Journeying to the Runes – Part 3: Berkana and Tiewaz

Tiewaz and Berkana are the first two runes of the third aett. I have always experienced these two runes as having a deep connection. In fact, on this particular journey I was first brought to Berkana who led me to Tiewaz; stating that I should experience them together. Even now I’m not exactly sure how these two are connected, at least it’s difficult to put into words. To me, they are perfect compliments – not opposites. Exploring this connection will be the focus for another journey.

My tattoo of Tiewaz and Berkana

I am Berkana, and you know me well,
The strength and grace of your foremothers;
The growth and renewal of spring time.
Come to me and be nourished and filled,
To learn the truth of interdependence,
For nothing can truly survive alone

I am Tiewaz, the spiritual warrior.
I am more then simple honor-I am more then
Having a code of ethics. I am having one
And sticking to it. I am the laws and orders
Of the Universe present in humanity.

Back, I think…

I know I’ve been out a while, but here I am. Where to begin?

Let’s talk about tattoos. I received mine two weeks ago (finally).

My new ink

This tattoo consists of the runes Tiwaz and Berkana. Tiwaz is the rune of Tyr, god of heroes and self-sacrifice. It’s the rune of the warrior spirit: honor, courage, righteousness, integrity, and tempering pride with humility. Berkana is the rune of the birch tree and represents growth and renewal. Birch trees were one of the first to grow after the ice age, so Berkana also represents the ability to survive hard times and thrive after.

I’ve always had a deep connection to these two runes and now I literally carry them with me every day.

The process wasn’t too painful, just a few spots near the top. I spent the two hours contemplating and connecting. This was my ordeal, as Odin’s was hanging from the World Tree (more on this later).

This is the first, but certainly not the last tattoo that will grace this skin. There are many more already planned, and we’ll talk about them when they come.

Blessings!

 

Tattoo?

I’ve been wanting a tattoo since I knew they existed, and I have plenty of ideas just waiting for the right time. A dear friend of mine (who happens to be a wonderful artist) has finished the design for my (first) Runic tattoo. She’s mailing it to me, and my mother has agreed to pay for it as a late Christmas gift.

This tattoo will incorporate two Runes that are very important to me: Tiwaz and Berkana.

Tiwaz

Tiwaz is a rune that has always captivated me, and held a lot of power for me. To me, not only is Tiwaz a rune of justice and righteousness, but of willing self-sacrifice, humility, and courage.  Here’s a passage from my Rune Journey journal:

“Honor, issues of justice, courage, strength of will, sign of a spiritual warrior (“a call to arms”), leadership, willing self-sacrifice, success in legal matters, rationality, creating balance, male strengths and graces, righteousness, integrity, ability to insight courage and faith in others, following a cause with calm clarity, matters of sound judgment. Meditation: Responsibility to keep ones word, pride with humility (knowing when to be proud and when to be humble), allowing ones actions/deeds speak for themselves.”

Berkana

Berkana’s influence is rather new in my life, but nevertheless powerful. Berkana speaks to my nurturing nature – my want to help, comfort, and care for people. It is a fine balance, energetically speaking, to Tiwaz. Again, here’s a bit from my journal:

“Mental/physical/personal growth, birth, renewal, new beginings, desire, a level of maturity, a signal to take sanctuary, cycle of life/death./rebirth, the powers of healing, trust and dependence, feminine strengths and graces, interrelationships and connection. Meditation: The ability to accept being dependent on other but also the ability to be the one who is depended on, mothering and nurturing.”