Catalytic Holidays, Or Finding Joy In These Ridiculous Times ~ Runecasting For 20 December 2017

Tomorrow is Yule and the Winter Solstice. But you never know about holidays. Some folks like them and some folks dread their yearly arrival. I live far enough away from my own loved ones that I can stay home and hide out if I like. Plus, we never know how much snow we’ll get and the witchmobile practically scrapes the ground as it is. Of course, we did buy a snow blower at the end of last season, so there’s that. My husband’s boots are sitting on top of it along with a gas can full of gas. It will be its maiden voyage when the snow falls. And with an eight hundred foot driveway, my sixty-four-year-old husband isn’t going to shovel it anymore, not after doing it three times last winter. It’s yellow and even has headlights. Needless to say, my husband loves it!

Anyway, I was thinking about how difficult it can be during the holidays to manifest joy and I drew four runes to see what they had to say about the whole matter. Beginning at the top and moving deosil around the runecasting, I drew Inguz, Sowilo, Wunjo, and Mannaz, all important aspects of manifesting joy, particularly with others. Three Earth runes and one Fire rune give me an initial impression of a campfire, with Inguz, Wunjo, and Mannaz as its base fuel or impetus while the fiery flame of Sowilo rises into the air. Given the overall numerology of three, catalytic energy is definitely present. We just need to keep that energy focused in the direction of joy instead of what can sometimes happen when families come together for the holidays.

Looking at the Earth runes first, Inguz represents the seed and our genetic inheritance which believe it or not is actually joy for when in Spirit, we bathe in that sublime energy. We think of our genetic inheritance as contained within our physical DNA, but that’s only the smallest part of who we are. We are, as Source Energy, the physical manifestation of love and joy. It might not always appear that way, but it’s true nevertheless. What adds a catalytic aspect to this rune is its ability to release energy in a sudden manner such as when our Spirit or consciousness manifests into form. Inguz is, therefore, our desire within to manifest joy.

Also considered the wish rune, Wunjo’s primary interpretation is joy and harmony with others. A feeling of happily ever after is felt with this rune and it can be chanted to attract a new love. Wunjo invokes peace, empathy, and fellowship.

Continuing Wunjo’s influence, partnership and harmony with others are among traditional interpretations of Mannaz. And if you look closely, Mannaz appears as if it’s comprised by Wunjo both forward and reversed as well as the influence of balanced energy exchange found in Gebo. It’s said that Mannaz helps us to understand our own humanity which as we can see from the Earth runes is initially established as joy.

Sowilo, the sole Fire rune in the runecasting, ignites the flame of joy from its Earthy foundation. The rune of the Higher Self, Sowilo heals and strengthens our will. Its catalytic nature improves self-confidence and increases spiritual will. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, Sowilo’s catalytic presence strengthens and supports our expression of joy and harmony with others. And it can be utilized to cast the intention of joyous fellowship during family gatherings.

The last year has been difficult for many who have family members of a different political persuasion. While there may be nothing salvageable at this point, we do what we can. Otherwise, the holidays might just take on a new catalytic presence of its own.

Blessings to all!