Unsure of what to blog about today, and not feeling particularly inspired to discuss about the craft of writing, I decided to do something a little different today. When I’m feeling a little lost or frustrated often I turn to Rune stones. I’m sure some people will find that silly, and liken it to horoscopes and tarot cards. I don’t necessarily feel that they have special powers or can make predictions, but I do think that they can deliver some guidance, and maybe give me a new perspective on a problem. Because I use them every so often you might see a blog post occasionally about them, and maybe even see them end up in a book somewhere down the line.
First I’ll tell you a little bit about Runes, for those of you who haven’t heard of them. Runes are “An ancient alphabetic script, each of whose letters possessed a meaningful name as well as a signifying sound, Runes were employed for legal documents, for writing poetry, for inscriptions and divination, yet never spoken as a language.” (Blum, 12) Runes have their base in Scandinavia, and are often associated with Vikings. Those familiar with J.R.R Tolkien’s work will probably recognize them. In more recent popular culture, if you look closely you’ll see them on Thor’s hammer in the new Marvel movies.
You can use Runes for multiple things, such as guidance and insight or for games. Personally I use them for the former. Often they can give me insight in a situation, and at the very least they allow me time to reflect on a problem. Originally I bought a set of Runes along with Blum’s text The Book of Runes. But inside the book was instructions on making your own set.
So I made my own. I collected rocks from the cottage and painted them. Out of old curtains from the cottage my mom made me a little sack to keep them in. So for me this set has very personal meaning.
Some people say that at certain times in your life you’ll draw out the same Runes over and over again. Then something in your life will change and you will suddenly begin to draw out different ones.
There are different ways that you can cast the Runes depending on what you are asking. Generally I do a three Rune spread. But today I’m just going to pull one.
“Odin’s Rune: This is the most practical and simple use of the Oracle and consists of drawing one Rune for an overview of an entire situation. Doing so can help you to focus more clearly on your issue and provide you with a fresh perspective.” (Blum, 48)
Situation: I’m about halfway done writing the third book in my four book series. I’m quite happy with the two novels that I’ve written so far, and anxious to see if readers enjoy them. However, I find that my daily word count has been lacking, and I’m looking for a little guidance regarding how to improve my output.
Rune drawn: I pulled Ehwaz the Rune of movement and progress, but I pulled it reversed (it was upside down).
Ehwaz Reversed: “Movement that appears to block. Be certain that what you are doing—or not doing—is timely. There are no missed opportunities. You have simply to recognize that not all possibilities are open to you, that not all opportunities are appropriate. The opportunity at hand may be precisely to avoid action. If you are feeling at a loss, unclear about the need to act, consider what is timely to your nature and remember: What is yours will come to you.” (Blum, 126)
I think that’s pretty fitting for someone struggling with so called writer’s block, or just plain laziness. I know that I should write a little be every day, but perhaps on days that it’s just not flowing I shouldn’t sweat it so much.
It will come when it comes. This weekend I’d had time to write but just couldn’t get motivated, maybe it was the soggy weather. I sat at the computer for HOURS and nothing would come out. Today I’m feeling more energized and excited about the idea of getting back into the story after a long absence.
So I’m off to write!
