Divination Offering: Ask the Ogham or the Runes

[jprussell]

Doing divination with the Runes was actually the first occult thing I learned to do, and since then I've also picked up the Ogham. I do a daily reading for myself with one or the other, and as needed for specific questions where I'm looking for guidance. But I've never done a reading for someone else, and I think it's time I give that a shot.

So! Do you have a question that some additional information might help? A decision you're contemplating? If so, let me know in the comments and I'll do my best to answer. Fair warning, as I said, this is my first shot at other folks' questions, so I can't guarantee how helpful or accurate I'll be! That being said, I wouldn't be offering this if I didn't think I could help.

In your comment, let me know your question, any details or context you think might be relevant that you're willing to share, and whether you'd like me to consult the Ogham or the Runes. For what it's worth, I tend to go to the Ogham for spiritual or magical questions and the Runes for life-direction or practical questions, but I've used both for all sorts of questions. If you have a simple "yes/no" question, I find that easier with the Runes.

With all that out of the way, fire away!
Thanks everyone, but this offer is now closed! Next time I'm offering readings, I'll post here again.

Comments

A reading

[(Anonymous)]

Thanks for doing this Jeff.
Question. "Will my healing endeavours make a difference?"
Background. I have retired from my mainstream job aged 57 and am receiving a small pension. I am trying using different methods to offer distance healing to friends family and pets. And if successful to the wider community via a website. It is early days yet and in the data collection stage. Hence to question.
Can you use runes please.
Cealin

Re: A reading

[jprussell]

Hi Cealin,

Thanks very much for giving me the opportunity to practice.

I asked "Will Cealin's healing endeavors make a difference?" For a spread, I used "Setting" (Context), "Work" (the healing endeavors themselves), and "Outcomes" (what will come of it).

Draw
Setting: Raidho "Ride"
Work: Ansuz (Murky) "Ancestral God"
Outcome(s): Gebo "Gift"

My Take on It
The short answer is "yes," but I hope it will be helpful to give some context. It seems like you are in the midst of some kind of "orderly change" - maybe you are moving from one life phase to another, or perhaps you have started a new routine that's good for you, or taken up a course of study (maybe MOE?). Now, for the work itself, Ansuz murky is a bit tough, because Ansuz is one of the main Runes for Magic, as the "Ancestral God" it refers to is Woden, the God of Magic. This indicates some struggle with the work, that it won't come easy or naturally. The other thing that a murky Ansuz suggests is to look out for deception or manipulation, especially of a verbal kind - is there someone involved in the healing work that is saying one thing, but doing another? Maybe giving you bad feedback on how it's going? Or perhaps you are feeling clumsy and "getting in your own way" here. The good news is that the outcome is Gebo, which is extremely positive and also is associated with magic. If you keep up with the work and navigate the difficulties indicated by the murky Ansuz, you will either give or receive a "gift" (or both). Gebo is all about exchange, and the bonds between people they build, and the good things that come of it.

Please let me know any follow-up questions you have, and I'd certainly appreciate hearing if this rings true at all.

Runic reading

[ivn66]

Hi Jeff. Thank you for your kind offer.

I've never gotten a reading in runes before, so I'm very curious to try it out!

Recent events have had me thinking it'd be best if I relocate from the South back up to my native Northeast. I'd like to ask you and your runes if my current plans - destination and timeline of relocation - are good ones for me.

Re: Runic reading

[jprussell]

Thanks very much for giving me the chance to practice!

I asked "Are IVN66's current plans on when and where to relocate good for him/her?" and for a spread I used "Setting" (context), "Work" (the plan and the move itself), and "Outcome(s)" (what is likely to come about if you go through with it).

Draw
Setting: Isa "Ice"
Work: Berkano "Birch Goddess"
Outcome(s): Sowilo "Sun"

My Take on It
Wow, this is a rather straightforwardly positive reading, so the short answer is "yes, it would be good." Isa indicates that you have been isolated, maybe concentrating on yourself, whether for good or ill. The move itself would be something of a "Rebirth" for you, in a positive sense, but of course that only comes after some parts of your life (like what you would leave behind) have "died". For me personally, Berkano is associated with Spiritual Awakenings, so there's a possibility the move could feature one of those. For the outcome, Sowilo is literally the "victory" Rune - it represents the goal of striving, but also the guide and path to that goal. So, it indicates that the move would indeed get you what you're looking for, but there's a subtle undercurrent of movement, rather than settling - which means that maybe this move would be a stop on the way to where you'll end up permanently rather than the end point (I cheated a bit on this last part by reading JMG's take on your Geomancy reading and going "oh, right, that's why it's Sowilo instead of Othala (homeland)" :)).

Please let me know any follow up questions you have and I'd love to hear if this rings true at all.

Rune Reading

[(Anonymous)]

Good morning Jeff,
I'm a long time reader on JMG's site and never comment! But I really enjoy what you put forth. I'd like to take you up on your offer of Rune reading. I have two questions:

1) I want to pursue a specific certification course, with which I have some familiarity of the subject matter. Will this course assist me in my long range goal of teaching and practicing outside the USA.

2) I'm interesting in working in one of six countries for the summer of 20224 in my chosen field and am prepared to do the "legwork", Does this venture look promising?

I don't have a dreamwidth account, so I'm hoping this will post. Thank you jeff

Re: Rune Reading

[jprussell]

Thanks very much for giving me the chance to practice!

For both questions, I used this spread: "Setting" (context), "Work" (doing the actual thing, so pursuing the certification or working in one of the countries), and "Outcome(s)" (what's most likely to come about if you go through with it).

Asking 1 - "Will pursuing this certification help anonymous in his/her long-term goal of teaching and practicing outside the US?"
Draw
Setting: Algiz "Elk" or "Protection"
Work: Jera "Year"
Outcome(s): Fehu (Murky) "Fee"

My Take on It
This is a rather mixed reading, but it seems like there's something about this certification course that doesn't line up with what you're after. There seems to be some kind of risk in your situation, but it's the kind of risk that you can potentially use to your benefit. Think of reed with sharp edges - it can keep out unwanted folks, if you handle it carefully the sharp edges can be useful, but if you reach out and grasp it, it will cut you. This is what's going on in your life around the certification. Pursuing this certification course would give you the skills and know-how you're looking for - you would find the work itself rewarding in equal measure to what you put into it. That being said, the outcome is not so good, especially since this is a professional question - Fehu is the Rune of money first and foremost, and getting it Murky as the outcome for a professional questions suggests this would not work out well financially. The other possibility is that it could lead to burnout, to overuse of whatever energies you're putting into this work.

Taken all together, what this suggests to me is that this certification course is somehow going in slightly the wrong direction - maybe it's in the right field, but the wrong specialization, or else it pushes you to emphasize the parts of the field other than what draws you to it in the first place. Or it might be that this particular course wouldn't provide you with the same opportunities that another one for the same certification might.

Asking 2 - "Does it look promising for anonymous to work in one of six selected countries in Summer"
Draw
Setting: Wunjo "Joy"
Work: Raidho "Ride"
Outcome(s): Tiwaz "Tiw/Tyr (name of the God)"

My Take on It
This is a more positive one, but it also has a bit of a warning to it. It seems that your context, perhaps your social context, for wanting to do this travel and work is good - you have what you need to support you. Wunjo can also indicate ideals, so I'm guessing that maybe this work has some kind of basis there. Assuming these two questions are linked, this might cast some light on the funkiness with the certification above - maybe it's not in line with the ideals pushing you in this direction? At any rate, getting Raidho for the actual travel itself is a very positive sign - it seems to indicate that yes, going to these places would be exactly the kind of change and growth that you think it would be. The outcome, though, is less than ideal. I'm seeing two possible options here: one reading of Tiwaz is related to "analysis paralysis" - always thinking, never acting. This is very nearly the opposite of Raidho, which is basically "get on your horse and ride!" So, one possible reading is that you are maybe putting more effort into thinking about the choice than in making it happen, which might lead you to not actually take the trip.

I'm not entirely satisfied with that, though, because of Tiwaz (Murky)'s placement in "Outcome". I wanted to bring it up in case it strikes a chord, but what I find a slightly more compelling reading is that if you do this, you might have to check a tendency to "give too much" (Tiw was, after all, the God who let his hand get eaten by Fenris!). If this reading is right, then as you approach the trip, make sure not to lose sight of what you will get out of it, and how to establish appropriate boundaries on your time, energy, and care.

Please let me know any follow-up questions and I'd certainly appreciate hearing if any of this strikes you as helpful or true.

Visit

[jeremymcjohnson]

Do the runes say that I will be able to go visit my former co-worker R in Kelowna this summer? I'm already doing a four day mini vacation in Edmonton, but I owe the government a lot of money and I'm in hot water at work.

Re: Visit

[jprussell]

Thanks for the chance to practice! Rather than simply asking a yes/no question, I took the liberty of asking in a way that gets a bit more context. So, I used a spread with "Setting" (context), "Trip" (the trip itself), and "Outcome(s)" (what is most likely to come about if you take the trip).

Asking - "Will Jeremy be able to visit R in Kelowna this summer?"
Draw
Setting: Kenaz (Murky) "Torch"
Trip: Laguz "Lake"
Outcome(s): Berkano "Birch Goddess"

My Take on It
Not only does it seem you'll be able to go, it might be more important than it now seems. Your context seems to be either stifling you creatively or else things are "coming apart" in an unwanted way (maybe the "hot water" at work?). The trip itself will bring challenges of some kind, but these are likely to be tests of some kind. Laguz is also the Rune of "the Deep," and so it might suggest that there's more going on with the trip than there seems on the surface. The outcome indicates a "Rebirth" of some kind, which is very positive, but it also implies some amount of "Death" - things that might need to be let go. For what it's worth, for me, Berkano has connotations of Spiritual Awakening, so it's possible that that has something to do with it.

Please let me know if you have any follow-up questions, and I'd very much appreciate hearing whether this rings true at all.

[open_space]

Thanks for doing this, Jeff!

My question for you is:

I've been battling for many years now with what should I do to live a more meaningful life and would like to see what the oracle of your choice has to say about it.

For one, I ended up trapped in a job I hate in a place that doesn't fulfill me and I frankly abhor.

What do I need to change or focus on to start moving in that direction?

What would be the outcome of me going back to México vs staying here in the US?

[jprussell]

I did my first round of divinations earlier today, but I will get to your questions either this evening or tomorrow.

Any preference for Runes versus Ogham?

[jprussell]

Replying to the original question to avoid too much nesting.

A bit on my method, in case you're interested as a fellow practitioner. I opened a sacred space on my portable ritual altar (folding tray), made a drink offering to Woden and Frige, and prayed for their help and guidance. I then got all 24 of the Runes out, called upon the Wyrds (Norns) to help, and shook the staves vigorously while concentrating on the question before dropping them into a large-ish dice tray. Without looking, I drew them one each for each position in the spread - "Setting" (your overall context), "Work" (doing the action contemplated by the question), and "Outcome(s)" (what is most likely to come about if going through with the action contemplated). I then looked at the Runes in each spot of the spread and interpreted. If the Rune landed face-down, I consider it "Murky," which is roughly equivalent to a card being reversed in Tarot. In my system of interpretation, it means either that the qualities embodied by the Rune are manifesting in an unhelpful or harmful way, or that they are somehow blocked and not manifesting enough.

Asking 1 - What does open_space most need to focus on to move toward a more meaningful life?
Draw
Setting: Inguz (Murky) - "Ing (the God's name, most believe to be the same as Frey)"
Work: Kenaz (Murky) - "Torch"
Outcome(s): Gebo - "Gift"

My Take on It
I'm not sure if this reading is telling you all that much that you don't already know, but let me walk through it in case some part of that helps. This indicates that your general context is that you are somehow "bottled up" - either you are withdrawn into yourself and "holding still" when you should be either gathering strength or moving forward, or else "moving" in a way that doesn't actually accomplish what you're after. I'm getting a sense of "hiding" from something rather than either facing it or truly resting/recovering from it.

The work that this reading says you need to focus on is addressing a murky Kenaz. Kenaz, the torch, is the Rune of creative drive and passion - the urge to make something, but it is also the Rune of breaking things apart, as that is often a necessary step in the creative process. To have it murky in this position indicates that you are either feeling stifled creatively (which seems likely from your question and other discussions we've had) and/or that something is "breaking up" in a way you find harmful or unwanted - maybe relationships, maybe social positions or expectations, or maybe your view of yourself and where you fit in all this. Overall, given what I know about you and the challenges you're facing, the image that comes to mind is that of a welding torch - you've got the fuel and the spark, but it needs the right nozzle to be focused into something powerful (and a bit dangerous) that will let you get the real work done.

The good news in this so-far murky reading is that the Outcome is rather positive - Gebo, the gift, is an almost purely positive Rune when it comes up bright (face up). If you're familiar with the ancient Greek concept of Xenia, the sacred relationship between guest and host, which is re-affirmed by mutual gift-giving, that's the kind of energy Gebo indicates. So, if you are able to fix what's going on with Kenaz, this indicates that you will get and/or give a "gift", or else engage in some kind of positive exchange. This Rune can sometimes have sexual and/or magical overtones, as can Kenaz, so there might be an element of that there, but I'm seeing that more as one aspect of the wider vitality/life question than the specific focus of the reading.

A phrase that popped into my head as I was wrapping up this interpretation, that I can't "back up" otherwise: "Make something great, and then give it away to someone who's worth it." Do with that what you will.

Asking 2 - What does open_space most need to understand about moving back to Mexico?
Draw
Setting: Gebo - "Gift"
Work/Move: Laguz (Murky) - "Lake"
Outcome(s): Kenaz - "Torch"

My Take on It
Now, this is very interesting and very weird. Between readings, I took up all of the Runestaves and again shook them thoroughly before dropping and picking with my eyes closed, and two of the same Runes came up! This tells me that the Runes really want you to focus on Kenaz and Gebo in your life, at least in the part of it that these two questions touch. It's also suggestive how they have changed positions in the spread - the Outcome of asking 1 is the Setting for asking 2, and the thing to do the work on in asking 1 is the Outcome of asking 2.

Now, this reading is also somewhat the inverse of the first one. At first glance, it seems fairly positive and like it's exactly the answer to the first asking - this move would be within a context of some kind of beneficial exchange - maybe bringing things back to your community in Mexico that you picked up in the States, maybe being able to better introduce things from Mexico to the folks you've met up north. And the outcome of this would be precisely the Kenaz energy that it seems you need to find - you'd likely find the drive to start creating and making stuff. It's the "Work", though, which comes up as Laguz (murky) that gives me pause, especially as this is a questions specifically about taking a course of action.

Laguz, though it literally means "Lake," is better understood as "the Deep" - it touches on the archetype of vast, primordial waters. "Lake" in proto-Germanic was the word for any large body of water, including the sea. As such, everything Jung might draw your attention to in symbolism of deep, dark waters might be appropriate here, and it coming up murky suggests the downsides or blockage of those archetypal energies. Specifically, the word that seems most relevant here is fear. Laguz can have a meaning of "challenges" or "tests", and drawing it murky suggests an avoidance of such tests and the psychological or spiritual growth they might bring.

So, my takeaway from this is that moving back to Mexico, at least at the time/in the way you're thinking about it now, would be "the easy way forward" - it would indeed give you what you're looking for, but perhaps not what you most need. I might recommend thinking about or meditating on what it is you would be leaving/avoiding/sidestepping by moving back to Mexico in the way you're contemplating, and what lessons or tests might be there.

Okay, those were a bit longer since I know a bit more about you and your situation, but do please let me know what seems on/off about the reading and any follow-up questions you have.

[tamanous2020]

Thanks for the rune reading!

Much like you, I'm trying to prepare for the long decline and specifically, towards figuring a trade or skill that'll be useful down the road. My history of office work has not exactly lead to a lot of options that really stick out as possibilities though, so divination would be appreciated.

Q- What trade/skill would I be both good at and would bring in enough resources/money for my family and I to live on?

Thanks,

Tamanous

[jprussell]

Hmm, this one ought to present an interesting challenge to get to an interpretation that tells a specific trade/skill, or at least hints toward one. I'll get to your reading either tonight or tomorrow and share what I find then.

[(Anonymous)]

I have a choice between two different pantheons to move forward with, we'll call them option G and option I (after my entry points to each). For whatever reason, I can not worship both, I have to pick one.

Can I get some idea of the direction each would take me in, and how it would work out long term?

[jprussell]

I will do another round of readings either a bit later this evening or tomorrow, and I'll share my results then.

If it works for you, I will ask two questions:

"What does anonymous most need to know about worshiping Pantheon G for the long term?"

and

"What does anonymous most need to know about worshipping Pantheon I for the long term?"

If I don't get a clear-cut answer from those, I'll further clarify.

Also, any preference whether I ask the Runes or the Ogham for one, the other, or both? I will likely default to the Ogham if not.

Which job to take?

[(Anonymous)]

Hi Jeff,

So I don't know how to put this type of question to the oracles. I have 2 job offers: F or B? So I want to know which will be better. F is boring infrastructure and B is consultant, which I've always done, but in this case pays less and I have to come back to the place I just left, only in this new company. So I guess the question is which job will treat me better?

Thank you!

Re: Which job to take?

[jprussell]

Hi Anonymous,

I will try to do your reading this afternoon or evening and get it posted by tonight, but the way my last week or so has been going, it might be tomorrow before I'm able to write it up and post it.

Here's what I propose:

I'll ask the Ogham, as your phrasing "treat me better" seems to imply an emotional/spiritual angle that I think the Ogham might give better guidance on. I'll ask two questions:

"What does anonymous most need to understand about how job offer F will treat him/her?"

and

"What does anonymous most need to understand about how job offer B will treat him/her?"

For these, I'll modify the spread I've been using for most of these slightly and use "Company, Work, and Outcome(s)" - where "Company" will focus more on the organization and the people and the like, and "Work" will focus more on the actual tasks and projects you'll be doing.

Let me know if you think I ought to modify any of that (like using the Runes instead of the Ogham), but otherwise, I'll get the reading done and posted soon.

[(Anonymous)]

Hi Jeff

Just saw your comment on ecosophia; thanks for offering divinations. The one question I have on my mind at the moment is: What should we do about Mama Bunny? Not sure whether Ogham or Runes would be better - I have no experience with either.

[jprussell]

I will do your reading today and post here when I get the chance to write it up!

If it's alright, I propose asking "What does anonymous most need to know about what to do with Mama Bunny?" with the spread "Setting (context), Deed (the thing to do), and Outcome(s) (what is most likely to happen if you go through with the proposed deed)." Also, this feels a bit more like a Rune question to me, so I'll go with those.

[dabilahro]

Hi Jeff! I'd be interested. My question is, should I make my goal relating to generating income once this year from my business idea in 2023 more ambitious?

For background, I am in a PMC type role and over the past 3 years (wonder why), I have gradually made major shifts in myself and worldview part of which includes dabbling in my own divination (Coelbren alphabet), disentangling myself from influences I view as malign, and generally putting myself far more out in the world. During this time, I realized I didn't know what I wanted to do, so decided to just focus on developing discipline.

A few weeks ago my mind clicked and multiple areas seemed to coincide into an idea that I have been gradually developing and executing on with I hope an ambitious but realistic goal for myself with the long term vision of being self-employed. One aspect of my idea which really stuck with me was that I feel it would help bridge communication divides in truly positive ways, while also giving a path to freedom of my time and energy that I don't feel I have ever really had in hindsight.

I suppose this question is more for the Runes too.

Thank you for your help, I won't ask for any refunds ;) Let me know if some other information would be helpful too.

[jprussell]

I think that likely gives me enough to get going on, so I'll do your reading today and post once I have a chance to write it up. Here's how I propose wording it:

"What does dabilahro most need to understand about making his/her 2023 business goal more ambitious than generating income once this year?" with the spread "Setting (context), Work (setting a more ambitious goal), and Outcomes (what is most likely to happen if you do set the more ambitious goal)."

Will my arts and crafts society be successful?

[betwixtworlds]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for doing this. I can see you are already swamped!

I want to take all of the old, unused buildings in my town (and other towns in my state) and get the civic leaders to help me make them available for struggling craftspeople: weavers, glassmakers, blacksmiths, etc. Sort of a "hotspot" for crafts and art. It's a state with lots of old mill towns with run down buildings.

So my question is, will creating this society of arts and crafts be successful?

Re: Will my arts and crafts society be successful?

[jprussell]

Well, before doing the reading, that sounds like a lovely idea! I'll do the reading today and post it once I get the chance to write it up.

That being said, here's what I propose to ask: "What does betwixtworlds most need to understand about the plan to create an arts & crafts society?" I'll use the spread "Setting (context), Work (following through on the plan as currently conceived - creating the society, convincing civic leaders to get on board, securing the spaces, and so forth), and Outcomes (what is most likely to happen if you pursue this course of action).

This seems more like a Runes question to me, so unless you'd prefer otherwise, I will ask them.

Relationship question

[(Anonymous)]

Hello and thanks for doing this. It's always fascinating to see how someone else approaches readings.

My question: Is my selective dating approach the right one for myself and my son?

Background: I'm going through a horrible divorce, and am years into it but getting close to the end. I've decided to seek a new relationship but I'm finding myself limited in who I'm interested in pursuing. I'm only interested in single mothers of children near my son's age, who are interested in merging families eventually, who I otherwise find attractive. This severely limits my pool.

I don't have a preference for what system you use, and leave that up to you. Thanks!

Re: Relationship question

[jprussell]

Hmmm, normally I would use the Runes for this question, but I'm getting the feeling the Ogham might be more helpful, so I'll go with that.

I propose asking "What does anonymous most need to understand about his current approach to dating?" with a spread "Setting (context), 'Work' (following through on the plan to use these criteria), and Outcome(s) (what is most likely to happen if you follow this proposed plan).

I'll do your reading today and post when I get the chance to write it up.

New Job

[roobyalien]

Thank you for offering this. I enjoy reading your posts on MM.

I am about to start a new job and am wondering what you see on that subject.

Blessings to you.

Rooby

Re: New Job

[jprussell]

Thanks very much! I worry sometimes I come across as over-eager over there :)

I will ask "What does roobyalien most need to understand about his/her new job?" with the spread "Setting (context), Job (the job itself), and Outcomes (what is most likely to come about due to starting the job)."

I think this sounds more like a Runes question, so I will ask them, unless you'd prefer otherwise.

I'll do the reading today and post it when I get a chance to write it up.

Thinking of quitting my job

[(Anonymous)]

Hi Jeff- Could you please ask (whichever oracle is best) about quitting my job? “Should I…” questions are rarely given useful answers… so how to frame the question…. “What would be the consequences if quitting my current job?” might be a better way to phrase it. I don’t know. I’ve tried doing my own divination, but having difficulty interpreting the answer….perhaps because of my emotional involvement in the situation? Thanks much

Re: Thinking of quitting my job

[jprussell]

Howdy,

I propose asking "What does anonymous most need to understand about quitting his/her job?" with the spread "Setting (context), Deed (the quitting itself), and Outcomes (what is most likely to happen if you go through with quitting)." I'm getting the feeling the Runes are better suited to this one, so I will ask them, unless you feel otherwise.

I'll do your reading today and post when I have the chance to write it up.

Cheers,
Jeff

Starting Devotion work with Loki

[(Anonymous)]

Hi Jeff, many thanks indeed for offering this service!

I recently had a divination done that advised me starting a devotional practice to Loki would be beneficial to me. This was done by a respected Heathen diviner. I'm not Heathen myself so the choice of pantheon (and, particularly, divinity!) was very surprising...

So I wouldn't mind a second opinion, something along the lines of whether taking up some sort of devotion work with Loki would be beneficial to me. I guess Runes would be more appropiate given the context, but I leave it to your discretion.

Many thanks again!

Re: Starting Devotion work with Loki

[jprussell]

Huh, now that's an interesting one! I'm going to have to get my daughter up from her nap soon, so I'm not sure I'll be able to get to this one today, but I will do the reading soon and post when I have the chance to write it up.

First, a caveat: I know that for one diviner to ask a "second opinion" from another oracle or just to ask again can lead to some less-than-ideal results, and I don't know if the same rule applies in asking another diviner, so take anything I come up with more salt than usual.

Secondly, I propose asking "What does anonymous most need to understand about starting a devotional practice to Loki?" with a spread of "Setting (context), Worship (how the worship itself will go), and Outcome(s) (what is most likely to come about if you do start the practice)." I agree that Runes seem more appropriate here, so I'll go with those.

Cheers,
Jeff

My relationship

[(Anonymous)]

Hello! I saw your comment on ecosophia and I’d be grateful for your time. I was wondering—what would help my relationship to improve?

Re: My relationship

[jprussell]

Howdy!

I propose asking the Runes "What does anonymous most need to understand about improving his/her relationship?" with a spread of "Relationship (the context of the overall relationship), Work (the action or change that would cause the improvement), and Outcome(s) (what's most likely to come about if you follow this course of action)."

I will likely not be able to get to this tonight, but I'll try to do the reading tomorrow and then will post a write up when I get the chance.

Cheers and thanks for stopping by,
Jeff

Divination

[candace_k]

Hi Jeff, thanks for offering this. I am starting the process of job hunting. I would like to know if I should concentrate my efforts in any particular area, above and beyond just the normal steps of polishing up my resume and applying for positions that fit my skill set. Suffering from burn out from my last job, really hate job hunting in general.

Re: Divination

[jprussell]

Alrighty, to do this reading, I opened a sacred space, called upon the Wyrds (Norns) and concentrated on your question while shaking the Runestaves vigorously. I then dropped them in a dice tray, said a prayer to the Gods who help me with divination, and then drew three staves without looking, using the spread "Setting (context), Work (doing the thing you're considering), and Outcome(s) (whatever is most likely to come about if you do what you're thinking about). If I drew the stave right side up, it is "bright," and if I drew it face down it is "murky," which is roughly equivalent to drawing a card reversed in systems like Tarot. In the system of interpretation I use, "murky" means either that the forces represented by the Rune are manifesting in an unhelpful or harmful way, or else that they are somehow "blocked" - not manifesting fully or at all.

Asking - "What does Candace most need to understand about her job hunt?"
Draw
Setting: Algiz - "Elk" or "Protection"
Work: Sowilo - "Sun"
Outcome(s): Thurisaz - "Thurse" (a "Giant" - a wicked semi-divine being, "thurse" tends to have a more explicitly negative meaning than "Ettin" (Jotun))
Surprise: Raidho - "Ride" and Ansuz - "Ancestral God"

My Take on It
For the context of your job search, I drew Algiz, which implies that there are risks, but that if you are crafty, you can turn them to your advantage. This has come up for the context of other job-related questions on this post, so I take it as a commentary on the state of the economy/world right now - things are topsy-turvy, but that presents opportunities for those willing and able to spot them and act on them. For the search itself, I got "Sowilo," which is the Rune of goals and the guidance to reach them. Pay attention to any "steering" you might be getting, whether from within yourself, or from the outside, about your goals and how to reach them. This Rune can also be associated with sailors or teachers, so if anything in your job search speaks to those areas, they might be indicated. This is a very positive Rune, though, and it implies that your search will be successful. That being said, for "Outcome(s)," I drew Thurisaz, which is a somewhat harsh Rune. It is the primal force of aggression, either your own or that of others toward you, and so it suggests that though your search will be successful, there will be some kind of risk associated with that success. Your answer to that risk should be controlled aggression - "fight" for yourself and your loved ones, but with care and wits rather than brute force.

As you may have seen from other answers on this post, sometimes Runestaves "make themselves known" to me through seeming coincidence - they land outside of the tray I drop them into, or bounce onto the floor, or the like. When that happens, I have found it helpful to see them as an overall commentary on the rest of the reading. You got not one, but two of these "surprise Runes, as one bounced out onto the floor, and another kept falling out of my hand as I tried to pick it up after the reading (seriously, like three times, and I was like "okay, I get it, I'll put you in the reading!")

So, the first of these was Raidho, which is the Rune of ordered, rhythmical movement or change. This implies that your search will involve "change" or "movement" of some kind - maybe a literal move, or maybe moving on to "the next step" in your career path or the like. This will take discipline and ethical action, though - especially given the indications of risk and attack we already talked about, you need to take care to do everything right, so as not to open yourself to any more dangers. This Rune can also indicate people or jobs involved in the Law or Transportation, so those may be relevant to your search.

Lastly, the Rune that refused to be put away until I noticed it was, fittingly, Ansuz, which is the Rune of the God Woden and all that he stands for, but most of all language, synthetic intelligence, and magic. This suggests to me that the "ordered change" implied by Raidho may be intellectual in nature - maybe you need to put disparate ideas/skills together, or perhaps "speak up for yourself" in some way. In any case, this further reinforces the strong message in this reading of striving for excellence - that which is "higher," but not easy.

Please let me know if you have any follow up questions, and if you're willing, I'd very much appreciate hearing whether this struck a chord or felt off, and if so, in what ways.

Cheers,
Jeff

[(Anonymous)]

Greetings, Jeff. Thank you for offering this service. I understand it's new for you to try divinations for others, but it appears your intuition has keyed in a lot of people's situations quite effectively so far.

I am seeking to move out of my current apartment into a cohousing or shared apartment situation, in response to a reduced budget. I sense this is a bit of a karmic trial for me, as I didn't take one great housing opportunity I had and now am choosing among more mediocre options. I'm less interested in identifying the best place to move into at this time, so much as understanding what I should understand about this housing search as it relates to me - what about me is being tested by this search? The way you've been phrasing question has been helpful - let's go with similar phrasing: "what does Anon need to know about his current housing search?" You can adjust the question as needed.

Thank you in advance!

[jprussell]

Alrighty, to do this reading, I opened a sacred space, called upon the Wyrds (Norns) and concentrated on your question while shaking the Runestaves vigorously. I then dropped them in a dice tray, said a prayer to the Gods who help me with divination, and then drew three staves without looking, using the spread "Setting (context), Search (the actual search itself), and Outcome(s) (whatever is most likely to come about if you do what you're thinking about). If I drew the stave right side up, it is "bright," and if I drew it face down it is "murky," which is roughly equivalent to drawing a card reversed in systems like Tarot. In the system of interpretation I use, "murky" means either that the forces represented by the Rune are manifesting in an unhelpful or harmful way, or else that they are somehow "blocked" - not manifesting fully or at all.

Asking - "What does anonymous most need to understand about his housing search?"
Draw
Setting: Hagalaz (Murky) - "Hail"
Search: Isa - "Ice"
Outcome(s): Raidho - "Ride"
Surprise: Kenaz - "Torch"

My Take on It
So, for "Setting," I drew Hagalaz (Murky). This is the Rune of sudden change or crisis, but also the growth that comes from that - hail is destructive, but it turns to water. Drawing it murky implies that some kind of change or crisis has come upon you that you were not ready for, or else that you are trying to force a stasis where it is inappropriate. Given some of the other Runes here, I suspect it's more the latter. For the search itself, I drew Isa, which is the Rune of contraction or focus, especially on the self, which is what I think it stands for here - I think it suggests that for your search, you will need to look within and work out what you most need, and to draw on your own, deeply personal resources to make it happen. Anything that you have spent time and concentration developing might be especially relevant to your efforts here. For "Outcome(s)," I drew Raidho, which is the Rune of movement and ordered change. For this question, the most obvious interpretation is that you will end up moving somewhere, maybe farther than you're currently contemplating. But it might also mean a more metaphorical movement/progression, such as stepping up/into a new role, transitioning into new responsibilities, or the like.

As with some of the other readings, one Runestaff drew some attention to itself as I was putting them away, which I've learned to take as a commentary on the overall reading. It was Kenaz, which is the Rune of focused, creative energy and craftsmanship, but also of needed dissolution - think of a welding torch for a good image. This suggests to me that your search either needs to be "creative," or else that what should guide it is your ability to express yourself creatively (maybe a skill or craft that you can put to work that you haven't before?). The other possible interpretation is that there is something that needs "breaking up" or "cutting apart." Given the other Runes that came up, I'm inclined to think this latter interpretation might apply - maybe there are some ties that are holding you where you are that might be better cut?

Please let me know if you have any follow up questions, and if you're willing, I'd very much appreciate hearing whether this struck a chord or felt off, and if so, in what ways.

Cheers,
Jeff

Question family future

[(Anonymous)]

Hello with the current changes in politics and government control I find myself endlessly anxious about the future of my family. Particularly growing children.
My question is about my family situation over the years to come, what to look out for and what's likely

Re: Question family future

[jprussell]

Alrighty, I propose asking the runes "What does anonymous most need to understand about what his family will deal with over the next few years?" with the spread: "Setting (context), Happenings (the stuff your family is likely to deal with), and Outcome(s) (what is currently most likely to come from those happenings).

I'll try to get your reading done this weekend and post it by early this week.