Tales from the Ironwood

Last night I turned my attention to the Rune KA in advance of a class I was to conduct. In a wave of understanding I came to appreciate that beyond the physical or even the intellectual, that KA symbolizes the divine spirit within - bestowed by the Gods themselves-- a concept that crosses cultures, religions, and time itself. "Torch is known to each living being by fire." (OERP) Written on 21 and 22 July 2026. ********* The KA Rune represents capability—the innate power to think, create, and become. It signifies not only intellectual capacity but also the living spirit that animates the human being. Like a torch, KA symbolizes the flame within: the light of consciousness, wisdom, inspiration, and life itself. In the Norse creation myth, Odin and his brothers find Askr and Embla as lifeless pieces of driftwood upon the shore. Though they possess form, they lack the animating principle of life. Snorri writes in Gylfaginning ,  “As Bor’s sons walked along the sea shore, they cam...

The subject contained herein has taken on a new and significant meaning for me. In fact, several subjects at one time quite marginal have now taken center stage. Written from 8 - 15 May 2026 ********* In considering the practice of the Runes—particularly as a path toward true Rune Mastery—one encounters a subject too often misunderstood or insufficiently emphasized: the necessity of personal discipline within one’s way of life. Discussions on the matter frequently avoid speaking directly and affirmatively about moderation, preferring instead merely to reject the extremes of asceticism. This raises an important question: does Rune Mastery demand ascetic discipline, or may such concerns be set aside altogether? Before proceeding, it is necessary to define our terms. By Rune Mastery , I do not mean a purely academic understanding of the Runes—their history, symbolism, or linguistic significance—but rather mastery of the practical and esoteric art of Rune-work as taught by Rune magicians ...

Intended as another installment of my Portrait series for inclusion in the journal FUTHORKH , the research for this article rekindled my interest and deepened my appreciation for the work of Karl Spiesberger. While his two Rune books have long been among my favorites, I came to better understand the title of the latter of these volumes,  Runenexerzitien für Jedermann . In 1958 it was critically important to indicate that Rune Exercises were indeed for "Everyman" and not only for the few. With this bold title, Spiesberger ensured the future for Rune Magick and its part in spiritual rebirth of its initiates.  Written on 18 and 19 April 2026. ********* On October 29, 1904, there entered the world a figure who would later stand at the crossroads of ruin and renewal: Karl Spiesberger—Austrian mystic, magician, and architect of a postwar esoteric renaissance.[1] In the long shadow cast by the collapse of the Third Reich, when ancient symbols lay buried beneath distortion and suspic...

For magicians there can be little doubt that the quip from legendary Clash frontman Joe Strummer, "The future is unwritten" is a fundamental truth. Magick suggests that while events may typically occur in some divined fashion, that the Magician has the ability to alter such outcomes. While there undoubtedly are methods other than magick that may shift the events that are to come, the techniques offered by Magick are a sure fire path to  make otherwise unexpected change in the universe. Written from 5 December 2025 through 26 January 2026. ********* Among Heathens and Ásatrúars a popular concept that is frequently referred to and, at times, hotly debated is that of “wyrd.” Wyrd is an Old English concept that is often defined as fate or destiny. The concept of wyrd is related to the German verb werden —to become. Wyrd is the process by which past actions shape our present and present actions may shape our future. Therefore each of our actions have consequences. Wyrd is unfo...

This essay was originally written on 10 August 2024. Shortly thereafter I gave in to the impulse to self-censor. This decision was grounded in the fear of the opinions of others. A more recent talk with an old friend impressed upon me the importance of such ideas. Indeed, if I am not to share this vision, then who shall? Revised during the contemplative morning of 27 December 2025. Revised 31 January 2025. ********* About ten years ago, I embarked on a search for an answer to the age-old question: Who am I? At the time, I convinced myself that a deeper understanding of my ancestors would reveal that answer. In the course of that search, I discovered Ásatrú—the modern revival of the old Northern gods, intertwined with a strong emphasis on ancestor veneration. I believed I had finally cast off the imposed teachings of Christianity and uncovered my true self in the lives and spirits of my long-dead forebears. Yet today, what once seemed so certain now appears clouded by self-decepti...

Joseph Campbell succinctly explained,“Mythology is not a lie, mythology is poetry, it is metaphorical. It has been well said that mythology is the penultimate truth--penultimate because the ultimate cannot be put into words." Written from 26 May through 29 June 2025.  ********* While most modern readers of the Eddas view the tales as mythology or even fantasy, many adherents of present-day Heathenry adopt a literal interpretation of the events and characters. In both cases, the esoteric value of the stories are often lost with little more than an exoteric understanding gained. From the latter perspective, the stories make little sense and their application to one’s life is quite limited. For those who read the stories as pure fantasy, the tales excite the senses, but not in a more significant way than other heroic fiction might. For the literalists, and especially those who cling to some type of Heathen orthodoxy, the gods and giants are awesome figures to be feared or worship...