Algiz - Elk Rune

DNR 2 – Northern Mysteries and Magic – What’s in this episode?

• Rune standards and the Rune Police
• Runes a Human Journey iPhone app – what’s on it
• The sound of the rune
• Rune Draw Algiz
• Using Algiz to align and become willing rather than willful. Giving and receiving and balance.
• Listening and Deep Listening
• What’s a Seidman – Myspace page for “the guest of the woods”
• widugastir
• Odin and the Runes – the World Tree is what holds all the runes.
• Finding runes all around in nature.

24 December 2011, at 12:06 PM Central Daylight Time

Use the steady strength of Capricorn to turn towards the concept of freedom within a stable framework.

This is not to say that there won’t be obstacles, or that the way is easy or direct.  Just look at the Capricorn glyph.  It falls, it dips, it goes over and around obstacles, but it does keep going.  This is about climbing mountains, step-by-step, over rocky and sometimes uncertain terrain.

Start with realistic expectations, so when roadblocks come, you can adapt.

Responsibility

This is where we  find an important and much needed Capricorn trait: responsibility. You may think, well, I’m a Gemini or Scorpio.  But each and every one of us has a Saturn in our  charts, we all have Capricorn as well – those two ask us for one thing: to be responsible for our actions, for our speech, and even our thoughts as well.

With the New Moon in Capricorn, we can draw on those steadying aspects. Think of the positive traits of the sign of Capricorn, the Goat: disciplined, wise, ambitious, prudent, constant, tenacious and resourceful.

Prepare for the future with what you have at hand. Don’t wait for someone else to make things  better or easier or give you a break. In this new moon do yourself a favor, don’t wait for anyone else to lead you, take responsibility over your own life.

Ask Yourself These Four Things

What no longer serves me? Release it, let it go.

What have I been avoiding? Face it, take at least one action step.

What really matters most?  Make the time for it.

Image source: Library of Congress

What would Grandma or Grandpa do in my situation? Okay, maybe your Grandma was a Burlesque star in the 1920′s, and Grandad ran a Speakeasy, but I bet they learned a thing or two along the way about stick-to-itiveness.  Perhaps it’s just me, but I feel like earlier generations didn’t just wait for someone else to give them a sign or a leg up or anything.

They had a dream, made a plan,  and went at it.

They learned from the school of hard knocks.

They walked 3 miles to school through snow drifts.

Uphill.

Both ways!

How Capricorn is that?

Or pick another role model of mature experience to guide you. Just pick someone you can readily identify with rather than Mother Teresa or the Dalai Lama.

What would they do in your situation?  How would they rework their life?

Focus on practical and attainable long-term goals, work on developing maturity and common sense, prepare for the future, make commitments and recognize responsibilities, and nurture your dreams in a realistic manner.

If he can do it... why can't we?

These qualities are often cast as boring, but the best mountaineers sweat the details, the mundane. Climbers do all they can to ensure their survival, they start small and learn the right  techniques, but they don’t stop with learning or practice. They climb, each step taking them closer to their goal.

Burlesque stars do the same thing.

Or fine jewelry makers, or great bosses, or brilliant students, yoga teachers, parents, friends or lovers.

Now is the Time

The Capricorn New Moon is aspected by Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto emphasizing our readiness for taking a giant step forward on our path. Setting goals for ourselves allows us to focus on what really matters. With this potent Capricorn energy, we have the chance to make important, and lasting, changes in our lives.

Pluto is conjunct the Capricorn New Moon. He will draw things up to the surface from the bottom of your subconscious. Whether it’s an issue you need to deal with, or some dream you had forgotten, make sure you take the time to listen to what your True Will tells you and take responsibility.

Suggestions For Your Altar

Candles

Click on image to view Success Affirmation

• Success Blessed Herbal Affirmation Candle
  Use for success and victory through self-mastery. Determination, courage, wisdom, vitality and a little luck combine to clear the way towards Victory.Triumph over what is blocking you – external conflicts, inner struggles, bad habits or financial/personal success.
• Success Blessed Herbal Votive Kit
  A Triad of Emotional Balance, Vision Quest and Stability. Success is measured with the level of happiness experienced while creating and living your dreams. Let this triad of candles help you identify, love and manifest your dreams and goals.
• Healing Moon Candle for Wholeness, Mastery and Recovery.  Master your well-being by tuning into your personal needs and fulfilling them. So light the Healing Moon Candle at any time of the lunar cycle or wheel of the year when you seek mental, spiritual or physical renewal; tap into centuries of wisdom for recovery; and fill your life with the Magic and Mysticism of Mother Moon.

Incense

Both of these exquisite Japanese Incense blends by Shoyeido include Benzoin as one of the ingredients. Benzoin is known for its ability to “melt away” blockages. Used in ancient times to drive away evil spirits.

Sapphire Devotion Incense

• Sapphire – Devotion: Clove, Benzoin, Vetiver and other spices add to this rare gem’s value.
• Kyo-zakura – Kyoto Cherry Blossoms: Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Benzoin, Clove and Spices

Stones

• Citrine is a gemstone famous for its positive energy, promoting success in business and relationships.
• Yellow Jasper
• Sunstone

Ritual tips for the New Moon:

This is the time for starting plans, projects or relationships. With new moon in Capricorn, it is especially helpful for long-term planning, think practical, taking responsibility, stepping up and dealing with authority or business.

Don’t try to do everything on the day of the New Moon.  That’s when you work on your plan – From new to first trine-about 2 1/2 days after first quarter is best for planning. Then, do ritual.  Two and a-half to three days after New moon is one of thee most powerful times to work ritual or otherwise work energetically on a new goal or venture.

Links:
KariTauring.com
Runes a Human Journey iPhone/iPad app
http://nordicrootsdance.org

Rune Drawing:  Our first of 24 rune drawings reveals Raidho – Riding, the letter “R”

Kari discusses it’s meaning in depth.

Opening music: “Vandresang (Live)” by Kari Tauring
Closing music: Vandresand and “Oi dai (Live)” by Kari Tauring

This is our first episode … please comment!

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Cold Moon; Long Nights Moon; Moon before Yule

It’s December, the month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest, and days are the shortest. Midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun, with the longest night of the year on the 21st, as this moon wanes.

These long nights and this full moon in the shadow of an eclipse provides a perfect time to work on awareness and inner-knowing rather than outer-showing. Lunar eclipses can be times when your paradigm shifts and you come to life-changing realizations, and with Uranus going direct, we thought we’d provide a timeline of what’s going to happen in those we hours of the Friday Night leading up to Full Moon.

Uranus Image (NASA) with Symbols overlay

Uranus Direct 1:05 AM Dec 10th

Uranus, which went retrograde on July 9th, turns direct late Friday night/ Saturday morning. So, on Saturday leading up to Full Moon, the energy from Uranus opens us up to sudden change and freedom, and this just hours before the intensity of a total lunar eclipse.

Uranus is the rebel planet of shocks, surprises, and revolutions.  While in it was in retrograde it inhibited our urges to express dramatic thoughts and ideas. Now this period of relative quiet is coming to an end, right during mercury retrograde, full moon and lunar eclipse, and anything that was welling under the surface may want to erupt. Not all transformation is slow, and it can be a bit shocking.

If you begin anything new on a day when Uranus turns direct, whatever you start will have a Uranian quality to it–change, technology, sudden happenings, etc. Transformations will come. It’s best to be grounded, centered, balanced and prepared.

Miami FL 12-21-10 Lunar Eclipse wikipedia article

Lunar Eclipse begins 5:30 AM Dec 10th

Moon set is 07:11 CST, so look toward the horizon. Unfortunately for us, it sets as it undergoes a total lunar eclipse. The Twin Cities will scarcely notice the faint shading of the Earth’s outer shadow (the penumbra) on the setting moon, but in general, points farther west and north will see a later stage of the eclipse at moonset.

This lunar eclipse is an excellent time to meditate on the shape of your life and envision how that might be able to change. You might want to do some meditation for inner guidance, book some time with one of our readers, or both. To get into an intuitive state of mind, we recommend spending some time in meditation at your altar. We have suggestions below.

Full Moon in Gemini

Full Moon in Gemini 8:36 AM Dec 10th

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, short trips.

With the full moon in Gemini, you may think this is the perfect time to state your case. Your intuition and subconscious are in high gear. But be careful, with the lunar eclipse, what comes out your mouth may come more from your subconscious or shadow self. Now is the time when the energy of the cosmos does more than nudge, it demands expression.

Remember, Mercury is still Retrograde during this ‘must tell all’ explosively energy time and will be until December 13, 2011. So be warned! Hold off on communications and focus on the shape of things to come. Can you say Freudian slip? So before you say what you ‘know’ is the whole truth and nothing but, take a deep breath and question whether you really want to use your outside voice. Maybe it’s better just to smile knowingly.

Suggestions For your Altar:

Any of these might help with Uranus going Direct:

• Snowflake Obsidian Tumbled Stone – A form of volcanic glass used to show us patterns in our behavior and emotions. It helps be more aware of our surroundings and observant of changes. Snowflake Obsidian aids in perception of patterns and the flow of the cosmos.
• Lavender Herb or Lavender True Essential Oil - Lavender is primarily a superb balancing herb, which accounts for its vast and occasionally contradictory array of magickal uses: Both fertility and chastity, both calm and power. Lavender often used for cleansing and sanctification.
• Inner Balance Blessed Herbal Candle – When your unconscious wants to overflow, this will bring the conscious mind out to create a new unity and clarity. Great for planning your next steps in full awareness
  or Water/Emotional Balance Blessed Herbal Candle – Awakening, inner vision, getting with the flow and letting any negativity flow out so goodness can flow in.
• Eye of Newt Candle or Eye of Newt Oil – If you need to break a bond or negative pattern, clear your space or item of residual negativity and raise vibrations to break negative spells.

Any of these might help with any Mercury Retrograde or Lunar Eclipse challenges, and turning inward for wisdom:

• Angelite tumbled stone – Angelite aids expression and communication in group settings, relationships, & with spirit guides & angels.
• Sandalwood Incense – Sandalwood is incredibly useful, so it’s always useful to have on hand.  We have sandalwood cones, Morningstar Sandalwood, Satya Super Sandalwood, and many more varieties and blends which include sandalwood.
• Amethyst Balance Incense – Use any time and benefit from the balancing effect of the combined essences of sandalwood, cinnamon, saussurea and other spices. This would be useful for balancing Uranus direct, as well.

Dec 13th: Mercury Direct 7:43 PM (Yay!)

Some of what you intuit may be unclear to your conscious mind with so much energy going into the unconscious. Pay attention over the next two weeks following the full moon, and you will understand what it means.

When Mercury becomes direct after December 14th you can begin to test these new ideas and get ready to put the good ones into action when the time is right. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them … carefully. It may just be best to wait an listen and give others a little extra leeway and forgiveness, especially at this time of year.

Please comment and let us know what you think!

App Screenshot 1

Customers who purchase e-books through EyeofHorusbooks.com now have a mobile browse, buy & read option with the launch of the free IndieBound Reader for Android, which was developed by Bluefire Productions. The app, currently offered for devices using the Android operating system, will soon be available for Apple iOS devices as well. It can be downloaded from the Android Market or IndieBound.org.  Of course, we’ll let you know as soon as it is available for the Apple iOS, as well.

“With the release of IndieBound Reader, independent bookstores are taking another major step forward as players on the digital stage,” said Matt Supko, technology director for the American Booksellers Association. “A year after the launch of Google eBooks, indies have become a vital and fast-growing part of the e-book market, thanks to their creativity, marketing savvy, and knack for matching the customer with the best book for them-print or digital. The IndieBound Reader app gives independent bookstores a home on the most popular mobile devices, making it easier than ever for customers to shop local when they shop digital.”

App Schreenshot 2

You can buy on your Android phone and read on any Android device, computer or compatible eReader through the Google Cloud!

IndieBound is a community-oriented movement begun by the American Booksellers Association. It brings together booksellers, readers, indie retailers, local business alliances, and anyone else with a passionate belief that healthy local economies help communities thrive. Successful local, indie businesses help dollars, jobs, diversity, choice, and taxes stay local, creating strong, unique communities and happy citizens.

Eye of Horus and other Independent bookstores have partnered with Google to sell Google eBooks™ because of its open and accessible platform, so indies can provide an easy way for their customers to discover, read, and buy ebooks at while supporting local business. The ebooks are sold directly through independent bookstore websites.

Google eBooks are cloud-based, digital books that allow readers to access their libraries on almost any device from one single repository. You can now both purchase and read your Google eBooks on your Android device using the free IndieBound Reader app, but you will also be able to read them later on your computer, as well as on a wide variety of eReaders.

Make it easy to browse, buy and read Indie on your Android.

All of  the Dryad Design pieces are original, copyrighted works by Paul Borda, filled with layers of meaning derived from years of research. The statues and jewelry include God and Goddess imagery from Celtic, Norse, Russian and Sumerian Mythology. The statues are resin reproductions, but because many of the originals are wood you can see the chisel marks and the grain of the wood in many of the castings. Paul is primarily a wood carver, but some of the statues were actually carved in stone.

Our hope is to support and inspire earth based spirituality.
~Paul and Suzanne of Dryad Design

Hammer of Thor - Mjolnir

We also love the new pieces which have just come out this fall.  The real showcase piece is Mjölnir, the Hammer of Thor.

Thor’s Hammer

When Mjölnir strikes, you hear the sound of thunder. It is said to be capable of leveling mountains and slaying any foe, yet it can heal as well as harm. By waving the hammer over the slain, Thor could raise the dead.View Larger Image or Buy Online

Incredibly detailed, this hammer is adorned with Oseberg style Viking carving, also depicts Thor’s mythical battle with Jörmungandr, the world serpent. The runes around the edge list the Nine Noble Virtues of modern Asatru: Courage, Truth, Honor, Fidelity, Discipline, Hospitality, Self Reliance, Industriousness and Perseverance.

To hang this hammer on your wall is to invoke the protective and healing power of Thor.

The imagery for all of Paul’s work begins with ritual and meditation and is followed by extensive research. Paul feels the image is a gift from the Gods and has an etheric life of its own.  The average statue takes 300-500 hours of carving time to complete and that is not counting the design and research! Let’s take a look at the new Frigga statue as an example.

Frigga, Odin’s wife… the Norse All Mother.

Frigga is depicted holding her son, Baldur - The Champion of Love, Goodness, Innocence and Forgiveness, who was loved by all and known for his beauty.

The back of the Frigga Statue depicts the entrance to the realm of Fensalir, which is spelled in runes above the door, where she resides as Mistress of Home & Family.

Frigga is a member of the Aesir House of the Gods in the Norse Pantheon – which roughly translates to “from the east.” She maintains serenity in the midst of the myriad of tasks inherent to Motherhood and Marriage.

Not only does the carving use traditional norse motifs, but runes spelling different attributes are woven in the patterns on the side of the base. Even the clothing and jewelry is based on traditional Scandinavian dress.

Other new pieces include a new, larger Seated Thor Statue and a mini Wheel of the Year plaque.

We are devoted to the Pagan religion and see our work as revitalizing the presence of the Goddess in our society. For those who are not Pagan, our pieces often connect them with their spirituality, heritage or ancestors. Each of our pieces are consecrated in circle and dedicated to the service of the divine. Several designs have a portion of their price donated to charitable organization, as our way of trying to give back. We are thankful to the community of Pagans across the country that has supported our efforts.
~Paul and Suzanne of Dryad Design

So the next time you stop in at the Eye, take the time to marvel at both the detail and the meaning carefully crafted in each of Paul Borda’s soul works.

Queen of Annwyn

The mythic and faerie art of Beth Hansen-Buth is like a travel album featuring the denizens of the Otherworld. Faeries and Dragons, Gods, Goddesses and Spirits; you never know just who (or what) you may meet. An inspirational painter of faery and myth, she has emerged as one of today’s premier visionary artists. Working out of her studio in her 96 year old bungalow in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Beth’s work is increasingly sought out by collectors of visionary art from all over the world.

Featured in FATE Magazine as the Painter to the Faery Court, Beth’s visionary work has been published in Pentacle Magazine, Seventh House Publishing’s “Season’s of the Witch” calendars in 2003 and 2004, and she has done numerous illustrations for “Tales of the Unanticipated”, a speculative fiction small press publication.

View more of Beth’s Art 

The Goddess Lilith

Art as a Life Path

Beth showed an early interest in art which was encouraged by her mother, who was an avid hobby painter, and at the age of seven she began painting in oils with her mother’s guidance. This early education as an oil painter was interrupted due to the passing of her mother in 1975. Beth continued to draw and occasionally paint throughout her childhood and teen years, the ease and portability of graphite pencil and sketchbook making that her favorite media for many years. Subjects often included animals and portraits, but when she started reading fantasy literature, dragons and hobbits started appearing in her sketchbook. Color called to her, though, and she began the long and arduous path of teaching herself oil painting. In the autumn of 2000 Beth studied Flemish/Dutch oil painting techniques in still life and portraiture in the studio of Jeff Hurinenko in St. Paul, Minnesota, which helped fine-tune her already award winning skills as a painter. Beth blends realism with romance in her oil paintings. Working in layers to achieve luminous skin tones and glowing light effects, she creates magical works inspired by faery lore and mythology.

In her own words

“Nothing inspires me more than time spent in nature. Feeling the wind in my hair and listening to the leaves rustling in the trees makes me long for my walking stick, and off I go on another journey of wonder and delight. There, I commune with the spirits of nature, great and small. When I get back to my studio, the themes that present themselves in my work are those of transformation and ethereal boundaries. Otherworldly characters such as faeries, mermaids, fauns, gods, goddesses and dryads cross over into our world, opening up new possibilities of thought and influence. I find additional insights from my studies of mythology and faery lore, and they find their way into my paintings enriching each with story.”

Where: Minnesota Opera Center, 620 North First Street, in Downtown Minneapolis (Click here for a map)

When:

• December 16 (Friday) 7:30 PM (Drumming starts at 7)
• December 17 (Saturday) 7:30 PM (Drumming starts at 7)
• December 18 (Sunday) 7:00 PM (30 minutes earlier! Drumming starts at 6:30)

Reserve your spot in advance! This event sells quickly, even with three “performances.” (You may also pay cash at the door). Seating is limited to 120 each night. Past years have sold out swiftly. All seats are general admission. Arrive early for the best choice of seats (and to drum!)  Buy advance tickets online with credit card>

What:

• Drumming… they have some on hand or bring your own … The entire audience drums, no experience necessary
• Chanting of The Idisi… a gathering of women intent on singing and opening the world up to the sonic healing, especially that of the Divine Feminine. (Yes, we have their CD at the Eye)
• Storytelling by The Urban Shaman (Jaime Meyer of Drumming the Soul Awake)
• Blessing of the Great White Reindeer
• Dancing and ecstasy are encouraged

All in the subterranean, rock-walled, huge rehearsal space at the Minnesota Opera. (yeah, we thought you’d like that).  Do Visit the Official Event Page for more details>

As we enter the dark time of the year and the wheel is turning to winter, the cycle denotes a period of increased darkness, frozen ground, and a sharp decline of visible abundance. It marks a time of letting go, of allowing things to fall away; it is the destruction phase of the life cycle.

We welcome this season through honoring our ancestors, the spirits of those who have walked the Earth through the ages, and by reflecting on the mysteries and wonders of life and of death.

The energy of the Crone emerges during this time of year, reminding us of the need to surrender, withdraw and retreat into the counsel of our inner spiritual world. While most online dictionaries enjoy subjugating the essence of the Crone into a cantankerous, old woman (which She is surely capable of being if you attempt to defy or ignore Her message!), the true nature of the Crone aspect of the Goddess radiates spiritual power, wisdom and mastery. Traditionally, She is associated with the later stages of the life cycle, but the potential for integrating Her teachings is available to us all, if only we pause and listen to Her call.

In Western society, our culture does not typically seek out conversation about or the experience of aging and dying; we tend to run as fast as we can away from it. The Crone is the last guest we want invited to our party. Perpetual youth (which is particularly expected among women) has become one of our many cultural addictions; as if an anti-aging facial cream will miraculously prevent our kidneys from failing or negate our Soul’s desire for a rest from the physical plane.

The reverence and respect for the wisdom and teachings of ancestors and elders that is practiced in so many cultures throughout the world has become lost in our society and invariably distorted through judgments and assumptions about what it means to be ‘old’.

It is true that at first glance, there is little aesthetic appeal in the dying process within an aged human body. Our skin becomes spotted, wrinkled and tears easily. We lose hair, hearing, and agility. Our teeth become fragile, rot or fall out. Our bones can break in a fall, and we can become bed-ridden for weeks from a common cold because of depressed immunity. Essentially, we are falling apart; our life vessel that we call the human body eventually deteriorates.

Yet, this process can serve as a clear reminder to each of us how inexplicably bound we are with Nature and the ephemeral earthly experience. We are reminded, more urgently, more deeply and more loudly, that while the concept of Time is a non-linear physical construct, the length of time our human form will sustain us appears to be quite limited and definitive.

We are both growing and dying all at once. Nature teaches us about the beauty of death through the creation of life; about the seeds of growth within decomposition and decay; for we dance within these cycles each day in the rise and set of the sun and the wax and wane of the moon.

Perhaps that is our unique human paradox to contemplate and experience. To learn and understand how to exist comfortably in both life and in death; to gracefully welcome the season of each. In choosing to embrace the deep inner wisdom and spiritual power of the Crone, we also embrace the ageless, the timeless and the formless, transcending duality in the practice of being fully present and open to ourselves, each other, and the Earth.

Come to The Eye and engage with the Crone; we have books (Wisdom of the Crone, Ellen Cannon Reed, etc.) statuary (Baba Yaga, Medusa, Hekate), pendants and candles to welcome and celebrate Her arrival.

Now, Small Business Saturday is an event that drives shoppers to local, independently-owned merchants like Eye of Horus.

This November 26th is a big day for everyone at the Eye. It’s the second annual Small Business Saturday®, when people across the country come out and shop to support their favorite local businesses.

Support Main Street

Small businesses have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years and employ just over half of all private sector employees, according to the Small Business Administration. Shoppers can help keep our community unique by shopping at local, independent and other small business, on November 26 and throughout the year.

Ninety-three percent of consumers agree it is important to support small businesses they value. Last year, more than 1.5 million people shared that sentiment by ‘liking’ the Small Business Saturday Facebook page. This year the community of like-minded Americans will grow even more.

Saturday Specials

Eye of Horus says  “Thank You” to our wonderful customers  for shopping small & local rather than going to the mall or “Big Box” stores, so we are offering a specials for ‘Small Business Saturday’ 11/26/11

Buy two calendars or datebooks, and get the third at 1/2 price . . . on Saturday the 26th only!

Plus- Anyone who spends $100 or more on Small Business Saturday will get a free abundance mojo bag.

Here’s how you can help support Small Business Saturday and Indie Businesses like us:

• “Like” and recommend us on Facebook at facebook.com/eyeofhorusmpls.
• You can also visit Facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday to join the initiative, give a shout out to your favorite local stores and restaurants, and pledge to shop at small businesses on November 26, 2011!
• If you are an American Express Cardmember, register your card to receive a $25 statement credit when you shop at small businesses on Small Business Saturday.
• Most of all, I encourage you to do some of your holiday and everyday shopping at small businesses, especially on Small Business Saturday.
• Finally, Share this article using the links below!