Runes.

I had a set of runes years ago, and got rid of them because they worked too well, and I was busy being an atheist, and reading runes interfered with that. 

So, now I have been looking at Nordic runes, and trying to pay attention to the things which speak to me.

Yesterday I had to apologize for getting back into the stats course, and ask for time to complete it, and so today I got just enough time to do the things I needed for stats, and not a moment more, before it became necessary to make runes. 

Mine are made from stones I had at home, some bought, some found, some fossils, all chosen carefully to match the meaning of the runes.  I smudged them, then sanded them, and wrote the runes in blood first, before finishing them with black glitter.  (It is me after all)...

But my offerings were accepted, and they work. 

I still don't know who the deity, or deities I am serving are, but there is clearly someone who I am intended to be in service to, and I am being directed to turn my life over. 

More and more things are making sense. 

Today's reading:
The past/problem: Ansuz - The answers to questions are available but not yet recognized. Look for signs and confirmations which are all around. Everything has significance and appreciation of this will lead to understanding. Ensure you don't ignore the message because you don't like the content. All experience is a lesson that teaches by acknowledging the truth knowledge and wisdom will increase.

The Present/influences: Tiwaz - There is a need for courage now, as your victory is already assured if your heart remains true. Make use of all the skill and wisdom you have acquired so far. Protect your faith, as it will be challenged. But truth, honesty and justice will always win through.

Future/Energy flow: Fehu - Fehu is Frey's rune, and he is the god of fertility, itself a form of wealth. It is a rune of unselfish abundance. Let it shine forth to lighten your path and the paths of others. You will never run out of your spiritual richness, but don't waste it on those who will abuse it.

The Challenge:Naudiz - You are getting exactly what you need right now to make the best progress on your spiritual path. It may appear to be the very opposite of what you want, but this state is not permanent, it is merely a series of lessons that must be learnt so that you can make the transition from negative to positive

The power to call upon: Berkanan - An exciting time for new beginnings, fresh adventures. Activity and energy. Sow seeds, but the harvest is yet to come so don't expect immediate reward for your effort. Put the past in its place, learn from experience.

I can see that this is going to be a process though.  There is a reason why I am in school for the things I am studying:

I am still having trouble with reconciling things.  People are practicing northern european paganism and shamanism in North America, without talking about the issues relating to colonialism and in discussing things like land stewardship and 'spirits of the land, they are talking about the spirits of the land which speak to them. 

Cultural appropriation continues in the spirit realm I am quite certain, and the spirits of this land are not the same as those of the land(s) of my ancestors.  It does not mean they do not and cannot speak to me, but they do so as a guest, and I must respect that.

I pleased the one I am in service to, today with skiing.  Being better at it would please him more, but doing it pleased him, and being frightened and enjoying the fear pleased him greatly.

Today I served well.