Runes and the Rift

In our previous conversations about the Runes we already discussed that they express vectors along which Power flows.

We also said that it is precisely the dynamic nature of the Runes that sets them apart from other symbolic systems, including the Arcana of Tarot.

However, several points require clarification.

First and foremost, what exactly distinguishes the Runes as a magical tool from, say, the Tarot?

To understand this distinction, consider a concrete example. Suppose a Magus wants to influence the chances of achieving a certain result related to his own development. For this he may use the power of the Rune Jera or the Arcana “Wheel of Fortune.” What is the difference? The Rune Jera is a Way, a process for bringing about development; consequently, it can be used by someone who is dynamic and fluid. On the other hand, the 10th Arcana represents the Principle of Development, a static expression of that concept. Accordingly, it will be useful to those who progress by leaps. Similarly, to gain energy and expansiveness for one who lacks them, it is more effective to employ the power of the Arcana “Magus,” while to support their own activity the power of the Rune Tiwaz is more suitable. From this it is clear that the Runes are more effective when the Magus is immersed in action; the Arcana, however, have the advantage for those who are not immersed in the flow of Power, who enter it and then exit. Different situations call for both strategies: sometimes it is more effective to plunge fully into the flow, and sometimes to influence it from outside.

However, although the Runes correspond to vectors of Power acting in any world:

“Odin among the Aesir,
and Dain among the alfs,
Dvalin among the dwarves,
Asvid among the jötnar,
and I myself carved them,”

for the Magus it is important that runic flows cross the thresholds of the worlds, overcoming the Power of the Rift, binding worlds into the Great Flow of Power.

This means that, in addition to their ability to attract particular powers for achieving concrete realizations (this “literal” action of the Runes is also important), the Runes can expand awareness, broadening it with forces from other worlds:

“They scraped various runes
and mixed them with sacred honey and sent them forth, —
some to the Aesir,
others to the alfs,
to the wise Vanir,
to the sons of men.”

For example, Fehu, besides the ability to secure a “worthy payment,” gives the Magus the power of Primordial Fire; Uruz, alongside imparting vitality, awakens the Power of Dreaming; Thurisaz, beyond its literal deflection of blows, bestows the Power of Resistance, and so on.

This also means that the Runes can serve as both amulets and talismans; yet they are more effective as talismans because the power of the Runes is at its strongest when it enters into resonance with the power of the practitioner.

That means someone without the fire of passion will not be able to fully awaken Fehu; someone with cold blood will derive little benefit from Uruz; someone who recoils from obstacles will not be able to fully wield Thurisaz; and so on.

“Do not confuse them,
do not damage them,
master them with benefit.”

Thus, the Power of the Runes, operating in this world, originates outside this world.

“Hropt colored them,
the gods created them,
and Odin carved them.”

For the Magus this feature is crucial because the Magus seeks transcendence, and the Runes can help make that important step.

This brings us to another important way of working with the Runes.

Besides those Runes for which the power to grant passage between worlds is primary (for example, Eihwaz or Perthro), all the other Runes possess this ability as well. Each of them grants access to its cosmic aspect of the cosmos, to its specific source of power, to its own stream of the Elivagar.

Fehu can reveal to the Magus who has awakened its power a vision of the power-equivalence of different objects and phenomena; Uruz — the vision of hidden sources of activity; Thurisaz — the causes of inertia; and so on.

Thus, interaction with the Runes is not limited by their divination and practical use; they can open not only gates to Power but also to Wisdom, and that is no less important.