For the week of 27 September 2015
The gift of companionship greets us this week.
Kenaz remains the half-month rune through 28 September, at which point Gebo moves to the fore. Read right to left is Kenaz above, Gebo below, then Mannaz.
Following is a summary of The Weekly Rune. Read the full runecast.
Telling a more authentic story of the self has been the theme of this year. Having had deep realization of success and its celebration last week, we move into sharing that with others, and finding common ground in personal narrative.
As Kenaz has brought relief and revelation in some area over the past couple of weeks, Gebo indicates a gift in that process. In Old Norse culture, gifts were perhaps more meaningful and engaged than they are in modern western culture. Gift-giving was an exchange. It wasn’t a singularly offered favor or expectation. As such the mantra, “a gift for a gift” is significant. Balance is a factor in this rune.
That spirit is represented by Gebo for the next two weeks (and some change). Be attentive to what you give, and to reciprocate in kind. Likewise, don’t expect a response. Welcome when there is one, and realize it isn’t required.
Mannaz colors this exchange in an interesting way. This stave represents Mannus, the son of Tuisto (Tyr), who went forward to create one of the three Germanic tribes. Mannaz embodies a survivor spirit, sort of the first generation after massive disaster. Thus, it carries a sense of pride, triumph, and humility. It also spreads seeds of community, the need for joining, and doing so with groups other than our immediate community.
Look to a gift of community this week. Likewise, expect to be a gift to community this week. In the spirit of a gift for a gift, as you gain support in an area, stay aware of what you bring, what you can give. It is this state of reciprocity that underscores the power of this time. That power is your strongest ally.
