Romancing the Runes

This is a rune that also is in my thoughts a lot.  Mostly because of two things; it's connection to Othala and the process of an exchange between gods and their devotees. I've discussed Othala repeatedly.  How Gebo plays the part of the exchange of energy and resources between the individual and the community. From this friction of different people and different ideas comes the fire of creation, the fire of holy union, the artistic fire Kenaz. It is a rune that is on my mind whenever I do any ritual work or make offerings. You get what you give and if you give nothing then you get nothing. This is something that creates a bit of an issue in pagan and heathen communities.  Especially with those that see the gods as metaphor/symbols or as too busy to bother with us. No, I don't believe every step we take is guided by Them, but I do think They take an interest in our lives and our development as a species. I believe They want us to fix our mistakes and not make new ones,

"The man who explores the world beyond his village will better understand the motivations of others" Havamal: Stanza 18 "One log takes fire from another Fire kindles from fire People gain wisdom by speaking to other people and foolishness is born of silence" Havamal: Stanza 57 The second of these quotes seems to support almost exactly what I developed when I unpacked the bindrune of Othala. From top to bottom, Ingwaz is the seed, the center of the self, the sacred space, and our foundation.  From this strong foundation we can can share our resources and our gifts with the community. Gebo, in equal exchange between self and other, between gods and devotees, and between our present and our ancestors, is how community is built. From this friction between people talking and sharing comes the fire of creation, the sacred fire of communion. Kenaz is also the fire of the forge where metal and clay become works of art which is part of human commerce and

Translation :           Germanic:    Fehu           Mod. Eng:    Fee           Old Eng.:      Feoh           Phonetic:      F                                                                      ( Handbook , 19) Physical :     (1: 1)                                                                                                        ( Futhark , 12-13) Divination :           + Social success, wealth, energy, foresight, new beginning           - Greed, burnout, atrophy, poverty, discord                                                                                                                                      ( Handbook , 20) Magickal Uses : Strengthen psychic power Sending power Drawing Down the sun/ moon/ stars Personal evolution Increase in Money                                                                                                       ( Futhark , 220 Elements :           The primary element of this rune seems to be fire due to