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 Runes are an old and long recognized writing system, far more than most people believe. While most people think Viking or, thanks to Tolkein, Elf, or Hobbit when they hear the word “Rune,” the history is actually older and far more involved than that. Now
lost to the pages of history, the origin of the rune is still unknown. Believed to have begun before the Christian era and having been a transmutation from the Iron Age pictographs to a phonetic representation. Those who follow the Viking Mythology believe that Odin was given the gift of the Runes after hanging suspended upside down from the World Tree Yggdrasil for a period of nine days. It was after receiving the Runes that he was finally able to come down from the tree. In the 13th Century Saga of Eric The Red there is an indication of the status and value of the Rune casters held in the Teuton and Viking cultures. The description from the saga of a contemporary Rune Mistress (yes, women could and did hold the power of the Runes):

“She wore a cloak set with stones along the hem. Around her neck and covering her head she wore a hood lined with white cat skins. In one hand, she carried a staff with a knob on the end and at her belt, holding together her long dress, hung a charm pouch.”

The unique clothing description shows the level of honor and prestige the Rune Mistress or Master held in the culture. In many of the older religious belief systems everything is alive. From the twigs and smallest pebbles to the mountains and the skies above, they were from and of the earth and thus sacred.This relationship to the sacredness of earth energy is still seen in the modern use of Rune Stones as an oracle device. The Runes as an oracle goes back to pre-historic times. Runes were always carved into something that was “of the earth” such as stone, hardwood, leather, or metal. The runes were either carved or painted onto the items. Some runes have been colored with paint in which one of the components was human blood. These runes were considered to hold an even higher power and the words they represented were even more important because they were bound by blood to the stone. Called runemal, the Runemaster (or mistress) would shake their pouch and scatter the runes (made from whatever media, normally made by the Runemaster themselves to grant the personal power to the runes). Those which landed right side up were read as auguries of the future. In 98A.D, the Roman historian Tacitus gives us the best description of the prevalence of casting in Chapter X of his Germanica:

“To divination and casting of lots they pay attention beyond any other people. Their method of casting lots is a simple one: they cut a branch from a fruit-bearing tree and divide it into small pieces which they mark with certain distinctive signs (notae) and scatter at random onto a white cloth. Then, the priest of the community, if the lots are consulted publicly, or the father of the family, if it is done privately, after invoking the gods and with eyes raised to heaven, picks up three pieces, one at a time, and interprets them according to the signs previously marked upon them.”

The Runes by this time were already developing a consistency on the European Continent. They were carried from place to place on the ancient trade routes, many warriors had them as part of their packs as they carried their weapons to the wars of the dark age. It is believed that by the time of Tacitus’ quote that the Runes were more than just squiggles on a stick. They were a recognized written language understood by those who had been educated in it.

Through the centuries the Futhark (the name for the runic alphabet…this is based on the first six runes) has evolved. The Anglo-Saxon alphabets expanded on the Runes and had as many as 33 letters in Britain. However, it is the ancient Futhark, the elder stones, that are used for divinatory purposes. These were more common among the Germanic tribes. The twenty-four runes are broken down into three groups of eight and are named for gods from the Norse Pantheon. The first eight futhark are attributed to Freyr, the second eight to Hagal, and the third eight to Tyr.

Somewhere through the history of time, probably much later, the final Rune was added. This Rune is called the Blank Rune. Many represent this rune as being indicative of the emptiness or that the Runes are declining to answer. The Blank Rune is called “Odin’s Rune” and is emblematic of the endless possibilities of the Universe.

What are called “Rune Stones” today are actually a misnomer. Rune Stones truly do exist. There are standing stones which still contain their markings across the paths of the northern explorers. Rune stones were larger stones (some weighing multiple tons, some twenty pounds) which were inscribed with runes to mark boundaries, commemorate that “on this battlefield Sven of the long axe went berserk and killed twenty of the enemy – Hail Sven, sword arm of Lungar,” or to put the magic of the runes to work to bind a contract or treaty.

Today Runes are used by many for simple self-introspection, to look ahead, or just as a way to learn how to read an ancient language! Many of the sagas of the ancient tribes exist today, but only in their original languages. Many scholars and history buffs are learning to read the runes to enable them to peer into the depths of history. There are those, however, who take the time to truly go within and learn the information about themselves and the world around them, reconnect with the energies and can become true practitioners of runemal. Dr. Nikki is just such a person as she has been using the Runes for nearly twenty
years.

The primal energy of Bear is a powerful Totem. During the days of western expansion and settlement, stories of the great grizzly bear that lived in the mountains of the west abounded. Movies have shown this ancient being as sinner and savior, devourer and protector. The bear is one of the oldest of animals. Cave drawings and ceremonial skulls show how early man venerated the great animal. Due to it’s physiology, the birthing process of a bear was long held to be magical. It was believed that the cub was born as a shapeless mass within the hibernation cave or chamber, and during the long nights of the winter cold the mother licks the cub into shape. It has only been until recently that the full process was understood. Even now, with our modern technology it can be weeks to months following the birth of a bear before the sex is known. Many a frustrated zookeeper can tell stories of how long they had to wait to be able to actually see the cub.

Bear is primal power. Associated with the North, even the stars hold evidence of our ancestor’s reverence for the power of this great animal. The constellations of Ursa Major and Ursa Minor show the bear as she ambles across the skies. The seven stars contained in Ursa Major have links to the seven great rays of the Divine. Bear guides us to the North Star. In high places and simple pleasures bear shows us the joy of life.

In some places Neanderthal man venerated the great bear. In Switzerland caches of bear bones indicating sacred ceremonies or rites were found and dated as early as 65,000 years ago. The Lascaux caves in France, nearly 20,000 years old, also show the bear in a ceremonial state. The headless model of a bear awaits the “crown” of head and fur. In Neolithic age sites in Northern Britain jet amulets in the shape of bears have been found. In an Iron Age burial a chieftain was laid on a bear skin to spend eternity.

Some scholars believe that Bear was the first totem animal. With Neanderthal and Early Modern Man living in caves, a meeting with the cave bear was inevitable. Bear was the closest to man in many ways. Bear ate many different foods- the fish of the waters, the bugs and worms of the earth, the flowers and berries and nuts of the plants, and the meat of the animals that walk upon the earth. Contrary to popular belief, Bear is not truly a raging carnivore. Instead Bear is more of an opportunistic feeder, enjoying the bounty it finds by following the guide of its sensitive nose.

Bear is the survivor. The grizzly, hunted nearly to extinction in the American west is making a come back. Along the Rocky Mountain corridor the Grizzly is seen more and more frequently. Even David Letterman can’t escape the power of Bear energy…his Montana cabin was broken into by a bear. Throughout their active period the news media is full of articles and vignettes of bears interacting too closely with humans. With a disappearing natural habitat, the Bear finds sustenance how and where it can. A true omnivore of the first order it will eat anything. Normally though, Bear doesn’t become problem to man unless there is a reason. Bears become conditioned to finding food around humans.

Bear is primal power personified. Her name is used as the base root of the “berserker” warrior. “Ber-serker” can literally be translated as “Bear Warrior.” Various parts of the bear’s physical body have been used for medicinal or spiritual purposes. The teeth were thought to be potent charms of power and protection. Eastern medicine used many parts of the bear for healing purposes.

Whether the white bear of the frozen places, the massive Polar Bear, China’s mysterious and beautiful two-toned Panda, the Kodiak Brown Bear, or a Grizzly, the Bear walks the continents with primal force and power. Independent and normally living a solitary life except when mating or rearing young, bear has long been worshiped by man.

Artio was the Bear Goddess, the Primal Mother. With her is Artaios, the Bear God, mighty warrior Arthur, the Pole Star of Ursa Major. The Bear’s connection with sovereignty is obvious in the name association. Nearly everyone has heard of the Once and Future King Arthur who ruled over Camelot. Celtic heroes paid each other the highest of compliments when they called one an “Ar an neart,” which is translated as a bear in vigor.

Bear’s time as a totem seems to be as old as mankind itself. With her feminine energy, primal power, connection with the seven rays of the divine, and her reputation as the perfect mother Bear’s connection to the North calls us to go into the night. In many cultures Bear is the keeper of the dream time. It is through the association with Bear in her Cave that you can go within and find your higher self, your primary self.

In alchemy the bear is the symbol for the primary state of matter. Even the biblical David did battle with a bear. Although seen as cruel punishment now, medieval and renaissance man found bear baiting to be a viable entertainment. Some origination stories are focused on the bear – for both the Ainu of northern Japan and the Algonquin Indians cherished the bear as an ancestral figure.

From the time before memories man has walked with Bear by his side. For courage, strength, maternal instinct, care for women during childbirth, maternal instincts and motherhood, to light his way across the northern skies, to warm his body, and to challenge his soul; man has looked to Bear across the millennia.

In some Native American traditions Bear is aligned with the intuitive or West side of the brain. Bear Medicine calls you to go into the cave within and reclaim your power of knowing. Bear Totem is strong and her power can overwhelm you if you don’t understand her intent. Bear knows herself. She knows her range…where the best berries are, when they are ripe. She knows when new animals cross into her territory. She moves at her own pace and tests the wind before she chooses her direction. Her energy is receptive. She knows how to make a feast from worms and grubs. With Bear choosing you to carry her Totem you are sure to be able to find your path through the cave into the inner realm of personal knowing. Seek Bear when the difficult choices are at hand. She will help guide you to your inner knowing and wise choices.

The direction of the North makes most of us think of cold winters, ice and snow.  Your animal to the North should be your personal “jiminy cricket.”  The direction of North has been held by many cultures to represent those who have survived the passage of time as North is associated with Winter, the last season before rebirth of the new Spring.  From the North we can learn when it’s time to listen to what others have to say and when it is time to hold the floor and say our piece. The North Animal will always give you aspects to consider you may not have seen on your own.  Finally, those who have eeked out an existence in the far north truly understand how to be grateful for each and every blessing that comes their way.

It is interesting to note that Moose is the Animal of the North in many Native American traditions. This large ungulate that can grow to nearly a ton in weight at first appears odd and gangly.  Those who have seen Moose feeding in a pond, ducking his head below water and resurfacing is a spray of water as tender underwater vegetation is pulled to the surface, know this appearance to be false. A moose in motion is actually amazing.  In some ways it seems impossible that that much weight could be supported by those spindly legs. However, Moose easily moves quickly on her path as she uses the length of her legs to best advantage.  Whether used to bend so that she can dip down to ground level for a tasty treat, or to stretch so she can reach the tender shoots of willow, Moose is in full control of her long limbs.  Moose can either laze along, gently stepping from food source to food source as she grazes undisturbed, or run swiftly escaping Grizzly or Man with ease.

Moose must also be respected.  As the largest of the deer family, Moose reigns over the lands of the north.  More than twice, and sometimes three times, the size of it’s relative the Caribou (or reindeer), Moose travels the vast northern regions.  Moose is not always the most congenial of animals.  Moose enjoys her personal space and is normally a solitary animal, however she can be seen in herds of up to 50-60 animals at one time.  Moose Totem is strong energy for the carrier, but it can be a load to carry as well.  Moose has little patience for those that disturb her.  She has even been known to attack and kill humans who have irritated her or gotten between her and her young.

The MicMac Indians of Nova Scotia have oral traditions that tell a story of how moose will return to the water if it is hunted too persistently in any one area, hiding in the safety of the seas.  In northern Maine the Penobscot Indians have oral traditions of how the moose was once a denizen of the deep as a great whale.  These are just two of the many associations between Moose and water in native traditions.

Moose doesn’t have much patience or caring for the constructions of man.  She will jump fences with relative ease, she will cross high traffic roads with a nonchalance that can be terrifying to passing motorists.  She can be fierce in her nonchalance.  There are numerous cases where Moose has killed man in recent history.  Moose appears often in the towns of the North, caring naught for the boundaries set by man.

As a Totem, Moose is strongly aligned with feminine energy, primal and strong..  Moose is also associated with late fall and early winter because that is the time she is most often seen by man.  Moose’s love of the wet places – swamps, ponds and streams – shows her alignment with the receptive energies.  Water has long been associated with the veil between worlds, and Moose moves easily in this realm.  Snow is literally frozen water than has crystallized and fallen from the sky.  Whether passing through a swamping cove at the side of the lake on a warm summer evening, or stepping through the deep snows of the back country, moose is always at ease in water.

With the advantage of excellent depth perception, Moose is quite adept at gauging appropriate jumps, steps, gaits and trots for the terrain in which she travels.  Moose reminds us not only is all not as it seems, but that grace and stamina are a strong combination.  This is part of the energy Moose gives to those of her totem. Moose, when searching for the most tender of aquatic plants can plunge to the bottom of a lake and spend up to a minute feeding before she has to resurface.  Moose understands that the work of diving down into the depths can bring her the reward of the best of nutrients.  With Moose as your Totem you are invited to dive deep into the depths of the receptive force of the divine feminine and open yourself up to the awareness and sensitivity that Moose provides.  Moose energy is often found in those who have walked the earth for some time and have gained the wisdom and knowledge of experience.

Moose energy speaks of wisdom.  Living in a harsh and unforgiving environment Moose has learned where to find sustenance throughout the year.  If the snows become too deep in the high country, Moose wisely moves to lower elevations where food is more easily found.  Moose cares for her young and is known as an extremely protective mother.  She is wise to understand the importance of caring for those outside herself.  Yet Moose cares for herself so that she may take care of her children as well.  Moose energy was considered to grant the carrier of her totem great wisdom and discernment.

Moose is herbivorous.  The tender shoots of a willow branch, the juicy shoots at the bottom of the pond, the buds of new growth.  These are delicacies for Moose.  Those who carry Moose medicine would do well to blend both modern and traditional (specifically herbal) remedies.

Although imbued with feminine energy the Moose is also well known for it’s antlers. Except for the rare genetic aberration, only the male of the species grows the well recognized antlers.  Of all the animals of the earth that grow antlers, Moose is one of the largest.  Moose’s antlers differ from those of any other animal in several ways.  One of the most obvious is the broad wide shape of the antlers.  Moose’s antlers are distinctive among “horned” animals of any type.  The antlers, which are grown annually for display and combat for females in the rutting season, are a symbol of Moose’s power and strength and are shed every year.  The antlers start as nubs on the head and grow to their full length covered in what is referred to as “velvet.”  The velvet is actually the outer sustenance layer to the antlers.  As the antlers reach their full growth the velvet is rubbed off.  Moose rubs his antlers against trees, brush, shrubs, even rocks and logs.  There is a specific significance in this annual rubbing of the head.  Moose’s action helps to remind us that a mental “housecleaning” every year,  can be a good thing.

Moose is determination, strength, primal power, the guardian of the North.  Although at home in the high northern cold places, Moose is also a symbol of sexual energy and sensual power.  Many traditions celebrate sexual energy and power as being directly related with creative power.  Creative energy can be boundless because by it’s very nature it continues to recreate itself.  Moose grants many who carry it’s totem a great capability for creativity.

Moose is a totem of great power.  Most often seen in the fall or early spring when the feeding cycle brings her more within the sights of man, Moose is associated with the harvest.  Moose is related to Samhuinn.  Harvest and abundance are emblematic of Moose Energy.  Moose was believed to give extra strength and energy to those who ate of her flesh.  Those who walk with Moose are granted easier access to the otherworld.  Moose allows those who share her path and carry her Totem to absorb many of her traits.

If Moose has come to you, listen to her message of bounty and fulfillment; agility and determination; ability to move between the realms; and concern for the interconnectedness of all things.  Moose watches and then acts decisively.   Moose survives by her intuitive nature and heightened senses of  smell and sight.  Fearing only the great Grizzly Bear, Moose relies on instinct and intuitive to find her way.  Allow Moose’s feminine flowing Energy to help you as you seek the one within.

Don’t forget, I’m giving away an Animal Speak Tarot Reading this summer! You can enter daily, so stop by often…