Draw May 12, 2016

Draw May 12, 2016: Active Influence— Narvi & Vali/Ten of Swords; Rune—Algiz (reversed); Hidden Influence—Fenja & Menja/Two of Coins.

Take a deep breath.  Today is going to be challenging on many levels, and you need to keep your focus on what you can do, rather than what is being done to you.

There is no happy spin to this spread. The treachery and abuse of power in the Ten of Swords sets a grim tone that colors the day to its end. Be on the lookout for those who would use you—and sell you out—for their own gain. Be aware of your own conduct as well. Are you voluntarily and knowingly complicit in actions that you know are unethical, or just flat out wrong? Be mindful of your own motivations.

Fenja and Menja were originally enslaved to the magical mill Grotte and its owner, and forced to work to exhaustion to satisfy the greed of others. Each time, the result was the death of the greedy owner. Ultimately,  Fenja and Menja freed themselves through hard work, and tell you that you must do the same. No one is going to rescue you; you need  figure out your own way. It may not be easy, and it may not be fast, but you can free yourself.

Algiz reversed carries two ideas. First, your defenses may be lower than is necessary; if so, take action to shore them up. The other is that, reflecting the pairings of the other cards (Narvi and Vali, Loki and Sigyn, Odin and Thor, Fenja and Menja) that you will need a partner to deal with things today. Not merely an advisor or mentor, but someone who will get down in the trenches with you and dig with the same energy and determination you have. Choose wisely, however; choose from a place of careful consideration, rather than just joining up with the first person you meet.

Be cautious, be cooperative, and keep focused on your work.

Draw May 11, 2016

Draw May 11, 2016: Active Influence – Gunnlod/Two of Cups; Rune—Hagalaz; Hiidden Influence – Jord/Queen of Coins.

It’s good to be wanted—depending on who wants you, and why. Odin woos Gunnlod, not because He wants her as herself, but because He wants the Mead of Poetry, and she is the way to get it. If someone pursues you today, you need to dig to find their true motivations. Pretty words are all well and good, but you need to find the truth behind them. Just because someone desires you does not mean that they value you. A bad deal is not better than no deal at all; if you must agree to a bad deal, do so with full awareness, and have a Plan B for cleaning up the ensuing mess.

And if you are the pursuer, the object of your attentions is likely on to your real plan. You are not as smart as you think you are, and they are not as gullible as you wish them to be.

Jord reminds you that you, just as you are right now, are enough—smart enough, good enough, strong enough, enough whatever you need to be today to deal with the situation.

Hagalaz brings the unexpected, whether for better or worse. Maybe you find a $20 bill on the sidewalk, and can treat yourself to a nice something. Maybe a coworker tries to sabotage your project, and your boss is siding with them. Whatever Hagalaz brings, Jord is there with you, providing you the energy and insight to manage the situation.

You can deal with it, whatever it is, and deal with it from a place of strength.

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.

When I was growing up, my family moved frequently. No, really. We once lived in a house only two weeks, because my dad found another that he liked even better than the one we had just moved into. I have no idea how my mom managed with all of it–a house full  of antiques, three kids, a dog or two, and various numbers of guinea pigs, hamsters, and sometimes a cat and/or a rabbit.

I haven’t moved house many times this century, but I have been traveling for work a great deal the past five years. Frequently. As in, I’m away more than I’m home most of the months of the year.

So, I created two variations on a bindrune to make these things easier.

Ease of Travel or Moving House, Variation #1: Ehwaz, Mannaz, Raido

Ease of Travel or Moving House, Variation #2: Ehwaz, Mannaz, Raido

The bindrunes use the same three runes, just in a different arrangement. Variation #1 has Ehwaz (horse) and Raido (movement) supporting Mannaz (self), and Variation #2 has Ehwaz (horse) supporting Mannaz (self) while Raido (movement) pulls the energies forward.

Ehwaz (the tile on the left, and the rune in brown in the drawings): Ehwaz symbolizes the horse, and the energies of riding. This calls in the sure-footed, sturdy steed on which you may journey swiftly and safely, whether that’s an automobile, a moving truck, or a 747. Visualize the vehicle as strong and sound, carrying you and your goods safely to your destination.

Mannaz (the center tile, and the rune in blue in the drawings): This is the Self. This is you on your journey, whole. contained, and complete. Calm and centered, you are prepared for your expedition, whether it is across town or around the globe.

Raido (the right tile, and the rune in red in the drawings): The rune of journeys and travel, representing both the ride and the road upon which you ride. This energy can be wild, so Mannaz helps channel it in the direction you want to go. Raido embodies the idea of efficient travel, on-time departures and arrivals, and arriving in good time and good spirits.

The bindrunes on the left in each photo were done in colored pencil. The ones on the right were done with fine point calligraphy markers. They are shown in two different media to give an idea of how the same bind rune looks different depending on how it is created.

You could also put a drop of cinnamon or clove oil to add some fiery energy to further move things along, or a drop of your favorite oil  on it to reinforce the energy with your personal scent. You could also use a conjure oil, such as Protection or Open Road, to bring in additional positive energies.

Pack up and head out!

She Conceals Herself
~Madhya

She conceals herself
where the forest is thickest
and waits for the sound—
dry leaves of
autumn
someone approaches.

Draw May 9, 2016

Draw May 9, 2016:
Active Influence—Aegir/King of Cups; Rune—Yr; Hidden Influence—Olvalde & Sons/Eight of Coins.

Your work yesterday was a good start, says the reading. Keep going!

Aegir tells you to behave as a good king—be rational in your thinking, honest in your emotions, and fair and just in your conduct. Treat everyone with respect and kindness; your behavior is being noticed, and this  is your chance to set a positive example for those who are struggling.

Yr brings in the focus of the archer. Absolute and undisturbed concentration on your work while you are working is essential to accomplishing your tasks. While you are working, work; when you are done for the day, allow yourself time to rest and play. Allowing yourself to be distracted at work, even by seemingly fun, shiny objects, is not a delay you can afford today.

Olvalde is Aegir’s master brewer, teaching his craft to his own sons. Today you can learn through teaching, and teach through learning. Do not fall into the mindset that you know everything. You always have something to learn, whether a basic skill, a set of facts, or a subtle technique which turns your creation from a useful object to usable art.

Take time to do things right the first  time, pay attention to details, and reward yourself at the end of the day for a job well done.