Well, I have been working on my rune cloth a lot lately, and it's really looking great! I have most of the outlining done for the symbolic representations of the different sections of the cloth that are connected to the worlds of Norse mythology, the worlds supported on different levels of the world tree, Yggdrasil. I am pretty sure I've totally butchered the spelling there, but if you're familiar with the worlds I'm talking about, you get the idea.
At any rate, the symbolic divisions of the space make for a really detailed rune cast! I am excited to test it out soon. The thing is, I intend to work on this thing for years, making it into a masterpiece of magical and artistic creativity. What could be better than that for connecting with the great mystery, the spirits, the gods, whatever you want to call it, that divine entity outside of yourself that can see the nature of all things. That connection is definitely fueled by the mind, so by connecting my logic (my thoughts/question that I hold in my mind while casting) and my creativity through the cloth and the runes, I can devote my whole mind, my whole spirit to the connection.
I am ready to at least test the cloth out soon though, as the basic ideas behind the divisions of the space are represented well now both in my mind and on the cloth. It helps that I made it myself, since I have a really good understanding of the meaning of each because I had to think of something I can sew that represents that section, and then after thinking of it, I had to actually sew it. Due to the time invested, it's pretty much cemented the meaning of each for me.
I will edit this post to add pics once I get a chance, I mostly write in my blog at work so I don't have the cloth handy to take a picture!
The rune cast I do will probably first just be a general cast to get acquainted, and it's fun to see what the runes tell you when you don't focus on a specific topic, especially when you are able to delve into such detail due to the many things that will be taken into account in the cast. Obviously, the section where a rune lands will be connected, the orientation of the rune, and it's relationship with the other runes! Yep, it's a lot to interpret, but I think the more I do it the better I will be at it. I suspect I may still use the simpler casts from time to time, but this type of rune casting will be preferable since hopefully this cloth will increase my precision and therefore increase my understanding of the messages I receive. I'm excited, this should be great, I'll post about my cast after.
Showing posts with label runes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label runes. Show all posts
Friday, October 1, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Technology and Rune Magic?
Well, I have an iPhone, and so of course I'm often browsing the app store for interesting applications to play with. I came across a rune divination app that I decided to try out, despite my skepticism that using a phone to cast runes will be meaningful. The name of the app is Rune Magic Lite, and it was created by Dev-iQue for the Order Ars Ascensionis. I tried to look into who that is, but so far I couldn't tell.
I am skeptical for several reasons. I'm not sure of the mathematical formulae used in the app, but no matter what it is, I don't feel that it can mimic the act of casting runes. Generally, when I cast them, I feel the runes in my hand, and the ones that feel just right are the ones I hold on to and cast. I think the energy of your body interacts with the runes, charging them with your intent, your question to the runes, and then the runes respond to that, which is what I'm feeling for. I am certain that you cannot accomplish that with a push on the screen of the phone. Well, I don't know if you can, but I'm pretty sure that the random rune generator used in the app isn't affected by any energy you send into the phone. Okay, so I guess I could suspend my disbelief a little on that point. An agrument could be made that you could indeed do just that. For me though, pressing the glass surface of my phone to get an answer will never be my preferred method. There's a reason I made my runes with my own hand, from wood that I chose. I wanted my runes to be an extension of me, to be inextricably linked to my creativity. For me, a mathematical equation that expresses the random probability of runes to be chosen in a cast is meaningless when compared to the actual act.
Another reason why I am skeptical that the rune casting from a phone would be meaningful is that rune casting is an organic act, something affected by the touch and mind of the person doing it, and in the case of an app that does it for you, it would also be coming from the programmer who created it. If you beleive that the intent of the button pusher can affect the outcome of the rune cast, then you must also allow for the intentions of anyone involved in it's creation. This app was created by a third party app creation company, making it another degree further from the intent of the person pressing the button. There was one person who intended this app be made, and paid for this company to do it, and then, this company assigned the task to one or more software designers whose intentions with regard to the app could be any number of things. When you look at physical runes casting, you can certainly argue that the energies and intentions of the people who made the runes also affect them, but that's why the rune caster themselves often makes the runes, to keep the intentions of others out of the equation. Doing so with a phone application would be much more difficult for the average rune caster.
Despite these concerns, I did invest a bit of my own magical energy into the phone when I pressed the button, and I also came up with solid questions to focus on. Oddly enough, the casts were somewhat fitting to the questions. The rune casting which the free version of this app allowed is the single rune cast (Odin's rune). The runes that I got for my questions could be relevant, but because I do not yet know the outcome of the questions I asked, I cannot tell if the guidance I got was truly helpful to me. I wasn't intending to "test" it's accuracy, really I just wanted to have a quick magical moment at my desk, and at least when casting runes I am execising my mind's visualization and energy manipulation. Also, it does help me to refocus myself towards my goal of health. The other great thing about this app is that it has a study section. I haven't reviewed the information from my rune studying with the info on the app to note differences I see, but it looks pretty awesome so far. I do need to check the differences, if there are any, but really it could be helpful in commiting the meaning of the runes to memory so that when I cast it can be even more effective. In the end, I have decided that I like the app, but there is no way that it can ever replace real rune casting. It's simply a simluation of something real, but it's discreet enough that you could do it anywhere, and it's also a great tool for learning the runes.
I am skeptical for several reasons. I'm not sure of the mathematical formulae used in the app, but no matter what it is, I don't feel that it can mimic the act of casting runes. Generally, when I cast them, I feel the runes in my hand, and the ones that feel just right are the ones I hold on to and cast. I think the energy of your body interacts with the runes, charging them with your intent, your question to the runes, and then the runes respond to that, which is what I'm feeling for. I am certain that you cannot accomplish that with a push on the screen of the phone. Well, I don't know if you can, but I'm pretty sure that the random rune generator used in the app isn't affected by any energy you send into the phone. Okay, so I guess I could suspend my disbelief a little on that point. An agrument could be made that you could indeed do just that. For me though, pressing the glass surface of my phone to get an answer will never be my preferred method. There's a reason I made my runes with my own hand, from wood that I chose. I wanted my runes to be an extension of me, to be inextricably linked to my creativity. For me, a mathematical equation that expresses the random probability of runes to be chosen in a cast is meaningless when compared to the actual act.
Another reason why I am skeptical that the rune casting from a phone would be meaningful is that rune casting is an organic act, something affected by the touch and mind of the person doing it, and in the case of an app that does it for you, it would also be coming from the programmer who created it. If you beleive that the intent of the button pusher can affect the outcome of the rune cast, then you must also allow for the intentions of anyone involved in it's creation. This app was created by a third party app creation company, making it another degree further from the intent of the person pressing the button. There was one person who intended this app be made, and paid for this company to do it, and then, this company assigned the task to one or more software designers whose intentions with regard to the app could be any number of things. When you look at physical runes casting, you can certainly argue that the energies and intentions of the people who made the runes also affect them, but that's why the rune caster themselves often makes the runes, to keep the intentions of others out of the equation. Doing so with a phone application would be much more difficult for the average rune caster.
Despite these concerns, I did invest a bit of my own magical energy into the phone when I pressed the button, and I also came up with solid questions to focus on. Oddly enough, the casts were somewhat fitting to the questions. The rune casting which the free version of this app allowed is the single rune cast (Odin's rune). The runes that I got for my questions could be relevant, but because I do not yet know the outcome of the questions I asked, I cannot tell if the guidance I got was truly helpful to me. I wasn't intending to "test" it's accuracy, really I just wanted to have a quick magical moment at my desk, and at least when casting runes I am execising my mind's visualization and energy manipulation. Also, it does help me to refocus myself towards my goal of health. The other great thing about this app is that it has a study section. I haven't reviewed the information from my rune studying with the info on the app to note differences I see, but it looks pretty awesome so far. I do need to check the differences, if there are any, but really it could be helpful in commiting the meaning of the runes to memory so that when I cast it can be even more effective. In the end, I have decided that I like the app, but there is no way that it can ever replace real rune casting. It's simply a simluation of something real, but it's discreet enough that you could do it anywhere, and it's also a great tool for learning the runes.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Update - The War has begun...
Boy, it has been a while since I have found the time to post on here. Well, I am still sick. I am unsure of whether the spell that my friends and I did had any effect, but one of my doctors beleives that he knows what is wrong with me, so maybe it did. For me, knowing what is wrong is a big releif, but because I am not getting better after doing what my doctor has said to do, I am concerned that he is wrong.
I have been trying to figure out what it is on my own as well, I have done several rune casts to try to get some new ideas. A month or two ago I did a rune cast that at the time I struggled with the meaning. It was clear in the way that the runes fell that my fate was forked, meaning it was up to me which way it ended up.
One path was a bit jumbled, and seemed to lead to death/rebirth through difficult trials, and the other pointed to an Odin rune with the valkyrie rune ( /| ) as the rune that pointed. At the time, I could see which was the best path, the Odin path, but I wasn't sure what that entailed exactly. It was the rune for wisdom and knowledge through Odin, so I was thinking at the time that it meant to seek knowledge, or possibly to become more odinistic. I didn't know what to do, so I didn't do anything. Sometimes, it's a good idea to ponder something, waiting until you feel like you have determined the true meaning, even if you think you are close, lest you do something that then tips your fate the undesirable direction.
Well, the other day I was packing my notebook to take with me on a trip, and happened to look at the drawing I made of the rune cast, and being the type of person who can't let go of something until I understand it, thought it over once again. A few hours later, I had a realization of the meaning of the "path of Odin". Well, I have learned a good amount about the different aspects of the Norse gods, including Odin, so I know that Odin is a warrior god, who values brave warriors and through his valkyries he rescues thier spirits when they have fallen in battle to bring them to Valhalla. Thinking about that, I realized that I must wage war on this illness.
I had planned to build my strength up once I was feeling better, and then banish future sickness by remaining extremely physically fit. I guess it hadn't occured to me that I was somewhat putting the cart before the horse in the matter. I have realized that the way to feel better is to banish this sickness now by becoming stronger than it and forcing it to.
When I think about becoming a warrior for my health, I realized that it's really more that to do this I should become strictly disciplined in both body and mind, devoting myself to my purpose. It goes beyond eating right and getting sleep and exercise, to include becoming strong mentally as well. Expanding my knowledge, meditation, training myself with good habits, all of these things will be needed. I have been somewhat indulgent of myself the last few years, feeling like I need to reward myself in order to feel good, when really it is my own lack of action that keeps me from feeling good, not the lack of perceived rewards. Wouldn't good health truly be a reward? This is what I have realized, that to be happy and healthy, I must give up the empty rewards that only satisfy me in the short-term, and instead focus on the work that needs to be done, knowing that the reward I need is bigger and more important than any other.
So, the runes have provided, once I was ready to see the meaning of it, a solution to my problem. I am going to need to figure out a plan for all this, so that it doesn't get simply forgotten about once I have begun to recover. This is something that there is no going back to "normal" on after it's over. Once you commit to be a warrior in the eyes of Odin, you are commited for life. This will be a life change for me, bringing me to my true self, a warrior. I know that this is something that is vitally important for me to understand, that I am not just using this as a tool to get what I want, but instead I am pushing myself to reach my highest potential for good in the world too. It's all interconnected, and without good health, it is clear that everything else I want to accomplish cannot be done.
I have dreams about being a warrior for the forces of good in the world all the time. In fact, deep down I have been searching my soul to figure out what I want my purpose to be, and all along it was there waiting for me to realize. I have the determination, and really just plain stubbornness that is needed to never, ever, ever give up on something important. I also have strength to endure pain, both emotional and physical. This time of my life is certainly a test of my strength. In other words, I am well suited to a life spent fighting for the things that really matter. The true question, I suppose, is what it is I should fight for specifically. That too, I may consult the runes to find out. At this point though, the war that needs fighting is very clear to me, as I know that my choices are to fight, or to die. Literally.
I have been trying to figure out what it is on my own as well, I have done several rune casts to try to get some new ideas. A month or two ago I did a rune cast that at the time I struggled with the meaning. It was clear in the way that the runes fell that my fate was forked, meaning it was up to me which way it ended up.
One path was a bit jumbled, and seemed to lead to death/rebirth through difficult trials, and the other pointed to an Odin rune with the valkyrie rune ( /| ) as the rune that pointed. At the time, I could see which was the best path, the Odin path, but I wasn't sure what that entailed exactly. It was the rune for wisdom and knowledge through Odin, so I was thinking at the time that it meant to seek knowledge, or possibly to become more odinistic. I didn't know what to do, so I didn't do anything. Sometimes, it's a good idea to ponder something, waiting until you feel like you have determined the true meaning, even if you think you are close, lest you do something that then tips your fate the undesirable direction.
Well, the other day I was packing my notebook to take with me on a trip, and happened to look at the drawing I made of the rune cast, and being the type of person who can't let go of something until I understand it, thought it over once again. A few hours later, I had a realization of the meaning of the "path of Odin". Well, I have learned a good amount about the different aspects of the Norse gods, including Odin, so I know that Odin is a warrior god, who values brave warriors and through his valkyries he rescues thier spirits when they have fallen in battle to bring them to Valhalla. Thinking about that, I realized that I must wage war on this illness.
I had planned to build my strength up once I was feeling better, and then banish future sickness by remaining extremely physically fit. I guess it hadn't occured to me that I was somewhat putting the cart before the horse in the matter. I have realized that the way to feel better is to banish this sickness now by becoming stronger than it and forcing it to.
When I think about becoming a warrior for my health, I realized that it's really more that to do this I should become strictly disciplined in both body and mind, devoting myself to my purpose. It goes beyond eating right and getting sleep and exercise, to include becoming strong mentally as well. Expanding my knowledge, meditation, training myself with good habits, all of these things will be needed. I have been somewhat indulgent of myself the last few years, feeling like I need to reward myself in order to feel good, when really it is my own lack of action that keeps me from feeling good, not the lack of perceived rewards. Wouldn't good health truly be a reward? This is what I have realized, that to be happy and healthy, I must give up the empty rewards that only satisfy me in the short-term, and instead focus on the work that needs to be done, knowing that the reward I need is bigger and more important than any other.
So, the runes have provided, once I was ready to see the meaning of it, a solution to my problem. I am going to need to figure out a plan for all this, so that it doesn't get simply forgotten about once I have begun to recover. This is something that there is no going back to "normal" on after it's over. Once you commit to be a warrior in the eyes of Odin, you are commited for life. This will be a life change for me, bringing me to my true self, a warrior. I know that this is something that is vitally important for me to understand, that I am not just using this as a tool to get what I want, but instead I am pushing myself to reach my highest potential for good in the world too. It's all interconnected, and without good health, it is clear that everything else I want to accomplish cannot be done.
I have dreams about being a warrior for the forces of good in the world all the time. In fact, deep down I have been searching my soul to figure out what I want my purpose to be, and all along it was there waiting for me to realize. I have the determination, and really just plain stubbornness that is needed to never, ever, ever give up on something important. I also have strength to endure pain, both emotional and physical. This time of my life is certainly a test of my strength. In other words, I am well suited to a life spent fighting for the things that really matter. The true question, I suppose, is what it is I should fight for specifically. That too, I may consult the runes to find out. At this point though, the war that needs fighting is very clear to me, as I know that my choices are to fight, or to die. Literally.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Spirit Contact - Results
Well, Saturday night I set everything up for my spell, and I decided to use a couple of candles as part of the spell as well. I chose magenta and pink for thier uses in divination, contacting spirits and also love and protection.
Once I had cast the circle, I could sense the spirit (I could almost see it! It was like a cloudiness in a certain spot in the living room, like they were there just waiting for me). Once I began the spell a feeling of releif and happiness filled me, presumably from the spirit. It really made me feel good about what I was doing. I was a little scared/nervous before I cast the circle, but once it was cast, all of my nervousness and fear was gone.
I used the spells that I chose, and after I addressed the spirit, the candles flickered at me as if in answer. I know that seems silly because candles flicker all the time, but it kept happening at moments like that!
Then I cast the three norns and got the rune for contemplation and uncertainty for the past, for the present I got the run for guidance/advice, and then on the last rune, representing the future, I got the rune for harmony, a connection between all things, love, protection, wisdom of the gods. This was very cool. When I was reading the meaning of the last rune a I got a very strong feeling of happiness and excitement. I almost wanted to cry at how well it was going, I really felt like I was helping!
Then, to be sure, and to find out further what help I might give, I did a second run cast where I just grab some runes from the bag and toss them on the table randomly. There were three face-up runes on the table. Two were grouped together, one was the "tribe" rune, or a rune of togetherness with your community/similar people. The other rune was a fire rune, which I assumed meant me, or at least my magical ability, as it always manifests itself as fire (in my dreams and visualizations). These two runes were actually stacked on top of each other a bit when they landed on the table, along with an ice rune which was face down. I didn't need to see the ice rune to see that those two runes should be read together and considered "bound" of course, so I didn't worry too much about that. The one alone didn't seem to have much relevance except as a marker for the other two, as it was positioned slightly lower and to the left of the other two. I actually forgot what rune it was, I knew I should have written them down! But suffice it to say that I was able to figure out what the spirit needed.
After the cast, I decided that it looks like the spirit mostly just needed my guidance and assurance that they would be going to a good place in the afterlife. I felt like the spirit had been scared to cross over, and that is the reason they were hanging out at my house. I guess they must have known that I could do magic, and so they were hoping I would figure out a way to help them.
I then used the rest of my spell that I had written out ahead of time, and closed the circle. After, it was interesting to me that I started to miss the feeling of there being a spirit there. My fiance also noticed this and told me he thought it felt empty now.
Since that night, and especially on Sunday night, I have been paying clsoe attention to see if I have noticed any return of the spirit, or possibly a new spirit. So far it looks like there aren't any, so I am very happy with how the whole thing went. Next time, if there is one, I will be sure and make contact sooner so that I can help them. I have a feeling that this is not the last time that I will be able to use my magic for the good of a spirit, and so I am going to keep my senses alert!
One thing that this experience has helped me with is trusting my feelings and instincts, and beleiveing myself when I sense something amiss. It's hard not to just dismiss creepy feelings as nothing, and this is a positive example of why it's a good idea to pay attention to that sort of thing. Just think how long it might have been before that spirit found peace otherwise!
Once I had cast the circle, I could sense the spirit (I could almost see it! It was like a cloudiness in a certain spot in the living room, like they were there just waiting for me). Once I began the spell a feeling of releif and happiness filled me, presumably from the spirit. It really made me feel good about what I was doing. I was a little scared/nervous before I cast the circle, but once it was cast, all of my nervousness and fear was gone.
I used the spells that I chose, and after I addressed the spirit, the candles flickered at me as if in answer. I know that seems silly because candles flicker all the time, but it kept happening at moments like that!
Then I cast the three norns and got the rune for contemplation and uncertainty for the past, for the present I got the run for guidance/advice, and then on the last rune, representing the future, I got the rune for harmony, a connection between all things, love, protection, wisdom of the gods. This was very cool. When I was reading the meaning of the last rune a I got a very strong feeling of happiness and excitement. I almost wanted to cry at how well it was going, I really felt like I was helping!
Then, to be sure, and to find out further what help I might give, I did a second run cast where I just grab some runes from the bag and toss them on the table randomly. There were three face-up runes on the table. Two were grouped together, one was the "tribe" rune, or a rune of togetherness with your community/similar people. The other rune was a fire rune, which I assumed meant me, or at least my magical ability, as it always manifests itself as fire (in my dreams and visualizations). These two runes were actually stacked on top of each other a bit when they landed on the table, along with an ice rune which was face down. I didn't need to see the ice rune to see that those two runes should be read together and considered "bound" of course, so I didn't worry too much about that. The one alone didn't seem to have much relevance except as a marker for the other two, as it was positioned slightly lower and to the left of the other two. I actually forgot what rune it was, I knew I should have written them down! But suffice it to say that I was able to figure out what the spirit needed.
After the cast, I decided that it looks like the spirit mostly just needed my guidance and assurance that they would be going to a good place in the afterlife. I felt like the spirit had been scared to cross over, and that is the reason they were hanging out at my house. I guess they must have known that I could do magic, and so they were hoping I would figure out a way to help them.
I then used the rest of my spell that I had written out ahead of time, and closed the circle. After, it was interesting to me that I started to miss the feeling of there being a spirit there. My fiance also noticed this and told me he thought it felt empty now.
Since that night, and especially on Sunday night, I have been paying clsoe attention to see if I have noticed any return of the spirit, or possibly a new spirit. So far it looks like there aren't any, so I am very happy with how the whole thing went. Next time, if there is one, I will be sure and make contact sooner so that I can help them. I have a feeling that this is not the last time that I will be able to use my magic for the good of a spirit, and so I am going to keep my senses alert!
One thing that this experience has helped me with is trusting my feelings and instincts, and beleiveing myself when I sense something amiss. It's hard not to just dismiss creepy feelings as nothing, and this is a positive example of why it's a good idea to pay attention to that sort of thing. Just think how long it might have been before that spirit found peace otherwise!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Stormy Day!
Last night it was so windy here! The wind was extremely powerful, and it was making so much noise at my house I had a hard time sleeping this morning! Also I wasn't that sleepy, but I was really windy. It also happens to be my fiance's birthday today.
He has dreams from time to time which come true, so I was hoping that with all the energy from the storm he would have some interesting dreams maybe, but when I asked him this morning he sleepily replied in the negative. I really did feel the energy from the storm myself while I was getting ready and also somewhat last night, though last night I felt more calmness than this morning. This morning it was like everything around me was affected by that wind. It was swirling and gusting and whistling everywhere!
Generally I can sense the mood of the storm, like whether it is a destructive storm or a life giving storm. This one was clearly destructive, but I am unsure of whether there was really a strong mood of that, to me it was mostly just a chaotic mood, not so much destruction but instead just a feeling of whirling power. I felt excited and happy about it actually.
Which reminds me, I haven't mentioned in my blog about some new events that are important. This last Friday I met with the 2 other witches whom I know and we talked some and I did some rune casting as well. It was neat because one of my witch friends asked a questions which complements the one that I asked of the runes recently, albiet from her perspective not mine, so of course it was not the same question, but rather about the same topic, which is whether to keep being solitary now that we have the option to join together.
I had reservations about it, so I asked the runes, and she has different ones of course, so it was just neat that we are both thinking of that. Nothing has really been set in stone at all, it's more that we are all slowly getting to know each other's preferences and sort of feeling it out. It was really cool to talk about it and show them both my book and runes and everything which I have been studying, making, and learning. I hope it works out, it would be very cool if it did.
Speaking of things I am making, I have been continuing to work on my rune cloth, it is coming along pretty well. I am unsure of how much detail I want in the cross stitching, and so I am simply doing outlines for now and leaving the decoration for after the main parts are in so I can get a feel for how much of an undertaking that would be.
I will take some pictures and make a post about it this week.
Anyway back to the maybe I'm going to form a coven thing. Well, I guess it might be a good call to set something up. I should look at my schedule and find a good night for that type of thing, or maybe we can each take turns having it at our houses and each person sets the day and time. There are only 3 of us so it wouldn't be like we would need to have a "leader" or priestess or anything, but we should really have like, plans for what we want to accomplish. I think what I will do is make a list of things I want to learn from them/learn as a group, and goals for my witch life as far as what I want to accomplish. It would be a good starting off point for us as a group to each make something like that and then we can come together, compare, and make plans for helping each other reach our goals.
I am also thinking that I will do some reviews of different books I have read about being a witch. Honestly I have a hard time calling myself "Wiccan" because I feel like it's not really what I am. Partly because I tend to just read things and take what I want only from it and I'm not really following in anyone else's footsteps, so I didn't feel like I'm a follower of Wicca, more of just someone who identifies most closely with that group. But I do feel comfortable calling myself a witch. At least when I am talking about it anyway.
I am not open about it actually, except with my fiance and my two witch friends. My family and most of my friends have no idea. One of my witch friends, she asked about how I would handle it if someone asks me what religion I am or something like that, and I told her I don't know, because really no one asks that. Plus, I was raised Methodist, so it's not like I can really say that I'm against all religion, I think it's great for some people, it's just not what is right for me. I just can't beleive in it, and so it becomes nothing but something that I felt like I should beleive in, not something that I actually did.
Once I let that go, I have been so much more free and happy, and also more creative and I am starting to see things. But I haven't really shared my secret with anyone, people who knew me before just assume I'm a Christian and I have never really refuted it to them. I don't want people to become concerned with it so I just let it be. I know who I am, and that's all that matters. This post is getting long and off topic so I'm going to let it be as well, for now!
To be continued!
He has dreams from time to time which come true, so I was hoping that with all the energy from the storm he would have some interesting dreams maybe, but when I asked him this morning he sleepily replied in the negative. I really did feel the energy from the storm myself while I was getting ready and also somewhat last night, though last night I felt more calmness than this morning. This morning it was like everything around me was affected by that wind. It was swirling and gusting and whistling everywhere!
Generally I can sense the mood of the storm, like whether it is a destructive storm or a life giving storm. This one was clearly destructive, but I am unsure of whether there was really a strong mood of that, to me it was mostly just a chaotic mood, not so much destruction but instead just a feeling of whirling power. I felt excited and happy about it actually.
Which reminds me, I haven't mentioned in my blog about some new events that are important. This last Friday I met with the 2 other witches whom I know and we talked some and I did some rune casting as well. It was neat because one of my witch friends asked a questions which complements the one that I asked of the runes recently, albiet from her perspective not mine, so of course it was not the same question, but rather about the same topic, which is whether to keep being solitary now that we have the option to join together.
I had reservations about it, so I asked the runes, and she has different ones of course, so it was just neat that we are both thinking of that. Nothing has really been set in stone at all, it's more that we are all slowly getting to know each other's preferences and sort of feeling it out. It was really cool to talk about it and show them both my book and runes and everything which I have been studying, making, and learning. I hope it works out, it would be very cool if it did.
Speaking of things I am making, I have been continuing to work on my rune cloth, it is coming along pretty well. I am unsure of how much detail I want in the cross stitching, and so I am simply doing outlines for now and leaving the decoration for after the main parts are in so I can get a feel for how much of an undertaking that would be.
I will take some pictures and make a post about it this week.
Anyway back to the maybe I'm going to form a coven thing. Well, I guess it might be a good call to set something up. I should look at my schedule and find a good night for that type of thing, or maybe we can each take turns having it at our houses and each person sets the day and time. There are only 3 of us so it wouldn't be like we would need to have a "leader" or priestess or anything, but we should really have like, plans for what we want to accomplish. I think what I will do is make a list of things I want to learn from them/learn as a group, and goals for my witch life as far as what I want to accomplish. It would be a good starting off point for us as a group to each make something like that and then we can come together, compare, and make plans for helping each other reach our goals.
I am also thinking that I will do some reviews of different books I have read about being a witch. Honestly I have a hard time calling myself "Wiccan" because I feel like it's not really what I am. Partly because I tend to just read things and take what I want only from it and I'm not really following in anyone else's footsteps, so I didn't feel like I'm a follower of Wicca, more of just someone who identifies most closely with that group. But I do feel comfortable calling myself a witch. At least when I am talking about it anyway.
I am not open about it actually, except with my fiance and my two witch friends. My family and most of my friends have no idea. One of my witch friends, she asked about how I would handle it if someone asks me what religion I am or something like that, and I told her I don't know, because really no one asks that. Plus, I was raised Methodist, so it's not like I can really say that I'm against all religion, I think it's great for some people, it's just not what is right for me. I just can't beleive in it, and so it becomes nothing but something that I felt like I should beleive in, not something that I actually did.
Once I let that go, I have been so much more free and happy, and also more creative and I am starting to see things. But I haven't really shared my secret with anyone, people who knew me before just assume I'm a Christian and I have never really refuted it to them. I don't want people to become concerned with it so I just let it be. I know who I am, and that's all that matters. This post is getting long and off topic so I'm going to let it be as well, for now!
To be continued!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Creating a Rune Cloth
In my earlier post I wrote about my first rune cast which I completed last night. I am currently in the planning stages of creating a rune cloth for rune casting. The cloth I am planning will have two sides, one with an embroidered mural of sorts with divisions between the different worlds in norse legend. I found this layout to be interesting because there are so many different interpretations possible, and I thought it would be pretty!
Here is a rough layout of that side of the cloth:
This is not what colors I will be using, and instead of naming the worlds I plan to make cross stitch illustrations of them. Like I said I am in the planning stages so I am still working on that part. It's going to be awesome though!
The other side will be three circles that intersect, representing the three norns for that type of rune cast. I figure either side can be used for other casting as well, but they will both have specific purposes to the designs on them. For that one I think I am going to use a couple different fabrics and also add some embroidery to it.
I am excited to see how it turns out once I have it finished! I will be sure to post pics.
My First Post
Good Morning and Happy New Year to all! Today is the perfect day to start a new blog because it is the last day of the year and a blue moon! An auspicious day to be sure. Knowing that this is probably a good and powerful time to get in touch with the forces of the universe, last night I decided to finally use the rune set which I recently constructed.
I have been concerned for some time about a person in my life who I have recently become closer to, and I thought that this would be a good time to consult the runes for some guidance. I don't know why I was surprised to find a clear and wise answer delivered from the runes, but I was. I need to get over the doubt factor. Maybe it would be good to finish reading that book about doubt and it's influence on history, if only to understand why I can't seem to conquer it. It's like I am at war with myself over my beliefs! I mean, you are your own worst enemy after all, so it's really not productive. But how does a person let go of something like that?
Anyway, back to the runes and thier answer. The first time that I pulled out runes from my little rune satchel, I got 4 blanks and then a rune that (in this situation) means concentration and focusing on a goal. I thought, ok, clearly I am not focusing enough on the task at hand here, which was of course true as I had just sat down and I actually was trying to hurry up and get this chore done so I could just sit and watch Netflix the rest of the night. Clearly I was not in the right mental place to be reading the runes, right? And of course that's the answer I got that time.
A while later, I had gone ahead and watched some Netflix, and finding myself unsatisfied by it and also feeling more ready to truly try out the runes, I sat and concentrated on the question I had, which was essentially, "What should I do?"
One thing that I have read about divination and magic in general is that the "soft touch" of your thoughts and the goal of your magic is key. This is why I was hesitant to start the runes until I felt myself ready, and also until I had a good knowledge of the meaning of each rune and it's importance for myself. However, I did overlook the fact that practice is important to learning something new, and the runes are a good guide and focus which would help a person who is just learning how to use thier magic to get a handle on this "soft touch" business.
Once I felt I had a good idea of what I wanted to find out, I tried picking up runes one by one from my rune satchel (for the time being I will just call it a satchel as I don't know what it should really be called). I got 4 blanks and an Uruz. I continued to pull out runes, and got the Laguz and the Algiz runes in a row at that point. I then had 3 runes with which I could answer my question.
Uruz is a cyclical rune which can denote new beginnings, creation, and protection from harm. It can also be seen as a death rune, but to me it is important to note that in death there is rebirth, so it doesn't mean it's a negative death. Laguz is a personal rune that relates to intuition and trust. It is a rune that can mean to let go of your reservations and trust your instincts. Algiz is also a protection rune, and it relates to actions. It means to take action for protection. I think the order is important here, as you can see that in order for a change and a new beginning, I need to trust my instincts and feelings about this person but remember to be careful with my own actions. I think that I should not just protect myself, but protect others too. I felt that it was a positive response, a "don't give up" type of answer.
While I liked that reading, I guess I felt like I might have been just creating my own answer from the runes, not listening to the answer the runes were giving me. Essentially, I needed confirmation that my ideas were correct since of course I have no confidence in my skills because it's my first time, and I have doubt problems, as I said before.
In order to accomplish that, I put all the runes back, shook the satchel up lightly, and just grabbed a handful of runes and dropped them onto my coffee table. Interestingly, I got all three of the original runes in a grouping, and a few others as well. When I say they were in a grouping, I mean they were all next to one another in a line in the top right corner plus they were all facing the same direction, which was upward and slightly to the right.
I feel I need to interrupt the story once again with some information about some things I have read about reading the runes and ways to tell what they are saying. When you do a grab bag and drop to the table type reading, you get more than just the meaning on the rune itself, you get it's placement in relationship to the other runes on the surface. Groupings and bound runes are possible, as well as runes in opposition. This type of reading is neat because it can give you a very clear answer as long as you are able to understand it.
On the other side, at the top, is the twin rune, Ehwaz. This rune can faciliate soul travel, and it also can mean future positive growth of the self. I took this placement to mean it is a marker for the reading, since it was all by itself. This meant to me that the three runes are one possible outcome in my future as it relates to the person who the reading was about. In other words, I would have a new beginning with this person with trust and protection if the conditions are met.
There was one other grouping on the table, with two runes that hadn't been drawn before. They were clearly bound together as they were lined up together, and also pointing diagonally upwards towards the twin rune. The ice rune, Isa, was on the bottom and pointed directly at the Jera rune. The ice rune is a strong force of will rune, and I like to think of it as freezing things in place, of a firm hold on the situation. In this situation I thought it meant to be careful and controlled. The Jera rune means cooperation towards a goal and hard work, so to me this meant a lot because I was also wondering if I should consult someone else for help in figuring out what I wanted to do with this person.
The two runes together meant that I needed the strength of another person to help me reach my goal and get the desired possible result that the runes had given me on my first reading. Honestly, I was shocked and pleased to see such a clear and hopeful response from the runes. I found using them extremely easy, as well as figuring out the answers to my question. It was really really cool to see them in action like that.
Stay tuned for more updates on rune casting and other magical stuff that I try in the next few months!
I have been concerned for some time about a person in my life who I have recently become closer to, and I thought that this would be a good time to consult the runes for some guidance. I don't know why I was surprised to find a clear and wise answer delivered from the runes, but I was. I need to get over the doubt factor. Maybe it would be good to finish reading that book about doubt and it's influence on history, if only to understand why I can't seem to conquer it. It's like I am at war with myself over my beliefs! I mean, you are your own worst enemy after all, so it's really not productive. But how does a person let go of something like that?
Anyway, back to the runes and thier answer. The first time that I pulled out runes from my little rune satchel, I got 4 blanks and then a rune that (in this situation) means concentration and focusing on a goal. I thought, ok, clearly I am not focusing enough on the task at hand here, which was of course true as I had just sat down and I actually was trying to hurry up and get this chore done so I could just sit and watch Netflix the rest of the night. Clearly I was not in the right mental place to be reading the runes, right? And of course that's the answer I got that time.
A while later, I had gone ahead and watched some Netflix, and finding myself unsatisfied by it and also feeling more ready to truly try out the runes, I sat and concentrated on the question I had, which was essentially, "What should I do?"
One thing that I have read about divination and magic in general is that the "soft touch" of your thoughts and the goal of your magic is key. This is why I was hesitant to start the runes until I felt myself ready, and also until I had a good knowledge of the meaning of each rune and it's importance for myself. However, I did overlook the fact that practice is important to learning something new, and the runes are a good guide and focus which would help a person who is just learning how to use thier magic to get a handle on this "soft touch" business.
Once I felt I had a good idea of what I wanted to find out, I tried picking up runes one by one from my rune satchel (for the time being I will just call it a satchel as I don't know what it should really be called). I got 4 blanks and an Uruz. I continued to pull out runes, and got the Laguz and the Algiz runes in a row at that point. I then had 3 runes with which I could answer my question.
Uruz is a cyclical rune which can denote new beginnings, creation, and protection from harm. It can also be seen as a death rune, but to me it is important to note that in death there is rebirth, so it doesn't mean it's a negative death. Laguz is a personal rune that relates to intuition and trust. It is a rune that can mean to let go of your reservations and trust your instincts. Algiz is also a protection rune, and it relates to actions. It means to take action for protection. I think the order is important here, as you can see that in order for a change and a new beginning, I need to trust my instincts and feelings about this person but remember to be careful with my own actions. I think that I should not just protect myself, but protect others too. I felt that it was a positive response, a "don't give up" type of answer.
While I liked that reading, I guess I felt like I might have been just creating my own answer from the runes, not listening to the answer the runes were giving me. Essentially, I needed confirmation that my ideas were correct since of course I have no confidence in my skills because it's my first time, and I have doubt problems, as I said before.
In order to accomplish that, I put all the runes back, shook the satchel up lightly, and just grabbed a handful of runes and dropped them onto my coffee table. Interestingly, I got all three of the original runes in a grouping, and a few others as well. When I say they were in a grouping, I mean they were all next to one another in a line in the top right corner plus they were all facing the same direction, which was upward and slightly to the right.
I feel I need to interrupt the story once again with some information about some things I have read about reading the runes and ways to tell what they are saying. When you do a grab bag and drop to the table type reading, you get more than just the meaning on the rune itself, you get it's placement in relationship to the other runes on the surface. Groupings and bound runes are possible, as well as runes in opposition. This type of reading is neat because it can give you a very clear answer as long as you are able to understand it.
On the other side, at the top, is the twin rune, Ehwaz. This rune can faciliate soul travel, and it also can mean future positive growth of the self. I took this placement to mean it is a marker for the reading, since it was all by itself. This meant to me that the three runes are one possible outcome in my future as it relates to the person who the reading was about. In other words, I would have a new beginning with this person with trust and protection if the conditions are met.
There was one other grouping on the table, with two runes that hadn't been drawn before. They were clearly bound together as they were lined up together, and also pointing diagonally upwards towards the twin rune. The ice rune, Isa, was on the bottom and pointed directly at the Jera rune. The ice rune is a strong force of will rune, and I like to think of it as freezing things in place, of a firm hold on the situation. In this situation I thought it meant to be careful and controlled. The Jera rune means cooperation towards a goal and hard work, so to me this meant a lot because I was also wondering if I should consult someone else for help in figuring out what I wanted to do with this person.
The two runes together meant that I needed the strength of another person to help me reach my goal and get the desired possible result that the runes had given me on my first reading. Honestly, I was shocked and pleased to see such a clear and hopeful response from the runes. I found using them extremely easy, as well as figuring out the answers to my question. It was really really cool to see them in action like that.
Stay tuned for more updates on rune casting and other magical stuff that I try in the next few months!
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