of all of the domestic arts and, like many a mortal lady, was a true romantic at heart, with a soft spot for lovers and happy endings. Frigga can be regarded as the model for the fairy godmother found in so many children's stories - the kindly lady who makes it work out alright in the end. This aspect of the goddess, and, indeed, her wish-granting husband, is found in the name of the Anglo-Saxon version of the rune, wynn. This word has survived in modern English as the verb "to win", while Wunjo is the origin of the verb "to woo". This connection with wooing makes Frigga the archetypal matronly matchmaker., eternally ensuring that "Cinderella" marries her "prince Charming" and that they live happily ever after.
Note: This was scheduled to this day.
"He lives well who knows not suffering, sorrow nor anxiety, and has prosperity and happiness and a good enough house."
"The Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem"
To the Anglo-Saxons this rune was known as Wynn, in the common alphabet it is the letter W or V. This Rune symbolizes glory, joy and spiritual reward, perfection, harmony, domestic bliss, a happy household, good fortune and trusted friends, all denoted by Wunjo. Beauty, fair skin and fine hair are also tradicionally linked to this rune. It is said to be one of the four runes of love and suggests an attraction that will blossom into a lasting relationship. The rune is airy in nature, with associations with clouds, the wind, spinning wheels and flax.
Upright Meaning:
Absolute love, the arrival of good news,, an exellent turn of fortune and the establishment of a happy home. All in all, Wunjo represents a fulfilling life or, at the very least, a period when everything will go your way. Partnerships, of course, are of prime importance when this rune appears, not only relationships of emotional nature, but those connected with business, too. Firm friendships and mutually adventageous arrangements are under the auspices of this rune. But it is in the realm of love that Wunjo truly shines. If you are unattached, someone attractive is likely to be pale-skinned and fair-haired, but we must remember that these characteristics were the ancient Norse measures of beauty and that they did not live in a multicultural society. Artistic or other creative ventures will be successful, and you may receive news from a distance, probably from a man who has jorneyed over water. In health terms, the appearance of Wunjo shows that some tender loving care will pay off and that a recovery is likely.
Inverted Meaning:
Trust becomes an issue when wunjo is inverted. Prospective partners may not be all that they seem, so don't give your heart too readily. In business, too, beware of double-dealing and don't take anything at face value. If at all possible, delay making far-reacjing judgements as you will not have all of the facts that you need to make a valid decision. Tradition says that if you have an emotional worry, you should delay your decision-making for three months. If the troublesome factors in business, put off any action for three days. Things will slow down for a while and you may become despondent about your prospectss.
Body Part: Eyes, vision, pineal gland.
Associated Maladies: Blindness and vision problems. SAD. Sleep cycle disturbances. Vitamin D deficiencies.
Action: Shining brightly.
Solution: More sunlight, or more regular daylight hours, or light treatment
Note: This was scheduled to this day.
Mythology:
Both Odin and Thor are symbolically associated with Gebo. Its significance of knowing once's boundaries and swearing to abide by contracts link the rune with Thor, the thunder god whose job it was to preserve order in the universe. Odin, being the archetypal king, was expected to give generous gifts to his followers in order to reward them for their loyalty. He possessed a marvellous arm ring called Draupnir, which replicated itself into eight other, identical rings every ninth night.
These precious objects were then distributed as it pleased him. Gebo has thus gained an extra interpretation as a valuable ornament. In his song, Odin warns that "it is better not to ask then to overpledge, as a gift demands a gift". This verse speaks both of making hasty promises and of casting enchantments. In both cases, a price must be paid, so caution should be the watchword.
Note: This was scheduled to this day.
"Gyfu brings credit and honour which support one's dignity, if furnishes help and subsistence to all broken men, devoid of aught else."
"The Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem"
This rune was Gyfu to the ancient Anglo-Saxons, it it the letter G, generosity and help for those who are in need are signified by Gebo. Gebo is also said to indicate love, perhaps in the more general sense of charity rather then the purely personal. Oxen make an appearance with Gebo because cattle were the measure of wealth amongst the early peoples of northern Europe. Another concept intimately connected with that of generosity is that of boundary markers. In other words, being overly generous can also be a bad thing. In addition, recognising one's own boundaries is as important as knowing how much to give. In another sense, the rune is connected with innate talents, or abilities that can be taken as gifts from the gods. This is the first rune of the series not to have an inverted meaning, so its message must be taken at face value.
Meaning:
The giving and receiving of gifts has been important in every society. As a gesture of mutual respect and a symbol of fondness, the custom is meant to bind people together. This may be why we still mark affectionate letters with an "X" to denote a kiss, while in previous ages, when most people were illiterate, documents were signed with an "X" to signify an acceptance of contract of afreement. Bringing the aspect of relationship to the fore, Gebo signifies both the donor and the recipient of a gift. All should be well as long as there are conditions and both parties know the limits of their agreement, even if nothing material is actually given. The payment for the gift may come in the form of simple gratitude, but if that is withheld, then resentment and quarrels will be the result. The same applies to the giver: a present should be given with an open heart, otherwise the giver will feel forced into an obligation and the recipient will feel worthless.When Gebo appears, it is certain that you will feel honour-bound to help someone out very soon. However, it is important to judge exactly how much help you should give. After all, if you are too generous, then this needy person may become overly reliant upon you; if you are not generous enough, however, you could be considered a skinflint and your reputation could suffer.
Body Part: Heart - the great crossroads of the body, of the circulatory system.
Associated Maladies: Heart disease.
Action: Doing well.
Solution: Rest, relaxation, giving one's health more attention and nurturing.
Note: This was scheduled to this day.
The Álfablót is a Norse tradicional celebration which is made at the times of the Winter nights, one of the 2 celebrations held in this time. The Álfablót or the Elven sacrifice was a pagan Scandinavian sacrifice to the elves, it is made around this time of autumn, it is in the end of it, at the "doors" of the coming winter, when all the crops were harvested and the animals well fed.
This is a diferent celebration, not like all the other blóts, this is a small celebration that can be made by one individual or one family, in tradicion this is a local celebration at the homesteads and they were administered by the lady of the household, the mainly subject in this celebration is not only to honor the ancestours, but also all kinds of other spirits, such as the elves and the landspirits, the Landvaettir, in this time strangers were not welcomed near the homesteads during the celebrations, also going back to the elves, they are a source of power and they are often connected to the ancestours, to the gods and to pray fertility, and for the next year when the winter will be gone, may the land give the people the means for prosperity, the humans have the tools, the landspirits have the power.
Note: The Drawing was made by me.
Note2: This was a scheduled post.
Mythology:
The rune Kaunaz is associated with trustworthy gatekeeper of the gods, Heimdall, a deity as mysterious and brooding as a pine forest. Heimdall is a son of Odin, and it was his job to prevent mortals and giants from crossing the rainbow bridge, Bifrost, as it was prophesied that they would do, thereby bringing about Ragnarok, or the "Twilight of the Gods". He was ever-watchful, and was thus identified with the vigilant owl. Heimdall is known as the "shining god", and was personified as a torch or beacon. He stood between Asgard and the World of Humankind and is credited withpassing on the knowledge of the runes to mortals. Bonfires and beacons lit on mountaintops in order to pass on news of great importance were likewise associated with Heimdall and his rune, Kaunaz.
Note: This was scheduled to this day.
"Cen is known to all by its pale bright flame, it always burns where princes sit within.."
"The Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem"
Kaunaz or Ken is the rune of creativity, a light source, inspiration, hope and passion, Kaunaz is the flame of a torch cut from the branch of a pine tree. Its wan light keeps the darkness at bay and allows the sentinel to protect his charges from harm. The torch has other assossiations, too: it can symbolise learning, and especially the knowledge handed on from generation to generation, which is why the words Kaunaz and Ken are related to our words "kin" or "kindred".
The symbolism of the flame can additionally be applied to passion, without which further generations would not exist. On the other hand, the word Kaun also resembles the Norse word for "wasting" or "ulcer", possibly because, when maintaining a flame, the kindling that provides its fuel is eventually consumed.
Upright Meaning:
The most obvious meaning meaning of the rune is the gaining and passing on of knowledge. However, we should not forget its connection with passion, which can be felt in both a physical and a mental sense. One may be passionate about a subject or a person, for exemple, and when this rune appears in a reading, the two concepts are often strangely mixed together, just as the ancient Anglo-Saxon verb "kennen" meant both "to conceive" and "to bring forth from the mind". In more mundane terms, Kaunaz can mean the start of a consuming love affair and the spark of a meaningful relationship that may teach both parties a thing or two about life. This is one of the most positive runes, leading you on a path of new discovery. It is also an indicator of safety, because in some mystical sense you are being watched over as thoroughly as if Heimdalll or the vigilant owl were guarding you from danger. A sudden. powerful insight is also likely when Kaunaz is prominent, and you may feel touched by a clarity of vision that you have never known before.
Inverted Meaning:
A loss of love, friendship and old loyalties are foretold when Kaunaz appears in the inverted position.. You may feel yourself to be adrift, abandoned and with little idea of what to do next. However, Kaunaz is primarily associated with learning, so it is important to remember taht some lessons are hard ones. It may be taht it is time to let go of the past and to move on. All will be revealed in time, so don't panic. The lessons that you need to learn will become evident to you and you will soon find the right path, even if the guiding light of Kaunaz seems dimmed at the moment.
Body Part: Hypothalamus
Associated Maladies: Infection, fever.
Action: Overheated, fevered, burning.
Solution: Sweat to remove toxins.
Note: This was scheduled to this day.
Note2: I'm sorry i havent written anything else in October, especially the rune on every wednesday, but i thought 13 posts in October would seem nice, since it is a great month full of mystery and tradiction, and the number 13 is a very magical one in the Norse Myths.
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