Protection from a Frightening World

Today, when the world seems so broken, we are going to veer far off the Southern Fried French path, and I’m going to tell you a story. Which hopefully will bring you inspiration during this most difficult of times.

A couple of years ago I had a backache and decided to try acupuncture. I found a kind acupuncturist named Polly and I went for a few sessions. She always ran a bit late, and in her waiting room there was a small book called The Book of Runes, by Ralph Blum. Beside it  was a little velvet drawstring bag full of small, marked stones.

What were “Runes" exactly? I had heard the word, but my knowledge of them was vague. I picked the book up and started reading the history.

 

Runes are an ancient oracle that has been around for at least two thousand years. They are older than the new testament. The origin of the word Runes comes from a word meaning "secret" or "mystery".  The Runes consist of an alphabetic script, used for inscriptions and divination. They are for healing, growth, and for getting in touch with the subconscious mind. They aid the seeker in finding inspiration, guidance, and wisdom.

 

"An oracle does not give you instructions as to what to do next, nor does it  predict  future  events," says the book's preface. "An oracle points your attention toward those hidden fears and motivations that will shape your future by their unfelt presence within each present moment. " They are "a compass for conduct", or "a means of listening to that part of ourselves that knows everything we need to know for our lives now." The Runes themselves consist of small stones etched with the ancient symbols, each attached to some emotion or trait.

 

 

 

Polly the acupuncturist stuck her head into the waiting room to tell me she would be a few minutes longer. “Oh, you’re reading about the Runes," she said. "Pick a Rune and try it! " Then she disappeared again.

 

And so I chose a marked stone from the velvet bag, and read the corresponding Rune. And was surprised to find that the message for that Rune addressed, exactly, an issue I was dealing with. The words touched my heart.

 

Now I have my own Book of Runes, and a special set of stones my sister made for me, gold symbols painted on blue lapis lazuli. Since then I’ve had the same experience many times with the Runes that I did in that waiting room. I pick one when I am puzzling over one of life’s problems, or just when I need a little pep talk. They always seem to be eerily on target. When I was ill with the Coronavirus, for example, I drew one at the beginning, middle, and end of my illness. The first was Teiwaz, the Warrior Rune, which counseled courage and patience; midway through my illness I drew the only Rune I've encountered which is dark, and speaks of death; and as things got brighter, I drew Dagaz, the Rune for Breakthrough.

 

Lately I was disturbed by the death of George Flyod and by the violence that ensued. So I drew a Rune, and it was Hagalaz, the Rune of Disruption, which spoke of dealing with events beyond our control.

 

I don’t use the Runes daily, but I often take one before bed, as a sort of evening devotional, when I am reflecting on an issue. There is something comforting about holding the smooth stone in your hand, like a talisman, while you read what  fate or destiny or the stars or your own subconscious have chosen to tell you. Or maybe we interpret the Rune to fit our own needs, which is okay too.

 

I don’t believe the Runes have any magic powers, but it seems most folks who use them find there are many coincidences. Once just before sleep I picked a Rune that had a difficult message I didn’t want to hear. “I don’t like this Rune!” I said, after reading it to Ron. I put it back in the bag, shook it up well, and picked another one: and drew the same Rune.  Only  one other time did I put one back to choose another, and the same thing happened. Who knows what power lies in the Runes, or is it the mind’s ability to choose them?

 

So let’s try one right now, together. I’m going to choose a random Rune for all of us, and read its message to you. Can this ancient oracle come up with a homily that will inspire us all, in a period that is as bleak as it comes? Well, Dear Readers, here goes chance.

 

A shake of the bag, and the Rune I choose is: Algiz, the Rune of Protection.

 

"Control of the emotions is at issue here. During times of transition, shifts in life course and accelerated self change, it is important not to collapse your self into your emotions. the highs as well as the lows. New opportunities and challenges are typical of this Rune. And with them may come trespassers and unwanted influences.

Algiz serves as a mirror for the Spiritual Warrior, the one whose battle is always with the self. The Warriors protection is like the curved horns of the elk, or the warning rustle of the sedgegrass, for both serve to keep open space around you.

Remain mindful that timely right action and correct conduct are your only true protection. If you find yourself feeling pain, observe the pain, stay with it. Do not try to pull down the veil and escape from life by denying what is happening. You WILL progress; knowing that is your protection."

 

The Runes have come through for us, I think. Protection sounds like a great blessing to send all of you this week. I wish you a safe journey through the pandemic, and strength for all the challenges that face both of our countries.

 

In the COMMENTS: Well, folks are making everything from sardine turnovers (Suzanne) to raspberry mango ginger (Peggy) to chocolate and creme fraiche (Betsy). Versatile, I’d say! And Betsy, I had to google Hatch chiles just to see what they were, wish we could get them here. Cathi, we are having to get really creative with ingredients, n’est pas? Colleen, thanks, and it sounds like you know about the challenges of a wealth of vegetables too. Suzanne, yes we are going back to France—today in fact. Stay tuned for the next post, though I’m hoping not to have any “interesting” adventures to relate!

 

Favorite READS: Ralph Blum is my Rune writer of choice, but there are others to explore. His Book of Runes is out of print, but you can get used copies (there are 2 million copies in print) or it's available on Kindle. With Susan Loughan he has also written a book called The Healing Runes, which makes a lovely gift for a friend who is ill, grieving, or has other challenges. You will need to buy a set of Runes, too. But you could also make your own, just by marking the symbols on a set of pebbles.

 

Natalia, our favorite reader, recommends The Book of Longings. By Sue Monk Kidd, and I will read anything she writes.

 

And in the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement, I'm trying to educate myself better, as many are. I'm deep into White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, by a sociologist who does diversity training. It's an eye-opener, I'm learning a lot. Anyone else reading something good on the subject?

 

Comments

[Carol Reed]

Fascinating. Thanks! While I am in NY, I have family all over the US and would like to hope Protection works.

[Doris Wolfe]

Bon voyage! 🚀 We look forward to hearing about your travel experience.
Stay safe 😷

[Sandy]

Thank you for this wonderful post. Wishing you a safe, easy return to la Belle France Lynn.

[Susan McCain]

Where is Betsy’s recipe for crime frâiche? I couldn’t find it. Thank you.

[Thea Jarvis]

Oh lovely, Lynn, and so timely! Thank you for this much-needed reflection. ❤️

[Virginia A. Ward]

What a lovely message today. Thank you Lynn. I hope we meet again in France soon.

[Natalia]

Lynn,this is such an uplifting post today.And how wonderful to read about what a loving sister you have.Thank you for filling our spirits with hope and soon to be a lasting returned well being.
I am familiar with Runes,and find them to be mesmerizing.
My only thoughts on this whole thing tend to be more from a religious question:
By looking to the Runes and their messages for guidance,are we going against the faith in God's words that it is He and only He who protects us and who guides us on this journey ? That doing otherwise--looking elsewhere-- is a sin because we are not trusting Him to do so? Relinquishing our walk by faith and not by sight?

[Michaela Rodeno]

Safe travels! Napa friends who own a small chateau in the Auvergne are also racing back to France (where they normally spend about half the year) before the EU blocks Americans from entering. Another unwelcome consequence of poor pandemic handling by the US govt.

[Carrie @ Season It Already!]

Yes. But but now White Fragility is being scrutinized because it's written by a white woman when there are so many books written by black scholars. (I still think it's good to read everything one can, so it remains on my reading list.) I read So You Want to Talk About Race. (Listened to it on audio and I know I could give it a reread and still learn more.) Next up is How to be an Anti-Racist (also audio) and A Good Time for the Truth (about race in MN, where I live, published in 2016, I believe.) So much to learn, especially about myself. I'm quite overwhelmed with all I'm learning, frustrated by people who refuse to admit any racism exists; but also know that what I'm "feeling" is nothing compared to what a black person in America endures every day.

P.S. Love your little corner of the internet!

[Judy Klinck]

So glad you are going back to France. I know that’s where you want to be. I hope to see my son and grandson in London. When? Safe travels!

[Christine Webb-Curtis]

Very nice post, Lynn, and so much more meaningful when we need every extra boost we can get to get our heads in a good space. I hope you are able to arrive in France considering today’s media reports that we (as in US citizens) are not welcome. Every single day, I plan our next trip. Every single day. I think I might try the book and the stones to see if I can get closer to fruition of my plans—if only in my mind and heart. I wish you very well and look forward to hearing the next post from Beaune.

[Cynthia Bogart]

You never fail to make me think! Love this! We all need thing from which we can find inspiration and comfort.

SO sorry to hear you had Covid and SO happy you are good now. Hope Ron is well!

Big Hugs!
Cindy

[Allison (Ali) HERRON]

Wonderful, Lynn. I think we need to
Learn from these. We certainly need something to help a survive this craziness.... I am having a hard time not going back to France at this time. Please kiss the ground for us! You both can be our lucky charms there. love, A

[anne teichroew]

Hello Lynn,
I always love your posts and this one in particular spoke to my heart. I have the same Rune book (in red) and some Rune stones I made with pebbles from a special beach. However, they do not compare to your beautiful stones made by your sister! As you have said, I also receive guidance from the stones when I ask and the response is invariably wise and spot on. And, like you, I have repicked a stone when I didn't like the reading of the first one only to pick the same one again! I am thankful for this medium which allows me to access my inner self and inner guidance.
I am so glad you have healed from your Covid journey. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Anne

[Connie Rice Allen]

Thanks for sharing this with all of us Lynn. I will certainly take a closer look knowing that our future is uncertain at this moment. I hope your trip was uneventful and all is well in France once again.