I live in the magical country of Zimbabwe. Although this is
as far away in character from the Nordic rune countries our people live close
to the Earth and this is where I feel the closeness comes in.
When first drawn to the runes I found it incredibly
difficult to find a set. Since then I look for them wherever I am. I did
realize that being a jeweler I should be able to make my own. And so my love affair with the runes has
grown.
Because we are gold miners in the south of the country my
first runes were always going to be metal. My first set were made in solid
copper. I love the warm energy of copper as it seems to breathe with me. These
have a wonderful weight to them and a sound when they move within my pouch or
within my hands. I have now made the same ones in solid brass. The energy of
brass is slightly different to copper. It is less “friendly” metal but then
there is strength in the metal. It is more masculine than the copper.
I then started looking at other natural items to make runes
from. Bone is plentiful in Zimbabwe as
we are all big meat eaters. Before using bone I will thank the soul of the animal,
usually cattle but there are times when game is killed for meat and then that
bone becomes available. I feel that using all parts of the animal is important
so that nothing is wasted. Pure Fehu, where all parts of the animal are used
for all things necessary. The shaman or
Nyangas in Africa use bones that they throw in pretty much the same way. They don’t
have symbols on them though. I have made
the symbols from copper or brass and imbedded them into the shaped bone. They
are really beautiful and once you make them your own (consecrate them) the
energy is awesome.
Serpentine is a local stone
is known as the guardian of vital
energy. The runes are on green or black serpentine.
All runes need to be cleansed when you get your set. I find
salty water or simply leaving them in salt for a while. Leaving them out under
the full moon is a wonderful way of charging them. I do use my own blood to
make the runes I am using my own. I put a drop of blood onto the rune that
speaks to me the loudest - at the moment that is Teiwaz. I then hold them all
in my hands to share the energy of that single drop of blood.
If anyone is interested in Runes from Africa you can contact
me on distarling2@yahoo.com or purchase
them on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/ilarian.
I am Diane
