Laguz -Part 2
Translation:
Germanic: Laguz
Old Eng: Lagu
Mod Eng: Lake, Leek
Phonetic: L (Handbook, 59)
Physical: (3:5)
(Futhark, 12-13)
Divination:
+ Life, water journey, sea of life, sea of unconscious growth
- Fear, circular motion, avoidance, withering (Handbook, 60)
Magickal Uses:
Guidance through initiation
Increase in vitality
Gathering of Power focused by the will
Increase in magnetism
Develop 2nd Sight
Myths:
Laguz connects to various forms of water in the myths. It is the water of Niflheim before it freezes and becomes ice that later is activated by the fires at the beginning of creation. The primal waters of death and rebirth across which the ferryman escorts souls to the land of the dead.
It is also an element used in rites of passage, most notably in baptism. The rite of passage marking the birth or rebirth of a child in a family line.
This is something that the Christians were said to adopt later. The question in regards to this would be if Baptism was added to the New testament later, such as in the scene where John the Baptist baptises Jesus, of if it was something that spread from the Germanic people to Roman pagans and thus to the land where these biblical scenes were set. There is a linquistic and historic connection between ancient Greece and the Germanic tribes. So there is a lot of material to reference in exploring this question.
There is a small note by Thorsson regarding laugaz meaning leek which is a symbol of organic growth and phallic power. It is connected to herbal magick. Perhaps there is some regional nordic use of this rune for an agricultural meaning.
(Futhark, 62-63)
Laguz also refers to the waters of The Well of Wyrd. The layers of orlog within the well, the layers of the law of life, settle together to form the wyrd of the cosmos.
Waterfalls represent the downward flow of the energy of Laguz. This force comes from outer sources and "falls" into manifestation.
There is a note both in Thorsson's work and in the Old English rune poem of a "brine steed" or the boat that sails the waters. If one is to survive or succeed in their journey, they need a properly outfitted ship for traveling. This may connect Laguz to Raidho and Ehwaz. In fact, the form of Laguz is a part of both of those other shapes.
(Runelore, 131-132)
Elements:
This rune is the element of water. It is the deep stillness and darkness of the subconscious. The primal waters before form became manifested.
The Eights:
Row 1: Mysteries/Tools to learn
Row 2: Trials and Tribulations / Conflicts and paths to success
Row 3: The realm where the student works (Runelore, 140)
In the row of the tools for the student to learn is Raidho. This is a rune of cognition, ritual action, a rhythmic pattern of action. It is also the spiral pattern of evolution and growth where there is a constant returning to the beginning but on a higher plane of understanding. This leads to a spiraling upward of understanding and ability.
In the row of conflicts or paths to success is EIwaz, the vertical column of the World Tree. It pieces the three realms and connects opposites: death/life, day/night, etc. This rune is the fire of the will that can remain active even during times of winter, death, contraction.
Laguz falls into the third row, the environment where the student works. In this sense it is the water, the sea that must be traveled that could be either blessing or bane. It may be best to view it's presence like a fisherman or sailor does. The source of bounty and life but also a dangerous and fickle power that destroys. The student must learn to outfit their vehicle or ship with the tools necessary to survive the voyage, initiation. Perseverance can be important and dealing with the shadowself may be necessary.
Before Laguz comes the Rune Mannaz. This rune describes mankind. It is the result of a process of combining intuition and reason. The dark/subconscious becomes light/consciousness. It is also said to be the genetic connection to the gods, the path where a god becomes flesh. Since this falls into the environment of the student this may indicate a connection to our ancestors as part of our development in our own evolution. This can be a strength when the next step is navigating our subconscious, our shadowself, or the rough water of our travels.
After Laguz is the seed, Ingwaz. After the travels through our rough waters and gaining the new wisdom and new strength there comes a time of rest. The seed is the closed space, the shell of protection, that gives the student time to let new ideas develop and gestate. The fire within the shell can cycle and grow until it is ready to break free.
Final Thoughts:
Laguz is similar to Isa in that it can be found in many different runes.
It is connected to Uruz in structure. Doing the deep work of Laguz can strengthen our understanding of the power to transform. Deepening this understanding may help to overcome the danger of the misuse of Uruz which can cause destruction. And developing this strength to control wild forces and channel them properly can help when the time comes to travel the rough seas.
Ansuz is a rune of communication and breath. Understanding Laguz can help when using the power of breath, galdr to raise energy and transcend words into a deeper meaning or understanding. Going deep with Laguz can help uncover the link between ourselves and the divine.
Raidho is a rhythmic cycle of transformation or evolution. Working with Laguz can deepen the work of ritual and the practices we engage in regularly. It could keep those practices from going stale if we continually dig a little deeper with each passing in the spiral path.
Wunjo is a rune of fellowship and the joy that comes with sharing a common purpose. It is a power that is subtle and often hidden. Laguz as an influence helps to both deepen that connection and make the student explicitly aware of the forces at work. All people are made from water and subject to the pull of the tides.
Perthro and Eiwaz both have a small Laguz present in their forms. Perthro is the lot cup that may have been used to cast the runes. The student uses this power to understand the forces at work behind orlog and possibly to learn to control them and influence the layers of orlog that are formed. If Laguz represents the water in the Well of Wyrd, it would give the student a deeper understanding of not only individual wyrd but interlacing wyrd as well.
Eiwaz is the trunk of the World Tree itself. This is the vertical column that both holds order and pierces the three layers of existence. It is extreme opposites. The form of Laguz in this rune is questionable in that the angle of the vertical line and the 45 degree angle from it is smaller than a full laguz figure. But understanding Laguz, the concept of layers in the Well of Wyrd could translate to understanding the layers of existence above the well and the flow of energy from above to the realms below such as in the symbol of the waterfall.
Tiwaz has a small Laguz in it as well. This is the north star, the axis of order in the realms, that is necessary for manifestation and existence. I think the relationship between Tyr and Fenris may add more insight than the esoteric meanings. Tyr was the only one who could relate and "control" Fenris in the beginning. This connection was not something that the other gods could copy or understand. Laguz may play a part in this connection. Understanding the deep subconscious, or a spirit as wild as the element of the ocean/primal depths may have been what enabled Tyr to create that relationship and trust he had in the beginning with Fenris. Fenris himself was likened to a force of nature, of destruction, chaos, and gluttony. It is almost like a description the shadow side of Tyr, a god of order and self-control.
Berkano is a rune of many goddesses and that of birth itself. It is a continuous growth without a loss of the Self or one's consciousness. This rune is also connected to Ingwaz in that it is the seed broken in half, which is a decent description of it's shape. Laguz can connect the student with the deeper aspects of this gestation and birth process. The darkness of death/rebirth is like the depths of the primal waters, like the waters of the womb itself. It is also connected to the waterfall which continually flows downward but does not deplete it's source of water.
Ehwaz and Mannaz have similar forms and also contain two Laguz runes facing each other in it. I covered the connection of these two runes to Laguz above.
3 Paths Through Midgard:
This stanza describes Laguz as the path of a man's life. He comes from water. His ship is his body and his soul rides within it. During his life he travels, gains reputation and deeds (orlog), and passes this onto his family when he dies.
The Rune Poem:
In the Old English rune poem water and the ocean are described as terrifying and deadly. It is a wave that sweeps over the ship. It is described in the very opposite way as other rune poems that use images like waterfalls to describe more of a peaceful environment.
Germanic: Laguz
Old Eng: Lagu
Mod Eng: Lake, Leek
Phonetic: L (Handbook, 59)
Physical: (3:5)
(Futhark, 12-13)
Divination:
+ Life, water journey, sea of life, sea of unconscious growth
- Fear, circular motion, avoidance, withering (Handbook, 60)
Magickal Uses:
Guidance through initiation
Increase in vitality
Gathering of Power focused by the will
Increase in magnetism
Develop 2nd Sight
Myths:
Laguz connects to various forms of water in the myths. It is the water of Niflheim before it freezes and becomes ice that later is activated by the fires at the beginning of creation. The primal waters of death and rebirth across which the ferryman escorts souls to the land of the dead.
It is also an element used in rites of passage, most notably in baptism. The rite of passage marking the birth or rebirth of a child in a family line.
This is something that the Christians were said to adopt later. The question in regards to this would be if Baptism was added to the New testament later, such as in the scene where John the Baptist baptises Jesus, of if it was something that spread from the Germanic people to Roman pagans and thus to the land where these biblical scenes were set. There is a linquistic and historic connection between ancient Greece and the Germanic tribes. So there is a lot of material to reference in exploring this question.
There is a small note by Thorsson regarding laugaz meaning leek which is a symbol of organic growth and phallic power. It is connected to herbal magick. Perhaps there is some regional nordic use of this rune for an agricultural meaning.
(Futhark, 62-63)
Laguz also refers to the waters of The Well of Wyrd. The layers of orlog within the well, the layers of the law of life, settle together to form the wyrd of the cosmos.
Waterfalls represent the downward flow of the energy of Laguz. This force comes from outer sources and "falls" into manifestation.
There is a note both in Thorsson's work and in the Old English rune poem of a "brine steed" or the boat that sails the waters. If one is to survive or succeed in their journey, they need a properly outfitted ship for traveling. This may connect Laguz to Raidho and Ehwaz. In fact, the form of Laguz is a part of both of those other shapes.
(Runelore, 131-132)
Elements:
This rune is the element of water. It is the deep stillness and darkness of the subconscious. The primal waters before form became manifested.
The Eights:
Row 1: Mysteries/Tools to learn
Row 2: Trials and Tribulations / Conflicts and paths to success
Row 3: The realm where the student works (Runelore, 140)
In the row of the tools for the student to learn is Raidho. This is a rune of cognition, ritual action, a rhythmic pattern of action. It is also the spiral pattern of evolution and growth where there is a constant returning to the beginning but on a higher plane of understanding. This leads to a spiraling upward of understanding and ability.
In the row of conflicts or paths to success is EIwaz, the vertical column of the World Tree. It pieces the three realms and connects opposites: death/life, day/night, etc. This rune is the fire of the will that can remain active even during times of winter, death, contraction.
Laguz falls into the third row, the environment where the student works. In this sense it is the water, the sea that must be traveled that could be either blessing or bane. It may be best to view it's presence like a fisherman or sailor does. The source of bounty and life but also a dangerous and fickle power that destroys. The student must learn to outfit their vehicle or ship with the tools necessary to survive the voyage, initiation. Perseverance can be important and dealing with the shadowself may be necessary.
Before Laguz comes the Rune Mannaz. This rune describes mankind. It is the result of a process of combining intuition and reason. The dark/subconscious becomes light/consciousness. It is also said to be the genetic connection to the gods, the path where a god becomes flesh. Since this falls into the environment of the student this may indicate a connection to our ancestors as part of our development in our own evolution. This can be a strength when the next step is navigating our subconscious, our shadowself, or the rough water of our travels.
After Laguz is the seed, Ingwaz. After the travels through our rough waters and gaining the new wisdom and new strength there comes a time of rest. The seed is the closed space, the shell of protection, that gives the student time to let new ideas develop and gestate. The fire within the shell can cycle and grow until it is ready to break free.
Final Thoughts:
Laguz is similar to Isa in that it can be found in many different runes.
It is connected to Uruz in structure. Doing the deep work of Laguz can strengthen our understanding of the power to transform. Deepening this understanding may help to overcome the danger of the misuse of Uruz which can cause destruction. And developing this strength to control wild forces and channel them properly can help when the time comes to travel the rough seas.
Ansuz is a rune of communication and breath. Understanding Laguz can help when using the power of breath, galdr to raise energy and transcend words into a deeper meaning or understanding. Going deep with Laguz can help uncover the link between ourselves and the divine.
Raidho is a rhythmic cycle of transformation or evolution. Working with Laguz can deepen the work of ritual and the practices we engage in regularly. It could keep those practices from going stale if we continually dig a little deeper with each passing in the spiral path.
Wunjo is a rune of fellowship and the joy that comes with sharing a common purpose. It is a power that is subtle and often hidden. Laguz as an influence helps to both deepen that connection and make the student explicitly aware of the forces at work. All people are made from water and subject to the pull of the tides.
Perthro and Eiwaz both have a small Laguz present in their forms. Perthro is the lot cup that may have been used to cast the runes. The student uses this power to understand the forces at work behind orlog and possibly to learn to control them and influence the layers of orlog that are formed. If Laguz represents the water in the Well of Wyrd, it would give the student a deeper understanding of not only individual wyrd but interlacing wyrd as well.
Eiwaz is the trunk of the World Tree itself. This is the vertical column that both holds order and pierces the three layers of existence. It is extreme opposites. The form of Laguz in this rune is questionable in that the angle of the vertical line and the 45 degree angle from it is smaller than a full laguz figure. But understanding Laguz, the concept of layers in the Well of Wyrd could translate to understanding the layers of existence above the well and the flow of energy from above to the realms below such as in the symbol of the waterfall.
Tiwaz has a small Laguz in it as well. This is the north star, the axis of order in the realms, that is necessary for manifestation and existence. I think the relationship between Tyr and Fenris may add more insight than the esoteric meanings. Tyr was the only one who could relate and "control" Fenris in the beginning. This connection was not something that the other gods could copy or understand. Laguz may play a part in this connection. Understanding the deep subconscious, or a spirit as wild as the element of the ocean/primal depths may have been what enabled Tyr to create that relationship and trust he had in the beginning with Fenris. Fenris himself was likened to a force of nature, of destruction, chaos, and gluttony. It is almost like a description the shadow side of Tyr, a god of order and self-control.
Berkano is a rune of many goddesses and that of birth itself. It is a continuous growth without a loss of the Self or one's consciousness. This rune is also connected to Ingwaz in that it is the seed broken in half, which is a decent description of it's shape. Laguz can connect the student with the deeper aspects of this gestation and birth process. The darkness of death/rebirth is like the depths of the primal waters, like the waters of the womb itself. It is also connected to the waterfall which continually flows downward but does not deplete it's source of water.
Ehwaz and Mannaz have similar forms and also contain two Laguz runes facing each other in it. I covered the connection of these two runes to Laguz above.
3 Paths Through Midgard:
This stanza describes Laguz as the path of a man's life. He comes from water. His ship is his body and his soul rides within it. During his life he travels, gains reputation and deeds (orlog), and passes this onto his family when he dies.
The Rune Poem:
In the Old English rune poem water and the ocean are described as terrifying and deadly. It is a wave that sweeps over the ship. It is described in the very opposite way as other rune poems that use images like waterfalls to describe more of a peaceful environment.
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