Runes are the mystical alphabet used by ancient European tribes 2000 years ago to name places and things, attract luck and fortune, provide protection, and divine the course of future events. Runes were usually carved onto stone or wood. Runic letters were formed with straight lines only because tools at the time like the axe could not provide curved lines. Almost all of Europe used them at one time. Today they are just remembered for their use by the ancient Norse, the Vikings. There are many versions of the runic alphabets. Each has variations in names, shapes, esoteric meanings and magical uses.

     The oldest known form and arrangement of Runic letters, the Elder Futhark runes, are estimated by the British Museum to have been in use by the Vikings around 200 A.D. However, some do believe it to be much earlier.

Futhark runes

     In Norse, the Elder Futhark is read from right to left. 

"F U T H A R K" is the first 6 symbols of the Runic alphabet. The runic alphabet which is a composite of the runic symbols was most commonly used in northern Europe. The runes are broken into three sections or groups of eight, called aett. This helps one to remember their order and their significance. First, the rune name is given, then its phonetic value, its symbolic image, and finally the esoteric meaning used in divination. Some runes look the same upside down and right side up.

Some examples of the Futhark runes:

Fehu - Possessions won or earned, earned income, luck. Abundance, financial strength in the present or near future. Sign of hope and plenty, success and happiness. Social success. Energy, foresight, fertility, creation/destruction

Fehu Reversed - It indicates some sort of failure, greed, burnout, atrophy, discord, cowardice, stupidity, dullness, poverty or slavery.

Uruz - This is a symbol of physical strength and speed, untamed potential.

Uruz Reversed - A symbol of weakness, obsession, misdirected force, and sickness.

Thurisaz - This is a symbol of reactive force, directed force of destruction and defense and conflict

Thurisaz Reversed - This symbolizes danger, defenselessness, compulsion, betrayal, dullness and sometimes even evil.

Hagalaz - This is a symbol of wrath of nature, destructive, uncontrolled forces, especially the weather. Hagalaz cannot be reversed but may lie in opposition. Then it symbolizes natural disasters, catastrophes, pain, and suffering.

Sowilo - Sowilo symbolizes success, goals achieved and honor. When this rune lies its opposition it symbolizes false goals, bad counsel, false success and gullibility.

Berkano - Berkano symbolizes birth, general fertility, both mental and physical and personal growth and liberation. This rune can be reversed.

Berkano Reversed - Symbolizes family problems, domestic troubles, anxiety about someone close to you, carelessness, abandon, loss of control, blurring of consciousness and deceit.

Ehwaz - Ehwaz is the symbol of transportation. It can represent a horse, car, plane, boat or other vehicles.

Ehwaz Reversed - This is not a negative rune. It can symbolize a feeling of restlessness or confined in a situation. It can also be a symbol of reckless haste, disharmony, mistrust, betrayal.

Rune Casting

     There are also many different pronunciations of the Elder Futhark rune sounds. If you consider rune casting, don’t be bothered by the sound, it is personal to you how to pronounce them. The rune bag with its runic symbols you acquire represents the entire universe. You as a rune caster do not see the future, keep that in mind. Your goal is to examine the cause and effect of the most likely outcomes.

     Find a quiet place to do the reading. Try to sit facing north, the direction of the Gods in Norse mythology. Place a small white cloth on the surface in front of you. This cloth protects the runes from getting dirty and also forms the boundary for the casting. Carefully form a question in your mind. Once you have the question clear in your mind begin to gently mix the runes in their bag. Continue to stir and select lots, however, you feel like you should select, and put them in front of you. Some will be face down and you should ignore them. If a rune is upright, it has a certain meaning. If a rune is upside down, it has a different meaning, do not forget that. Have fun while casting!

     Halloween got its name from all hallows eve, meaning the eve of all saints. Halloween or Samhain had its beginnings in an ancient Celtic festival of the dead. Celtic people divided their year into four major holidays. The year began on a day that would be November 1 on our present calendar. The date marked the beginning of winter. This was a very symbolic date as it marked the end and the beginning of a cycle. As one comes to an end the other one begins.

Samhain

     Samhain was the biggest and most significant holiday of the Celtic year. The Celts believed that at the time of Samhain the ghosts of the dead were able to mingle with the living because the souls of those who had died during the year traveled into the otherworld. People gathered to sacrifice animals, fruits, and vegetables. Dressed in costumes made from animal hide, they gathered for festivities sharing food and alcohol as they swapped stories of the season. In honor of the dead, they lit bonfires to help the souls find their way, and to keep them away from the living. Celts also believed that besides the souls on their way to the otherworld on Samhain you could find a lot of other creatures roaming around like ghosts, demons, and fairies.

     After Christian missionaries attempted to change the religious practices of the Celtic people Samhain turned into the Halloween we know today. In 601 A.D. Pope Gregory the First issued an edict to his missionaries about the native beliefs and customs of the people he hoped to convert. Instead of trying to convert them and force them into belief, they should use the belief in their favor. If people worshiped something they just consecrated it to Christ. That way no force needed to be used.

All Saints Day

     November 1st is the Christian All Saints Day, the day that honors every Christian saint. This day was meant to substitute the Samhain, to draw the devotion of the Celtic peoples, and to replace it forever. However, the old beliefs of Samhain never died out entirely. All Saints Day, otherwise known as All Hallows, continued the ancient Celtic traditions. Most intense activity, human and supernatural, was believed to occur the night prior, which we now know as Halloween. All Hallows Eve became Hallow Evening, which became Halloween, an old holiday in modern times.

Halloween

     Halloween does have roots in Samhain, but they are not the same thing. Samhain is still celebrated today by various groups including Wiccans and there are many ways in which the festival is celebrated. There are not only group rituals, but single rituals as well. Each Halloween custom can be traced back to a Samhain tradition or a story around it. The wearing of costumes, for example, and roaming from door to door demanding treats can be traced to the Celtic period and the first few centuries of the Christian era. It was thought that the souls of the dead were out and around, along with fairies, witches, and demons. Offerings of food and drink were left out to placate them. As the centuries passed on, people began dressing like these scary creatures, performing an act in exchange for food and drink. This practice is called mumming, from which the practice of trick-or-treating evolved. Bobbing for apples and carving vegetables can also be traced back to Celtic times. The carving of the pumpkin is a newer custom. In Celtic times it was common to carve a turnip or a beet. Irish emigrants brought Halloween with them to Northern America, and a Northern American harvest food was the pumpkin.

     Even though modern Halloween retains a lot of ancient customs, it has modernized over the years.  Today it is associated with costume parties and fun. That is not necessarily a bad thing, as the old customs are still practiced. Halloween is, in my opinion, one of the most fun holidays of the year. You get to be anyone for a day, have fun with friends and family while also practicing an ancient Celtic tradition. However, it would be nice if more people knew about Samhain and the folklore behind it. What do you think about Halloween? What will you dress up as today?

     Spooky season is upon us so let’s talk about something most people consider terrifying – Satanism. Satanism is a modern religion-based on literary, artistic and philosophical interpretations of the central figure of evil. The first official Satanic church was formed by Anton LaVey in the 1960s. Before the forming of an official church, Satanism was not recognized as an official religion. Christians did consider it as real during the witch trials, inquisitions and during the Satanic panic of the 1980s in America but more on that later.

Many interpretations of Satan

     The Christian view of Satan is as a horned, red, demonic human figure with a pointy tail and sometimes hooves. In their eyes, those who commit sins are sent to his realm – hell. Hell is an underground world filled with demons under Satan’s control put there to punish sinners. The name Satan first appeared in the Book of Numbers in the Bible. It was used as a term describing defiance. Satan was later described as an enemy of Jesus Christ.

   Satan was depicted in numerous works of fiction sometimes even as an anti-hero. Probably the most famous example is Dante’s Inferno that depicted Satan as a horrible monster. John Milton’s famous 1667 poem “Paradise Lost” depicts the figure of Satan as more of a rebel, a charismatic figure. Éliphas Lévi in his 1854 book “Dogme et Rituel” probably stands out as the description that first comes to mind when people imagine Satan as a figure. He described him as the horned goat deity Baphomet.

Baphomet

Aleister Crowley

     Aleister Crowley is known for his occult writings and teachings. He founded the religion of Thelema, which became adopted by the Ordo Templis Orientis as well as the magical order Argenteum Astrum or the order of the Silver Star. He was also a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, where he was known by the magical name of Frater Perdurabo. He despised Christianity but considered himself highly spiritual. He encountered a being known as Aiwass, described as a "minister" to Horus, the central deity in Thelema, and as a Holy Guardian Angel. Aiwass dictated the Book of the Law, which Crowley wrote down and published. The press dubbed Crowley the "Wickedest Man in the World" but it seems like he took joy from all the controversies. To this day he remains a controversial figure, dangerous to some, inspiration to others.

Aleister Crowley

The 1980s Satanic Panic

     Christian fundamentalists push the idea that Satanic cults were abusing children in rituals and committing widespread murder. Christian groups misrepresented the Church’s beliefs and practices to create a real-life enemy that they could explain. Adding fuel to the already growing panic many people explained their crimes as done in the name of Stan. In 1985 the serial killer Richard Ramirez used a lot of satanic symbols as a part of his ‘look’. He also claimed that he was an acquaintance of Anton LaVey but that was proven false. People started blaming artists for promoting Satanism, especially musicians.

Satanism in music

     Anything that people considered as going against God was deemed as Devil worship, especially music! Rebel music which is performed by the oppressed was seen as dangerous and unholy. The blues, especially, was regarded as something dangerous, against faith. The most famous story is about guitarist Robert Johnson.

Son House, one of Johnson’s peers, told the story of how the guitarist was an average guitar player before disappearing for weeks. On Johnson’s return, his technique was revolutionary and the best anyone has seen. The legend says that Johnson took his guitar to Highways of 49 and 61 in Mississippi where the Devil exchanged his instrument for Robert Johnson’s soul. The famous ‘crossroads’ story that has been referred to in many popular works of music and film.

Robert Johnson

     Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, while not a Satanist, was a follower of Crowley’s ‘philosophy of personal liberation’. The guitarist went on to purchase Crowley’s former home in Loch Ness. Led Zeppelin was also involved in one of the bigger scandals of satanic worship in the 80s when Televangelist Paul Crouch claimed that by playing the group’s track Stairway to Heaven backward a voice would be heard saying “Here’s to my sweet Satan… He will give those with him 666”.

Led Zeppelin

     The Rolling Stones’ Sympathy for the Devil sees Mick Jagger seize the role of the Devil, calling out for crowds to “Just call me Lucifer”. Black Sabbath used Christian symbols a lot, especially the cross. Devil was a good way to sell records, you can see that in a lot of metal bands through the 80s like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and more. A lot of that imagery from today’s perspective would be considered rather tame. That’s where we turn our attention to dark waters beneath the mainstream metal bands of the 80s.

Black Sabbath

     The underground metal was getting darker and heavier. Groups such as Morbid Angel, Venom, Celtic Frost and Deicide were focusing their songs mostly on Sumerian deities, mythical sorcery, and ancient incarnations, However, Norway’s first wave of black metal artists was serious about Satanism. Formed in 1984 by Dead, Hellhammer, Euronymous and Necrobutcher formed the band Mayhem. They wanted to present fear. Mayhem would regularly cut themselves onstage and have a pig or sheep’s head impaled on stakes as they performed. “There is nothing which is too sick, evil or perverted,”  There are much darker stories surrounding this band, but one has to wonder when it comes to shock value how far is too far? Tell me what you think!

Mayem

     Even today, when there is a high shock value threshold bands that incorporate Satan are getting talked about. Probably the most modern example is the metal band ‘Ghost’. The lead singers assumes his role of Papa Emeritus and the rest of the band are Nameless Ghouls that wear almost identical, face-concealing costumes.

Ghost

     Although music taste depends on one’s personal taste I would recommend giving some of these bands a listen. If for nothing else, the imagery they use is interesting and you can see how a lot of symbols are used.

What do you think about all this? Do you think today Satan is used purely for shock value theatrics?

     When most of us think about health, we think about two sides, physical health, and mental health. To enjoy physical health, we should focus on healthy eating and exercise. Taking care of our mental health means keeping stress to a minimum and engaging in positive activities and relationships that contribute to mental wellbeing.

     Many of us forget about the third aspect of health - the soul. Spirituality is the way you find meaning, hope, comfort, and inner peace in your life. Many people find spirituality through religion. Some people find it through music, art, or a connection with nature. Others find it in their values and principles.

     Spirituality can be defined as sensitivity or attachment to religious or other values that help a person gain insight, self-knowledge, and a heightened understanding of life. It can be of great value when coming in terms with your illness or whatever discomfort you may be feeling. Sometimes your mind alone can not comprehend and explain the situation in a way you could understand. That is where your beliefs come into play. They are a powerful tool for coping and helping your mind and body.

    So, in the most basic sense, spirituality is about connecting with what's meaningful to you in a way that lightens or enriches your spirit. Spirituality can come from religious and non-religious experiences alike. It includes the need to find answers to questions about the meaning of life, suffering, and death.

Is spirituality linked with health?

     The body, mind, and spirit are connected. The health of any one of these elements seems to affect the others. When our body suffers so does our mind and soul. Some research has shown that what you believe in can have a strong impact on your health. 

   Positive beliefs, comfort, and strength gained from religion, meditation, and prayer can contribute to your overall wellbeing. Improving your spiritual health may not cure an illness, but it may help you feel better. Spiritual wellness can bring comfort and give strength for handling life's challenges. Some people find that tending to the spirit seems to be as healing as medicine itself.

How to better your soul?

     For some people, making time for spiritual practice is a key part of their wellbeing. Some take time to be in nature, to meditate, or to pray. Others spend time with music, art, or poetry, or just enjoying the silence. Many people pay special attention to beauty, kindness, gratitude, healing, or faith in a higher being. It all depends on one simple question: 

What brings peace, purpose, beauty, and meaning into my life?

     A spiritual practice can help you connect in a new way with what is meaningful to you. It can help you connect firstly and most importantly with yourself, your family and your loved ones.

     I am sure we all have experience with this topic. For me, that was when a family member got diagnosed with cancer. After months of therapy, nothing worked. A therapist then suggested that we have to take the mind, body, AND soul as the vital part into consideration. Taking care of just the body can only get you so far, all is connected. So since none of us are traditionally religious we turned to something more alternative. Every morning we started doing yoga, at the beginning it was quite funny but as the routine settled a morning doesn’t go by without it. What was your way of doing something for your soul? What is spiritual for you is very personal. It is for you to define. But that doesn't mean that you have to explore spiritual questions and ideas by yourself. You can share and learn from others. You can also turn to your religion, community or family for guidance and support.

     When you seek more answers and guidance in life you can call upon the animal spirit guides just like our ancestors did centuries ago. Animal totems play huge roles in our lives. They help you self-discover end express your emotions.

Webster’s Dictionary defines a totem as: “A natural object, usually an animal that serves as a distinctive, often venerated emblem or symbol. A means of personal or spiritual identity. “

     Native American animal totems most commonly come to mind when discussing this topic. However, animal signs are found throughout all cultures. Every animal responds to a unique kind of energy. We can break them down like this:

Land Animal Totems

  These animals symbolize intuition, cognizance, and awareness. This group also represents mental and physical stability as well as the state of being grounded. Popular animals that belong to this group include Cats, Dogs, Bears and more. These are the mammals on earth. Some examples of the land totem include:

Wolf Totem - The wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. It is also a social and friendly creature. Those whose Animal Totem is a wolf possess high intellect, creative side is also strong. They are also loyal, compassionate and independent.

Bear Totem – Just like the mighty bear this totem represents duality in a person. On one side you have a fierce, strong warrior and on the other a compassionate and peaceful person. Some traits of this totem are motherhood, peace, bravery, and power.

Cat Totem - Almost every culture has some kind of myth or story about a human’s favorite pet. Just like people today either love them or hate them, through history they were represented as both the villain and the worshipped animal. Some traits of the cat totem are clever, selective, mysterious, intelligent and highly independent. Just like the furry friend people associated with this totem carefully choose who to trust but once they are on your side they will be there through thick and thin.

Fox Totem – Just like cats, the fox has been in many stories. Usually, it is represented as cunning. In Japan, the fox was considered one of the rain spirits, and a messenger of Inari the rice god. In Native American lore, fox animal symbolism deals with two interpretations. One perspective from the Northern tribes looks at the fox as a wise and noble messenger. Plains tribes, however, view the fox as a trickster playing pranks, or even as a bad omen sometimes. The traits of the fox totem are cunning, wisdom, clever, adaptable and quick on their feet.

Water Animal Totems

     Water is an unknown quantity, understanding water animal totems will help us to understand some unknown elements in our lives. They help us reveal and discover our hidden actions or thoughts. Popular water animal totems include Dolphins, Crabs, Frogs and more. Since you can only see the surface of the water and what is underneath people that are drawn to these totems are not afraid of the unknown and they want to dig deeper to explore themselves.

Dolphin Totem – Dolphins are considered the “king of fish” by many ancient cultures. They are also considered very gracious. Some other traits associated with the dolphin totem are intelligence, playfulness, gentleness, friendly, generous and power.

Shark Totem - Shark is an authority on all fronts of survival. Those who connect with the shark totem will be masters at survival in their waters of life. Shark people are extremely good at summing up social situations, manipulating people and events. This is not necessarily in a bad way, they are just very calculating and know what has to be done when. Some other traits include perceptive, intelligent, powerful, efficient and strong focused.

Otter Totem – The first thing that comes to mind when looking at an otter is cute and playful. And that stands correct for this animal. Usual traits are playful, fun, curious and creative. But also, there is a strong sense of friendship and love and protection of loved ones.

Koi Fish Totem – Japanese people have a long history with animal totems. One of the most used ones is the koi fish. The term ‘nishikigoi’ in Japanese means ‘colored carp’ and refers to the koi fish. The Japanese symbolism of fish goes so far as to categorize certain fish according to their attributes. So, we have:

•Yamabuki - The gold fish represents gold, wealth and prosperity.

•Ogon - The platinum-colored fish also represents the fulfillment of wealth in the form of success in business.

•Kumonryu - A midnight black colored fish that is named after a Japanese dragon of transformation, and this fish is said to bring about change in life circumstances.

•Kohoku - A white and red fish believed to encourage advancement in career.

•Kuchibeni - Also white and red said to inspire long-lasting, loving relationships.

Air Animal Totems

     Animals that inhabit air, which is considered as the most ethereal of elements, are equipped with the capacity to lend the best understanding of things you do not understand. They are also symbols of strength, physical and mental, as well as independence. Popular air animal totems include Falcons, Doves, Eagles and more.

Bat Totem - Bat isn’t the most popular of animal totems. In fact, it’s largely misunderstood and so many of its symbolic meanings are inappropriately based on fear. Bats are a symbol of communication, the Native Americans observed the bat as a highly social creature. Some other traits include intuition, communication, and self-awareness.

Owl Totem – The first association that comes with the Owl is wisdom. However, in ancient Egyptian, Celtic, and Hindu cultures the symbolic meaning of owl revolved around guardianship of the underworlds and protection of the dead. Owl was the keeper of spirits who had passed from one plane to another. Some other traits associated with owls are wisdom, mystery, transition, and intelligence.

Dove Totem – Dove is sometimes associated with Christian culture with Mary as a symbol of care, devotion, purity, and peace. The dove is a companion of Ishtar too, the Great Mother of Assyrian culture. Doves also symbolize grace, peace, love, sacrifice, and hope.

Dove Totem Orb

Sparrow Totem - Sparrows derive power and protection from their numbers. Always with their kind, they move together and eat in together. This can be quite intimidating to some predators. Safety in numbers is a lesson the sparrow offered us. They are also joyful, creative, resourceful and friendly.

Insect Animal Totems

     Insects are not the most popular creatures of the animal kingdom. However, they symbolize patience and tenacity. They are progressive, proactive and have the natural capability of balancing the importance of minding one’s own business and keeping a strong sense of community. Popular insect totems include Bees, Cicadas, Grasshoppers and more.

Spider Totem - Spider is an ancient symbol of mystery, power, and growth. The spider reminds us that our choices construct our lives just like they weave their web. Other spider traits are fate, mystery, intelligence and time.

Dragonfly Totem – Dragonfly represents change. They are creatures of both air and water so they symbolize good luck, prosperity, harmony, and peace.

Bee Totem – Bees are a very social and hardworking animal. A common expression is ‘hardworking as a bee’.
They represent unity, family, nurture, and beauty.

Reptile and Amphibian Animal Totems

  Animals belonging to this group are masters of perception. They are intuitive and value independence. They might insight fear in some people, but once you get past that they are very brave and intelligent creatures. Popular reptile and amphibian totems include Lizards, Crocodiles, Chameleons and more.

Snake Totem – Snakes are probably the first reptile that comes to mind. Many people fear them, but since ancient times, snakes have been used as a symbol of power. Even today snakes are either feared or admired. They also represent rebirth, balance, intuition, and awareness.

Lizard Totem – Lizards are one of the oldest animals on earth. Just like the animal itself symbolism behind the lizard totem is colorful. They are very perceptive and in tune with nature. They are also down to earth, playful, intelligent, intuitive and adaptable to the environment.

     Imbolc is the ancient Celtic festival that honors the goddess Brigid that takes place between the first and second day of February. This holiday is known by many names such as Brigid’s Day and Oimelc. Oimlec means milk of ewes since it is also the traditional lambing season in the old world, animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year are soon to give birth.  Imbolc is the second Sabbat of the Wiccan year and it celebrates the coming end of winter. After Imbolc we start seeing the first signs of spring, days are becoming longer and the sun shines bright again.  Imbolc is a time of new beginnings and of purification, which is perfectly symbolized by the transition from winter to spring.

     There are many different ways you can celebrate Imbolc. Some people focus on the Celtic goddess Brigid, as a deity of fire and fertility. Celtic Fire Goddess, Brigid, is a patron of smithcraft, healing, midwifery, and poetry. Others focus their rituals more towards the cycles of the season, and nature.

Imbolc Candle lighting ritual

     One of many names for Imbolc is Candlemas. Hundreds of years ago it was believed that our ancestors relied upon the sun as their only source of light, candles represent the sun and the guiding path. This ritual is often used as a way to call back the lights, and it is practiced today with the seven candles ritual. One candle represents the thin line between good and evil, some of them stand for the cleansing that fire brings, and the rest of them symbolize the light that comes with the end of winter.
     To perform this ritual you will need seven candles, in red and white colors, something to light your candles with, a large bowl or cauldron that can hold the candles, and or salt to fill the bottom of the bowl or whatever you choose using. Pour the sand or salt into the bowl or cauldron. Place the seven candles into the sand so they don’t fall. Once you light the first candle you should say:

 “Although it is now dark, I come seeking light. In the chill of winter, I come seeking life.”

Then light the second candle and say:

“I call upon fire that melts the snow and warms the hearth. I call upon fire that brings the light and makes new life. I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.”

Light the third candle and say:

“This light is a boundary, between positive and negative. That which is outside, shall stay without. That which is inside, shall stay within.”

After lighting the fourth candle repeat the same as for the second candle:

“I call upon fire that melts the snow and warms the hearth. I call upon fire that brings the light and makes new life. I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.”

Light the fifth candle and say:

“Like fire, light and love will always grow. Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.”

After sixth candle you should repeat:

“I call upon fire that melts the snow and warms the hearth. I call upon fire that brings the light and makes new life. I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.”

And finally after lighting the last candle, imagine all the flames coming as one, a union, and say:

“Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun, cover me in your shining light. I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am made pure.”

     This ritual perfectly represents Imbolc, the time of healing and purification. It can help you deal with your problems in a healthy way and start fresh in the spring. That would be the whole point of Imbolc, throwing out the old and breathing in the new just like the snow melts allowing plants to bloom so shall you.
     If you are not really up to do the seven candles ritual, an easier way is to just light up all your house lights. That will symbolize the sun and fire of Imbolc.

 

Searching for Signs of Spring

      The first thing that comes to mind is the groundhog coming out of his cave to greet spring, but this can be a lot of things. You can go for a walk and find a flower that started to bloom or a leaf that started growing. Watch for the birds that started returning like little beacons of hope that spring is coming!