campfire pops & crackles
set the song's rhythm
spirits remain mute
surrendering space
to night's denizens
so they may sing, too
Another rune poem of mine, where the rune is selected at random.
Today’s rune is ansuz, which has a core meaning “a god” (intended to be Odin), “mouth” or “breath”. Odin is representative of many, many things… in this case, ansuz is most representative of the mouth/breath (speech) that gives life to poetry, magic, song, language, and spirit — largely inseparable in the Viking worldview — and Odin is considered the supreme master of these intertwined concepts.
5 responses to “tossing a rune — 10jul25”
The old ways understood the magic in language so much better than we do now. I’ve always loved that in the Norse mind, poetry, magic, and spirit were threads of the same cloth. Odin knew what he was doing.
Mae🧡
The Irish were no slouches when it came to understanding the power of language either. The filid (poet-seers) were not ones to be trifled with when they got their ire up.
Absolutely! The filid held serious sway; their words could uplift kings or curse them into ruin. They weren’t just poets, they were keepers of sacred knowledge, social memory, and yes… a bit of well-aimed magical sass when required. You didn’t want to end up on the wrong side of a satire! Michael, there’s a book I read on the 16 layers of magic placed on Ireland! I will have to find it and share. It explained so much that most wouldn’t understand!
Mae 🧡
Please do. I’m always interested in reading about that kind of material. While I’ve been on my own path for quite some time, I find the odd bit or bob here and there as I ramble on.
Thanks🙏🏼
As soon as I remember I will let you now.