They Tied the Loving Knot
~Anonymous, Ireland, 17th Century

They tied the loving knot: a crane
and the fox from Bri Ghobhann.
The fox vowed to the crane
their knot would never break.

Unwise, in a wilderness,
to cleave to such a mate . . . .
When he’s been fasting a while
put not your trust in William.

The crane soon fell asleep;
he caught her by the throat;
I won’t go on. In short,
he parted her head from her body.

Know it was she who did it—
and goodbye to my ladylove!
She the fox and I the crane,
and our loving much the same.

You, my messenger
~ Shilabhattarika

You, my messenger
are a tender sprig
but I trust you with a secret dispatch.
Go to the wind-tossed forest
where that dark man
awaits me.
Black clouds trouble the heavens,
Spring breezes stir and the heart
also stirs.
But go to him safely.
May the gods keep a close
watch
over your art.

Shailendra Tree of India by J.M. Garg

This poem makes me think of Angrboda.

She does everything
~ Stephanie Bennett-Henry

She does everything with passion stained hands.

Looks at the world with burning, fire-lit eyes,

loves with a splintering chaos, deep in her bones

and smiles with a secret mouthful of mischief.

She feels everything all at once or not at all,

with a soul that runs deeper than any hell,

and more intense than any heaven you know.

The world isn’t ready for the havoc in her blood

and the storm on her skin,

but she doesn’t stop for anyone;

And she walks with thunder in her shoes.

Angrboda from The Giants Tarot. Image by Nicole Cardiff

Bindrune for Strong Foundation for Growth And Achievement of Goal: Erda, Berkana, Stan

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.

A tall tree needs deep roots; a tall building needs a strong foundation. This bindrune creates an energetic foundation for you to build on as you move towards your goals, and gives energy to help you stay focused on completing the work and reaching your goals.

Erda (brown): Erda grounds the energy firmly in the earth, in practical matters, in physical activity and positive accomplishment. Related in shape to Othala, it also helps you draw upon your inheritance of strength, will, and luck, and all the other qualities your family background bestows upon you.

Berkana (green): The rune of the birch tree brings in the vitality of spring growth. This rune calls in plentiful physical energy, regeneration, and growth on all levels.

Stan (grey): The rune of the capstone, the final stone placed in an arch or other structure as the symbol of completion. This rune provides encouragement to keep working, keep going, keep focused on the goal.

There are two variations of this bindrune. Sketch out both, and then draw the one that feels right for you.

You could put a drop of rosemary oil for focus, 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 like Star of Success, or other type of specially prepared oil.

Ground your energies, give yourself credit for your progress, and keep your eyes on the capstone. You can do it, one day at a time, one action at a time.

Poem 92
~Gaspara Stampa

As when a mountain oak, struck and beaten
From every side by fierce, contrary winds
(One being stronger now, and then the other),
Thousands of times seems on the point of falling,
Just so my life, my weak and fragile powers
—Beaten by hope at times, at times by fear,
When my two shining lights are far away—
Can’t tell which is the better way to lean.
Sometimes my lover’s letters reassure me,
Then other people’s words make me despair.
He says, “I come,” the others, “He’s not coming.”
May Death, more than her wont, take pity on me
And kindly lift me out of such great pain,
Unless I see my sun before too long.