#runes

Episode 13 – Dependency of labels. What do we call the gods?

RELEASED: 5/12/2025
In this episode, the Shaman is again joined by his great grandfathers spoke of labels. How often we call upon people, places, and things by some pre-determined labels. We, as an individual, must learn the value difference between that which needs names and that which does not. Many people come to me and say you speak of things not needing labels of people and ideas, yet you worship your named gods. Why? Why, many ask me. I call upon the gods of my ancestors. That which my ancestors sought knowledge and wisdom from. My calling to the god Odinn is both a call to the concentrated spiritual call, as well as respect to my elders and my ancestors who came before me. For we know that my ancestors, those of the Norse, sought out wisdom and guidance from their understanding of these spiritual beings. They sought them out. So, my assigning values as these labels to my gods and my spiritual guides is but a respect to my ancestors. For they sought what I now seek. Enlightenment.

Rune Reading for Friday – 9 May 2025

To reveal the influences of our past, we have drawn the rune of Berkano, the rune of wisdom. Today the rune reminds us of experiences that lie within our past about the teachings we have received. Whether those teachings were offered by those with the mature wisdom of the ages, or whether we had to learn them the hard way of experiencing them first-hand. The lessons of our past offer those life changes that we are looking for, helping us to reality the sanctuary within our mind that can be a healthy retreat. Our present influence is that of Wunjo, the rune of Optimism. Today, the gods reveal in the experience of Wunjo in our present is that of wishful thinking, maintaining the power and influence of the energy of hope. This energy is the cornerstone of many other necessary emotions, particularly the emotion of love. Wunjo offers us an understanding of prosperity, and accomplishment within our existence, discovering harmony and joy along the path. Given it is our present space, the rune reveals that even though circumstances may seem dark, there is a light on the horizon, good times ahead. To further reveal our future influences, we have drawn the rune of Jera, the rune of the seasons. Jera represents the cyclic passing of events. Whether those experiences be that of the annual seasons, or just the inhale followed by the exhale, the circle continues effortlessly. Jera in our future space reveals that experiences and understandings will occur when the mind is ready to work with them, although sometimes it may seem as the experience is too much, remember, the universe will allow your exposure to an experience when you are ready to handle it. To understand what influences we should retain, we have drawn the rune, Uruz, the rune of manifestation. The energy revealed by Uruz in our bedrock space indicates the energy of healing, endurance, and vital formative force that needs to be kept. Remembering the lessons of our past that provided us with wisdom of our experiences, the hope of a better day tomorrow, and the cyclic flow of energies when we are ready for them that had laid out our trajectory, know in your heart that those things that we actively seek, we will find. We must be willing to understand that the universe has a timeline already built, we simply need to build ourselves to be a part of it.

Rune Reading for Thursday – 8 May 2025

To reveal the influences of our past, we have drawn the rune of Berkano, the rune of wisdom. Today the rune issues us cautions as we take the lessons from the past. The rune speaks about secrecy, and silence about mature wisdom that has been created within us from the experiences we have had. Today it issues us cautions as to not allowing our progress, or growth, to stagnate due to these lessons of the past overwhelming our consciousness. A warning to seek sanctuary within the mind, find the path that offers the most time for reflection and slow adoption of wisdom gained. Our present influence is that of Nauthiz, the rune of resistance. Today, the gods reveal in Nauthiz that there may seem to be some resistance in your life right now, however, it is but a moment in time. By employing the energy of hope and love, we can move forward with an understanding that the future will be made better by facing down the resistance. Not backing down, embracing who you are and the ancestors who came before you. Recognizing your ultimate truth as to who you are at your core will give you the energy necessary to power through this temporary resistance. To further reveal our future influences, we have drawn the rune of Dagaz, the rune of enlightenment. Dagaz offers us the paradoxical truth as to the eventuality of our existence. The rune represents a paradigm shift within the way we view ourselves, as well as our ability to manage the incoming energy of influences and emotions. The power of hope and happiness is all connected to this conceptual realization as to how we fit into the giant cosmos around us. When we discover who we are, the path becomes easier to travel and navigate in a successful way. To understand what influences we should retain, we have drawn the rune, Thurisaz, the rune of enthusiasm. Thurisaz is issuing us cautions today that we consider the control of our emotional energy. By allowing our energy to dictate our path we find that much of the influential energies coming into our lives may be negative, and it can become easy to get focused on it. Remembering the hope and happiness that arrives in our lives may be small, almost imperceptible bright spots, we need to remember to be vigilant in our recognition of these, for they will be necessary to maintain our positive, light energy through the dark nights.

Rune Reading for Wednesday – 7 May 2025

To reveal the influences of our past, we have drawn the rune of Hagalaz, the rune of chaos. Today, the runes reveal a past that has introduced much change, and chaos to an otherwise simple life. However, your brain has grasped the idea of organizing and manifesting a controlled order within this chaos. You have found a way to establish a method within the madness that you have experienced throughout your past. It would also seem that the runes are saying that you have made some changes within your life that will serve you well into the future. The past is complete, learn from it and move into your future boldly with the lessons you’ve learned. Our present influence is that of Isa, the rune of Ice. Isa typically reveals understandings around the self-image and identity. Isa reveals the contraction and stillness within your present psyche necessary to cleanly establish the path forward into your future. You have learned much in your past, now it is time to enact many of these lessons in our forward trajectory. The rune Isa reveals the unity of being, the joining together of the physical and spiritual selves to become whole, and complete. This is where we apply the lessons of the past to our current mindset to move forward toward growth and enlightenment. To further reveal our future influences, we have drawn the rune of Perthro, the rune of prophecy. Perthro typically indicates that we are looking at the magical interface of our existence, however, today Perthro is offering us a cautionary tale. Today Perthro reveals a caution about fantasy, delusion, or possible stagnation in our spiritual growth. Sometimes along the path of our existence, it is indicated that we need to take small, steady steps instead of leaps forward, for it is better to have traction, therefore control of our trajectory, than not. Be cautious, seek friendships, as they offer a way forward. To understand what influences we should retain, we have drawn the rune, Gebo, the rune of appreciation. Gebo reminds us, and its position as our bedrock indicates, that we should retain a gracious heart. While many wonderful things will come into our life, and maybe several things we didn’t want, we must remember that the creator offers them to assist us in our spiritual growth. We may not recognize the gifts as we may get caught up in materialistic wants, however, all things will come to us when we are ready to receive them. Be open. Be appreciative that the universe cares about each of us.

Rune Reading for Tuesday – 6 May 2025

To reveal the influences of our past, we have drawn the rune of Thurisaz, the rune of enthusiasm. In today’s reading, we see that it is offering us a warning about leaving the strife, annoyances, betrayal, and defenselessness in our past, not carrying the emotional energy forward into our present. Being able to delineate between the lessons necessary, leaving the emotional negativity behind, allowing for the growth of the spirit and cleansing of the mind. Our present influence is that of Algiz, the rune of listening. In today’s reading, the rune enlightens us to truly embrace the entirety of communications, in that we focus on listening not only with our biological ears, but with our heart as well. When we decide to listen with our heart to the emotional energy transmitted by the ancestors, we afford ourselves the opportunity to witness our experience from a very different perspective. By being willing to step back and listen instead of "waiting to speak" this allows a much deeper understanding of the conveyed wisdom. To further reveal our future influences, we have drawn the rune of Inguz, the rune of wholeness. Inguz offers us the arrival of the wholeness state when we join our physical form with our spiritual entity and begin to process our experiences in a much larger trajectory. This is a reminder for us in our future to take time to reconnect with the inner most part of ourselves. By establishing the connection with the inner self we afford ourselves the opportunity to review our intrinsic values, establishing our center of authenticity. To understand what influences we should retain, we have drawn the rune, Fehu, the rune of young love. Today the runes remind us to ensure that we have a strong, loving relationship, not only with others around us, but with the self. Making sure as we move forward in our trajectory, we retain a loving, forgiving relationship with the person we become. Remembering that its energy demonstrates abundance, thereby allowing us to redistribute the energy to heal the physical body, the mind, and the heart.

Rune Reading for Monday, 5 May 2025

To reveal the influences of our past, we have drawn the rune of Othala, the rune of ancestral power. Throughout our physical existence we may, or may not, have learned of our ancestry, their culture, and their influence energies within our modern day lives. Today, with Othala in our past we may be beginning to recognize the ancestors before us, and just as importantly, what those ancestors offer us with regarding to peace of mind. This rune may mean your journey home mentally may have shifted into the next higher gear. Our present influence is that of Dagaz, the rune of satori. It would seem the universe is paying attention to the fact that today marks the first day of MMIW awareness recognition week, because the rune reveals a direct connection to the satori, and divine feminine. This rune also recognizes the paradigm shift that may be occurring within our mental space during these presents we are experiencing. The rune includes the awakening of a deeper self, capable of loving, and learning. To further reveal our future influences, we have drawn the rune of Gebo, the rune of gratitude. Gebo indicates that we should be appreciative about moving into our future, and gracious for the steps that have gotten us to this point. Gebo reveals that moving forward into our future experiences, we should seek divine vision, and be ready to sacrifice those unneeded values to obtain honor, and the generosity we need to provide the greatest gift of all, forgiveness of the self. To understand what influences we should retain, we have drawn the rune, Ehwaz, the rune of trust. Today we have drawn the rune of trust as that which should be retained moving forward into the experiences we’ve yet to have. Maybe not trusting others as much as learning to trust yourself, and your inner consciousness attempting to help you find peace and joy in your modern-day life. Call upon your friends, and family to help keep you on center, as you focus on listening to your future with your heart.

Rune Reading for Friday – 2 May 2025

To reveal the influences of our past, we have drawn the rune of Hagalaz, the rune of chaos. Our past may be filled with experiences of utter chaos, or little things that have been placed out of order thereby creating the entirety of chaos within our experiences. However, the note to make is that order cannot be made from order, it must be constructed from some level of real or perceived chaos within our existence. Providing order within our own chaos offers us the opportunity to structure our order the way we desire, and to discard that which no longer serves our greater good. Our present influence is that of Algiz, and today Algiz also offers us cautions about moving forward. While the rune Algiz typically indicates a state of listening, particularly to the higher self or deities, but today it is issuing us warnings about our end of the communication string. We must be willing to focus our attention on listening to the divine link, that gives us vision and guidance along our path. One should always maintain a small level of fear about losing our connection to the spirits and the divine, as communications requires two parties. To further reveal our future influences, we have drawn the rune of Ehwaz, the rune of trust. Ehwaz within our future indicates that we must be willing to let down our guards a little to extend the bridge of trust to another life form. We must remember, that although our past may bring images of betrayal and falsehoods, this is not something that is carved in stone for our future experiences. While there may come a point where the bridge of trust can be taken down, we should listen to our heart as to when we need to do that. To understand what influences we should retain, we have drawn the rune, Isa, the rune of Ice. We must remember what a gift we are, do not let the energies of physical exostence erase the importance of your assembly process. You have earned your steps along this journey, sometimes on hands and knees do we move forward, but forward we continue. As we retain the image of the self, remember that there are two parts to the self, and that each must be given its time in the sun. Remember to focus on maintaining control of your thought processes and emotional states along the way.

Rune Reading for Thursday – 1 May 2025

To reveal the influences of our past, we have drawn the rune of Laguz, and today it issues us cautions as we move forward in our lives. Laguz warns us today of an existence in overcoming negativity and toxicity within our lives to accomplish our new space filled with hope and joy. It reminds us that it is a slippery slope between where we are and the place where the poisonous energies of our past may resurface in our existence. If, for some reason, we may find ourselves back in this place, we are reminded that we were able to break free before, we can accomplish it again. Focus on not getting associated with that energy, or letting it influence your current mindset. Our present influence is that of Berkano, and today Berkano also offers us cautions about moving forward. Berkano is the rune of mature wisdom, so the knowledge has combined with the experiences of life, to provide a layer of wisdom within our mind. Today Berkano offers a warning as to subscribing to the unwanted energies swirling around us in this reality. These energies like those of insecurity, stagnation, and deceit, will attempt to alter our trajectory, many times in subtle ways. Be cognizant of what is altering our thought process, and especially our emotional state today, as there are enemies of peace lurking in our lives. To further reveal our future influences, we have drawn the rune of Sowilo, the rune of wholeness. With its position planted solidly in our future, this indicates that we are on the path to wholeness, and the seat of the soul. It is an "ing" rune, meaning that there is a conscious effort to seek, or "seek"+"ing". A powerful rune that reveals our faith in the outcome, and the obtainment of our life’s purpose. While some paths may not include the glory obtained by others, there is honor in every life’s journey. Instead of seeking to measure our self by another’s measuring stick, let us make our own that specifically measures our accomplishments on our terms. To understand what influences we should retain, we have drawn the rune, Tiwaz. Tiwaz offers us cautions as well, however this time we are reminded where we should not allow our minds to lead our heart to. While the rune typically indicates a warning of defeat, imbalance, and injustice, it is pointing out today that we should not allow these energies to plant seeds within our mind. To cast out those thoughts that would lead us to these places within our mind that is not constructive in our establishment of peace and joy. As mentioned in our past, it can be a slippery slope that could transport us between the state we want to be in, and the one we don’t. Be strong in your belief in yourself and the universe will send the appropriate energies to help you evolve. 

Rune Reading for Wednesday, 30 April 2025

To reveal the influences of our past, we have drawn Odinn’s Rune. Odinn’s rune typically indicates that the guidance from the gods did not arrive to the tile before we experienced it, so additional time with Odinn is necessary to determine the revelation. After additional prayer, the gods have informed me that we have had to make tough choices in our recent past. Choices that we didn’t want to make. An emotional firestorm was created within our heart and mind before and during the decision-making process. This has caused us substantial emotional trauma; however, we finally succumbed to a decision and now struggle to rationalize that choice. The decision was made with all the information you had available at the time, be open to the potential of change, but remember what has value for you. Our present influence is that of Mannaz. Mannaz indicates that we are arriving at an understanding of our intellectual mind. Discovering what information, we have received, and what information we should retain as we move forward into new information. A constant state of unrest, we spend much of our time attempting to absorb new information, without fully vetting the intellect we already possess. Becoming aware of the influences and effects that the reality in which we live has on our intellect, we must embrace tightly the desire to maintain the intellect we have by connecting it to emotional experiences to evolve it into the wisdom we seek. To further reveal our future influences, we have drawn the rune of Gebo. Gebo reveals to us the path that gratitude offers to us. Not only is it the way to show our appreciation to the spirits that assisted in the arrival of the many experiences we have had, it also allows us to soften any rough edges the heart may have from those same experiences. By accepting the divine vision, we are better prepared to understand the magical exchange from the spiritual realm into our existence, thereby recognizing the gifts we receive every day. Our future holds many opportunities for us to express our gratitude for the many things, and more importantly people, in our lives. To understand what influences we should retain, we have drawn the rune, Jera. Jera is without a doubt my personal favorite rune, as it represents the seasons throughout our lives, of which there are many. Jera also speaks to us about a season for everything. A season to mourn. A season to celebrate. Everything will occur in our lifetimes when the universe recognizes our readiness, and our ability to absorb the energy. We must remember that when we are faced with the many challenges within our lives that the universe, which has seen untold trillions of lifeforms, has deemed that we are ready for it. That we possess the necessary energy to power through it. 
Copyright © 2023. Alaskan Úlfhé∂nar, and Whispers of the Norse. Property of the Alaska Outlaws LLC, Anchorage, Alaska. All images and names are the property of Alaska Outlaws LLC.