If this be the secret runic alphabet of plants – what message does this seedling tell …?

Off and on today, I’ve found myself fascinated by shadows and reflections.

Today is a day of sun and wind and I’m staying inside to play with the light, and to read about the dark places. I’m choosing where to sit carefully – I need the light and warmth. I don’t want my thoughts to be swept away in the cool spring wind, so I’m keeping windows closed.

I saw the shadows cast by this tiny seedling, and I started wondering about runes and secret alphabets and the messages we might discover.

Next step – to consult my book of runes.

Some of the shapes look similar to:

gebo – partnership, a gift
• union, partnership – but remember to retain separateness in unity
• the interplay between the conscious and the unconscious (very pertinent since I’ve just started reading about myth and psychology and Jungian archetypes)
• a gift of freedom from which other gifts flow

uruz – strength, manhood, womanhood, a wild ox
• termination and new beginnings, life energy released in a new birth
• positive growth and change – may involve passage into darkness, opportunity disguised as loss
• the wild ox carried heavy loads – learn to adapt to the demands of a creative time – humility is called for – learn how to serve

nauthiz – constraint, necessity, pain
• dealing with severe constraint – including the limitations we cause ourselves
• identifying our ‘shadow’ areas (there’s Jung again), including the weaknesses we project onto others – the message being to work with the shadow – recognise challenges as opportunities
• restraint is required – reconsider plans – restore balance – take time to put right the relationship with the self

algiz – protection, sedge or rushes, an elk
• transition, time of new opportunities and challenges – the message being to control emotions during this time
• the protection of the warrior is like the rustle of grass, the horns of the elk – keeping space open
• be mindful, observe, don’t try to escape life through denial

(“The Book of Runes” by Ralph Blum, 1985)

So – what messages were the seedlings giving me?

This is a time of beginnings and opportunities, but not without challenge. Explore your inner and outer self, the conscious and unconscious. Be honest about what you’re experiencing, and be prepared to face the challenges without denial, accept success with humility.

Who knew tiny seedlings could know so much?

©clairegriffin2017