Welcome on our old page we had a rune study of the Elder and younger Futhark, the only recorded written language of our forbearers. This also extends to the Saxons as well with the English futhark which I am hoping we get into at a later date. We will be doing a Sedian Rune study of the Elder Futhark which is Pre-Viking age runic. I personally believe these may stretch back to the neolithic and were in a different format at the time.
They are often found on charms and other objects and typically carry the weight of meaning. There are some historical examples of graffiti and slander towards the Viking age as well. So, they have been used as written language to an extent primarily in carvings of stone and wood.
Firstly, we will look at the Æfinrúnar and the Aldrrúnar, I will not give the exact definition in the books for Sedian practice. I will, however, re-word it on my own so I can try and keep this work within the realm of originality.
Æfinrúnar: The rune or earthly life given by Heimdall, this is the guide basically how to practice, perform rites, and follow the laws of our society.
Aldrrúnar: This would pertain to our lore also given to us by Heimdall the ability to keep an oral tradition. This differs from today with our written text and it is necessary to keep an orthopraxy and orthadox practice.
Rúnar: A group of sacred symbols used as langue, esoteric means and symbolism.
Henry Adams Bellows’ 1936 version. Bellows' translation
Let us take a look at 138. I ween that I hung | on the windy tree,
Hung there for nights full nine; With the spear I was wounded, | and offered I was
To Othin, myself to myself, On the tree that none | may ever know
What root beneath it runs. As many become introduced to heathenry this is typically the most memorable poem; many beginners decide to tack runes from here. This is ok but often information can run in a hundred different directions. Many also seek means to accomplish what Odin did whether it’s fasting, meditation, or extensive stays in wilderness, but in some cases extreme acts.
Unfortunately, sometimes this led to degeneracy and loss of values and goals the goal here is to learn. In my time I have seen what people will do so they think they can achieve this state of “enlightenment”. When in fact it’s hard work and dedication that wins out in the end, this prevents such extreme measures. As we will discuss soon and below with our next poem.
Let us go further 139. None made me happy | with loaf or horn, And there below I looked; I took up the runes, | shrieking I took them, And forthwith back I fell. This verse is more on the lines of do or die, it represents the risk taken in the pursuit of wisdom. What was someone willing to sacrifice and what was the outcome of it.
140. Nine mighty songs | I got from the son Of Bolthorn, Bestla's father; And a drink I got | of the goodly mead Poured out from Othrörir. Here we see the reward the ability to Galdr and sing in verse, known as Galdralag. Charms and mighty spells that are seen in our lore. The ability to perform feats devine in origin, a way of divination and prophecy. We recommend you read your edda and then the Asatru edda you can find a review on our Substack.
We also have a video of the review here
With this being said let us move onto our first rune these may come monthly.
We Shall start with Fehu a rune meaning cattle and wealth, or multiple kinds of wealth. In ancient times the Pastoralist wealth would have been the herd of cattle and how many heads did they own. The hunter-gather it may have been arrow in the quiver or how successful were they well hunting/foraging. The agricultural society was land and who much.
In our modern time many see wealth in many different forms, most people today believe a flashy fast care and a large home is wealthy. They often scoff at a small home even though the land mass may be great. This is a prime example of priority shifts and possible uneducated mass. Most believe they are wealthy because they can sit at home and turn on their television.
But true wealth comes from home life and the ability to provide for one’s growing family. Even a paycheck is seen as an abundance of wealth even if it’s gone by the next day, when in fact is the ability to cultivate. Instead, the materialistic view is often advertised and put into action in our society. One color goes out the new one comes in, the same could be said about our currency. People in today’s age will always put a price on something it seems even if it’s a smooth stone. I feel you may get the picture of here, true wealth the necessities that care for our own household in today’s age. Wealth is our kinsmen that show up to a Vizsla and partake in our holy festivals.
Knowledge and knowing how a form of wealth one can often use in skill trades a profession and tools. These will pay for themselves in many different ways whether you recognize it or not. Wealth is practical approach and trust me its hard work to have a good year.