Garnet has been known for thousands of years. In Greek mythology, it is named for pomegranate seeds, and so it’s not only associated with the story of Persephone and Hades, but was also sacred to Hera, goddess of marriage! Garnet has a legacy with relationships and sexuality as a result. It’s considered an intense stone of willpower and vitality—but not only that confidence and charisma, but the ability to share of oneself and be generous as a result.
The eleventh rune of the Elder Futhark. It is the rune of stillness. After the stress of Nauthiz, Isa asks us to pause and consider. We have a lake of ice in front of us. Take precautions to cross it well to prevent drowning. Or wait and have patience and the lake will thaw. It’s a rune of reflection, meditation, solitude; it’s a rune for temperance, preservation, and preparation. It shows itself when we must not rush, but instead align ourselves with what is within and without and adjust accordingly so that when the right time arises, we are ready. It is culturally linked (though not attested) with the goddess Skadi of the winter mountains and the mindful hunt.
Comfrey is known as the consummate travel protection herb, certainly for physical travel from self to vehicle to luggage abroad (and has been known to protect against theft while traveling)—but when paired with proper complements, like amethyst, it can also protect in the astral. Comfrey with malachite is especially helpful for travelers. Some sources also say that comfrey can be used in smoke cleansing and can also facilitate healing energies and encourage fidelity in parted lovers.
The tenth rune of the Elder Futhark. It is the rune of need. After change (Hagalaz) comes, you need to figure out how to move forward. Nauthiz is need over want. It asks us to work with our limitations and rely on ourselves to persevere and overcome—or innovate a clever way around. It is the need that must be met, one way or another, to move through confusion and into acceptance. It is culturally linked (though not attested) with the goddess Sigyn, victory woman, lady of endurance and fidelity. She shows us how doing what must be done, through love and loyalty, brings us into right action with ourselves and others.
Malachite is a stone of transformation: it helps reveal knowledge and awareness to us so that we can be brave enough to transform. It grows in organic botryoidal (grapelike) form and its sliced interior reminds me of the rings of a tree that mark changes. It is also used as a protection stone, especially for travelers!
The ninth rune—and the leader of the second aett—of the Elder Futhark. It is the rune of change. Those familiar with tarot cards will find Tower energy here: Hagalaz is the necessary change. It breaks patterns and helps learn unlearned lessons. It is self-reflective and as healing as it is deeply uncomfortable. It represents the divine spark within devastation; the difficult storm to weather before clearer journeys. It is the first rebellion. Hagalaz is powerful for self-growth and shadow work. It is culturally linked (though not attested) with the goddess Hel.
Star anise is not only the anise seed, but the seed pod star as well; it’s a warm spice that tastes of faintly of licorice, often found in mulling and baking. Star anise can be used for repelling ill energies and intentions so it is great for warding; it also has been said to connect with the other wise, aiding with divination as well as nightmare prevention. Some have also found it good for sexual working around lust and fertility.
The eighth and final rune of the first aett of the Elder Futhark. It is the rune of bliss and one of the Victory Runes, rounding off our first aett on a high note. It is harmony and contentment, it is the feeling of having enough, of feeling joyful and satisfied. It can also help with emotional healing to align with that sought state of joy, including being present in the moment and being grateful for what you find there. If you let it, it can direct you to new potentials and prevent stagnation. I have also found it useful in unlearning codependence habits.
It’s called “the extreme gem” the Gemological Institute of America. Peridot is born of fire and brought to light, one of only two gems (diamond is the other) formed not in the Earth’s crust, but in molten rock of the upper mantle and brought to the surface by the tremendous forces of earthquakes and volcanoes! Peridot is a great healer: it aids in resolving matters of the heart, helps boost confidence, releases negativity and unhelpful patterns, and empowers growth. Linked with solar energies, it’s a stone of abundance, forgiveness, wealth, and happiness.
The seventh rune of the first aett of the Elder Futhark. It is the rune of gifts; both giving and receiving. It’s generosity and hospitality — but also reciprocity and equality. It tells us to give our money to raise our dignity; to give our gifts to be connected. It’s the rune of connection and integration, yes, but also of boundaries, of making sure all parties benefit separately or together. It’s for contracts, the agreements between two parties. It’s interaction and balance. For these reasons, though unrelated to the rune poem, some people also use this rune for sex and relationship work. I have also found it useful in unlearning codependence habits.
LUX MEMORIA 