Tales from the Ironwood

This essay finally took form in the closing days of 2021, being completed on December 30. I see that I began recording my thoughts on IS some two and a half years ago. Certainly my ideas have evolved over that time. While many Runemasters begin their exercises with IS, and with it falling ninth in Futhorkh order, it is revealing to me that it is the sixteenth of my written rune meditations. It appears that I could not have written it any sooner than I have. ********* I begin my meditations on the ninth rune, IS by considering Hávamál verse 154. Here Odin reveals how he uses this rune to calm raging seas. “A ninth one is mine: If danger is out in the sea To protect my good ship I conjure the wind on the billowing floods And I sing into slumber the sea.” [1] The exoteric meaning of the ninth rune is ice. Upon reading this verse, it immediately comes to mind that through the process of freezing, waves and running water become still. Guido Von List had this same thought, “Through the

This essay was a long time in coming. Parts of it were written over a year ago. It was finally completed on the Winter Solstice of 2021. NOD is very personal to me. In fact, it is one of the two runes that I consider my personal runes. It is the rune that I call on in times of need. It may be said to have shaped my destiny and resulted in this essay as well each step of this journey that I tread.  ********* I begin my meditations on the eighth rune, NOD by considering Hávamál verse 153. Here Odin reveals how he uses this rune to settle all strife. "An eighth one is mine, quite useful to hear For all the people in danger and need. Where hate should arise from man against man This I settle fast!” [1] Many translations use the word “needful” where Welz has utilized the word, “useful.” For the eighth rune, the term “needful” may indeed be a more appropriate choice. The very name of this rune means, “need.” Guido von List provides an important clarification of the meaning of the