Ansuz

[Heidi Graw]

Edred Thorsson, "Furthark-A Handbook of Rune Magic."

GMC ansuz: a god, ancestral god
GO ansus: a runic god name
OE ós: a god
ON áss: a god, one of the AEsir

Phonetic values: a (o in the A-S row)

Esoteric interpretation of name: Odhinn of the AEsir.

Ideographic interpretation: the wind-blown claok of Odhinn.

Notes:
Ansuz is the mysterium tremendum of the rune row.
The A-rune is instrumental in the creation of mankind.
Ansuz is the receiver-container/transformer-expresser of spirtual power and
numnous knowledge.
This is the rune of the word, song, poetry, and magical incantation (galdr)
as a container and expresser of magical force.
Ansuz is a magical ancestral power, one that has been handed down from
generation to generation along genetic lines.
The A-rune embodies the death mysteries of the AEsir.

Key words:
Reception--transformation--expression
Container/contained
Numinous knowledge
Inspiration
Ecstacy
Word-song
Death mysteries

Magical workings:
1. Increase of both active and passive magical powers and clairvoyant
abilities, etc.
2. Convincing and magnetic speech, and the power of suggestion and hypnosis.
3. Acquisition of creative wisdom, inspiration, ecstacy, and divine
communication.
4. Banishing of death and terror through knowledge of Odhinn.

*****
My thoughts: I'm reminded of my advocacy work. Convincing and magnetic
speech was vitally important when I wrote my letters or spoke before a panel
of authorities with folks in the audience. This was really scary stuff for
me. So, to bolster my confidence, I'd imagine I was wrapped up in Odin's
cloak, plus I'd wear my "mammoth ivory talisman" as a psychological aide to
help me feel huge and powerful. ;-) I had to somehow assume an aura of
authority being only 5'3" tall and slight in size. And all too often, when
I spoke to such a group of people, I felt as if it wasn't really me
speaking. Someone else was doing this and I got what I wanted! LOL... ;-)

As for Ansuz being that ancestral power passed down from one generation to
another, I think the rune verse in the Havamal which best captures this idea
is...

159. I know a fourteenth if I have to rckon up
the gods before men:
AEsir and elves, I know the difference between them,
few who are not wise know that.

Gods are gods, men are men, elves are elves, giants are giants. Know the
difference.

Any other thoughts about Ansuz?

Heidi

[Rexx Magnus]

I take this one differently to yours - and probably others, too. But in
doing this, the whole spread of definitions gets covered, so the system
still works.

Ansuz, the mouth - communication is implied here, along with any form of
inspiration that conveys a message or feeling.
Legal matters are often highlighted, and an accuracy of communication or
expression is possible. Wisdom comes through understanding, and an ability
to apply that is shown.

In Murk, the subject may be tongue-tied - prone to misinterpretation.
Uninspired if interested in creative works of literature. Often indicating
that they ought to get others to double-check their important letters,
just to make sure they won't be taken the wrong way.