indoeuropean

The Kenaz (ᚲ) Rune

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A short section from the new book “Wandering the Runic Path: Esoteric Analysis of the Germanic Runes” regarding the Kenaz (ᚲ) rune.

“Kenaz is a particular rune, changing dramatically in context from Elder to Younger runes. The continental Germans seemed to hold this rune in a more positive light than their Scandinavian neighbors in the North. Kenaz is a reconstructed word from Proto-Germanic meaning “torch”, associated with creative fire, skills, knowledge, and teaching. The torch is that which illuminates the darkness, showing us the way in places unknown. This has been equated with an internal creative “spark” as well, which I think is reflected in the hard “k” sound represented by this rune. If we look to the Gothic language, we find evidence for this theory in the kindred word kōnja which refers to pine sap. This must be directly related to the torch, as pine/spruce has long been a favored wood for this use. 

The Gothic name for this rune is kosma/kusma, stemming from kunnan meaning “to be able, to know how,” referring to one’s inner abilities and skills. This word travels through time and tribe almost unchanged in sound and meaning, showing up in modern English in the words know and keen. In my opinion, the best example of this concept is crystallized in the Swedish word konst, meaning “art, knowledge, science, magic, secret,” and in the cognate German word kunst meaning “skill, craft, ability, magic.” This internal power of knowledge, associated with a craft or specific artistic focus, is the secret “light” side of the Kenaz rune, symbolizing our ability to make things known, to teach them, and to exhibit mastery in arts, crafts, intellectual or occult matters.”

May all sentient beings realize this rune within themselves.

Hailaz / Namaste

Journey to the Sun (New Song!)

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This is our last song for the Summer and a celebration of all the experiences of the year thus far.

We hope your Summer was full of great experiences and new lessons learned.

May all beings thrive under the Sun.

May all beings rise to new heights.

Hailaz / Namaste

-Ansuz Society

sun #summer #music #travel

Wandering the Runic Path: Esoteric Analysis of the Germanic Runes (New Book Coming Soon!)

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We are wrapping up the final edits for the second rune book by Hrukjan titled “Wandering the Runic Path: Esoteric Analysis of the Germanic Runes.” 

These will be published early next month and copies will be available from us around Samhain. 

For those interested in the book, we’d like to share some information from the introduction:

“This book is meant to help guide the runic adept through various untrodden paths regarding the runes and their use in esoteric Pagan practice. Through many avenues such as language, myth, religious comparison, and thorough analysis, one can expand the dimensions of each rune into the endless fathoms of space and time. Each rune of the Elder Futhark has been dissected and tirelessly studied so that no stone is left unturned in their usability and ultimate meaning. Along with in-depth study, each “aett” of runes has also been given a set of common themes that one can ponder in association to their roles within the entirety of the Futhark. Not only this, but it is speculated throughout the book that the order of the runes is not only important, but carefully tells a unique story regarding life, death, rebirth, and the ultimate truth of existence as expressed by the people who created and used them.

While much of this book is speculative in nature, offering a deeply subjective analysis of these symbols, there is also much concrete and objective information regarding their history, etymology, and journey through time. From their many connections to Sanskrit and other Indo-European languages, the reader can form a thorough understanding of these symbols based on thousands of years of transformation. The reader will see how these runes transcend culture and relate to the natural surroundings of the different tribes that used them as they migrated across much of Europe, Asia, and beyond. Through this approach, one will see that the use of the runes is not only universally applicable, but also, not restrained to a certain “folk” or people. By realizing the scope of their use, one can see them as a divine tool for Self-development and transformation, as each rune is a key to ultimate realization.

If you are looking for a book that is not just informative, but also applicable to religious and spiritual practice, then this book should offer you many avenues towards your own purified understanding of these ancient symbols as used by the greatest of sages and magicians of the past. My hope is that this book will act as a compass for the devoted reader as they traverse the dark and endless paths laid before them by these ancient symbols. By doing so, one does not get lost or steered in detrimental directions by those who would rather see you confused and reliant on outside influences. Runic knowledge and the wisdom inherent within them are present in every sentient being, especially those who have the memories of these signs within their very soul. These secret symbols mirror that which exists within us and each rune is a key to unlocking the mysteries that lie dormant within our experience of reality. May this book help you transcend the limitations of individual existence and soar into the ether as Odin once did upon the great World Tree.”

May all sentient beings embrace the runes.

-Ansuz Society

Fall and Winter Rune Classes

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Rune classes will resume this Fall/Winter both in person and online via zoom.

Classes will range from basic introduction to advanced theory and practice.

In person group classes will be limited to 3 people at a time to ensure each person is given proper attention.

More details will be posted next month.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

If you are interested in teaching a class either in person or online, let us know!

May all beings thrive.

Hailaz / Namaste

Odin and Freyja

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Odin as the primordial state of consciousness applies to women as well, as Odin is said to have given soul to both. This innate awareness is formless and is beyond any associations with body or sexual identity. Therefore, one does not have to look at primal awareness as something based on these limiting and mundane concepts. This doesn’t mean that Freyja is not involved in the equation, as Freyja is the energy and flux of the natural/material universe, identical to great Kali/Shakti/Tara Ma. Freyja represents matter, while Odin represents consciousness. Without Odin, there would be no Freyja, and without Freyja, Odin would have nothing to manifest into. These are the two pieces of the puzzle that create what we know of our existence and reality; the Father (consciousness) and the Mother (material world). Each sentient being and all physical matter encapsulates these qualities. They are inseparable. Through training and practice, one can destroy the surface duality represented in these two halves, reuniting them into one single point of experience. Either deity can be venerated as supreme, as they both express one final outcome of creation.

Hail the Mother, Hail the Father!

Ek Immi Óðinn

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We have uploaded a new galdr track titled “Ek Immi Óðinn” to our YouTube channel.

Ek Immi Óðinn can be translated to “I am Odin” and is meant to invoke the supreme awareness within. After one feels the deity present in their surroundings, one is to merge this primordial consciousness into oneself, replacing the mundane qualities of their hindered state of being associated with ignorance, weakness, and delusion. This method is mirrored in the Sanskrit mantra “Soham,” meaning “I am That.” This is a technique which allows the practitioner to become the deity (Odin) through the replacement of one’s limited state of mind, substituting it with the primordial awareness represented by the all-pervading consciousness of Odin. Through chanting this galdr repeatedly, one can transform themselves with immense speed and precision if one practices with single-pointed focus.

May all sentient beings seek the source of their consciousness and realize Odin within.

May all beings benefit.

Hailaz / Namaste

Interpreting Odin’s Sacrifice on the World Tree

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One interpretation of Odin’s world tree ritual is the destruction of his ego: the sacrificing of his lower self to his higher Self. The ritual is a metaphor for replacing our material limitations for the infinite potential of primordial wisdom; exchanging our mundane form for that of the almighty consciousness of Odin. Odin, as the material individual, strives to return to the source, which like Shiva or Buddha, is nothing other than his innate, true nature, beyond constructs and existing within everything. This is why Odin is known as the “Masked God” or “God of Masks,” as his shapeless state allows him to cloak himself in whatever physical form he wants, being able to shift appearances according to his worldly goals.

Names of Odin relating to this are Fjallgeiguðr (Shape God), Fjolnir (The One Who is Many), and Grimnir (Masked One). Odin, in this way, represents all possible expressions of life and exists within all sentient beings. Odin is the great animator of matter, obscured and covered up to varying degrees by the limitations of our ignorance and material attachments. By removing these obstacles one by one, Odin, as the common man, realizes and becomes his true Self; the unchanging reality which can be described as furious, terrifying, and awesome. This is why he is known as “The Terrible” or “Furious One,” as the realization of this state can be deemed nothing other than ferocious and shocking. This is identical to some names of Shiva that relate to this same phenomenon, such as Bhairava (Lord of Terror), Mahakala (Beyond Time), and Rudra (The Howler/Dreadful).

This primordial state, the formless consciousness beyond conceptual and dualistic framework, can be further represented by Odin’s one eye, which sees nothing but the true state of reality: non-dual and single focused. This pure vision shows him all things; the causes and effects of all phenomena; unaffected by time, change, or abstract forms. Odin as the “One-Eyed God” appears in many ways such as Hoárr (One Eyed), Báleygr (Flaming Eye) and Bileygr (Flashing Eye). Odin, the individual, has but one single motive: the search for ultimate wisdom/source. Further evidence for this is reflected in his names Sanngetall (Seeker of Truth), Fjǫlsviðr (Very Wise), and Forni (Ancient One).

This is the eternal Odin within us, the awareness we must all uncover if we want to transcend our worldly limitations. This formless state of being is what remains when the body falls to the wayside, remaining intact for all of eternity. Through his ritual on the world tree, Odin loses attachment to his body/shape/name and realizes his supreme nature; flooded by the ancient wisdom of the cosmos represented by the runes, poetry, and other various magical techniques.

May all sentient beings seek the source of consciousness and realize Odin within themselves.

Hailaz / Namaste

ALU and the Transmission of Knowledge

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ALU represents orally transmitted knowledge that is passed down or transferred between individuals. This is akin to one “vessel” pouring liquid (ALU) into another vessel, representing the passing of tradition and secret wisdom from teacher/guru to student/disciple. This can be visualized like a great fountain, where water cascades down from one source point, representing the head of the spiritual lineage, falling down into further basins which overflow into more and more, representing each member who retains the teachings.

One could also speculate that the magical phrase ALU, while being associated with an “intoxicating” beverage, could be a reference to the “madness” that Odin is said to bring forth in his devotees. Other Proto-Germanic words like aluh (amulet) and alh (protect) can bring us to see ALU as being “protected by the intoxication of Odin.” It is quite possible, as with the Vedic and Egyptian ancient temples, that this ALU was a mix of substances, kept within the temple for sacred use. Other ingredients were likely various herbs and psychedelic mushrooms.

ALU can also be associated with inspiration and the “Mead of Poetry.” This magical liquid is said to cause consumers to become skalds (poets) and scholars; created by the dwarves Fjalar and Galar by mixing honey with the blood of the wise god Kvasir. Odin steals this magical mead disguised as an eagle and brings it back to Asgard. He then (through his mouth) delivers it to the gods and those skilled in poetry, emphasizing the concept of orally transmitted wisdom. This story can be found in Skáldskaparmál.

May ALU flow within all sentient beings and may divine intoxication drive your spirit forward.

Hailaz / Namaste

-Ansuz Society

Yarrow Lore (Achillea millefolium)

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The scientific name for the common yarrow plant (Achillea millefolium) translates to ‘a thousand leaves’, in reference to the tiny, lacy, fern-like leaves. It is also called plumajillo (“little feather”) due to the shape and wispy characteristics of the leaves. Other names include chipmunk tail, milfoil, bloodwort, nosebleed plant, woundwort and field hops. The common name of yarrow may be derived from the Celtic word garw, which means “rough” and could be associated with yarrow’s ability to thrive in inhospitable conditions.

Yarrow was (scientifically) named after the Greek warrior Achilles, whose longevity in battle was credited to being dipped in a warm bath of yarrow shortly after birth. Later, it’s said that he used yarrow leaves to heal the wounds of his men. In keeping with this heroic legacy, yarrow is one of our strongest allies for heavy or hemorrhagic bleeding and first-aid herbalism.

Yarrow has long been associated with the occult and divination practice. It was considered an “herb of witches” due to its outstanding healing power. This could also have given rise to some of the common names for yarrow, such as bad man’s plaything, elf’s herb, devil’s plaything, devil’s herb and devil’s nettle. The Druids selected stems of yarrow to forecast weather for the season. The Irish included this as one of the herbs of St. John and hung it on houses as protection from sickness. In Celtic folklore, yarrow was used in handfasting and wedding rituals. It is said that yarrow keeps a newly married couple happy and at peace for seven years. I am not sure what happens after those seven years! Yarrow was also used by the Chinese as an oracle for foretelling the future.

Yarrow has been used in old European love charms for millennia. This plant is said to be a cure for heartache and has been used as a love charm. When the herb is pressed into a small sachet and placed under one’s pillow, it provokes dreams that can reveal the identity of one’s true love.
One Gaelic incantation that is recited when plucking yarrow goes like this: “I will pluck the smooth yarrow that my figure may be sweeter, that my lips may be warmer, that my voice may be gladder. May my voice be like a sunbeam, may my lips be like the juice of the strawberry…”
The Farmer’s Almanac published an article in 1986 that included an article titled “How to Find the Perfect Mate”. Several superstitious acts were listed, beginning with “Pluck a stalk of yarrow and stick it up your nose. If a drop of blood appears, your love is true.”

Yarrow was used by the Saxons as an amulet. These served as protection from all sorts of ailments and robbery. While it was used for security purposes, at the same time it could serve evil intents as well. Other legends state that when going on a journey, one should pull ten stalks of yarrow, keep nine, and throw the tenth away (as an offering to the spirits), place the nine under your right heel and evil spirits would have no power over you.

Amidst all the lore and practical uses, yarrow is also a ceremonial and mind-altering medicine. It is mildly psychotropic, and many herbalists have reported shifts in consciousness after taking high doses. When fermented in ale or mead, yarrow’s intoxicating effects seem to be enhanced. You won’t experience these effects if you’re taking yarrow in standard medicinal doses.