“To Lend Courage to Virtue and Ardor to Truth”
by Jaime Castle, HUUC Board President
Having served in the capacity of President of the Board of Trustees before, this my third time, it seems that I have come to create traditions for myself in this space. One tradition is to have fun with the January Heirloom President’s Corner in the form of divination. This intrigue originated from when I was the horoscope writer for my high school’s newsletter back in the 90s.
I do not claim to have a supernatural gift of fortune telling nor some special backstage pass to the unknown spiritual realm. When I write this, I just write whatever comes to mind. I used the Celtic zodiac signs the last time, writing out the fortunes to come for that year. This year, I’m going to use the Viking Runes.
The title of this article is a quote from the 18th century English writer Dr. Samuel Johnson and is the epigraph of The Book of Runes by Ralph H. Blum. It resonated with me because I think it is very timely for what good is virtue if there is no courage to fuel its action. In this age of misinformation and disinformation, one must be passionate about what is the truth. I think Blum chose this quote to help introduce the role of runes.
I won’t go into the mythology and history of runes, although I do encourage you to do so, but know that they are not meant to foretell your future, but rather they are oracles. “An Oracle points your attention towards those hidden fears and motivations that will shape your future by their unfelt presence within each present moment,” (Page 8 from Blume’s The Book of Runes). I’ll not be just writing what comes to mind this time. What I will do is divide up the year using the traditional Western zodiac and pull a rune for each. I will then talk about each and how it can help guide you in 2025.
I do encourage you to look up your birth date rune so that you can see the visual symbol of it. Enjoy and may they lend you courage and provide ardor to truth! Happy New Year Heritage!
Image source: https://tinyurl.com/4r8ks4ks
March 21-April 19: Gebo “Partnership” – This partnership could be with a person, a business, or even with the Divine. Caution is called for to keep your own sense of self in this partnership for it to be successful. You are being called to make yourself ready to a union of shared purpose.
April 20-May 20: Ehwaz “Movement” – This rune signifies physical shifts as well as self-improvement or bettering your situation. “Moral effort and steadfastness are called for when you draw Movement.” (Page 125)
May 21-June 21: Perth “Initiation” – This rune encourages you to fly high like the eagle so to get a better view, getting a broader vision. Perth also encourages letting go of certain things in order to move forward.
June 22-July 22: Mannaz “The Self” – This rune encourages humility and modesty which will help give you direction. “Strive to live the ordinary life in an in ordinary way.” (Page 93)
July 23-August 22: Sowelu “Wholeness” – This is a powerful rune that “marks a time for regeneration down to the cellular level.” (Page 139) This rune is about self-realization, seeking to become who you already are at your core.
August 23-September 22: Kano “Opening” – “The more light that you have, the better you can see what is trivial and outmoded in your own conditioning.” (Page 118) This rune encourages you to have renewed clarity and to be more open.
September 23-October 23: Raido “Journey” – This rune is about the soul’s journey meaning that reflection, meditation, and openness to balance and joy. Intention and attunement are necessary as well as release of all that doesn’t serve you.
October 24-November 21: Fehu “Possessions” – This is a rune of satisfaction, whether that be in materials or emotion. There is also a call for pause and reflection if what you possess is what you want or if it is consuming you. This could be a time to declutter all of the literal and figurative things in your life.
November 22-December 21: Inguz “Fertility” – New beginnings await once resolutions of something lingering have concluded. “As you resolve and clear away the old, you will experience a release from tension and uncertainty.” (Page 109)
December 22-January 19: Dagaz “Breakthrough” – “Considerable hard work can be involved in a time of transformation. Undertake to do it joyfully.” (Page 136) This rune is a signal of a major shift or transformation of your Self. It encourages you to trust in this change.
January 20-February 18: Algiz “Protection” – Your protection is knowing that you will progress, but only by being mindful and controlling big emotions in a time of transition.
February 19-March 20: Eihwaz “Defense” – This rune encourages patience, a time of waiting in order to persevere and foster foresight instead of reckless, reactionary action. “Receiving Eihwaz, you are put on notice that, through inconvenience and discomfort, growth is promoted.” (Page 110)
Featured image source: created by Jaime Castle