we wander broken edge
only she knows full this waterdown
and i am always guessing
facewashing frenzy, poison years
and to quench the fevers raging
a mountain in skywater chill
she sings the dusk at waterdown
stepping past all edges
and i am left again guessing
casting runes — 18dec25

raido his backstep to gloaming
cloakworn & graveled
as bonesky carries her down
all at the edge before dreaming
with raven feathers in their hair
to awake?
when cries burn obsidianA poem prompted by a randomly selected Elder Futhark rune.
Today’s rune is raido, which has been translated as “ride” and the implied “journey”. This may be spatial and literal in practice (a physical journey), or it may be more figurative (an inner/shamanic journey, i.e., útiseta). The rune is associated with cyclic motion and the movement of the sun. Some consider the journey represented by raido to be that of returning.
Please visit my Elder Futhark pages at sceadugenga.com for additional interpretations of the runes based on multiple references and personal reflection.
To like/comment:
casting runes — 18dec25
night, embers

Photo by Trent Pickering on Unsplash given of shadows
painted sliver moon
a fingernail pressed to
flesh renders cinnabar
chipped-tooth, still
i skate thin the edge
pricked pine at all bends
singing pain to wash pain
— here we go again
night, i slip to her embrace
rooted inside
a heart cries embersTo like/comment:
night, embers
casting runes — 17dec25

othala i fell chasms
i drowned lake bottoms
to reclaim my ancient teeth
old man crag
accepted my pointed bone
before he swept me home
a-chatter on north windsA poem prompted by a randomly selected Elder Futhark rune.
Today’s rune is othala, which has a core meaning of “heritage”, “inheritance” and “legacy”. These are all associated with home, kin, ancestors, stability and (in some interpretations) past lives or spiritual legacy.
Please visit my Elder Futhark pages at sceadugenga.com for additional interpretations of the runes based on multiple references and personal reflection.
To like/comment:
casting runes — 17dec25
Solstice — an explanation of sorts
The season of withdrawing is upon us.
The sun slips lower with each passing cycle and we will soon have the longest night upon us — here, in Minneapolis we will see more than fifteen hours of darkness overnight at solstice, while places like Fairbanks, AK will see closer to eighteen hours of night.
I’ve decided this year to honor this cycle of nature and reduce my online presence over the days leading up to Winter Solstice, which takes place on December 21 — in accordance with the daylight hours and as my professional career allows (I still need to make money to pay bills, after all).
(more…)To like/comment:
Solstice — an explanation of sorts



