Runes and Principles
In our discussion of the Futhark as a system we considered the runic order as a vector reflection of the Quadripolar Quaternary.
At the same time, each quarter of the World Wheel corresponds to a particular Primary Element, expressed in the corresponding principle of the cosmos.
Accordingly, the runic order can also be regarded as a composite of vector forces operating within each element. From this point of view, the Futhark divides into four hexads or eight triads; each element corresponds to a hexad of Runes composed of two triads — an Ascending and a Descending.
The Ascending triad corresponds to the aggregate of active manifestations of a given principle; the Descending triad to its receptive capacities.
In the element of Fire one may distinguish the direct Triad of Victory (thesis — Sowelu, antithesis — Fehu, synthesis — Dagaz) and the reverse Triad of Flame (thesis — Kenaz, antithesis — Nauthiz, androgynous — Tiwaz).
In the element of Water — the direct Triad of Life-giving (thesis — Thurisaz, antithesis — Laguz, synthesis — Hagalaz) and the reverse Triad of Flow (thesis — Ehwaz, antithesis — Isa, androgynous — Gebo).
In the element of Air — the direct Triad of Inspiration (thesis — Ansuz, antithesis — Algiz, synthesis — Eiwaz) and the reverse Triad of the Breeze (thesis — Mannaz, antithesis — Raidho, androgynous — Jera).
In the element of Earth — the direct Triad of Generation (thesis — Uruz, antithesis — Perthro, synthesis — Ingwaz) and the reverse Triad of Preservation (thesis — Wunjo, antithesis — Berkana, androgynous — Othala).
Other ways of distributing Runes among the elements are also possible — after all, it’s a matter of personal inspiration for the eril — but the idea of such correspondence itself is valuable: it allows one to see each Runic vector and the Futhark as a whole in terms of elemental correspondences and their energetic correspondences, and to trace additional links between the Runes.
Moreover, it is precisely the hexadic nature of each element, in terms of the Futhark, that opens additional ways to operate within the elements for interacting with the primary elements that constitute them, and thus for structuring one’s own practice.
It’s all quite complicated, considering that in rune tradition and mythology there are only two Primary Elements – Fire and Ice, and no mention of elements.
Of course, but Runes are the form in which a specific Myth expresses a general principle. And if we talk about Runes as a specific product of a specific culture, then, indeed, Muspel and Nifl are enough. But if we talk about Runes as an expression of the general principle of Vector Forces, then it doesn’t hurt to look for other correspondences. The main thing is not to confuse Runes with principles that differ from them in nature, rather than in the way of expression.
En, thank you, as always there is food for thought.
Regarding the fact that Ingwaz simultaneously belongs to both the Air element and the Earth element – is it a typo, or does it imply that it has a dual nature?:
In the Air Element – direct Triad of Inspiration (antithesis – Ingwaz).
In the Earth Element – direct Triad of Emergence (synthesis – Ingwaz)
By the way, I have been thinking for several months about the correspondence of Runes and Elements, but so far I have not come to a conclusion. I tried to understand your concept, but to be honest, I did not understand the principles by which you make the corresponding associations.
Actually – there was a typo, I corrected it, but another interpretation is also possible – the nature of Ingwaz, indeed, is dual. In general – the given correspondences are just one of the possible options, Runes are broader than elements, and their limitation is quite conditional, although it may be useful for epistemological purposes and as an exercise in penetrating the Runic flows of power.
And why do you speak of the 4 elements when there are 7. The fifth is Ether, and the other two will manifest their power only in future cosmic cycles.
I am not the one who speaks of the 4 elements, but the Western Magical Tradition. I merely agree with it, as my experience allows me to do so.
The Eastern Tradition is more complete.
There are no “more” or “less” complete Traditions. There are those that suit you and those that do not. My Path agrees with the Western Tradition. If yours agrees with the Eastern – then follow it. Just don’t consider your Path better than others.
What is, in your opinion, the difference between the state of androgynous and the state of synthesis? Thank you.
I have mentioned this before.
Androgynous is something that includes features of both poles. For example, twilight is the androgynous of day and night, warm is the androgynous of hot and cold.
Synthesis is what fully includes poles; for example, a day is the synthesis of day and night, and temperature is the synthesis of hot and cold.
Thank you for the response.
Otila is named a synthesis; is this a typo, and is it, like other runes in reverse triads, an androgynous, or does it indeed possess a synthetic quality?
Thank you, that was a typo; I’ve corrected it.
Recently, under slight pressure from hungry friends, I carved my first Futhark in the sequence indicated in your book, according to elemental categories. After carving the last rune, the pressure lifted as if by magic, like a stone off my shoulders 🙂 Now I understand the meaning of the phrase ‘protective power of the teaching.’