What to Do with the Runes?

As a product of the action-oriented Northern myth, the Runes are, of course, above all an eminently practical system.

No matter how deeply the mind plunges into the semantic fields of the Runes, at each of the levels it finds a concrete practical application, and using the Runes as an object of contemplation still implies development of consciousness through action.

At the same time it must be clearly understood that the use of each Rune can be very broad and varied, and it is limited not so much by the Rune-image itself as by the inspiration, power, and authority of the eril.

Consider the latter as an example.

Take, for example, the Rune Isa.

The semantic field of this Rune represents the principle of ice.

What, then, can one do with ice?

It can be an obstacle. It can indicate a stop. But it can also serve as protection.

Can one build with ice? — Of course one can.

Can ice be used in medicine — yes, for instance to reduce fever or to ease inflammation.

One can float on an ice floe.

And there are countless other applications for ice.

However, before celebrating such a wide range of possibilities, it is necessary to ask the following series of questions:

– And is ice useful in treating every illness? — Obviously not.

– And could building houses from ice have widespread use? — Apparently not either.

And, finally — the most important questions are: can anyone build reliable houses from ice? Can anyone effectively use ice for healing?

In other words, although each of the Runes can be applied in a great many ways, not all of those ways will be equally suitable, and, most importantly, far from everyone will be capable of using a given Rune appropriately.

Therefore the application of Runes requires two essential things.

First, of course, a clear understanding of the semantic field of the Rune in question at all its levels — this primarily concerns the realm of intelligence and is achieved by studying the Myth and the Law of the Runic order.

Second, the eril must master the power of the given Rune.

This pertains to the realm of Will and signifies the ability to act so as to apply the knowledge correctly gained in the study of Myth and Law.

It is not enough to know that you can float on an ice floe; you must also be able to do it.

For a Magus seeking mastery of Runic powers, it is very important to understand the level of one’s skill and to hone it continually, much as he sharpens the chisels for carving Runes. One cannot master the power of Fehu without mastering its Fiery nature. One cannot feel at ease with Isa without having mastered the cold of ice.

And above all, the Runes, of course, require inspiration. Not merely a poetic gift — that belongs more to Bragi, timid in battle — but Odinic, fierce inspiration that sweeps away all obstacles in realizing the eril’s will.