ᚲ / C / K
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.
When looking for clues in the rune poems, the only evidence we find in relation to a “torch” is from the ‘Old English Rune Poem,’ where it states:
“Torch is known by each of the living through its fire
-bright and blazing- it burns oftest
Where the athelings are at ease indoors.”
Here it is clear that the word “torch” is denoting skill as a display of one’s “inner fire.” This is something (as a torch in the dark) that all can witness. “Bright and blazing” is the external effect of mastery and true skill in craft, as creation is a bright and blazing power. The last line denotes a sense of peace inherent in the “athelings,” which means “nobles, lords, heroes.” This clearly reminds an English reader of the word athlete, which signifies “those competing to win a prize.” I believe this relates to the calm felt within an extremely wise, skilled, or focused group; where everyone’s flame is burning bright and clear, all can feel a sense of ease and comfort. We get another look at this concept with the Old English word kennan which means “to make known, declare” but also “to bring forth, produce.” This is essential to the function of a craftsmen, artist, musician, or anyone who actively works with creative energies and systems.
In Old Norse, this rune is represented in the word kaun, meaning “sore, ulcer, boil,” and carries a much more sinister and harmful aspect associated with it. In most old poetry and analysis, it seems this rune was more of a curse or fetter than something used for anything “positive.” Although, in some Freemason rites, it has been shown that the Younger rune (ᚴ) is still in effect as a “torch,” as it mimics the man holding his sword (torch) at this angle during initiation rituals. As one walks through this “tunnel of torches,” he is “illuminated/initiated” into a new reality.
In the ‘Old Norwegian Rune Rhyme” it is said:
“A sore is a curse for children;
Bale makes a man pale.”
Likewise, in the “Old Icelandic Rune Poem” it is said:
“A boil is bale for bairns, and a scourgeful spot,
And a home for flesh-rot.”
Here we see how our Scandinavian ancestors viewed this rune, as a much darker and fearful tone is taken with it. They viewed this rune in the context of evil and pain, without any allusions to a “lighter” aspect within the poetry. However, all these physical ailments have in common the sensation of “burning” within those experiencing it. This gives us insight into the deeper layers of the rune, where “fire” is still present, albeit in a new form. This rune was probably used strictly as a curse unless by the most skilled of sorcerers, who may have been able to turn this internal strife and struggle into acts of creation or transcendence. If looking at the Younger Futhorc as a whole, we see Kaun landing next to another very sorcerous and powerful rune, Hagal, the hail stone of transformation. Seeing these very destructive and feared runes side by side, as fire and ice respectively, shows a sort of miniature Ragnarök within the cycle of the Futhorc, enhancing the importance of viewing them in their respective “aetts” or groups, as here we end the first and begin the second. This is something I plan to venture into with more thought later…
To conclude, Kenaz is a rune steeped in much power and is tied together throughout all linguistic changes in the concept of an internal “fire” or a “burning” sensation. We have the older associations with torches, knowledge, creation and skill; being associated with teachers, students, craftsmen, and artistic masters. We also have the concept of “keenness” tied in, being exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable, “sharp” of mind and highly productive. In the North, this rune carried a more malicious nature, representing sickness, pain, and struggle. When approaching this rune from all the previous angles, we see a very wide range of meanings one can attribute to this rune, depending mostly on which system of runes one is working with. If using the Elder or Anglo-Saxon runes, this rune is viewed in relation to the torch. If using the Younger runes, it is likely you will associate this rune with pain or sickness.
Taken from the book “Wandering the Runic Path: Esoteric Analysis of the Germanic Runes” by Hrukjan.
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