A Wish for All

 From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the King of Swords; from the Handl Rune Oracle, Tyr/Tiwaz:

This is what I wish for all of us: that we live and act and love with a fierce and tender clarity.

―Vanessa Zuisei Goddard

The King of Swords does not make decisions based on his passions - he knows allowing our emotions, desires and opinions can color and cloud reality. What is actually true gets twisted out of shape, so not only are we unable to see clearly, we can't respond to it appropriately either. The King tells us to peel away those outer layers and see the core of the situation for what it is. Tiwaz represents the Norse god Tyr, known for sacrificing his hand for the greater good. Such sacrifice comes from the heart; it requires making an unselfish choice that will ultimately benefit the whole. This type of reasoning and offering are what create Goddard's "fierce and tender clarity."

Dead Wood

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Rune Cards, Tiw (Tiwaz):

There is very little right/wrong or good/bad in this world. There is, however, use and not useful.

― Clarissa Pinkola Estés

As we move through life, humans are usually unaware of the mental 'burrs' that stick to us. We pick them up from family and friends, the values held by our culture or society, and experiences that make an impression on us. While some are useful and help keep us safe and whole, many others are detrimental. Potts suggests the Seven of Wands indicates that now is a time to clear the dead wood from our lives. What is holding us back? What makes us rethink every choice we make? Tiwaz is associated with the North Star in the Anglo-Saxon rune poem, describing it as a guiding star that never fails. Are we relying on our mental burrs to guide us, or do we trust ourselves? Margie Warrell's words can encourage us:

Trusting yourself is not about becoming invulnerable to fear or eradicating self-doubt. It’s about daring to lean into a deeper source of power that lives within us and around us. It’s about taking the ultimate risk and placing a bet on ourselves that within us is all that’s required to meet the demands of each moment as it arises. 

Timing

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Seven of Autumn (Pentacles); from the Haindl Rune Cards, Tyr/Tiwaz:

The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it. 

~Arnold H. Glasow

When we pour our heart and soul into something, it can be hard to wait for it to crawl across the finish line with the speed of a snail. This winemaker has taken a sample from one of his casks, testing it to see if it has aged enough to transform into a delightful drink. He knows that patience can improve the wine by allowing it to develop flavors and textures, so he won't serve it until it is ready. Tyr was an old Norse god who sacrificed his hand to Fenir the wolf (Loki's son) so the wolf could be restrained, preventing destruction and chaos. Thus this rune represents an offering that requires much of us, though it will also bring success. Rather than a feverish rush to the end, our sacrifice is to calmly endure while we wait for the appropriate time. 

 

Sparking Ideas

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Panda/Ace of Swords; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Teiwaz:

In the companion book, Robertson states that just as the Panda consumes a lot of food, sometimes we need to consume information in order to have enough knowledge or perspective to see things clearly. Of course this requires an open, playful attitude rather than an intensely focused one. It's not about finding THE answer, but seeing a fuller picture of things. Much like Julia Cameron's Artist Date, such open-ended exploration is designed to spark ideas. Teiwaz is named for the sky god Tyr, known for his nobility of character and personal sacrifice for the greater good. It is the rune of the spiritual warrior, of seeing and acting beyond self-centeredness. As for the Ace of Swords, this would imply engaging with people, books, experiences, etc. that aren't winnowed by our preferences. We don't need to like something or someone to learn from them.

The Two in the Bush

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Cedar Runes, Tiwaz:

I can almost hear this woman discussing a possible new direction with her feline companions: "Is this going to be worth all the trouble? Is the cost going to be greater than the result?" Such is the nature of the Two of Wands - deciding whether to stick with the bird in the hand or go after the two in the bush. Sometimes we just don't know until we get knee-deep in it. Tiwaz means "to shine" and is related to Tyr, the Norse god of law and justice. In an attempt to save his people, he lost his hand to a giant wolf. The proverb "fortune favors the bold" might apply to these draws today. Yet our bravery and enthusiasm should not cloud the fact that a sacrifice of some kind will likely be required of us. 

Nighttime Movies

From the Victorian Fairy Oracle, the Moon; from the Haindl Rune Oracle, Tyr/Tiwaz:

A fairy sleeps deeply in a bed of thyme surrounded by moonflowers and luna moths. Weatherstone suggests this card represents dreaming, when we must understand things on a more primal rather than rational level. Neuroscientists believe that dreams serve as a data dump — a clearing of the day’s useless memories (from the hippocampus) and a caching of the valuable ones (to the cerebral cortex). But as memories get compared and sorted, our dreams help the brain do other things:

• We experience 'fire drills,' or imaginary dangers to keep us sharp and rehearse for possible emergencies in the future.
• As emotional memories are stored, dreams help us modulate trauma and fear as well as regulate our moods.
• Dreams can help us have creative breakthroughs or solve problems that require vivid visualization.

The rune Tiwaz is connected to the story of Tyr and the Norse gods. The gods knew the wolf Fenir would cause great ruin and decided to trick him into being tied up with a small cord, then he could show off his power by breaking it. The cord was magical, and though Fenir didn't know this, he was no dummy and agreed to by tied up if one of the gods would put his hand in his mouth. The cord held but Tyr lost his hand. Tiwaz thus implies success that will require a sacrifice. Dreams can be terrifying and bizarre at times (the sacrifice), but they are there to help not harm us.

Advocating Persistence

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Eight of Pentacles; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Taiwaz/Tiwaz:

          This adolescent mountain goat becomes more surefooted and confident as he climbs each day, learning which stones will crumble and which will bear his weight. Likewise, the Eight of Pentacles encourages us to keep practicing our skills and adding to our knowledge. This year the pandemic has forced everyone to adapt and learn new information (though some are more skillful and willing than others). Yet in the future, another generation might look back at ours to see if we became proficient or failed at our task. Adjusting isn't easy for anyone, which is probably why Taiwaz has appeared, a rune representing the warrior god Tyr. He advocates persistence, order and balance. "Keep doing what is right for the good of all, regardless of the naysayers. Rationality will eventually bring success."

The mark of a true practitioner is not what arises in your life and mind, but how you work with what arises. —Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

Three Reeds

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Three of Autumn (Pentacles); from the Haindl Rune Oracle, Tyr/Tiwaz:

        The busy fairies working together to make apple cider complements the Buddhist principle of interconnection; Thich Nhat Hanh explains:

In the sutras, this image is given: "Three cut reeds can stand only by leaning on one another. If you take one away, the other two will fall." For a table to exist, we need wood, a carpenter, time, skillfulness, and many other causes. And each of these causes needs other causes to be. 

As much as we'd like to believe we are independent, we depend on many things and people to get along in this world. Our well-being and existence require collaboration and cooperation. The rune Tyr is based on the one-handed Norse god of the same name who sacrificed his hand for the good of others. He is considered a symbol of self-sacrifice, justice, and right action. Interdependence also necessitates these qualities if we are to live peacefully and productively. 

Worth Fighting For

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Cedar Runes, 'Tiwaz:'

          A mother fox defends her cubs from a badger. Humans are probably the most dangerous when we are defending what we love. When that defense is founded on principles and values (like the safety of our home and family), it is a worthy cause. Sometimes the fight is simply over opinions and well-worn traditions, which tends to be more about emotion than doing the right thing for the right reason. Tiwaz is a rune connected to the 'shining god' (Tyr), who sacrificed a hand for others. The arrow points the way to success, but it depends on taking the path of right action and a willingness to make rational sacrifices.

Civilization is not saved by the mere purging of one’s heart, but by the work of one’s hands. The forces of destruction must be met, each according to its kind, by the forces of deliverance. The crucial test of such a principle of life is afforded by the presence of a danger which threatens others, whom one may be pledged to serve, or some larger good extending beyond the limits of one’s personal life.  Strength without high purpose is soulless and brutal; purpose without strength is unreal and impotent. ~Ralph Barton Perry

Many Beads, One Thread

From the Tarot of Timeless Truth, the Lovers; from the Rune Cards, "Tir/Tiwaz:"

          Rather than simply an urge for union, Vey seems to imply a sort of cosmic connection with her Lovers card. Though appearing to be opposites (like the sun and moon), there is a spiritual link that runs through everything, like a silk strand that holds together a string of various shaped and colored beads. What I think of as an individual "self" is actually just an idea with a bunch of labels attached. As Thich Nhat Hanh explains, "There’s no separation between self and other, and everything is interconnected. [This understanding] brings you insight. You know that your happiness and suffering depend on the happiness and suffering of others."
          The verse for Tir/Tiwaz in the Anglo-Saxon rune poem reads:

Tiw is a guiding star; well does it keep faith with princes;

it is ever on its course over the mists of night and never fails.

Tiw (or Tyr) is the one-handed Norse god of courage, sacrifice and regulation. The rune of Tir/Tiwaz therefore represents law and order. But rather than a type of justice doled out differently (depending on who you are), it is applied fairly to all. The moral guidance provided has an even, ethical foundation; it doesn't benefit one group but all. Both these cards together encourage me to remember my interconnection with others. Instead of judging them by what I see and hear on the outside, I should attempt to focus on the inner thread that unites us.

The Cost of Blazing Trails

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Cedar Runes, "Tiwaz:"

          There's nothing wrong with this king's solar plexus chakra; he is the epitome of personal strength, willpower and confidence. He has a healthy curiosity and loves adventure like his children, and only the queen can match him in passion. Above all, this guy is a leader and a way-shower. He advocates the philosophy of Emerson: “Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” The King of Wands may seek, but he won't give up until he finds his objective. His goal is to make the lives of his people better and more fulfilling, and he'll be an inspirational example they can follow.

Tiw (Tyr) is a guiding star; well does it keep faith with princes;

it is ever on its course over the mists of night and never fails.

~ Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem

          Tiwaz is named for the old Norse god Tyr, known for sacrificing his hand to a giant wolf (Fenrir) in order to bind his power. As a result he is known as the god of justice, war, sacrifice and contracts. The poem speaks of "keeping faith with princes," which means being loyal and supportive of them. But what about the everyday people, those who aren't royalty? The fact that Tyr is also considered a god of war makes me question whether the end justifies the means - especially if it is at the expense of those everyday people. I'm not sure the King of Wands should be leading by that example.

Those Dark, Deep Holes

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Devil:

In some cases, the Devil represents a need to "let down your hair" and have a bit of fun - but not here. The beast dances on top of a cliff with a heart caught in his cobwebby hands. Beneath him, a woman curls her body in reaction to the desperation and hopelessness she feels. The small cave she hides in reminds me of the "hole in the soul" so many people in recovery talk about. It is a nameless fear that creates a huge emptiness inside. We may try to fill it with food, drugs, promiscuity, or unrestrained shopping, but all we get for our efforts is the weight of shame added to our already heavy load. The mask above the woman hints at a solution: we need to stop trying to pretend we have it altogether and have all the answers. Honesty, open-mindedness and a willingness to change are keys that will open the locks that bind us.

From the Cedar Runes comes "Tiwaz:"

Tiwaz is named for the Norse god Tiw/Tyr who sacrificed a hand to a wolf in order to protect others. As a result, this rune has come to be associated with courage and action in spite of fear. It may demand some self-sacrifice on our part in order to find the success or satisfaction we seek. The sacrifice I see in relation to the card above has to do with my ego. I must admit I don't have all the answers, be open to other ideas and suggestions, and then become willing to put them into practice.