MANNAZ
Divination is a way to focus on what matters. It allows us to gain insight into the ripe possibilities of the moment and is best used as a type of meditative effort. With their symbolism and kinship with long ago Scandinavian and Germanic cultures, runes are a fascinating method.
From the bag of runes, we close our eyes and draw a single stone as we ask a question: What do I need to know about [such and such situation]? If drawing on behalf of another, visualize that person. Listen with open mind and heart.
Today we examine Mannaz, a rune resembling a capital M but with the inner lines forming two small triangles. Part of the traditional Germanic Futhark or runic alphabet, it is one of the eight runes under the auspices of the warrior god Tyr.
When studied in sequence, the runes can be viewed as illustrating the life journey of a person’s development. Of course very few humans, other than perhaps avatars and saints, follow an ever rising line of self-knowledge or spiritual growth. I know, at least in my case, it is always a matter of two steps forward and one or more steps back. Life in all its glory both inspires us and, in some ways, constrains us, much as gravity maintains the orbits of planets. Many consider our development to resemble a spiral rather than a line, and observation backs that up. In a profound and real way, we are always at the beginning. It is a blessing and grace that we never run out of chances to start over or improve. Things can always be seen in a new way.
In the runic sequence Mannaz is the first rune. It stands for the self, because only by working on the self can we change and grow. We can’t manipulate others and achieve happiness, zen, bliss, perfection, or nirvana. We can’t manipulate external reality and achieve them. People and things interact with us, but our primary playground is the self. Casting Mannaz in a reading indicates a need to be in the flow of life but not deceived by the images before our eyes. My old metaphysical teacher Ruth used to put it this way: Be in the world but not of it. Stay in the moment. Be moderate in thought and action, rather than delving into excess. This is a time to seek freedom from the chains of unreliable past thought forms and habits. Look inside for your enemies. Look inside also for the miraculous shimmering colors of your true nature.
I hope you enjoyed our look at Mannaz, the Rune of the Day. What’s in your mind?
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
How true what you state here, I mean, that “our development resembles a spiral rather than a line…. In a profound and real way, we are always at the beginning.”
Thank you for another deep lesson in the runes!
You are so welcome, Carmen. I am glad you like the spiral concept.
What a wise thought that we never run out of chances to start over and improve. Lessons learned, and moving ahead with new insight makes all the difference in how we approach life!
In my case, it’s a very good thing lol.
Great interesting post. I have working on my writing during Nano trying to improve my skills and develop the habit of writing every day.
Best of luck with NaNo, Cathy!