![]() ![]() In any case, this is an in-between time, and the magical thing about these times is that in the in-between places and the in-between times, things are not so set in stone, not so materially fixed and unchangeable. To the Celts, this meant that the night between that sunset and sunrise was not part of any year, and whatever mischief one made on that night “didn’t really count,” so to speak. In Celtic tradition, sundown on Samhain Eve (October 31st) marks the end of the year and the new year is not said to begin again until Samhain morning (November 1st). The transition into the New Year is a similarly liminal time-one is reminded that January is named for Janus, the two-faced Roman god of thresholds and transitions. The Solstices are the days between the rise and fall of the daylight cycle, and they are liminal times. Winter Solstice is the day that is neither Autumn (death) nor Winter (rebirth), just as Summer Solstice is the day that is neither Spring (fertility) nor Summer (productivity and pleasure). It is a liminal rune of that which exists at the place where two things meet, and yet is not either of those two things. What exists in the space between darkness and light? At the moment between decrease and increase, increase and decrease, rise and fall? What lies on the threshold but not on either side? Dagaz is the dawn, the dusk, and the door. If the stew is sticking to the bottom of the pot, give your cauldron a good stir. Write it down, feel into its essence, carry it in your pocket, or wear it around your neck, and be reminded that the darkness and the light are two sides of the same coin, the abundant harvest and the barren field two sides of the same cycle, and the only constant is change. If you’re feeling down about 2019 or your 20s or what-have-you, call upon Jera in your practice. This rune can also be helpful for anyone who is experiencing regret for past choices or dissatisfaction with the status quo. If you, like me, are someone who often has a hard time dealing with shorter daylight hours and earlier nightfall, especially if you are further from the equator, you may find some Solstice-season solace in working with and meditating upon Jera. Winter Solstice is the heart of the year’s darkness, through which we must pass to walk again in the light. ![]() Winter Solstice (often celebrated as Yule or Christmas) takes place on the shortest day and the longest night, but it is also the time at which the nights will begin to grow shorter and the days will begin to grow longer. Jera’s cyclical symmetry encourages hopeful thoughts and attitudes towards the passage of time, as Winter is not only the end of one year, but the beginning of the next. Jera is the rune of cyclical time, and reminds us that what goes around comes around, what we send out returns to us, and what goes up must come down. Jera, literally “year,” is a wonderful rune for end-of-year magic and meditation. When working with runes, as with any magic, I always recommend keeping a journal to record your thoughts, gnoses, and experiences! These written records will help you into the future as you deepen your relationship and practice with runes. The following are all elder futhark runes, and the information and suggested practices I’ve included come from a combination of study, practice, and personal gnosis. Whether you’re busy decking the halls with boughs of yaupon holly and or hiding from social obligations in a dark corner of your castle, I’d like to offer you a little something to help you through this holiday season, and I think the runes have just the sort of magical medicine that December calls for. We’ve maybe two weeks yet to go until Autumn’s official end, but as they say… “‘tis the season!” This magical time of year (like any other) comes with its own unique beauties and charms as well as its own special downsides and pitfalls, and each of us experience this season differently.
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