Category Archives: Symbols

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Johannes Bureus’ Rune-cross from an Armanen rune perspective



THE AXIS MUNDI

The axis mundi (Latin for “axis of the world”) is a cosmological concept found in many religions and mythologies. It is a symbolic pillar that connects the heavens, the earthly realm, and the underworld. It is often represented by a mountain, a tree, a tower, or a pillar of light.

The axis mundi is a powerful symbol of the interconnectedness of the cosmos. It represents the point where all things come together and where the sacred and the profane meet. It is also a symbol of the potential for transformation, as it is the point where the human and the divine can connect.

The rune-cross of Johannes Bureus may act as an axis-mundi, which can be used as a tool for spiritual transformation. The rune-cross can be used to help us to connect with the divine source of all life and to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Johannes Bureus’ rune-cross distinquishes between the vertical and horizontal axes to effectively capture the essence of the rune-cross’ dual function as a guide for spiritual ascension and a framework for achieving balance and wholeness in various aspects of life.

The rune cross’ vertical axis represents seven steps towards spiritual ascension. With each step, you will transcend your limitations and rise to a higher state of being. The emphasis on the vertical axis as representing seven steps towards spiritual ascension highlights the progressive nature of personal growth and transformation. Each step signifies a transcendence of limitations and an expansion of consciousness, leading to a higher state of being.

The horizontal arms of the cross represents the eight impulses combined in four aspects of balancing and unification needed to establish balance, harmony and wholeness.Equally profound is the representation of the horizontal arms as embodying the eight impulses combined in four aspects of balancing and unification. These impulses represent the dynamic interplay of contrasting forces within ourselves and the world around us, emphasizing the need for harmonious integration and equilibrium.

Above the rune cross is the three crowns , representing the law of three to reflect an ultimate desired state set as the destiny to strive for. The concept of the three crowns as representing the law of three and reflecting an ultimate desired state sets a powerful aspirational tone. It suggests that striving for this ultimate state requires a deep understanding of the principles of balance, harmony, and wholeness

LOWER SPIRITUAL ASCENSION

Step 1 – BAR: rune of rebirth and protection

With BAR I am initiated into the rune mysteries of the adulruna. I am born anew at the roots of the tree, protected by it’s sacred presence within my heart. No harm will come to me that might prevent my spiritual ascension. With every breath I take Divine presence strengthen itself within me. I hone my body as a vehicle to ascend in spirit.

This is where you begin to question the external world around you and your own internal reality. You may start to ask yourself who you really are, why you are here, and if there is more to life than what you have been taught.

BAR: The rune of birth and becoming. Embrace your true nature and step into your destiny.

Step 2 – SIG: Rune of salvation and victory

Present in the moment, SIG brings me victory and salvation. The impulse of life animated my being into action. Divine power streams through me as I have victory over material limitations. I overcome my ego and it no longer comstrain me. My ego become my ally in spiritual ascend. Lyke forms and transforms itself.

As you continue to question and explore, you may be drawn to learn more about spirituality. This may involve reading spiritual books, attending workshops, or connecting with a spiritual teacher.

SIG: The rune of victory and success. Overcome your challenges and achieve your goals.

Step 3 – IS: Rune of self-control and mastery

With the rune IS the master within takes the reign. Inner wisdom guides me to navigate the map of life. I am consciouss of self and self is continually strenghtened, expressed as self-control. I am aware of hazard and how to circumvent it. I begin to increase as my Fetch guides me to a increased sense of destiny.

As you deepen your spiritual connection, you may begin to develop spiritual gifts, such as intuition, clairvoyance, or clairaudience. These gifts can help you to connect with the Source and to navigate your spiritual journey.

IS: The rune of ice and introspection. Confront your shadow self and release your limiting beliefs.

Step – 4: Rune MAN, the rune of Divine alignment

With the ego in it’s right place, the soul can blossom. Divine blessings flow to me through MAN . I grow and feel well. United with original light man is one…the boundaries disappear. I enter into the collective consciousness of being. Now I am ready to live as man, and serve as man. Mynne (minne) memory is reactivated and empowered both conscious and unconscious. The minne is also associated with the ability to learn and grow.

Spiritual ascension is a process of healing and transformation. As you become more aware of your shadow self, you can begin to heal old wounds and release limiting beliefs.

MAN: The rune of humanity and compassion.
Embrace all beings and serve the greater good.

PROCESS OF UNIFYING DUALITY

NOD-AR TIME: Causality and Destiny

The balance between NOD with AR emphasizes the interconnectedness of past, present, and future, as well as the role of personal choices in shaping one’s destiny.

NOD: I accept responsibility for my actions. I work to dissolve my Karmic debt. The traces of the past remains but no longer limit my destiny.
AR: I become aware of my destiny. I reframe my mind to ever move in the direction I set for myself to attain the highest and most pure objectives I can conceive.

The balance between NOD and AR resonates deeply with the concept of personal responsibility and the pursuit of one’s highest potential. By accepting responsibility for our actions and working to dissolve our karmic debts, we create space for growth and alignment with our true purpose. Simultaneously, becoming aware of our destiny and reframing our minds to move in that direction empowers us to manifest our greatest aspirations

OS-FA FLOW: Receptivity and Intention

I balance OS with FA to emphasize the balance between opening oneself to receive abundance and actively setting intentions to manifest one’s desires.

OS: With OS I open myself to receive the blessings of the universe. I grow in wisdom and in my ability to speak with power and influence.
FA: I project my will and set my intent to receive what I want. I awake with enthusiasm and step into the world with confidence.

The interplay between OS and FA reflects the dynamic balance between receptivity and assertiveness. Opening ourselves to the blessings of the universe and growing in wisdom cultivate a state of receptivity, while projecting our will and setting our intentions with enthusiasm and confidence allows us to actively shape our reality.

RIT-UR STRUCTURE: Order and ChaoS

I balance RIT with UR to capture the interplay between creating stability and embracing the unpredictable elements of life.

RIT: I bring order within the chaos. Ritual strenghtens my expression of will. I understand how everything is interconnected.
UR: The wild force of existence is contained and accumulated for optimized work. I am connected to the source of energy and be home a channel for it’s flow.

The balance of RIT and UR highlights the interplay between order and chaos. By bringing order within the chaos, we strengthen our expression of will and gain a deeper understanding of interconnectedness. Simultaneously, harnessing the wild force of existence and channeling it for optimized work empowers us to tap into the boundless energy of the universe

TYR-LAF INTEGRATION: Contribution and Connection

I balance TYR and LAF to emphasize the importance of giving back to the collective and fostering meaningful relationships.

TYR: To sacrifice for the greater good requires discernment. I embrace the courage required to suffer conscously to uplift the collective.
LAF: The law of Life guides me to love. I understand and honour structure of the gods, men and nature. Each has its place and function. I honour each ones role and live with conscience awareness of my role to love, to heal and to unite

The pairing of TYR and LAF underscores the importance of discernment and love in our social interactions. Sacrificing for the greater good requires courage and a willingness to consciously endure challenges for the collective’s upliftment. Guided by the law of Life, we honor the interconnectedness of all beings, embracing our roles to love, heal, and unite.

HIGHER SPIRITUAL ASCENSION

Step 5 – HAGAL: Rune of transformation.

Now I discover my creative nature. HAGAL, I create the universe within. Here I find my center and presence, I stretch myself across space time.

As you heal and grow, you may feel a natural desire to serve others. This may involve volunteering your time, donating to charity, or simply being a kind and compassionate person.

HAGAL: The rune of hail and transformation.
Release your old self and expand into a higher state of being.

At Hagal I am empowered to expand on time.
The horizontal arms of the cross serves as a valuable guide for personal growth, harmonious existence, and alignment with one’s true purpose. The combined insights of the balancing runes offer a comprehensive framework for navigating the complexities of life and cultivating a fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Step 6 – KA: Rune of capability and procreation

Now I am capable with KA , I begin to procreate with divene will.

At this stage, you begin to experience a deep sense of love and compassion for all beings. You may also experience a heightened sense of unity with the Universe.

KA: The rune of creativity and manifestation.
Use your power to create a better world for yourself and others.

Step 7 – THORN: rune of death and rebirth:

There is no life without death and no death without life. With THORN active will projects me forward. The Wode-self reintegrates and revivalze reemerse itself.

This is the final stage of spiritual ascension, in which you fully integrate with your higher self. You live your life in alignment with your soul’s purpose and experience a deep sense of peace and fulfillment.

THORN: The rune of death and rebirth. Merge with the Divine and become a channel for the light.

As you ascend the seven steps of the rune-cross,
You will become more and more aligned with your higher self. You will experience a deep sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment.
So go forth, seeker, and climb the spiral staircase to the heavens. The runes will guide you on your journey.

THE THREE CROWNS OF MASTERY

Three crowns adorn the rune cross YR, EH and GIBOR I relate to these.

YR: The Crown of Spiritual Ascension

YR is the crown of the first ascension BAR, SIG, IS MAN. In YR I am no longer attached to the material world. I am no longer a victim to the attraction of the material world. I know the plasticity of the material world at it shifts with my will.

The crown of YR, encompassing BAR, SIG, and IS MAN, represents the pinnacle of spiritual ascension. It signifies a state of transcendence where one is no longer bound by the material world’s limitations and illusions. The plasticity of the material world, reflects the malleable nature of reality, subject to the influence of our thoughts, intentions, and consciousness. In this state of mastery, we are no longer victims of external forces, but rather conscious creators of our own experiences.

EH: The Crown of Unified Duality

EH is the crown of the horizontal arms: NOD, OS, RIT, TYR and AR, FA, UR, LAF. With EH opposites are unified within the bonds of universal law of love. All balanced and in harmony to act with coherence and integrity.

The crown of EH, encompassing NOD, OS, RIT, TYR, AR, FA, UR, and LAF, represents the harmonious integration of seemingly opposing forces. It symbolizes a state of wholeness where we embrace the inherent duality of existence without falling into conflict or imbalance. The universal law of love, serves as the unifying principle, weaving together seemingly disparate elements into a tapestry of interconnectedness. In this state of equilibrium, we act with coherence and integrity, aligning our actions with the overarching principles of harmony and unity.

GIBOR: The Crown of Divine Union

GIBOR: Is the crown of the second ascension: HAGAL, KA, THORN. In GIBOR I am one with the universe, in a state sublime, ready to re-integrate and re-immerse myself in divine Will. I am one, yet seamlessly integrated into the collective.

The crown of GIBOR, encompassing HAGAL, KA, and THORN, represents the ultimate state of divine union. It signifies a profound connection with the universe, where individual consciousness merges with the cosmic consciousness. The sublime state reflects the dissolution of separation and the attainment of oneness with all that is. In this state of profound unity, we remain integrated with the collective while maintaining our unique individuality.

The three crowns, YR, EH, and GIBOR, represent a progressive journey of spiritual evolution, leading from detachment from material entanglements to harmonious integration with duality and ultimately, to divine union. Each crown represents a distinct stage of consciousness, guiding us towards the realization of our true nature as interconnected beings within a vast and interconnected universe.

Author’s note:

This document does not necessarily reflect the views and interpretations of Johannes Bureus himself. The rune cross is represented as a symbol composed of runes, and this meditation on the rune cross reflects an interpretation from an Armanen rune perspective.

The Armanen runes align in name and sequence with the rune set of Johannes Bureus and, therefore, serve as a means to reinterpret and rediscover the significant aspects and symbolic significance of the rune cross. This makes the rune cross worthy of contemplation and further study.

© Jurgens Pieterse, All rights reserved, 2023

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The symbolism of the bee

I was prompted to thinking of the symbol of the bee by a question on a Facebook group. So today has turned into a short reflection on the bee and its symbolism. Since I proudly wear a tattoo of a bee on my bum, the bee always had significance for me personally.
The bee has been venerated by various cultures and schools of thought. Taking time to contemplate the bee quickly reveal why a contemplation of the bee has much value for us to ponder. Such a little insect that has evolved so far in such an amazing way is a source for inspiration to humanity.
In my book of symbols the following is wrtten: In Greek mythology Zweus was raised on milk and honey; the bee was associated with the goddess Artemis and the fertility goddess Diameter, whose priestesses at eleusis were known as “bees”. The symbol of a soul, the bee signified the ability to enter the underworld as Demeter did, and return from it. The honey of bees represented honeyed words of eloquent philosophers such as Plato and Sohocles. Plato asserted the the souls of good and moral men were reincarnated as bees.” and “The bee is a symbol of industry, hard work, creativity and diligence. In heraldry it is used to represent well-regulated industry. The bee is the most popular insect in heraldry and is usually shown with a beehive.” Reading the latter it is reasonable for me as an Industrial Engineer to be infatuated by the bee as a prime example of an industrious endeovour.
Another website (http://www.polarissite.net/symbolism-of-the-bee.html) connects the symbolism of the to the Egytptian Goddess Neith since her temple was called “the house of bees” which is a well worth article to read as it covers the bee being connected to the Greek Muses etc. The symbol of the bee is also prevalent on the Empress Tarot card in the Rider-Waite deck where the empress is dressed in the material with the bee emblem on it. Here the connection is strengthened with fertility.
In my own contemplation the bee is a reflection of a structured society, where individuals cooperate and collaborate in service of the collective. Service to humanity is seen by many mystics as a goal wheere all work to the benefit of all. The bee is also associated with the production of honey… That golden tasty liquid that is sweet, healthy and long lasting which is a symbol of the alchemist striving to create the elixir of life.
  1. The bee goes to everything that is good (the flowers) , gather it and make it into something that is even better (the honey) Which is like the Stoic philosopher that gathers virtues in his life to produce a life worth living and which is giving full expression to his human nature.
  2. The bee fertilizes the flower which means the bee does not only take from the flower but in the process serve the flower itself.
  3. The bee is a symbol of creation …. the universe according to the biblical version was created in six days and the Bee uses the hexagon structure to build the hive.
  4. The bee produces a specialized product that does not compromise its quality.