“Bare is a man’s back if he has no brother.”
- Njálssaga ch 152
(not a literal brother, but a brother in arms, someone on your side)
- Njálssaga ch 152
(not a literal brother, but a brother in arms, someone on your side)
Literal Meaning & History
The exact meaning of this word is not precisely known.
A common translation is “elk” which is a very likely accurate translation. However, there is possibility it may also refer to an oak.
Later names for this rune also refer to yew trees and then to elm.
Figurative Meaning & Symbolism
This rune’s meaning is shelter, or more specifically “Shield”.
This is that which protects you.
This is your good health and wellbeing.
This is help from a friend when you need it.
This is your defences.
This is a having people in your life that you can count on.
This is knowing who to call.
This is support.
This is being able, one way or another.
This is life.
This is your good health and wellbeing.
This is help from a friend when you need it.
This is your defences.
This is a having people in your life that you can count on.
This is knowing who to call.
This is support.
This is being able, one way or another.
This is life.
This is the roof over your head when the weather is bad.
This is someone coming to your aid when things aren’t going your way.
This is the support to pursue your passions.
This is the friend that walks with you into a fight even when you know you’re going to lose.
This is your immune system when it works in your favor.
This is a ramp or elevator or the equivalent when you can not take the stairs.
This is your shield in life.
This is also you, standing up for someone else, supporting someoen else, being someone else’s shield.
This can also be someone else’s shield, against you…
Context.
The little rune poem above reads;
Ýr is the bent bow
and brittle iron
and the giant of the arrow.
Ýr is the bent bow
and brittle iron
and the giant of the arrow.
Suggested Homework
To feel alone and vulnerable is an extremely common part of the human experience. So often do we feel this way that it can get in the way of us seeing all the shields we carry with us, all the strength that surrounds us and supports us.
Yes, sometimes, with all this, we will still have our moments of weakness, but it’s important to remember everything we have to lean on.
To that end.
To learn this rune, this thing, your homework, should you choose to do it, is to find your shields, as many of them as you can.
What are the things that help you?
That help you navigate through this world?
That help keep you safe?
What people are there?
That care for you?
That would stand beside you in a fight?
That would support your choices?
That would help carry boxes if you move?
What places are there?
Where are you safe?
Where can you go?
Where is help?
That help you navigate through this world?
That help keep you safe?
What people are there?
That care for you?
That would stand beside you in a fight?
That would support your choices?
That would help carry boxes if you move?
What places are there?
Where are you safe?
Where can you go?
Where is help?
Write down everything.
And if you still have space, if you still want to put down more, write down every shield you can remember, even little transient ones.
That tree that you ducked under during a summer rain shower.
The guy that helped you with your car or cart?
Someone who stood up for you, even if it was just once.
That tree that you ducked under during a summer rain shower.
The guy that helped you with your car or cart?
Someone who stood up for you, even if it was just once.
Everything.
And don’t doubt.
If someone says they got your back, that they care, that they want to help, (unless this person has literally proved to be a malicious force in your life) Jot them down!
If someone says they got your back, that they care, that they want to help, (unless this person has literally proved to be a malicious force in your life) Jot them down!
If you have a pet, you know they count!
Write it all down.
Know, that there are so many things around you, that help you, that support you, that love you. So many things to lean on.
Know, that there are so many things around you, that help you, that support you, that love you. So many things to lean on.
