As the path of Odin, Shiva, Socrates, Lucifer, Buddha, and many others will reveal: authority, truth, and wisdom reside in our core, lying within us. Through the emulation and understanding of these most invulnerable and permanent forms, the essence of the Self stirring within every human incarnation, we get a glimpse into a higher, more focused, refined and crystalline sense of reason and awareness. Here is where all answers await, and where all questions of importance in time must be directed, as this is the only conveyer of truth, the eternal Self within all. This is the voice which calls the true seeker; drawing ever closer to its origin; striving to balance the earth and sky.
Mans higher purpose is to become a master of something… a professional at X, a genius on Y, an authority on Z.
When it comes down to it, men want nothing more than to become irreplaceable. They want to know that no one can fill their shoes; that their existence has a meaning tied to their form. They want to know within that they have made a contribution and that their memory/legend will live on beyond the grave; whether or not one has heirs.
Man wants to conquer great obstacles, ascend the highest peaks, and soar into the blackness of space; each one wants his unique piece of the glory.
At a certain point, we must ask ourselves if this is really a bad or negative trait to possess. In reality, yes and no cannot answer this sufficiently, as it seems to be “natural” instinct for driven humans to behave like this.
Do we call the hunting aspects of a mountain lion negative or evil, even when they sometimes kill humans? No, it is natural for them to hunt any prey that is liable and in their territory.
The humans’ need to conquer seems to be akin to this type of instinctual, non conscious behavior; transcending a human “right” or “wrong” duality. Repressing this can be detrimental to one’s own life and the lives of those around him. But, through wisdom, it can be mastered and maneuvered with divine accuracy.
This view ties one in with the physical and metaphysical simultaneously, as one must achieve earthy victories in order to attain the metaphysical “legacy” one wants to build or acquire. In many ways, although this doesn’t seem to offer any sort of climax or end, it reinforces man’s role as the being “in the middle.” We exist within that context, as a wheel in between tracks, moving onward into eternity.
We emerge and dissolve into many forms, although, the deeper parts of our spirit continue to rise ever higher.
“The Rune Poems: A Reawakened Tradition” By P.D Brown and Michael Moynihan.
For those looking for a new rune book, I found this to be a great addition to the shelf. It’s refreshing to see this type of collaborative effort at preserving the art of runes and poetry. Many great and diverse angles are given on each rune and futhark, delving deep into the well within each.
I think my favorite of the modern rune poems were “A Tally of Staves” by Eirik Westcoat and “Rune Poem” by David Jones. I was previously unaware of both of these people, so it was nice to hear some new perspective on the runes and their functions.
Eirik’s Raido poem stuck to me, as it describes the long road one embarks on towards finding their Self. “Ever spiraling” as he says…
“Raido is wagon, and riding as well,
on the lengthy road that leads to Self,
ever spiraling in endless cycles.
By holding to right, a healthy order
is built through turnings of bright and dark.
When wheels and axles are well aligned,
rede for the road is readily heard.
This craft of construction, careful synthesis,
manifests ice in its myriad forms.”
The poem describes how one must endure certain journeys to discover and form the Self. Through an “ordered” and controlled lifestyle, one can survive any bouts with light or dark instances of life. When we are carefully controlled and mastered, like the chariot, we will stride straight and true toward our goals. The end of the poem, in my opinion, refers to a solidifying of positive momentum or rhythm. This momentum, like ice, shows itself in many forms and shapes.
“Rune Poem” by David Jones was as satisfying as a bright beer, good smoke, or golden sunset. Absolutely amazing work and reeking with wisdom.
The Sowilo poem stood out to me, as it is an essential turning point in the journey of the poem. One completes this phase of life and moves into the next…
“Onward and upward toward the glow,
Holy light strikes the crystal of will,
This the rainbow bridge is cast for use.
Stepped out of the cycles of rebirth,
The bold of all ages now benchmates,
No longer as piece but now as player,
He stands shoulder to shoulder with gods
In the right at the grand end of time,
Where all is renewed in destruction.”
This poem shows a deep belief in reincarnation. However, it also shows the belief that one can break the cycle by reaching “Othala,” which is the Germanic version of Samsara. This implies, that through Sowilo, one now steps out of rebirth and into a new, celestial, godlike phase. Beginning with the rune Tiwaz.
If you’re on the fence because of the price, I get it. Nevertheless, you likely won’t need another rune poem book, as this covers most, if not all of what is available to us from antiquity.
Sun Archer : The Pursuit of the Ancient Truth. 