Elder Futhark Runes: Ansuz ᚨ

Ansuz, often represented as ᚨ, is the rune of communication, inspiration, and the power of speech. It references ancestral wisdom. This rune delves into the transmission of knowledge, the importance of language, and the inspiration that guides our thoughts and actions.

The Shape and Meaning

The shape of Ansuz resembles an ‘A’ and is characterized by its upward-reaching lines, symbolizing the ascent to higher knowledge and open for instruction. The structure of Ansuz can also be interpreted as a mouth, highlighting its association with speech, communication, and the transmission of ideas. This rune emphasizes the importance of articulating one’s thoughts clearly and the power that words hold.

This rune also shares the shape with Laguz ᛚ which is associated with living in the moment and trusting your intuition.

Historical Context

In ancient times, Ansuz was deeply connected to the god Odin, who is often associated with wisdom, poetry, and the spoken word. Odin’s connection to this rune underscores its significance in divination and magic, where the spoken word was believed to hold great power. Ansuz was used in rituals to invoke Odin’s guidance and to seek his blessings for wisdom and eloquence. It was also carved into tools and weapons to ensure that the user’s words and actions were aligned with divine will.

Modern Interpretations

In contemporary practice, Ansuz is seen as a reminder of the power of communication and the importance of clear, truthful expression. It encourages us to seek inspiration from our ancestors and to use our voices to share knowledge and foster understanding. This rune urges us to be mindful of the impact of our words and to strive for harmony in our interactions. Ansuz invites us to open ourselves to divine inspiration and to use our communication skills to positively influence the world around us.

Drawing Ansuz ᚨ

Ansuz ᚨ is a reminder to pay attention to what people are saying. Replay a conversation in your mind and see if it's realistic to see it from a new point of view. You may want to go back and clarify something that was left in limbo in a prior conversation. Maybe you need to start recording things to be referenced in the future. Since it appears to be a double Laguz ᛚ, you may want to trust your gut feeling about something.