If you are new to working with bindrunes, I suggest you read the introductory bindrune post here, then return to this post to read about this specific bindrune. Remember that working with bindrunes, as with working with any kind of magic, does not carry guaranteed results, and may produce results quite different from what you expect.

As we prepare to celebrate the Winter Solstice, this seems like a suitable rune. The energies of this bindrune will bring you that which you need to release frozen energy to open up and move forward.

Bindrune of Nauthiz, Isa, and Kenaz

Nauthiz (left tile, grey in bindrune): Nauthiz is the rune of need, of what is truly essential to your being. Nauthiz helps you focus and figure out what is truly necessary for your life and your way of being in the world.

Isa (middle tile, blue in bindrune): Isa is the ice, which keeps the energies locked into place. Underneath the frozen surface, however, lies pure water energy, waiting to flow freely and move you forward.

Kenaz (right tile, gold in bindrune): Kenaz is the light and warmth of the burning torch, which melts the ice and illuminates your path. It represents the return of the sun on the Winter Solstice, bringing new hope and new energies.

The bindrune on the left was done in colored pencil. The one on the right was done with fine point calligraphy markers. They are shown in two different media to give an idea of how the same bindrune looks different depending on how it is created.

You could put a drop of a spicy oil to bring in warm energies, or a drop of your favorite oil on it to reinforce the energy with your personal scent. You can also use a magical oil, such as a hoodoo oil or other type of specially prepared oil.

As the Wheel of the Year turns back towards warmth and light, this bindrune can help you walk your path with greater energy and enthusiasm.

Use this bindrune—and all bindrunes—entirely at your own risk.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Draw for December 20, 2016:
Active Influence: Kolga/Six of Cups
Rune: Isa/Ice
Hidden Influence: Ymir/The Fool

As we observe the Winter Solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere tonight, this draw, with its emphasis on melting ice, is quite timely. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, think of it as reminder to use the heat of the summer you’re currently experiencing to create change.

Kolga and Ymir both represent the thawing of some kind of ice—emotional, psychological, spiritual, or material—that has kept you captive. As that ice thaws, it reveals things we may have forgotten, whether memories, knowledge, or skills. Some of what is revealed may be surprising and/or shocking. Since you don’t know what is going to appear, the best way to prepare is to remain open-minded and flexible. This is not a time to stay stuck in absolutes of “this must”. Be open to unexpected possibilities, and give your creativity the top billing in the energies you bring to deal with what is revealed.

Isa reminds you that underneath the ice is a flowing river of energy, and it’s there for you to tap into as you explore your new world. The water is crisp and cold, but that just means you’re awake and aware as you discover what the ice reveals.

Image credit: Spring Thaw by William Neill (www.WilliamNeill.com)

Homesick
~ Else Lasker-Schüler
Translated from German by Michael Hamburger

I don’t know the language
Of this cool country
And its pace is not mine.

Nor can I interpret
The clouds that pass.

The night is a step-queen.

Always I have to think of the pharaoh forests
And kiss the images of my stars.

Already my lips are luminous
And speak far things,

And I am a gaudy picture book
On your lap.

But your face weaves
A veil made of weeping.

My glittering birds
Have had their corals ripped out,

In the garden hedges
Their soft nests turn to stone.

Who anoints my dead places—
They bore the crowns of my forefathers,
Their prayers have gone down in the holy river.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Draw for December 19, 2016:
Active Influence: Hati & Skoll/The Chariot
Rune: Wunjo/Joy
Hidden Influence: Mimir/The Hanged Man (drawn) and Bergelmir/Six of Swords (volunteer)

Hati & Skoll are nipping at your heels, urging you to get a move on with whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing. Things are happening quickly, and you have to deal with what is happening. You may not have much control over outside events, so focus on what you can control—which is your response to those events.

The Hanged Man coming up as the counter influence to the Chariot is one of those, “um, wait” moments. How can everything be moving at Chariot speed if you’re stuck in the Hanged Man’s place of non-action? Hint: see first paragraph.

Bergelmir/Six of Swords came out of the deck as I drew Mimir/The Hanged Man, so we have extra energies in the Hidden Influence position. Bergelmir is shown in the small boat he used to lead his people to safety during the flood created when Odin, Vili, and Ve killed Ymir. Bergelmir echoes the energy of the Chariot—outside events require you to respond, rather than simply react. Take what is most important—there is no room for baggage, either physical or emotional.

Wunjo is the bright spot anchoring the draw. Whatever is going on, there are still small joys and simple pleasures to lighten dark times. Embrace them, appreciate them, and let them buoy you through this challenging passage.

Madly Singing in the Mountains
~ Po Chu-I
Translated from Chinese by Arthur Waley

There is no one among men that has not a special failing;
And my failing consists in writing verses.
I have broken away from the thousand ties of life;
But this infirmity still remains behind.
Each time that I look at a fine landscape,
Each time that I meet a loved friend,
I raised my voice and recite a stanza of poetry
And marvel as though a God had crossed my path.
Ever since the day I was banished to Xunyang
Half my time I have lived among the hills.
And often, when I have finished a new poem,
Alone I climb the road to the Eastern Rock.
I lean my body on the banks of White Stone;
I pull down with my hands a green cassia branch.
My mad singing startles the valleys and hills;
The apes and birds all come to peep.
Fearing to become a laughing-stock to the world,
I choose a place that is unfrequented by men.