RUNE YOGA LESSON III

Welcome to the third letter of instructions of Rune Yoga. While I focused on specific practices in the previous two letters of instruction, I give you a more detailed information about the ceremonial set up in this lesson. The ceremonial set up is very helpful. This is so, because it enables you to set up a plenum of energies within which work is made easier. The Knight of Runes, or Rune Master, refers to the physical set up of the ceremonial.

One of the most important sources of "raw energy" needed for the practice of energy transfer and triggering is emotional-astral energy. This type energy is in general produced within the context of a good ceremonial setting. A little known alternative is to produce this emotional-astral energy technically.

ABOUT CEREMONIAL UTENSILS

As I mentioned before, ceremonial utensils are focal points (structural links) for more subtle, higher order energy components. Such higher order energies are essential for the success of the ceremonial. When I speak of the "symbolic meaning" of a utensil, then I refer generally to the structures of the Higher Order Energy components that are connected with the specific utensil. Another important characteristic of utensils is the following: As the utensil is used on a regular basis, the transcendental energies (HOEC's or Higher Order Energy Complexes) attached to it increase (and modify to some degree) more and more. Eventually the utensil is capable of "functioning" without the practitioner needing to be consciously aware of any of the utensil's inherent characteristics and functions. Thus, a dagger is no longer just a knife, but it is the instrument that gives the practitionner dominion over astral -emotional energy complexes.

The basic arrangement of all utensils will set your "machinery" or "central switch board" ready to function smoothly: it allows you to define energies of a higher order, to make them work for you, and to send them wherever you want to send them.

An important factor, then, is to follow exactly all istructions given in order to have the Runic energies and HOEC's (which will be created and/or modified by Runic energies) perform as you intended. This is crucial for manifestation of the desired results on whatever level(s) you projected them.

In the following, I discuss the various utensils that are used in the ceremonial set up of Rune Yoga.

SPECIFIC UTESNILS

1. THE TEMPLE

The temple is your "workshop", or, better yet, your place from which you are triggering the HOEC's for specific purposes. It is the space within which you arrange all your tools, or machinery. It is your specific outer realm (outer Rune Realm) from which you reach every point of your universe.

You may, in fact, see the temple as a symbol of your universe. As is the case with any workplace, cleanliness enhances proper functioning. Since you are working with HOEC's, or "psychic energies", be aware that the temple needs also to be free from any kind of psychic debris or pollution, otherwise the results of your practices may be negatively influenced. Many banishing rituals are designed to clean the temple from energies that are not desired. If you follow this runem, you can project psychic energies without undesirable interference. In Rune Yoga, you may use the Runes AR, IS and MAN to cleanse.

Many of our students do not have a special room or space available for their temple. Even though a specific assigned space for a temple has great advantages, it is not absolutely essential. You may practice Rune Yoga anywhere. You establish your temple by determining what space will serve as your temple, and by cleansing it from any undesirable psychic energy with AR, MAN, and IS every time before you begin to practice. You may define the boarder of the temple mentally or with a wand or dagger. Depending on the situation, you may chant mentally (yes, you CAN perform a fully valid ceremonial in the midst of a crowd, without anybody noticing what you are doing!), or you may chant aloud while in the body positions of IS (grounding position), MAN, and UR.

2. THE PROTECTIVE CIRCLE

The protective circle within your temple is a space within which you are working, unencumbrered by any energy that may be attracted by your work. The circle makes sure that no energies will be present except for those that you desire to be present. It is a barrier against negative energies and other energies that may interfere with the HOEC's that you are going to trigger. This way the circle serves not only to your personal protection from hostile HOEC's, but it also insures a clean functionning of your Yoga practice. An ideal circle is formed by laying out all 18 Runes, which will then be in tune with your Inner Rune Realm. Have the sixteen Runes arranged on the periphery of your circle, starting with FA in the North, counterclockwise to YR, which will then be on the right side of FA. Have EH and GIBOR inside the circle, since those Runes symbolize the marriage of opposites and the universe of the symbolism.

The diameter of the circle is dependent on the amount of people participating and, of course, considerations of space.

3. THE ALTAR

The altar is the actual workplace, or your control panel. In more advanced practice it can also serve as a point of manifestation for specific HOEC's. In this case specific measures of protection or insulating methods have to be obseved.

Being your control panel the altar will contain utensils that connect with the specific structures of the universe and HOEC's with which you are going to work in your ceremonial. Therefore the arrangement of utensils on the altar and the symbols used will vary according to the purpose(s) of your ceremonial. You will, however, notice some CFP (common functionning principle) on all arrangements of your altar.

The size of the altar depends on the number of people attending, size of your temple, amount of utensils, etc. For most individual purposes and for small groups, an altar the size of 24 x 30 inches will be adequate.

4. RUNE STAVES

Since you will use Runic energies, a set of triggers to those energies is of utmost importance. Those Rune staves will be arranged in a circle, as shown in the the diagram. More than the staves around yourself and the altar, the staves on the altar are triggers which conncet with your inner Rune realm and the Runic Realms of Creation. Practical experience has established that this circle alone can give a clean temple and the protective circle as outlined above. However, I still recommend that you practice the banishing and cleansing as well as the establishing of the protective circle wherever possible.

You may use Runes made of cardboard and charged accordingly, or you may use Runes made of wood. Crystal Runes are excellent and superior even to the traditional wooden Runes for several reasons. One of the reasons is that the crystalline structure of quartz is the "hexagonal system" which is also one of the bases of the Runic symbolism (the hexagon with the three inscribed diameters). Pnother reason for the incredible strength of crystal Runes lies in the fact that crystal energies can be modified and directed: modified by Runic energies which are very kin to the crystalline energies, and directed by means of gridding.

Again, I have to refer to the Basic Rune Course. Practitioners who used crystal Runes (and coparecl them to wooden staves) noticed the difference in power immediately!

5. CANDLES

Candles symbolize the fire element, your will powers, or the world of emanataion. Furthermore, there is much more symbolic meaning to Candles: There is hardly any ceremonial where Light would not play an important role. Light is neutral. Depending on the action to be performed it assumes some color. Since Light is so important, many ceremonials contain and include something that symbolizes Light. Candles are the preferred utensil to symbolize Light. Of course, there are deeper symbolic meanings connected with candles than that of giving Light. The more you become familiar with various methods involving candles, the more you will become aware of the many symbolic meanings of candles, and the more you will be able to use candles.

Candles, as we know, are made of various materials, mostly paraffin, more seldom true bees' wax. Candles may be scented and colored, tailored to special lenghts and shapes, etc.

Candles are a excellent tool to help the powers of visualization, or imagination.

In our work, we have one or two altar candles and, ideally, 18 candles, one for every Rune. These candles should have the Rune inscribed which they symbolize.

6. THE MAGICAL WAND

While the candles connect with the will and the worlds of emanation, the wand is the tool which expresses the will of the practitionner. It is your tool to dominate the HOEC's that have characteristics belonging to the mental spheres. The symbolic of the powerrod or wand will become familiar to you as you advance in Rune Yoga.

7. THE INCENSE BURNER

The Incense burner connects you with the mental worlds, with HOEC's that are part of the mental spheres, and with the air element in general.

8. THE DAGGER

The dagger (or sword) represents your mind which controls the emotions and HOEC's that belong to the astral spheres. Again, while the incense tunes into the mental worlds, the dagger uses mental energies.

9. THE POWERROD

The Powerrod is an ideal combination of wand and dagger. It is very suited for work with Runes, because of the use of a quartz crystal as a tip of the powerrod.

10. THE CUP WITH WATER (OR WINE)

The cup connects with the astral worlds and with the emotions. It provides the energy necessary to bring results in your ceremonies. It symbolizes the emotional power of the practitionner. Drinking the water or wine aligns the astral-emotional energies with the goal of the ceremonial. Water accumulates odic energies (life energies) that are 'programmed" with the goals of the ceremonial.

11. THE HAMMER OF THOR

It represents your consciousness that can connect with any point in space-time. In other words, the Hammer of Thor can be projected to any interval in the space-time continuum of your universe. It can be developed into being your specific tool to break the self-imposed limitations of space-time. It symbolizes conscious action that is charged and energized by the other elements (wand, sword, and cup). Once energized, the Hammer of Thor will perform for you. Aain, with repeated practice you will learn more and more about this most powerful tool of Runic ceremonials. Thor's Hammer is perhaps the best symbol of your conscious projection. It collects within itself the three elements of the will, mental, and astral-emotional spheres. Once you have charged Thor's Hammer, you have aligned all elements toward your specific purpose: your will, mind, emotions, and consciousness. All you need to do now, is to throw Thor's Hammer (its higher plane components) toward your goal, which is embedded in an interval of your conscious space-time continuum. Thor's Hammer is your tool on the material planes that reaches beyond the confines of space and time. It is your instrument of power, your connection to your universe, your power of projecting into your universe whatever energy you charge the hammer with, and to whatever interval of space and time you desire to send the hammer. Thor's Hammer, therefore, is the most powerful Runic talisman, symbolizing the element earth on your altar, which you could imagine. You need to learn to use Thor's Hammer properly. Tune into the Nordic mythology of the god Thor and his hammer, and you will gain additional information about this powerful tool of Rune Practice. The material hammer of Thor remains on your altar, of course, but its spiritual parts, or components, you project them to the desired goal. You do this directing with the powers of your imagination. Be aware that the more you practice using Thor's Hammer, the more skillful you will become in its use. In fact, RUNE YOGA TEACHES YOU THE SKILL OF PROJECTING AND USING THE HAMMER OF THOR! Ideally, your Hammer of THOR should be a true talisman, which you can wear as a pendant. You may use a piece of paper with Thor's Hammer drawn on it.

PREPARATION OF THE UTENSILS

Repeated use of a ceremonial utensil connects you with specific energies without you needing to tie up your own forces. Your own forces can then be more effectively directed towards the purpose of your practice. In this respect, a utensil takes on the function of a GENERATOR OF ENERGIES that belong to the higher levels.

Utensils seen under this aspect, you must realize the importance of proper preparation of your utensils, including yourself, since you will be an integral part of the ceremonial machinery which you are about to se up. Ideally, all utensils should be bought new, and only you should use your utensils. Also, you should charge and bless your own utensils. Never lend your utensils to anybody else. An exception may be candles and incense, as well as some of the accessories of an altar, such as the incense burner, which may be used by anybody who attends the ceremonial. A set of Rune Staves and Hammer of THOR may be shared, and belongs to the altar of a Rune Castle, or lodge. This set may be used by everybody who is member or guest of the group. Your personal Rune Staves, on the other hand, should NEVER be used by anybody else than yourself. This counts as well for group ceremonials. The same holds with your Thor's Hammer, Rune dagger, and other utensils that are your own.

Now, to the preparation and blessing of your utensils.

The simplest preparation of a utensil is by charging it with your energies. Bring yourself in a meditative state, preferably establish your Rune Realms. Then put the utensil in front of yourself and hold your hands above it. While inhaling, visualize your body drawing energy from the universe. When exhaling, you visualize that energy stream through your hands into the utensil.

The charging, of course, has many variations. As you progress with your knowledge of Rune Yoga, your insights will increase, and so will your means available.

Prepare all your utensils by charging them. With all utensils prepared, you are well prepared for any ceremony with Runes.

PRACTICE

1. While this was not absolutely necessary to mention this in the first lessons, I need now to stress the great importance of your personal preparation. This includes leaving all those things behind which trouble you. It is also essential that you DETACH YOURSELF from any goal that you intend to achieve with your practice of Rune Yoga. It is very advisable for you to take a bath before practicing. It symbolically cleanses you from your worries and anything else which may contaminate the course of your magical operation. It purifies your spiritual centers, when you take your bath with this attitude. Wear clean clothes for the practice. You may have some special clothes for ceremonials, or a special robe. Followers of the old religion prefer to practice nude, for this symbolizes freedom and direct contact with the living universe.

2. Setting of the outer Realm. The outer realm is the space within which you are working. It is your temple. The set up of your outer realm symbolizes the universe upon which you intend to operate. Be sure that you will not be disturbed in your work. Be sure the room where you are working is clean. You need an altar. A table will do. Arrange your ceremonial utensils as shown in the picture. Leave enough space for the candles and Rune staves which you use for the ceremonial. You may set a circle of Rune Staves around the table, large enough so you can move in this circle. Have the Runes EH and GIBOR on the left and right sides of the table, or altar. Have the Runes which you need for your ceremonial removed from the circle, and set it on the table in the space where you have the center of operations. Set the cup with water or wine on the table, the incense burner, one altar candle, Thor's Hammer, and the Rune dagger.

Now, you are ready to set up the space within which you are going to work: your inner and outer Rune Realms. First, tune into each Rune in the circle, singing the stanza of the magical poem for each Rune. You may, instead, listen to the tape which establishes your inner Rune Realm, and connect each Rune of your inner Rune Realm with the corresponding Rune Stave in your outer Rune Realm.

3. Protective circle: Next, you take the Rune dagger or power rod. First you trace the circle of Rune Staves around the table, then you draw the HAGAL Rune in all four directions, beginning with North (the position of the FA Rune), next West (position of RIT), South (position of IS), then East, position of BAR. Each time you draw the Hagal Rune in the air, do so with the strongest possible imagination of protection and Oneness with the universe.

Next, all participants stand up, with the imagination of cleansing, they position first MAN three times, then AR. Put the dagger back to the side of the incense burner.

4. Light Altar Candle and say:

"Forces of the Light
Eternal in the universe,
Penetrate darkness
Sacred Flame, shine!
Bring Light to the night!

All around darkness
All around night
I amidst the Light
Darkness had merge
With the Light!

Original fire of FA
Burning since the beginning
Of times
Light Force of AR
Born in the Sun
At the beginning of the worlds
Give Light to the seeker!"

5. Light Incense and say:

"May the power of the Runes
Lead us to a greater understanding
Of the Universe and Ourselves!"

6. Hold both hands over cup with water (or wine which is thinned with water). Be aware of the purpose of your ceremonial. Project the visualization of the result in the wine or water, if the purpose of the ceremonial is related to you personally. Otherwise know that the water element symbolizes emotional strength. Project energy into the water or wine. Then drink part of it.

7. Look at Thor's Hammer. Be aware that this is the symbol for your capability to draw, harness, and project Rune energies. Hold both hands over it, knowing of its power.

Now, you finished all preparation and you are ready for your group practice of Rune Yoga.

8. Practice FA through KA, first body positions, then hand positions, and share experiences.

9. Practice Healing transfer with UR. First body position of UR and chant UR three times, in order to make this energy predominant within the circle. Next pair up and practice transfer.

10. You are ready to end the ceremony. You say

"Powers of the Runes
Thank you for your energy
Flow back to the Realms of Creation!

11. Imagine, or visualize, the Rune energies grounding, flowing into the ground, like water flows down a drain, or seeps into sandy soil.

12. Extinguish the flame of the Altar candle and extinguish the incense burner.

13. Chant IS three times, again with the imagination of grounding.

14. Remove all utensils.

It will be good to practice the above exercises two to four times before you begin with the fourth lesson and send your progress report to receive your fifth lesson. You may practice other body positions.

May the power of the Runes
Bring you in contact with the realms of spirit
And energize, heal, and balance
Body, mind, and aura.