Meaning: Mankind, Humanity, the
Moon
Symbolises: Physical love, Witches,
Humanity, death and the female cycle.
Mythology: Freya – Twin sister to
Frey, counterpoint to Odin.
Fylgja: Hare, Cat, Lynx, Sow,
Hawk/Falcon.
Class: Karl
Tree: Hawthorn
Plant: Lily-of-the-Valley
Day: Monday
Old Norwegian Rune Rhyme:
Mankind is the increase of dust;
Mighty is the talon span of the Hawk.
This rune is primarily associated with
sensual love. This is indicated by the first
line of the rune rhyme. Sexuality is the
force which creates human being from the
dust of unformed matter. The second line
suggests that this is a universal force
affecting all human beings. If this rune
occurs in connection with sensual
relationships then it suggests that the
force represented by Freya either is, or
will be, very much present. In connection
with other areas of life it suggests that
there will be sensual rewards in terms of
money, status, and possessions. There will
probably be little benefit in terms of
rewards on other levels. The story of the
Necklace of the Brisings when Freya agreed
to spend four consecutive nights with the
four dwarfs who had made an amber necklace
set in gold of great beauty and value and
would accept no other price for it. Freya
was quite content with the deal but it
didn't exactly improve her standing with the
other Aesir. Mann represents the force of
desire that can lead to the stable joys of
family life as represented by Bjork, or
wealth represented by Fe, her twin brother's
rune, or Laug, her fathers rune. But this is
the same force that can drive us to reckless
acquisition which leads to the kind of envy
and mischief that Loki made when he couldn't
wait to tell Odin about Freya's deal with
the dwarfs. It was also the desire of
various giants to take Freya away and make
her their own that brought about some of the
most dangerous situations for the Aesir.
Mann suggests the power of desire leading to
reward, but not without the very real risk
of arousing jealously in others and possibly
even violence. |
