I remember that day vividly because I was feeling down in the dumps for reasons that don't matter any more but at the time, they were choking me out of my every breath.
So though Michael's life was being eaten away by lymph node cancer, he was the one to lift my spirit on that cold and gloomy afternoon. That's when he gave me the gift of ancient wisdom...
Out from under the sheets, he pulled a small, worn-out, burgundy satin pouch and a frayed little blue book. He handed me the pouch and told me to reach inside and play around with the 25 flat stones till one of them felt good in my hand, till I knew this was the one I was drawn to. When I became ready to pick one, I took it out and noticed the sign, carved into the stone and painted a rich, dark brown.
Upon seeing the sign I had chosen, Michael thumbed through his book, stopped at the corresponding page, and gave it to me to read. I was amazed at how appropriate the message was for what I was living at the moment. The words were soothing, encouraging, reassuring.
The next day, I purchased The Book Of Runes, by Ralph Blum, and still treasure it along with the stones -- mine rest in a dark blue velvet pouch. For years, they have given me guidance and have filled my soul with wisdom, love, and light.
In the preface to the book, Dr. Martin D. Rayner, Professor of Physiology at the University of Hawaii School of Medicine, points out how the Runes are healing and merciful. He encourages us to play with the possibility that they can provide "a mirror for the magic of our Knowing Selves," a means of communication with the knowledge of our subconscious minds. He asks you to remember that you are consulting an Oracle rather than having your fortune told. An Oracle does not give you instruction as to what to do next, nor does it predict future events. An Oracle points your attention towards those hidden fears and motivations that will shape your future by their unfelt presence within each present moment. Once seen and recognized, these elements become absorbed into the realm of choice. Oracles do not absolve you of the responsibility for selecting your future, but rather direct your attention towards those inner choices that may be the most important elements in determining that future.
So now, after lighting a candle and a stick of amber-sandal incense, not knowing who you are or what you're going through at the moment, I picked a Rune for you. Here is the message it carries:
Algiz
Protection
Sedge or Rushes
An Elk
Control of the emotions is at issue here. During times of transition, shifts in life course and accelerated self-change, it is important not to collapse yourself into your emotions -- the highs as well as the lows. New opportunities and challenges are typical of this Rune. And with them will come trespasses and unwanted influences.
Algiz serves as a mirror for the Spiritual Warrior, the one whose battle is always with the self. The protection of the Warrior is like the warning rustle of the sedge grass or like the curved horns of the elk, for both serve to keep open space around you. Remain mindful that timely action and correct conduct are the only true protection. If you find yourself feeling pain, observe the pain, stay with it. Don't try to pull down the veil and escape from life by denying what is happening. You will progress; knowing that is your protection.
All my love,
Mudd
P.S.: Questions or not, I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at
anxietybuster@gmail.com or simply click the link on the sidebar.
To purchase The Book Of Runes, go to Amazon.com by clicking here.
