“Always repay a gift.” - Hávamál
Literal Meaning & History
Gebo/gjöf means gift, simply put.
The term and terms that trace back to this one refer to all kinds of given things, whether inherited or physically given.
Even the icelandic word for intelligence (gáfur) has the same basic root.
Figurative Meaning & Symbolism
This card represents fully “That which is freely given”.
It’s the gift given.
It is selfless sacrifice.
It is the honest bond of friendship.
It is honest love.
It is sympathy and compassion.
It is generosity without expectation.
It is the essence of hospitality.
It is selfless sacrifice.
It is the honest bond of friendship.
It is honest love.
It is sympathy and compassion.
It is generosity without expectation.
It is the essence of hospitality.
The thing though is, with gifts and giving in the old nordic system, that there’s no thing as a truly, fully, free meal.
Even a gift given out of hospitality, out of pure generosity, given as selflessly as a gift can be given, comes with strings attached, even if those strings are merely that you are you and you happen to be where you are. There are always circumstances and gifts can be powerful influences.
Even a gift given out of hospitality, out of pure generosity, given as selflessly as a gift can be given, comes with strings attached, even if those strings are merely that you are you and you happen to be where you are. There are always circumstances and gifts can be powerful influences.
It is, for example, extremely important Never to accept a gift from one of the hidden people (or indeed to even speak to them), as this act binds you to them in a way that grants them abilities over you that they don’t have unless you accept that link.
A gift creates a bond, a link between the giver and the receiver. And if that bond is unequal, both will suffer, one way or another, sooner or later.
It is important to keep this in mind when working with this rune.
Balance is important.
Balance is important.
Suggested Homework
Ask yourself, what is the best thing that you have been given by another person?
This can be a physical or nonphysical gift, as long as someone gave it to you.
This can be a physical or nonphysical gift, as long as someone gave it to you.
Write this thing down.
And then write down why this is the best gift you’ve been given.
And then write down why this is the best gift you’ve been given.
Now ask yourself, what is the worst thing that you have given to another person?
This can be a physical or nonphysical gift, as long as you gave it to someone.
This can be a physical or nonphysical gift, as long as you gave it to someone.
Write this thing down too.
And then write down why this is the worst gift that you have given.
And then write down why this is the worst gift that you have given.
