08/10/2026
“When you know how to listen, everybody is the guru, speaking to you”. – Ram Dass
How does one become ‘wise’?
Where does wisdom come from?
It begins, always, with knowledge – a basic acquaintance with facts, truths, and principles from study, observation or investigation. Being knowledgeable doesn’t make you wise, but it forms the foundation upon which wisdom is built.
Wisdom comes with experience, trial and error, evaluation, and lessons learned over time (even from failure!). Wisdom is earned. In order for any of this to happen, you must be open to the lesson, be flexible in your perspective, and be able to impart your experiences to others. The spark of wisdom is often revealed through moments of awe.
“Wisdom begins in wonder.” – Socrates
Now, let’s step into the astonishing realm of the 4th Rune of the Elder Futhark:
Ansuz – Rune of Divine Messages, Inspiration, and the Breath of Life
Rune Ansuz calls attention to the liminal spaces between inspiration and expression, between concept and creation, between the source and the song.
The word ‘inspiration’ refers to the arousal of the mind to special activity, creativity or emotion. It also means literally the drawing of air into the lungs.
When we inhale deeply, the spirit of life enters our body, our mind activates, and the ecstatic dialogue between the human and the divine can begin.
Ansuz reminds us that the words we speak are born from this sacred breath. They have impact. Influence. Power. Pausing to inhale this essence gives you the ability to form eloquent speech and clear communications.
Every letter, text, social media post, voicemail message, and note tucked into someone’s lunchbox is indeed a point of significant connection and deserves to be composed with at least some thoughtful consideration. This is the challenge of Ansuz.
True meaning is discovered while seeking experience, connecting with others, and exploring your spiritual side. Do this, and you become part of something much greater than yourself.
Runic Practice:
To align with the Rune of Divine Messages, Inspiration, and the Breath of Life, try these high-clarity communication routines:
• Breath Before Broadcast: Before sending any email, text, or social media comment – especially if you feel rushed or reactive – first pause with your fingers poised over the screen or keyboard. Take a full, deep inhale into your lungs through your nose. Feel the spirit of life enter your body, activating your mind. Ask yourself, “Is this message composed with thoughtful consideration, or am I just throwing static into the air?” As you exhale, edit out any friction or snark, and send your words with meaning and clear intention.
• The Everyday Guru Listening Game: To train yourself to be receptive to wonder and wisdom, try this shift. Pick one routine interaction today such as a conversation with a neighbor, a cashier, or even a frustrating coworker. For a minute or two, pretend this person is a hidden spiritual master sent specifically to send a message to you. Turn off your internal dialogue (the script of what you plan to say next) and just listen deeply. Pay attention to their word choices, tone, and emotion. You’ll be amazed at how much wisdom is hiding in plain sight when you stop planning your reply. You may also notice the other person’s delight at having actually been heard.
• The Vocal Resonance Morning Tune-up: Ansuz governs, along with breath, the vocal tract, speech, and sound vibration. Each morning, stand comfortably, drop your shoulders, and place a hand over your throat or upper chest. Inhale deeply through your nose. As you exhale, hum a warm, low tone, letting the sound vibrate in your throat and chest. Transition the hum into the drawn-out sound of the Rune: “Ansuz” or simply “Aaaaaaaahh”. This basic vocal exercise stimulates the vagus nerve, settles your nervous system, and clears your vocal cords so you speak with natural, grounded authority.
Bonus BindRune:
Combining Ansuz with the protection and balance of Elhaz pairs the Ansuz energy of high-level inspiration with a sense of security and stability. These blended avenues of focus are ideal for anyone wishing to set a mental boundary against distraction while creating an ideal inner environment for brain-health activities and deep concentration.
People Properties:
The Ansuz personality is defined by a sincere connection to communication, wisdom, and inspiration. A lifelong learner, the Ansuz person yearns to grow and evolve. Their natural leadership inspires others with creative expression – be it through speech, writing, art, or music. They are a beacon of clarity, integrity, and innovation. Ansuz people are right at home as teachers, authors, diplomats, performers, lawyers or mediators - any occupation where communication and eloquence are key.
Ansuz Affirmations:
"I speak from a clear and peaceful mind. I understand my words have power. I think first – then speak my truth. When in doubt, breathe and listen."
RuneTip:
Use Ansuz as a focal point for reaching a state of deep mental inspiration when meditating, chanting, singing, or praying. This Rune is especially influential when combined with breathing exercises, guided imagery, or hypnosis.
Featured RuneGift:
“Unlock Ancient Wisdom & Embrace Your Power!”
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RuneQueen’s Data Vault:
Ansuz correspondences useful in constructing rituals, talismans, & spiritual tools:
• Numerical Value: 4
• Linguistic Value: Short A
• Element: Air
• Tree: Ash, Oak
• Plants: Fly Agaric, Valerian, Fennel, Poppy, Fern
• Colors: dark blue, indigo, violet, grey
• God force: Odin, Bragi, The Aesir
• Objects of Power: spear, walking staff
• Fragrance/Incense: cedar, clove, iris, sage
• Gem/Mineral: emerald, lapis lazuli, agate, flint, sodalite
• Metal: mercury, silver
• Chakra: Crown, Throat
• Animal: raven, wolf, horse, vulture, raptors, scorpion, turkey, bat, snake
A Postscript from the RuneQueen:
“Why the Elder Futhark and Why Now?”
‘RuneNotes’ is a weekly mini-MasterClass for people seeking knowledge and empowerment from the ancient wisdom of the Elder Futhark Runes, which have millennia of human history behind them.
According to Norse myth, Runes originally came to humankind from Odin himself as a set of holy mysteries and secret wisdom.
Their usage in human history goes back more than two thousand years. Runic alphabets evolved within various cultures so that now they exist in several forms.
The Elder Futhark traces back to ancient peoples of the Nordic and Northern European regions.
My family background gave me a comfortable familiarity with Runes as a youth and in recent years I've been working much more intimately with the Elder Futhark.
My focus is on sharing what I've learned from my beloved Elder Futhark and encouraging others to: "Unlock Ancient Wisdom & Embrace Your Power”.
I'm based in Northern California/USA and thus influenced and tuned in to the natural world of the Northern Hemisphere and the cycles of nature as they manifest in these latitudes.
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