The Rune Ansuz

Ansuz (Ansur) literally means "A God" - the Allfather Odin. 'The breath of life'.

Ansuz refers to a personal ancestry that tracks back to the old gods. A rune of analysis, wisdom, inspiration.

As Ansur it has been linked to 'Ash' ... the tree of learning and being taught a trade or a skill. It is a rune of new opportunities and options (The breath of life)

The Rune Sigel

Sigel (Sowilo) is the Rune Of Victory. Sigel literally translates to 'the sun' and is thus symbolic of light and victory - 'the triumph of the light over dark'

It is said to be the counter force to cosmic ice, symbolised by the rune Isa. Sigel is therefore the talisman for the force of fire.

Sigel is a powerful ward against the harmful opinions of others, enabling the heart to be focused on its purpose.

Ihwaz - Rune Of Defence

Runemaker: Ihwaz is the symbol of rune magic. Avertive, deflective or defensive power is yours. Patience, perseverance, foresight and protection against unexpected attack. Wisdom in adversity.

The Yew tree has mistakenly been linked with death because of the ancient practice of planting yew hedges around graveyards. Because Ihwaz is rune number 13, that is the origin of the "unlucky thirteen" superstition of Anglo-Saxon culture.

But the real reason the Yew was planted was to keep out unwanted scavenging animals - the evergreen Yew is both poisonous and impenetrable year-round. These Yews - now grown to huge gnarled old trees - are still to be found in many early British churchyards.

Ihwaz should not be feared, because it also means continuity and endurance. The best longbows were always made from yew trees. As well as being strong, long-lasting, and flexible, they contained protective magic. Thus, Ihwaz also represents safety from attack and a weapon of defence...read more>>>...

Runes for the Day

The central Significator rune OTHEL voices security and stability concerns. The advice is considering positive potential at this time because UR is in an upper enclosure position. The recurring fear of the great unknown and how it's going to manifest is represented by THE WYRD in a lower enclosure position.

Past losses and past lessons are emphasised by IS in a left upper tier position and FEOH in a left lower tier position . The past Significator is ANSUR, the rune of learning. The advice is that of learning from the past experiences of loss and losing financials. That which has been lost represents the contrast of that which can be returned at a later date once the lessons are learnt.


The right Significator is TIR, which represents the current future manifestation as it stands now, and that is of learning from the analysis, remaining loyal to a current path and being prepared to make more self-sacrifices to acquire the return of that which was lost. The advice of BEORC and YR indicates being patient will result in a favourable birth … a favourable new beginning.

The Rune Kenaz

Kenaz is the symbolizes the control and harnessing of fire for warmth and illumination. It represents our having harnessed forces and energies greater than ourselves. Where THURISAZ is the creation of tools, the rune meaning of Kenaz speaks to their skillful use. It signifies the mystery of transformation and our power to create as nature does.

Kenaz is the torch, as a symbol of knowledge and intellect, illumination, searching for enlightenment, shedding light on matters, quest for truth, skills and abilities, creativity, art, craftsmanship, cunning, acquisition and application of knowledge, occult female secrets, intuition, enthusiasm in teaching/learning, study, kin-fire, opportunity, playfulness ...read more>>>...

The Modern Runes #1 - Skiftande (Changing)

Skiftande (Changing)
The gods grant a change of direction. The tides are changing. An opportunity arises to appease a doubting god. A challenge arrives that will permit passage back into the fray. A period of contemplation ends. Follow the authentic self and its inner instructions. Let not the eyes see pathways that will deceive. Let not the heart falter for its voice will reveal the answer so the warrior can rejoice in a return back to the pathway lost through careless folly.

Copyright Matthew James 2016

Kenaz – Rune Meaning

In the elder futhark, Kenaz means “Torch” or “Torchlight”, as a source of heat and light. Kenaz also represents the inner-fire/body heat that is passed on — as cold means death. In terms of progeny, this inner-fire is feminine: the womb, a necessary heat carried by mothers all the way back to the beginning.The word “Kaun”, which means sore, is another loose interpretation of Kenaz — and due to this, we could say that the rune also refers to knowledge of medicine, particularly midwifery, traditional lore, and any feminine occult knowledge.

Kenaz does not only represent a Torch, but any controlled use of fire: It can represent the hearth, which for many eons was a central feature of the home. Keeping the home-fire burning was of utmost importance — those who gathered about the hearth were kindred, not always exclusively family, but sharing the bond of the hearth and the activities that went on around it, such as storytelling and teaching and crafts...read more>>>...

Naudiz - The Rune of Necessity

Runemaker.com: Need, want, craving. demand, deprivation, compulsion, desire.

Control your emotions. Beware of extraordinary demands on your time or generosity. Naudiz represents need, hardship, or adversity. Luckily, it includes the perseverance to endure, and reserves of inner strength. It counsels patience. However unpleasant the hardship it is a learning experience that will ultimately benefit you.

You are getting exactly what you need right now to make the best progress on your spiritual path. It may appear to be the very opposite of what you want, but this state is not permanent, it is merely a series of lessons that must be learnt so that you can make the transition from negative to positive ...read more>>>... ...

The Rune "Wunjo"

This rune represents the balance between all things even in this chaotic world. It is commonly a rune of joy and good tidings and when it appears in a casting, regardless of all other runes, Wunjo represents a positive outcome in the long run. It provides hope and optimism when all good fortune appears to be lost - Matthew James

Rune Of The Day - Ansuz

This is the rune of the word, song, poetry, and magical incantation as a container and expression of magical force. Ansuz is a magical ancestral power, one that has been handed down from generation to generation along genetic lines. The rune is instrumental in the creation of mankind. It describes two of the several spiritual gifts given to Askr and Embla (the primal man and woman) by the gods Odin, Hoenir, and Lodhurr (a threefold aspect of the god Odin). These gifts were "anda" (breath, spirit, animating life principle) and "odhr" (inspired mental activity, inspiration). Ansuz is the stave of Odin as the numinous god of magic and of ecstasy. Ansuz is the receiver-container/transformer-expresser of spiritual power and numinous knowledge. This force is received from the AEsir and transformed in humanity to be re-expressed toward the multi-verse in magical and religious acts.

Some Runic Inspiration for 28th May - 3rd June 2012

Runes Of The Week: 'Gefu'; 'Tir', 'Ing' ...the simple Runic message reads "a week of unexpected situations with mainly positive outcomes. Be on the look out for 'the unforeseen or the unplanned' and be prepared to adapt your existent plans to suit the changes in direction that the universe will have planned for you. Not everything will go to plan ... but most things organised will exceed expectations. Remain optimistic at all times ... the rune of creativity is active this week" - Matthew James

Runic Insight for 22nd May - 29th May 2012

 "Today's runic insights indicate there are some real karmic challenges over the next few days for some of us. The rune ANSUR indicates the real need for 'lessons to be learnt'. Some of us need to truly embrace why certain things have happened, in the way that they have, plus the acceptance of these occurrences. Every experience is fuelled by necessity. Understand yourself; see the lesson being presented. Accept the exposure of your weakness and move on. Simple! Before this process takes place, there is no chance of moving on and upwards into the future. NIED and JARA indicate a ‘holding pattern’ … clear unresolved issues that are eating into the emotional state of many individuals at this time. Stop clinging onto those old karmic patterns, embrace the new ones! Rid yourself of the outgrown life patterns and make space for the new. Change that job! End that relationship! Apologise! Resolve the conflicts that have been occurring for so long. Karmic patterns have to be broken this year in order for the full benefits of the increased vibrations to be felt. The next few weeks will be a very interesting period” … Matthew James 22nd May 2012

Ing - Rune Of The Day

The Rune Ing - a portend of fertility and/or creativity. I always  intuit this rune as a very favourable sign for new projects and good decision making. In its most literal sense I can often predict pregnancies with this particular rune. However, the power of Ing extends way beyond that ... for me its the universal consciousness in action bringing new life and new potential to areas of life which may have turned a little stale ...MJ

Rune of The Day - Nyd

The Rune Nyd - it's time to 'know theyself' ... to learn your barriers; to expand your possibilities. Look around you at life and the reflections of self in the surroundings seen through your eyes. If your life is especially challenging at this time then this rune is especially relevant. It is time to look at your self through a microscope. Are you being true to your 'self' or is your life being lived as a slave to others. Are you in surroundings that are for your soul's benefit ... or are you there because it is expected of you? The Rune Nyd appears in spreads as a precognitive indicator that your soul is expecting the outside self to change. To become in line with the true self within. For many of us this change is not an easy one ... to be ourselves truly in our outside world will cause grief/pain/heartache. It is not the easiest transition to make ... but it is a necessary one as a truly spiritual being. Being spiritual is to live by the rules written by your own spirit. To be on this earth on the path set by your higher aspect ... it is actually quite a selfish path ---Matthew James

Rune of The Day - HAGAL

The Rune Hagal - a portend of 'necessary' delays. Times when factors are out of our control, and nothing goes as planned. In these bitter moments, imagine all of existence as a mighty jigsaw puzzle ... each part of the whole necessary to complete the whole picture. Each of these parts fit together at the right part of the puzzle ... necessary delay is when the querent cannot make their move or have the decision go their way until other factors have come into play. In order for the universe to provide the querent the necessary outcome, other pieces need to be fitted ... other actions have to come into play. This takes time. Hagal appears to indicate patience is required ... and to not necessarily expect the worst in a situation that has a delay or is taking a direction not accounted for - Matthew James 18/10/11

Rune of The Day - MANNAZ

The Rune of Mannaz is the rune of fellowship with other members of the human race. Attributed to the ancient wisdom of shared concerns & discussions. Indicating times when the villagers required a unified voice to decide the fate of their village with respect to crops, threats of war etc. In terms of being cast in a runic spread ... the human voice can judge or praise another human soul; it can indicate harsh or fair judgemen; it can speak truth or lies ... therefore this rune shows that the need for discussions and connections with fellow human beings is necessary at this time. Important decision making is on the agenda at this time ... and it needs to be a problem shared to half the burden. This can relate to all manner of relationships - Matthew James

Rune of The Day - SIGIL

The Rune SIGEL - is my truimph rune. The indication of victory and successful ventures. It means that light has prevailed over darkness .... light is truth and honesty; darkness is jealousy, hatred, envy. Often the latter creates many of the obstacles & barriers we encounter in life. Our society is geared up to judge people based on norms and what we need to do to conform. So few folk will speak up and stand against the tide. So few of us dare to be different or unique or are brave enough to stand our ground when the hurricane wind blows in our face. This rune is indication that truth has prevailed and restored harmony in a situation. Contrasts are not spirit. Contrasts and opposition are illusion. Infinite love is all there is ... this card indicates this harmony. When this rune appears in a casting or spread it means that the querent has overcome a major dose of negative opposition - copyright Matthew James

Rune of The Day - EH

The Rune EH is what I always term 'the personal power rune' ... it represents the power of self expression and personal freedom. In ancient days the horse was the totem of power and esteem; the more horses you had the more powerful you were. The bigger your horses the same. We are governed in modern society by the power (or lack of power) of EH. So many of us have our personal freedom taken away from us ... by being locked in the stable and seeing the paddock we should be wandering through. Then life presents us the opportunity to be in the paddock by opening the stable door ... but how many are aware or will take that chance??? Eh presents that power part of our psyche ... the ability to truly be ourselves and embrace the power of self. Once embraced we can move the mental mountains that life puts before us ... with the power of EH working to our advantage no rival can stand in our way - copyright Matthew James

Rune of The Day - KENNAZ

The Rune Kennaz is the fire brand ... the light in the darkness. The torch that shines to bring attention to a matter. It is generally indicative of a significant event or circumstance approaching someone in their live. Dependant on the runes cast around it ... and how they bind together ... the event can be positive or negative. In many instances, in personal sittings. Kennaz is indicative of weddings or engagements. However, in many instances ... Kennaz appears to bring attention to something requiring attention or in need of adjustment ... the fire brand is shining ... so something BIG is approaching - Matthew James



Rune of The Day - EAR

The Rune EAR is the rune of the grave and the necessary conclusion of cycles. The clearing out of old thought patterns and ways of thinking are emphasised here. Get rid of all the needless dross in your mind to permit those clearer and more incisive thoughts from the sub-conscious to enter the conscious mind. Thought and ways of thinking which have been gripped tight for too long ... and have been the source of endless torment ... need to be relinquished. New beginnings can only commence when old wasted thought forms are laid to rest. Bury that old personality ... and embrace the new one which has been trying to come out now for a while. Ear generally means that some part of your life, needs a total reassessment. It's not about whether or not you should do it, Ear indicates that it is about happen, because it's long overdue and because it needs to happen. How painful it is depends on your attitude. The only thing that you can control, in the end, is how you will meet the oncoming onslaught - Matthew James