One of the most practical divination tools an intuitive can use are the Elder Futhark runes. Centuries ago, they were the first alphabet of the Germanic tribes in northern Europe and were cast to seek guidance on wars, planting crops, marriages, and other tribal issues. As written language developed the Elder Futhark became a mystical set of symbols used to communicate with the deities of the North. 

 

I have been studying, casting, and applying runes to my personal life for years and always find them like an anchor when used with other divination tools. They are practical, earth centered and a gift from the past we can always apply to the present and near future. There are twenty-four runes in the Elder Futhark, and each has its own name and meaning. Runes are divided into three sets called aetts with each aett signifying a specific aspect of life.

 

The rune, Isa, is the eleventh rune and in the second aett which signifies seasonal occurrences in life. It is the letter “I” in the Elder Futhark. Isa is a poignant symbol to begin with to learn about runes especially at this moment in time. It is the beginning of spring and in the northern hemisphere the ice is melting, the earth is thawing, and the colors of the season are slowly rising from the muddy ground. This is the energy of Isa.

 

Isa pronounced “ee-sah,” is the rune used to signify this time of year. For the Germanic people, the time of Isa related to the end of the winter when the last supplies of grains, dried meats and fruits and cheeses stored before winter were almost depleted. The harsh weather was subsiding, and the tribes were grateful they survived the harsh cold and snow. 

 

When the melting began and the sun rose above the horizon for longer periods of time, plans for growing crops and hunting again dominated their conversations around the fires. It was a time of relief and the beginning of challenging work.

 

The rune Isa not only symbolizes this time of year, but it brings hope and stirs dreams of a better year, more abundance than the previous turn of seasons and the lessons learned from the harsh winter. Isa is a rune of hope, spring and stillness as the ice melts and the water flows again. Within the meaning of ice and stillness lies the reality that as we move forward with our plans, there are times when nothing will move. We can only be still and wait until the ice thaws and the way is clear. 

 

Isa also has a shadow side called a murkstave, that can appear in a casting when the symbol is reversed. Isa in murkstave is a cautionary symbol to not rush ahead. When ice melts it does not support as much weight as when it is solid and thick. If thin ice is crossed, the risk of falling or submerging into the icy waters is high. When Isa appears in a cast or reading, it beckons us to be still, meditate and enjoy the last moments of rest before the work begins. Respecting the cycles of the seasons and the messages of the earth are much of what the second aett of the runes are about. 

 

Isa today relates to the moments in life when we have to stop and evaluate whether to push ahead even at a risk of not being able to finish the task we want to complete or slow down, observe our progress, and stop if that is what we need to do. Sometimes we have no choice because of unexpected events but most of the time, a few moments of reflection and stillness usher in a clearer direction. Isa is also the symbolism of the mirror. Most stop to look at themselves when they approach a mirror. Isa asks us to slow down and take a deeper look.

Mary Cooney is a freelance writer, certified tarot and rune reader and Life Purpose coach who practices at Carlisle Creative Vibes, 152 N Hanover St., Carlisle. 223-269-0519. CarliselCreativeVibes.com.