Family, a Small but Weighty Word
The word 'family' conjures up a multitude of images: busy kitchens, cozy gatherings, shared laughter, and enduring love. It often symbolizes a safe haven, a source of unconditional support, and a deep sense of belonging. Yet, the reality of family life is a complex tapestry woven with threads of joy, sorrow, conflict, and resilience.
For many, the family unit provides the foundational framework for learning about relationships, navigating emotions, and developing a sense of self. It's within the family that we first encounter the dynamics of give-and-take, experience the nuances of communication, and learn to navigate the complexities of human connection. We learn about boundaries, respect, and the importance of both individual needs and the needs of the collective.
However, the idealized image of the harmonious family often clashes with the lived experiences of many. Family dynamics are incredibly diverse, influenced by a myriad of factors, including cultural background, socioeconomic status, individual personalities, and historical trauma. What constitutes a "healthy" family can vary significantly across different cultures, and even within individual families.
My own journey with family has been a stark reminder of this complexity. While I was fortunate to grow up in a loving, single-parent household, as an adult a significant event disrupted the family dynamic, leading to a need to separate from the family unit. This experience underscored the inherent fragility of family bonds, and the potential for both deep connection and profound hurt within the same unit.
Navigating the aftermath of this separation has been a process of self-discovery and healing. Observing my 'birth family' from a distance, I've witnessed the passage of time, marked by new beginnings, celebrations, and the inevitable changes that accompany the human experience. While there's a natural yearning for connection, I've also come to recognize the complexities and challenges that existed within those relationships. This has led me to explore the concept of a 'soul family' – a deeper sense of belonging that transcends blood ties and embraces a wider circle of individuals who share similar values, beliefs, and a genuine sense of connection.
In my own spiritual journey, I've found a sense of community and belonging within a diverse network of individuals who share similar values and beliefs. This has helped me redefine what family means to me, moving beyond the traditional confines of blood relations and embracing a broader definition of kinship.
The journey of exploring family, both its joys and its challenges, is a deeply personal and ongoing one. It's a process of self-reflection, healing, and ultimately, finding a sense of belonging and connection in the world. Whether it's within the context of a traditional family unit, a chosen family, or a wider community of like-minded individuals, the quest for connection and belonging remains a fundamental human need.
A Norse Journey into the Realms Beyond
Since embracing the ways of the Norse (and the Shaman), I've had the honor of journeying beyond Midgard, into the nine realms. I've walked among the elves, I've drank Mead with dwarves, and journeyed to the realms of Hel. And in these travels, I've encountered many a clan, and even found my own kin – my 'soul family', if you will. But that tale is for another night by the fire.
Now, as my longship cuts through the calm seas, I gaze upon the heavens. Odin, I feel his watchful eye upon us, and Njord, the sea God, grants us safe passage this night. Yet, my thoughts drift back to my kin of blood, the ones I left behind. I ponder their lives, the generations that have passed, and the echoes of the past that still linger. Their house, it stands strong, no doubt, with new scions born to their lineage. But their house is not my home.
Tonight, I raise my mead horn to Freya, the Goddess of love and beauty, for guidance. I call upon Odin for strength and safe passage in these journeys beyond Midgard. And I ask Thor, the mighty thunder God, to grant me the courage to tread the less-known paths, to reach the shores of my true home, where my clan awaits me by the hearth fire.
There, I shall recount my tales of Midgard, of the clans I encountered, especially the one with whom I walked for nine nights, and the wisdom I gained from these perilous voyages.
And as the flames dance and the logs crackle, as they whisper their secrets, we shall share Mead and celebrate the wonders of this vast universe. And as we sit and drink that fine brew together, maybe, just maybe we will smile at times gone by.
Odin Speaketh
As we move into March, I ponder the feelings of separation inspired by my 'birth clan' and I turn to the wisdom of Odin. I take my Rune bag and contemplate all that I have experienced in my life and ask the Al-Faether for some guidance.
I would therefore like to offer a Rune for you to work with. As I sit here in quiet contemplation with the Runes, I hail the Old Gods and Goddesses, asking for their guidance. Placing my hand into the dark depths of the Rune bag, I ask for the guidance and magic of the Runes to work. I ask the Al-Faether to walk with me, guiding my hand....
How to us the Gift of 'Hagalaz'
There are a number of ways to work with Runes, but here I offer this way for your contemplation. Sitting quietly, ask the Old Gods and Old Goddesses to talk to you, and guide you. Sit with the key words or image of the Rune, and wait for anything which arises in your awareness. As you go into the next few months, hold the intention that this Rune will work with you. Finally, note down what has happened during the day, or week, at specific or significant times and relate this back to the Rune 'Hagalaz'.
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