The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s Draw: Jord/Queen of Coins; Fyruedal and Gar; Ran/Queen of Cups.

As I was shuffling this morning, I realized it had been a while since I reset the deck. So I took a few minutes to sort and re-shuffle it to completely reset the order of the cards.

And today’s reading is a mirror of yesterday’s. Same two cards, just switched positions.

Make of that what you will. To me, it says that yesterday’s energy is carrying over to today, and to use our physical focus to help manage our emotional energies.

Whereas yesterday we had Eihwaz to help us channel energy, today we have Fyruedal fanning the flames (in the most literal sense–it represents the bellows used to fan a fire) and igniting all kinds of energy and excitement. With Jord as the Active Influence, we have the ability to focus and put this energy to good use.

And look–Gar came out of the basket along with Fyruedal. Odin says, “Hello!” And you probably want to greet Him. And thank Him for the energies He brings. And be open to the mystery, to sudden, unexpected, and very likely radical turns of events and possibilities appearing to do.

A lot can happen, and probably will. Stay grounded in your body to help ground your emotions, and leap at the opportunities which arise.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s Draw: Ran/Queen of Cups; Eihwaz; Jord/Queen of Earth.

Emotions are running high today. Use the energy of Eihwaz to channel them into effective communication and productive action.

In addition to being an energy channel to keep us focused, Eihwaz counsels caution. Be honest with yourself about what you are feeling, and take care to express those emotions honestly–and with judicious editing. Phrasing is key–remember the Sultan’s two sages. Watch your tongue so you may keep your head.

Jord is our guide today. She reminds us to stay grounded, to take care of ourselves so that we can take care of our responsibilities. Jord tells us that taking proper care of the material concerns allows us to take better care of the other parts of our lives.

Be calm, be wise, and remember to eat–and enjoy– lunch.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s Draw: Sunna /The Sun; Os; The Nine Maidens of the Mill/Nine of Coins.

Here, on the third day of the calendar year, the Gods are encouraging you to get to work. You can do great things, but *you* must actually *do* them. Today’s reading says that there is no time like the present, and the present in this reading is filled with positive energy.

The Gods are here with you, with advice and suggestions–or perhaps very clear and precise instructions. Even if you are uncertain about what to do, or how to start, the Gods know, and They are being unusually direct in Their communications. You would do well to heed Them, as 1) They don’t take well to being ignored–ingratitude towards Their efforts means They are much less likely to bother with you again in the future; and 2) you can save yourself a lot of time and aggravation.

Even with divine guidance, you still have work to do, and you are the one who must do it. No delegation, no job-sharing, no half measures–the Gods are telling you to do it, do it well, and do it now.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s Draw: Gjalp & Greip/Five of Wands; Laguz; Billing/King of Coins.

Disagreements, arguments, and direct conflicts may mark the day, especially where material and financial matters are concerned. There is enough, but there may not be agreement about the best way to use what is there.

Billing repeats his role from yesterday as the Hidden Influence. Whatever else is happening on the outside (people showing up at your door with big sticks is not what anyone wants on their agenda), you need to remain calm and focused on your truth.

Laguz, the rune of flow, gives us energy to deal with these conflicts. We can simply flow through the argument, and then table the discussion for later. This can be the best technique in a situation where everyone is so busy convincing the others of the correctness of their own position that no one is listening to anyone else. Agreeing to a cooling-off period and resuming the discussion when people are able to actually hear others’ words will delay the resolution, but will yield a better result.

Alternately, we can use the Laguz energy to help us direct the energy, to create a smooth flow, to allow the other to talk until they have exhausted their words and their self, and then use energy to guide them to the resolution we want. Remember, Laguz is associated with Loki, and you can call upon His eloquence to aid your own speech. Often, people want to be acknowledged more than they want to achieve their stated goal; their need to be right is more important than their need to get their way.

Be the clear thinker in the group, and you can steer the ship.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Happy new year, and welcome to 2016!

Today’s Draw: Bergelmir/Six of Swords; Teiwaz; Billing/King of Coins.

You may feel like you barely escaped 2015 in one piece. Bergelmir sympathizes, and reminds  y0u that you did, indeed, make it to the new year. Even if all you could fit into your boat was yourself and the clothes on your back, you are here, and from that starting point, all things are possible. You may be faced with creating a new world, a new you, or both.

Billing, as the Hidden Influence, tells you to look within and to look around. You have resources, he says, even if you don’t recognize them at first glance. Look again, and again, until you have a clear picture of what you have to work with.

Tyr, present in Teiwaz, requires us to act from a place of integrity. No cutting corners, no taking from others without asking, no making promises you can’t (or won’t) keep. Do the job, do it well, and do it in good faith. If you need something, ask for it, and if th answer is no, accept that with good grace and go on with Plan B.

You have more than you realize, and can do more than you give yourself credit for. Be honest, be sincere, and be bold enough to take the necessary action.

Bindrune of Gar, Ior, and Laguz

If you are new to working with bindrunes, I suggest you read the introductory bindrune post here, then return to this post to read about this specific bindrune.

We make plans. We take action. Yet, we can control very little except how we respond to events and circumstances. This rune calls in grace and protective energies to help us respond in a thoughtful manner, rather than simply reacting from an emotional level or first impulse.

Gar (dark blue): The unknown. Wyrd. The Universe’s sense of humor and timing–which doesn’t always match ours. What is beyond your control; acknowledging and accepting that energy. Letting the Gods do what the Gods will do, and accepting that.

Ior (green): Jormundgandr, the Midgard Serpent. Boundaries. Protection. Being able to defend yourself, your boundaries, your gifts by right of birth, and your achievements by virtue of work. Being able to focus your energy on what needs to be done.

Laguz (light blue): Flow, movement, effortless progress. The helpful wind to fill your sails, or the strong tide to carry your ship forward. Ease of being, ease of movement. Having enough energy, time, or other resources to do what you need to do. What you need flows to you, and you are able to make good use of it.

The bind rune on the left was done in colored pencil. The one on the right was done with fine point calligraphy markers. They are shown in two different media to give an idea of how the same bind rune looks different depending on how it is created.

You could also put a drop of lavender on the bindrune to clear your mind and calm your nerves, or a drop of your favorite oil  on it to reinforce the energy with your personal scent.

Meet your Wyrd with grace, courage, and honor.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s Draw: Sunna/The Sun; Sowelu; Ymir/The Fool.

Sunna rides Her chariot across the sky, bringing light to the world. Guess what you need to do today? Rise and shine, mount your chariot, and go.

Sowelu, too, brings the light of the sun to this reading. Warmth, light, clarity, and healing are the energies of the day. Feel them, allow them to sink into you, and channel them to transform yourself and your circumstances. Sometimes Sowelu can bring an unexpected, and often dramatic, change. Sunna will help you if that’s the case today.

Ymir reassures you that the change, even if unexpected, can bring many positive developments. The Fool is the embodiment of potential–what you do with it is up to you. Circumstances may as yet be undefined, so seize the opportunity to turn them to your most favorable situation.

Much can be done, and you have the energies to make the most of things. What are you waiting for? Go!

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s Draw: Garm/Nine of Swords; Os; Grid/Knight of Coins.

You have a lot of work to do, and a lot of Work. The God are speaking to you, and through you. Listen, learn, and do your best to understand so you can teach what you have learned.

Take care of practical matters efficiently so you have more time and energy to focus on the messages from the Gods. You must approach the Work with sharp focus and clear purpose. You cannot take it lightly, or give it only half-attention. This Work demands your all, and you must be prepared for the changes it will create in you and in your life. One does not speak with the Gods and remain the same person.

Be confident in your ability to learn, and be prepared to work hard for the knowledge. The rewards are greater than you can imagine, and will stay with you always.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s Draw: Hela/Death; Nauthiz; Bestla/Ten of Coins.

Today is all about need. You need to let go of what no longer serves, of your old ways of being and living, to make room for your new life. You can’t bring new things into a space that’s already full. You must discard all that holds you back and limits your life

Bestla’s throne has three runes carved into it. Berkana, in the center and the largest, emphasizes the rebirth and new life that follows the death in Hela’s card. Nauthiz, also today’s rune, says you must focus on what you truly need. Not what you want, not what others need or want from you, but that which you truly need to live and to live fully. Perthro, the third rune on Her throne, evokes the dice cup, the element of chance. We are given no guarantees, and things may not turn out as we expect. But we must decide, we must take action, and we must let go of the life we have in order to live the life we want.

Change is happening. Guide that change so it works out in your best interests, not someone else’s. It is your life, after all.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s Draw: Suttung/Six of Coins and Mengloth/Page of Cups; Kenaz; Jord/Queen of Coins.

The top two cards stuck together and came out of the pile as one, so we have two Active Influences – Suttung and Mengloth.

Kenaz lights the way for us. Act from generosity of spirit to heal others and to heal yourself. The greatest gifts you can give are compassion and kindness. That does include compassion and kindness to yourself.

Jord encourages us to enjoy material pleasures today, the comforts and delights of the sensual world–good food, drink, warmth, soft fabrics, soft skin. Find ways to give pleasure to yourself and to others. Allow yourself to enjoy the delights on offer–next week is soon enough for a return to sensible eating and self-discipline.

Enjoy what is best in life, and share it generously with those around you.

And a Merry Christmas to those who celebrate!