In this meditation, we will celebrate the Imbolc season by learning the significance of three Elder Futhark runes that are related to this time of year: Algiz ᛉ (ahl-geez), Sowilo (so-we-low), and Teiwaz ᛏ (tee-woz).
You will need:
- Divination Wooden Rune Set, or you can inscribe the necessary runes on a sheet of paper
- Selenite Pyramid Tower
- Water in a small container, if possible you can use melted snow
- Candles, like our Black Altar Tealight or Triple Goddess Imbolc Candles
- Cannabis, if you will be consuming it before the meditation
At Yule, we meditated on three runes: Jera, Eihwaz, and Perthro. You can review the ritual here. For Imbolc, we will meditate on the three runes that follow these in the Elder Futhark.
In many Northern traditions, we face north during ceremony. If you are practicing this way, set up your altar or ritual space so that you face north as you sit before it. Draw the three runes you will focus on during the meditation. Place them around the selenite tower.
Place the container of water before you. Trace the Laguz ᛚ rune three times above it, while saying the rune name aloud (“lah-gooze”). Then, say: “From the Well of Wyrd this water flows, and to the Well it shall return.”
Sprinkle some of the water over the altar, and say: “I bless this space with the waters of the Well of Wyrd.”
Spend some time in silence, allowing your breathing to become deep and even.
Point to the north, and say: “Guardians of the North, of the element Earth, and keepers of the secrets, hallow and ward this stead.”
Point to the east, and say: “Guardians of the East, of the element Air, hallow and ward this stead.”
Point to the south, and say: “Guardians of the South, of the element Fire, hallow and ward this stead.”
Point to the west, and say: “Guardians of the West, of the element Water, hallow and ward this stead.”
Return to the north, point upwards, and say: “Hallow and ward this stead.” Point downwards, and say: “Hallow and ward this stead.”
Light the candle, and focus softly on its flame. If you are imbibing in cannabis, you can light it in the candle and enjoy it now.
When you are in the right headspace to begin meditation, look down at the runes.
Look at Algiz. Doesn't it look like the foot of a raven, the familiars of Odin? It also looks like an upturned hand, warning you to stop. It can be used as a powerful symbol of protection. Algiz is the Valkyrie rune, favored by witches and shield maidens. In some stories, Valkyries can shapeshift into crows or swans. What messages does Algiz speak to you?
Look at Sowilo. It looks like a lightning bolt, quickly striking. Like lightning, it's associated with the god Thor, but it also has a feminine, nurturing energy. It shines bright, but if you're not careful, it can burn you. It represents your solar identity, your process of being individual, and your conscious mind. What do you see when you think of Sowilo?
Look at Teiwaz. It's shaped like a spear, but also like a balancing scale. It represents aggressive force thrusting forth, but also law and order. The battle is righteous. Teiwaz encourages us to stand up for ourselves, and for justice. It represents courage, honour, integrity, and honesty. Vikings carved this rune on the back of their shields to honour their cause in battle. What does Teiwaz represent to you?
When you have considered each rune individually, turn your mind to how the three relate together. What message do you see from them? How do they interplay?
One of the things I see is the Sun, moving from a deep protective cover before it thrusts towards a vigorous outgoing future.
When you feel the meditation has run its course, blow out the candle and gather the bowl of water. Say: “Now my rite has ended. I thank all who have attended and lent their energy tonight.”
Take the water outside and return it to nature, or pour it down the drain and say: “May the water return to the Well of Wyrd.”