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Winter Solstice / Yule
odin
Berkano ᛒ
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Short Opening Prayers for Galdr, Practice, and Ritual
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Algiz ᛉ
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Odin Prayer in Gothic and English
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Perthro : ᛈ
Perthro is a mysterious word, likely stemming from the two Proto-Germanic words peru and iþō, meaning “pear shaped” or “likeness of a pear.” Some say, rather lazily, that this refers simply to the pear tree or fruit. The reason being, usually, is because of Tacitus’ description of the Germanic divination practices; involving fruit tree twigs adorned with “symbols” on them that were then cast for prophecy. However, it was a typical characteristic of the Earth-Goddess amongst ancient Europeans to embody this “pear shape,” as we can see from the numerous figurines found in this form. As with aspects of Thursiaz, Perthro appears to hold remnants of the archaic European religion within it, in the form of the great and plentiful Earth Mother. This Earth Mother/Venus motif can be found in Europe as far back as 40,000 years ago; the oldest figurine being found in Schelklingen, Germany. That piece is named the “Venus of Hohle Fels” and is one of the earliest known depictions of a human being.
Perthro is the great womb of the underworld, representing the goddess Hel. From this womb, all will descend and all will be reborn. From this realm of “misty” blackness we emerge, and to this realm we shall return, time and time again. Perthro represents darkness, the world of the dead, and the cycle of reincarnation. It represents the great wisdom held within death and time; the ancient Völva (seeress/witch) that Odin consults for the answers he does not know.
Perthro is the rune of the goddess(es) of death, birth, and fate. We can attribute this to Frigga/Freyja, Hel/Hella, and to the triple goddesses of fate: Urðr, Verðandi, and Skuld. Regarding destiny, we can see where Perthro inherits its qualities as a “mysterious” rune, as it is associated with chance, risk, and the unknown. When interpreting this rune as possibility or probability, we can see how it has been long associated with gambling, being described as looking like a “dice cup.” The old concept of “Lady Luck” comes to mind here, associating this rune with the Hamingja, the Norse spirit that attaches itself to each person and is associated with one’s luck.
Perthro also resembles a mother with legs open, giving birth to new life. This idea is mirrored in the “P” sound, where one pushes the sound out of the lips. We can start to see a glimpse into this particular section of the Futhark, where the previous rune Eihwaz and the current rune Perthro invoke images of this eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. These two runes (ᛇ / ᛈ), like Othala and Dagaz, are the only two runes that have been found in alternating order in the Futhark, showing perhaps a philosophical difference amongst different tribes. Eihwaz can be viewed as Loki’s dart, while Perthro can be viewed as the womb of Hel, where Baldr is to be held until Ragnarok. Along with Baldr’s rebirth will come the next golden age on Earth.
With this evidence, we can deduce, without doubt, that the pre-Christian Germanic peoples believed in reincarnation. However, if one wanted to be released from the cycle, they would have to die a glorious and honorable death in battle. Only then would they achieve eternal union with the All-Father in his Golden Valhǫll. Another, more “continental” version of this concept, is when one is swept into the Wild Hunt of Wotan, eternally riding the wind with the “Furious Host.”
We can see this belief invoked in the one rune poem we have of Perthro from antiquity, existing in the “Old English Rune Poem” under the name Peorð. It is said in the poem:
“Peorð is ever leisure and laughter
To each of the proud ones, where warriors sit
In the beerhall blithely together.”
From this poem, we can infer that amongst the Anglo-Saxons, this rune was associated with games, merriment, and pleasure. I believe this can be attributed to the living, of course, but is more-so a conception of how they viewed death. Although the Anglo-Saxons were mostly Christian by this time, the poem has an echo of Valhǫll, conceivably relating to the afterlife of warriors and “proud” or honorable ones. This is a place that was eternal for those who had earned it, as it alludes to “proud warriors” and not the common folk. Either way, through this poem, we can attribute to Perthro the act of entertainment, happiness, and comradery of warriors.
Perthro is the underworld, the lightless depths beneath the world tree Yggdrasil. It represents the shadowy, hidden, murky realms where all wisdom is kept. This darkness is where all humans are born from and where all humans return to; until the cycle is broken. In the Germanic tradition, this samsara-esque cycle, as previously stated, could be bypassed by honorable deeds and death in battle, ascending eternally into higher realms such as Valhǫll (Hall of the Slain) or Fólkvangr (Field of the People). Perthro can also be connected to death and the underworld via its “cup” shape, as seen if placed on its side. In “Ynglinga Saga” it is said:
“At the burial of a king there was brought up a goblet called Bragafull (funeral toast cup), before which everyone stood up, took a solemn vow, and emptied it.”
Regardless of its subjectiveness, I believe the “cup” theory holds weight, especially as seen here in association with death ceremonies and rituals for transporting the soul. Not only this, but we have an ancient name for Odin in the form of Gautaz, meaning “one who pours/flows out, he who pours out.” In this context, it can be speculated that Odin “pours” out of the underworld; from this dark and endless “pool” of spirits. Perthro is also gloom and death, resembling the jaws of the great wolf, Fenrir. Perthro, in its “darker” form, embodies the degrading power of time.
In conclusion, while Perthro can most certainly be associated with death, the underworld, darkness and the unknown, it can also be associated with the forces of life, growth, and rebirth. In appearance, Perthro resembles a few key forms, the main ones being the womb, the cup, and the jaws of the wolf. These images invoke visions of the death of Baldr, Ragnarök, and the underworld. Clear associations can be made to the goddess in the forms of Freyja, Hel, and the Fates; those residing over the netherworld, death, and destiny. Perthro also invokes male gods like Odin, Baldr, and Loki, as these three gods are catalysts of changes and fate, tied to the aspects of death and rebirth. We see the possibility of an eternal afterlife of pleasure amongst warriors, either in Valhǫll, the underworld, or amongst those in the Wild Hunt. We can associate Perthro with games, gambling, chance, and risk; as this unpredictable, exciting, and mysterious entertainment is one that is said to be pre-destined by the triple goddess of Fate. We can see Perthro also associated with the “web of fate,” as destiny has already been previously “spun.” Our job is to connect the dots of this web within and strive for ultimate awareness of its pattern.
Augjan Gautaz
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Eihwaz : ᛇ
Eihwaz is a rune of life, death, rebirth, endurance, strength, and the eternal cycle of change. This rune represents the Axis Mundi, the metaphysical center of the world. In the Germanic tongues, this would have gone by the name Irminsul, Donar’s Oak, or Yggdrasil, and represented the great World Tree of Pagan cosmology. This tree was believed to connect all the realms of existence, resembling the “shamanistic” cultures of Eurasia, associating it with Odin’s magical abilities and techniques. These practices allow him to travel as he pleases around the 9 different worlds of the cosmos, linked together by the great World Tree. The word Yggdrasil gives us this clue, as ygg(r) means “terrible one” and drasil means “steed,” reading something like “The Steed of the Terrible One.” This alludes to Odin’s ability to use this tree (or pillar) to travel outside of himself.
When looking at the rune poems, we only have one which speaks of Eihwaz directly, as the other two poems invoke the rune Ýr instead, connecting it more so to the previously mentioned Yggdrasil. The “Old English Rune Poem” states:
“Yew is on the outside an unsmooth tree,
Hardy and earth-fast, fire’s keeper,
Under-rung by its roots, best on the estate.”
This poem has a mysterious tone to it, although objective in its observation. The ancient Yew trees of the UK are highly impressive giants to behold, reaching back in time over 2000 years in some cases. These trees, like the first line says, are quite “lumpy” and gnarled, having many twists and turns. It isn’t hard to imagine why our ancestors used this tree to represent so much in their lives, as its immense canopy and knotted sprawl resembles the growth of family “trees” and essentially all concepts that seem to “branch” or “stem” from one another. The second line alludes to the endurance that Yew trees exhibit, boasting long life spans. The last line pertains to these trees having wild and intense root systems. This would make them “best on the estate,” as the Yew has a fairly slim chance of being knocked down by wind or storm.
It must be noted that while the Anglo-Saxon runes do include Eihwaz under the name ēoh, which means “Yew,” they also include another rune in their Futhorc; the rune Ýr (ᚣ), which distinctly means “Yew bow.” It is strange that the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc retains the original Eihwaz rune while also incorporating the Younger Ýr rune as well. This, to me, does indicate a significant difference in the two runes, and perhaps any attribution to bows and arrows may be strictly given to the Ýr rune, while the Eihwaz rune retains a predominant symbol of the World Tree: life, death, and rebirth.
My theory is that the Anglo-Saxons had, by this time, new geographical associations with the runes. Once they got to England, they must have been in total awe of the Yew trees. Either this, or they noticed how their Celtic adversaries/neighbors held this tree in high regard. We can see evidence for this connection in the Proto-Celtic word iwos, meaning “yew.” Perhaps these mighty Yew trees were not as common or prominent as was the Oak or other sacred trees on the continent. I believe evidence for this can be found in the absence of any word for “Yew” in the Gothic language, enforcing the Celtic influence on this word and rune. In its original form, Eihwaz would have likely been associated with the Oak, as in Gothic, the work aik means “Oak.” Not only this, but the root word eih, in Old High German, also means “Oak.” We can assume this rune came from the East, and not the West, therefor, the word Eihwaz would have most likely been a formal name for the Oak. When looking for past reference to Indo-European World Trees, the Oak is by far the most frequently described, with other minor references to Birch, Beech, Apple, Olive, and certain types of Evergreens; in this case, most notably the Yew.
The Younger runes of the North would later evolve in connection with these older runes, invoking again the infamous Yew tree. Although, their Futhorc would no longer contain the Eihwaz (ᛇ) rune. Instead, they carry over only the Ýr rune in the form of (ᛣ), associating it more directly with the Yew tree. The “Old Norwegian Rune Rhyme” states:
“Yew is the winter-greenest of trees,
It is wont for what burns to singe.”
This poem invokes the “evergreen” concept, which in the Pagan north was a symbol of eternal life. This is one reason for the incorporation of the “Yule Tree” in the winter customs, as it was a sacred reminder of beauty, life, and strength. The second line, I believe, is referring to its excellent quality as firewood, as Yew wood has been said to burn the brightest. We have no mention of bows here, so it must have been more-so acquainted with hearth-fire, life, and hope.
Lastly, the “Old Icelandic Rune Poem” gives us another angle to view this rune, in connection to the death of Baldr. It is said:
“Yew is a bended bow,
and iron eager to break,
and an etin’s arrow.”
Here, we first see mention of the bow. As stated before, the Yew was among the top choices, if not the best choice for bow making in the Heathen north. Therefore, Eihwaz / Ýr can be associated with bows, arrows, and archery. It has been theorized that this can also relate to “tension,” as the pulled bow string is very tense and holds a lot of energy within it. This, some say, can be associated with death when life’s energy is finally released. The last line can without doubt be associated with the events surrounding the death of Baldr. Baldr is killed (technically) by the etin (giant) Loki’s arrow/dart made of mistletoe, something that grows on various trees and was of a highly medicinal and magical use in the north. Of course, it is the blind god Höðr who throws the dart, but it was Loki who planned the act. This story can be found in Gylfaginning in Snorri’s “Prose Edda.”
In conclusion, we can see that Eihwaz is connected to the primordial World Tree of the European peoples, whether in the form of the Oak, the Yew, or any other tree that our ancestors venerated as a sacred center. Its association to eternal life, death, rebirth, and endurance can be seen in the symbolism of the evergreen; the ancient symbol of everlasting existence. We’ve also uncovered direct evidence concerning the possibility that this rune was originally a symbol of the Oak tree, as this was the most sacred tree cross-culturally amongst ancient Europeans, being idolized extensively from Ireland to Finland, Portugal to Greece. The Oak was the main representation of the World Tree cosmology. Therefore, this rune can not only take the meaning of “Yew,” but also of “Oak.” This, to me, would all depend on the geography surrounding the one using the runes.
-Wandering the Runic Path: Esoteric Analysis of the Germanic Runes
Hávamál, 23
Stanza 23 of The Hávamál reads:
“The witless man is awake all night,
Thinking of many things;
Care-worn he is when the morning comes,
And his woe is just as it was.”
This stanza offers timeless insight into the nature of worry and sleeplessness. It warns against the unproductive torment of overthinking, something that transcends time, culture, and language.
Insomnia and nighttime rumination are now well documented features of anxiety and depression. The pre-dawn hours, when the world is still and our thoughts are loudest, can feel especially oppressive.
Odin’s advice urges wisdom through healthy and proactive emotional moderation. He implies that constant brooding leads us nowhere. A sleepless night of rumination changes nothing and only compounds one’s suffering. This is the product of avoiding one’s anxieties during waking hours. We cannot hide from these things.
This emotional state also appears in Anglo-Saxon poetry, such as in The Wanderer. The speaker describes his lonely morning sorrows: “Often I must bewail my sorrows alone every morning: none is now alive to whom I dare plainly speak my mind”.
Interestingly, a similar concept is found in the Old English word uhtceare, which roughly translates as “pre-dawn anxiety” or “the sorrow before dawn.” It refers to the experience of lying awake in the early hours, consumed by worry. The word is formed from uhta, meaning the time just before daybreak, and cearu, meaning care, grief, or anxiety.
The fact that both Norse and Anglo-Saxon traditions preserved and named this specific experience speaks to how universally felt it was throughout the Germanic world.
Yet, perhaps there is comfort to be found in this. The ancients wrestled with the same restlessness that plagues us today. If even the Allfather himself thought it important enough to caution against, then perhaps it’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our struggles. And that, in itself, may offer some solace.
Jera ᛃ
Jera marks the midway point of the Elder Futhark, meaning “year” or “season” in Proto-Germanic. This word is the ancestor of our own English word year, representing the time it takes the Earth to make a full rotation around the Sun. Jera is associated with rewards, harvests, and seasonal cycles; representing the time when we get to reap what we have sown. Many attribute this rune to the fall when our ancestors would celebrate the fruitful year and bountiful harvests. We can also attribute sacrifice and the blood of slain livestock to this rune, as this is the time animals were killed in preparation for winter.
In Old Norse, this rune/word is called ár (ᛅ), meaning “year, abundance, plenty.” This rune, according to the “Old Norwegian Rune Rhyme,” is associated directly with the god Fróði, another epithet of Freyr, stating:
“Harvest tide is a blessing to men;
I know that Fróði was openhanded.”
Fróði was a mythical king of the Danes who was associated with prosperity and a golden age of peace. Many have theorized this is just another name for Freyr, who we can feel comfortable associating this rune with. The poem directly invokes harvests and blessings, enforcing our connection of Jera with autumn and the gods of plenty.
In Old English this rune is called ġēr, which also means “year.” In the “Old English Rune Poem,” it is stated:
“Harvest is the hope of men, when God allows,
Heaven’s holy king, the earth to bring forth
Bright fruits for both nobleman and needy.”
Here it shows that these early Anglo-Saxon Christians associated the harvest with God’s blessing, even stating that he “allows” the earth to bear fruit. This poem shows how much the world view was different by this point, as the “Earth Mother” concept had already been diminished in favor of monotheism. All powers over fate were now in God’s hands.
The “Old Icelandic Rune Poem” has a light tone to it, stating:
“Bounty is a boon for men,
and a splendid summer,
and a full-green field.”
This poem invokes relaxing and rewarding images; those of green fields and grand summers. Again, we see hints of harvests and fall, the time after summer when we reap our benefits. Lastly, we have the “Early Modern Swedish Rune Poem,” where one simple line clarifies yet again that this rune is associated with the harvest.
“Harvest is when leaf is longest.”
When approaching this specific piece, I was already convinced and aware of its previously mentioned associations. However, when digging deeper into the word and its origins, I was given yet another angle to view this rune from. The Proto-Indo-European root word yóh₁r̥ means “year” but also “spring,” opening another doorway into the Jera rune. This has further evidence in the Proto-Slavic jaro which means “spring.” One last word I found relevant was the Ancient Greek hṓrā, meaning “any defined period of time, season, year, hour,” but also, meaning “youth” or “the springtime of life.” Of course, we can see now this is where we get the English word and concept of the hour. With this evidence, we can attribute the very notion and phenomenon of “time” to Jera.
When I began to think about Jera as being also a “spring” rune, I first looked at its form. When looking at Jera, one could argue they were seeing two Kenaz (ᚲ) runes facing each other, or in other words, two fires. This brought forth images of the Celtic Beltane festival of May, where cattle and other livestock were driven between two fires to ward off bad luck, disease, and any other ill omens that may affect their year. This perhaps links this rune in someway to this Celtic festival, who their Germanic neighbors would have certainly been familiar with. However, when looking for etymological links to any Celtic language and the word jera, there was nothing to connect them together, that is, until exploring further the Ancient Greek hṓrā.
In Middle Irish we have the related word úar which means “hour, time, occasion,” but in Old Irish meant simply, “cold.” This can be applied to many times of year, however, and may not allude to spring or fall in particular. Another reference I thought was interesting was via the Latin word hornus, meaning “grown this year, this year.” This, to me, reflects the Proto-Germanic word hurnaz, which means “horn.” This horn is symbolized by the antler, which first begins to grow between late winter and spring. Thus, we can see how this rune can be applied to this pivotal time of year. This can also connect Jera to the mythical “Horn of Plenty” from the myths of the Mediterranean, representing the blessings of profusion.
Jera is a rune that reminds us of the cycle we are a part of, as spring and fall are transitional periods. These are times when temperatures, lifestyles, and priorities are changing; Jera as the “year” rune embodies these recurring and sentimental times of year that humans have grown so familiar with. Jera reminds us that we are locked in a cycle, one that exists inside as much as outside. In fact, the “outside” (cosmos, matter, nature) was often viewed as the mirror of our “inside” (spirit, consciousness, awareness) for most ancient peoples. This is best summarized by the old phrase “as above, so below.”
With Jera we are given another of the so-called “Odin’s 9” runes, meaning a rune that does not have alternative energies. Jera is existing in a constant state, endless and infinite. This can be attributed to Odin, as he is the current within all that breathes. He is the god of breath, the force of life. Jera can also be associated with the Sun and Moon, which have been said to be the eyes of Odin.
To conclude, when we approach the Jera rune, we are given images of the Sun, healthy fields, harvests, livestock, and an awareness of the seasonal cycle. We can feel confident in using this rune as a representation of not only fall, but spring as well. Jera represents rewards and growth; the reaping of wealth from the Earth. Jera can be associated with the wheel and with the cosmos, as well as with time and seasonal bonfires. The Jera rune marks the halfway point in our journey through the Elder Futhark runes, a perfect metaphor for this pivotal moment.
-Wandering the Runic Path: Esoteric Analysis of the Germanic Runes
Ansuz Society 