24 Days of Runic Affirmations: Day 8, Wunjo

Happiness and conclusion are strong themes today. Happiness/joy is the meaning of Wunjo, the source of today’s affirmation and the eighth and final rune in the first aett (or rune “family”) of the Elder Futhark. It’s also nearly a full moon, and I started this series just after the new moon. (It’s fascinating how present cycles are in our lives, and how it takes only a little silence and stillness to see them.)

The Anglo-Saxon rune poem, Verse VIII, as translated by B. Dickins in Runic and Heroic Poems of the Old Teutonic Peoples:

(bliss) he enjoys who knows not suffering, sorrow nor
anxiety, and has prosperity and happiness and a good
enough house.

The poem says bliss comes from “not knowing suffering, sorrow, or anxiety.” How is it possible to live daily life without experiencing these emotions? Maybe the answer isn’t avoiding these emotions or pretending they don’t exist, but rather choosing how you will allow them to affect you. Abraham Lincoln said it best: “People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

Does the “prosperity and happiness” in the second line come from material things and other people, or is it found within us? The answer is found in the wise words of another icon, the 14th Dalai Lama: “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”

Being happy isn’t about what or who you have in your life, it’s about deciding to have joy now, and settling for nothing less. Many of us spend immense time and energy chasing things and people we think will eventually make us happy, meanwhile robbing ourselves of joy in the present. The typical list titled, “what I need to be happy” is usually long: the “perfect” partner, family, career, house, car, and on and on. What’s even more unpleasant than the burden of these unrealistic expectations is the inevitable realization that, regardless of what we do or accumulate, perfection does not exist.

You know that feeling of satisfaction that comes from successfully completing a project you’ve invested a lot of time and energy in? And how that feeling is colored with joy when you stand back and look at what you’ve created? These feelings are the essence of Wunjo, and describe one road to honest and sustainable happiness – a road that begins inside you.

Wunjo affirmations:

I am living my higher purpose as I do what brings me joy.

I am joyful right now.

(Look for Day 9’s affirmation the first week of October.)

About these affirmations: if the words presented above don’t ring true for you, change them! The words don’t do the work on their own…it’s words + repetition + personal intent and emotional connection that make affirmations such powerful catalysts for positive change. Feel free to create ones that feel good and reflect who you are.

Click here to see other affirmations in this series.

Source material: Oswald the Runemaker and Living with Joy

Affirmations by Orin and Sanaya Roman

I’ve been a runology student for 20 years. See the About page or click here to learn more about my work with the runes.

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24 Days of Runic Affirmations: Day 7, Gebo

Freely you have received; freely give.

–Matthew 10:8

Today’s affirmation comes from the seventh rune of the Elder Futhark, Gebo. Its traditional meaning comes from the Rune Poems, the oldest of which translates as follows:

Generosity brings credit and honour,
Which support one’s dignity;
It furnishes help and subsistence to all broken men
Who are devoid of aught else.

–The Anglo-Saxon rune poem, Verse VII, as translated by B. Dickins in Runic and Heroic Poems of the Old Teutonic Peoples

The profound is often cloaked in simplicity, and so it is with one aspect of Gebo: spiritual generosity. Gebo’s poem calls us to share the gifts we’ve been given. The first step is recognizing and claiming our unique talents and abilities; the second is sharing them in ways that support everyone’s highest good (including our own).

While it’s true that everyone you meet may not want your gifts, a kind smile or a compassionate word, you are not responsible for anyone’s choices but your own. You have come here to contribute in a special way, and allowing anyone to dowse your light with negativity prevents you from experiencing the peace, joy, and freedom you deserve. Consider as well that it does not support your highest good to continually give to anyone who does not value your time and energy. Share your light because it feels good to do so, and learn to walk away from those who can’t or won’t see it.

By courageously using your uniqueness to make the world better, regardless of doubt or rejection, you help reassure others it’s alright to do the same.

Gebo affirmations:

For the highest good of all, I claim my uniqueness and share my gifts with everyone I meet.

Awareness of my higher purpose and the courage to act on it expands every day.

A quote that relates, from a wonderful man who let his light shine in the face of staunch opposition:

For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

–Nelson Mandela

About this affirmation: if the words presented above don’t ring true for you, change them! The words don’t do the work on their own…it’s words + repetition + personal intent and emotional connection that make affirmations such powerful catalysts for positive change. Feel free to create ones that feel good and reflect who you are.

Click here to see other affirmations in this series.

Additional rune source material: Oswald the Runemaker

Affirmations inspired by Orin and Sanaya Roman

I’ve been a runology student for 20 years. See the About page or click here to learn more about my work with the runes.

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24 Days of Runic Affirmations: Day 4, Ansuz

Just for now…stop, breathe, and listen.

Today’s affirmation comes from the fourth rune of the first aett (or “family”) of the Elder Futhark, Ansuz. Its traditional meaning comes from the Rune Poems, the oldest of which translates as follows:

The Mouth is the source of every speech,
The mainstay of wisdom,
And solace of sages,
And the happiness and hope of every eorl.

–The Anglo-Saxon rune poem, Verse IV

“The Mouth” in the first stanza as often interpreted as the Divine. In the Northern Tradition this is either the god Odin or Loki, depending on how the rune falls (upright or reversed, respectively). However the Divine has many faces and names, and means different things to different people. For example I see “The Mouth” as my own inner knowing – that part in each of us that answers with a soft but clear whisper when asked, “What now?”

Think for a moment about how much of your day you spend in constant motion, chasing tasks and giving your valuable time to anyone who asks for it. “Most of the day” is probably your answer, and almost everyone else would say the same. Now honestly consider how many of these tasks and meetings leave you with a greater feeling of peace, freedom, and joy once completed. “Not many” is probably your answer, and again many would echo this.

What if, even once today, you stopped what you were doing and asked yourself, “Does what I’m doing now contribute to my highest good?” Then take a deep breath, go within, and listen for the answer. If you don’t receive the answer right away, don’t worry…just keep pausing, breathing, asking, and listening. With practice you will receive the guidance you need.

Ansuz affirmation:

I am aware of my innermost self. It guides and directs me.

A note about this affirmation: if the words presented don’t ring true for you, change them! Make it something that feels good and reflects who you are. For example, some may want to replace “innermost self” above with the name by which they address their Higher Power (God, Goddess, Buddha, etc.). The words don’t do the work on their own…it’s words + repetition + personal intent and emotional connection that make affirmations such powerful catalysts for positive growth.

Click here to see other affirmations in this series.

Rune source material: Oswald the Runemaker

Affirmation by Orin and Sanaya Roman

I’ve been a runology student for 20 years. See the About page or click here to learn more about my work with the runes.

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24 Days of Runic Affirmations: Day 3, Thurisaz

Today’s affirmation comes from the third rune of the first aett (or “family”) in the Elder Futhark, Thurisaz. Its traditional meaning comes from the Rune Poems, the oldest of which translates as follows:

The Thorn is sorely sharp for any thane
Hurtful to hold
Uncommonly severe
To every man who lies among them.

–The Anglo-Saxon rune poem, Verse III

In the mid-70’s author Michael Crichton wrote a book called The Eaters of the Dead based on the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf. In 1999 it was made into a movie starring Antonio Banderas and Omar Sharif. Though an abysmal failure at the box office, the movie remains one of my favorites. A line from the film stuck with me, one I feel succinctly conveys the meaning of Thurisaz: “Fear profits a man nothing.”

At a deeper level, this rune speaks to the power of anger as a catalyst for positive change…a “thorn” we can use to cut ourselves free from relationships and circumstances that don’t empower us. However it also speaks to the danger in holding on to anger after it has served its purpose. I think it’s safe to say we’ve all personally experienced (and observed in others) the damaging effects of anger that stays around longer than it should.

Yet another facet of Thurisaz is a warning to be cautious of temptation. To put it another way, be cautious of thorns when you reach out to pluck that ripe, sweet berry from the vine.

And so the affirmation for Thurisaz is,

Today I choose peace, and release fear. I trust in my innermost self to give all the guidance and strength I need.

A note about this affirmation (and any written by someone other than yourself): if the words presented don’t ring true for you, feel free to change them. Make the affirmation something that feels good to you. For example, some may want to replace “innermost self” above with the name by which they address their Higher Power (God, Goddess, Buddha, etc.). The words don’t do the work on their own…it’s words + repetition + personal intent and emotional connection that make affirmations such powerful catalysts for positive growth. Make the affirmation your own!

Click here to see other affirmations in this series.

Affirmations inspired by Orin and Sanaya Roman

Source material: Oswald the Runemaker

I’ve been a runology student for 20 years. See the About page or click here to learn more about my work with the runes.

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Quote of Note: Thich Nhat Hanh

People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child — our own two eyes. All is a miracle.

—Thich Nhat Hanh

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Pagan prayers for the deceased

Today I learned that an acquaintance of several years recently took her own life. Intuitively I always knew she wasn’t happy, and watched as she looked externally and unsuccessfully for fulfillment and purpose. My heart aches for both the sadness that led to her choice as well as for the grieving family she leaves behind. Sensing that she has not yet moved beyond the veil, I lit a candle and placed it in the window when I got home this evening.

Dear sister,

May the eternal and unwavering light of your soul ascend to the highest levels of peace and love.

Go now, and leave this sadness and turmoil behind. You are free.

In accordance with your free will, So Mote It Be.

–From my Book of Shadows

Beloved one, you are dead, but you are not alone.

We are here with you, the beloved dead await you.

You go from love into love. Carry with you only love.

May our love carry you and open the way.

–From Ulla Mentzel

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Which Heaven Is For Real?

This morning The New York Times reported that Heaven Is For Real, a book based on the near-death experience of a 4 year-old boy in which he met various biblical figures including Jesus, has become a “publishing phenomenon, dominating best-seller lists and selling hundreds of thousands of copies.”

Reading the article left me feeling conflicted. On one hand, it’s clear by its sales that this book has brought hope and inspiration to many. With these in such short supply, I’m truly happy for anything that adds more of both to the collective conscious.

On the other hand, it was the boy’s father who decided to flesh out the story and publish the 163-page book. As I thought more about this I began to feel a little insulted…though that’s really too strong a word. Perhaps “excluded” is a better fit.

The book’s title feels like yet another declaration that the Christian path is the only path. It’s distressing that the book may serve as proof to some that what lies beyond the veil is indeed the Christian heaven, and only the Christian heaven. The renewed fervor it may lend to those who’ve memorized and constantly regurgitate the tired and worn “Jesus is the only way” argument also concerns me.

To be clear I actually admire Jesus immensely, and am open to different ideas about where our souls go when we leave the physical world. (I have my ideas, and so do you. Without verifiable facts, who’s to say which is right or wrong?) What I don’t like is the monopoly on tickets to the afterlife and “salvation” Christianity claims to have, which I’ve always viewed as an instrument of control more than anything.

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Good morning, gratitude

Thank you for abundant truth

Thank you for everlasting love

Thank you for radiant, vibrant health

Thank you for freedom from fear

Thank you for abundant earthly resources

Thank you for physical and spiritual endurance

Thank you for allowing me to see the future through the newness of each day

Thank you for joyous, compassionate unity with all the creatures of our Earth Mother

Thank you for the abundant life that is mine

Oh Great Mystery, maker of all things, thank you for aligning me with you

Adapted from the prayer of gratitude by Grams Twylah Nitsch in the book Prophetic Voices of the Sisters of Honua by Maria Yraceburu

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Candle Ritual Redux

The Wise have long known the power of words to shape reality. In late summer 2009, I posted a simple candle ritual which I’ve recently revised and started using again. Both are simple, beautiful, and (for me) evoke strong emotion – I just felt the words could be shifted to enhance the affirmation’s power.

What it was:

May I be like this candle – a gentle and unwavering light in the world, radiating warmth and illuminating truth.

What it has become:

Like the flame upon this candle, may the unwavering light of my soul radiate warmth, illuminate truth, and shine through all levels of my being.

And so it is.

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The Theology of Service – an Interfaith Perspective

After high school and before college, I volunteered for an organization called Community Service Volunteers in London, England. For six months I lived with four developmentally delayed young men and assisted them with things like grocery shopping and preparing meals, and accompanied them on social outings. It was a period of immense personal growth on many fronts, and I will always remember those men and my time in England fondly. Years later, immersed in the busyness of everyday life, I had forgotten how important and empowering it is to serve others. This concept was recently brought back to the forefront by someone I wouldn’t normally cross paths with – a Roman Catholic nun.

Last week I volunteered at Sojourner Place in Seattle, a transitional home for women who’ve left bad situations and are beginning to rebuild their lives. It was a humbling experience assisting other volunteers with the prep, serving, and clean up of a meal for the eleven women that live there. Even more cause for personal reflection was the conversation we had with the house leader, a nun by the name of K.C. Young.

K.C. didn’t look like I expected her to – no habit, no rosary. If you met her on the street or at a social gathering, you’d encounter a nicely dressed, well-spoken woman who emanates personal strength and quiet calm. K.C. has been a nun since early adulthood and has spent the last 45 years serving those less fortunate in every corner of the world.

When we arrived she gave us a tour before inviting questions about herself and/or Sojourner Place. When asked how the Roman Catholic Church views service, she replied by explaining the Church’s “theology of service.” She said that God favors the poor and destitute, and that the more fortunate among us are obligated to care for those who have trouble caring for themselves. She went on to say that this philosophy extends beyond people to include the care and preservation of all Creation. Seeing this woman’s strength, compassion and dedication, in addition to the similarities between the “theology of service” she described and the Wiccan Rede, inspired deep respect and admiration.

As many who’ll read this already know, those who walk the Overgrown Path strive to live by the Wiccan Rede, which invites us to do as we choose provided none are harmed by our choices (including ourselves). In Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, Scott Cunningham explains that “This is more than survival. It also ensures that you’ll be in good condition to take on the tasks of preserving and bettering our world.”

I’m grateful for the reminder that the “tasks of preserving and bettering our world” are shared among many who walk various religious and spiritual paths. This has given me both a new perspective on people like K.C. and her religion, as well as a lot of hope for the future.

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