Rune Void

Ramblings of a Roving Rune Caster

There is no rune glyph depicted in the picture because none exists. In this column we are going to discuss "The Great Unknowable," the lack of any rune glyph.

It is true that there is no record of the ancient rune masters using a blank rune. It is a modern addition. However, it fits into the oracle showing insights which have great meaning for us today. In this modern age, we like to think we have all the answers. Yet we know less about nature, natural law, and the spirit realm than any generation of man. Oh sure, we know facts. But few of us can feel and understand the spirit of nature. The Great Unknowable catches our attention. It snaps our spiritual heads around and makes us look, with a keen eye, at things we took as unimportant. It says, "There are things you don't know. There are things the gods hide from you."

This rune has been called the "blank rune" and the "void." But, these are really uninformed misrepresentations. Those who have been following this column for several months know that we look at the runes on many levels. In the mundane world, nature doesn't allow a true void. An empty space is always filled. So it is in the spiritual realm.

What this means is that the blank rune may not appear to have a glyph, but it has many lessons for us to learn. Remember the magic and lessons we've discussed concerning the twelve rune glyphs we've already covered in the past articles? Any of them, or any combination of them, might be found in the Great Unknowable. Then, remember that we have only gone half way through the Elder Futhark. We have twelve more glyphs, with their associated lessons, insights, and magic to learn about in future columns. All of these are also found in this rune. The Great Unknowable is not a void. Instead it is a glyph, or possibly a combination of glyphs, we don't yet see.

I've heard the Great Unknowable explained to be a womb as opposed to a void. I like this. I think it better explains the spirit of the runes. Remember that the magic of the runes works in the spiritual and emotional realms. We just see the results of this magic in the mundane, physical world. So, what we see as a blank, empty rune contains unseen seeds for great potential.

Some say the Great Unknowable is a sign of karma. There are two problems with this. First, it's like comparing apples and oranges. The runes and the concept of karma come from two completely divergent cultures. Second, the runes warp the idea of karma with a different twist. They don't just warn of future consequences. They suggest that there is a gateway, a way to new beginnings. Yes, each of us has to deal with the consequences of our life, but the Great Unknowable tells us there is something greater; and, if we trust it, we can begin again our journey to the Self.

So, how do we deal with the Great Unknowable when we see it in a rune spread? Quite frankly, we react to the Great Unknowable by not reacting. Does this sound like double talk? Let me explain. When I was flying, I saw many pilots. One of the hardest things for them to learn was not to "over steer." Just like when we learned to drive a car. In the same way, another difficult thing to learn is flying on autopilot. It is extremely difficult to take your feet off the pedals and your hands off the yoke, allowing the autopilot to safely fly the aircraft.

It is safe to say flying on autopilot requires a lot of faith. You have to have faith in the aircraft, in the autopilot, and in the rest of the crew. You also have faith that the maintenance crew, refuelers, and manufacturers did their jobs correctly. Now that's a lot of faith. But, this is what we must do when we draw the Great Unknowable in a rune spread. We can't force the spirit. Also, the more we tinker with it trying to make small, subtle adjustments, the rougher the ride. This is the time to relax and observe. To be willing to let the spirit of the Self take control, then permit the Self to show us the way. Finally, this whole process suggests that when the Self has shown the way, we must recognize this and follow. Yes, this is scary. But, it is also exciting!

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