This Week's Tips and Rune Reading: Embrace the Unexpected
Scope out this week's lunar cycle, get the low-down on what the Rune of the Week is telling us and learn some Norse practices for protection
Welcome!
As the Waning Gibbous moon casts its gentle light, we're in a phase of reflection and transformation. This week’s newsletter is packed with practical advice to help you navigate changes and release what’s no longer needed. Whether it’s through a Rune reading or a simple cord-cutting ritual, you'll find tools to help you prepare for fresh starts.
Let’s take this journey together, staying grounded as we work through whatever comes our way.
Weekly Affirmation
"I am open to new possibilities and trust that the path ahead will lead me to opportunities for growth and joy."
Mystery Button
Each week, this magical button opens to something new - a spark of wisdom, a ritual, or a simple reminder of the power that already lives within you. Click to uncover a piece of your own magic.
🌒 Current Moon Phase 🌒
Today and going into next week, the current Moon Phase is: Waning Gibbous.
Details: The Waning Gibbous moon is a time for reflection and gratitude. Use this time to express your thanks for recent achievements and begin letting go of any habits, thoughts, or energies that are no longer beneficial. It's a phase of understanding and refining your intentions.
🌕 Lunar Look Ahead 🌕
We remain in the Waning Gibbous phase until the Last Quarter Moon on August 26.
Last Quarter Moon:
Date: August 26, 2024
Significance: The Last Quarter Moon is a time for release and forgiveness. This phase encourages you to let go of any lingering doubts or negative energy. It’s a period of rest, recuperation, and preparation for the new cycle.
Moon Water Reminder:
Charging your moon water during the waning phase helps with cleansing and releasing unwanted negativity. If you plan to make moon water, do so before the Last Quarter Moon for the most potent cleansing energy.
🔮 Rune Reading
This week, I thought I’d do a Rune Reading instead of Tarot. Let me know what you prefer! I may switch it up every other week.
Rune Reading: Hagalaz (ᚺ)
This week the Rune I drew was Hagalaz, the rune of disruption and transformation. Hagalaz means “hail” in Old Norse. This rune symbolizes the unexpected forces of nature that can upend our lives, much like a sudden hailstorm. This rune speaks of the necessary chaos that clears the way for new growth, reminding us that change, though often difficult, is essential for progress.
As we look around the world today, we see Hagalaz's energy reflected in the widespread disruptions we're facing—whether through economic shifts, political upheaval, or the ongoing impact of climate change. These global challenges, much like the hailstorm represented by Hagalaz, are breaking down outdated systems and forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths. Yet, within this chaos lies the potential for profound transformation. Just as hail can damage crops but also break the ground for new seeds, these disruptions offer us the opportunity to rebuild stronger and more resilient systems.
The current Waning moon phase is perfectly aligned with the energy of Hagalaz. This encourages reflection and letting go, making it an ideal time to release what no longer serves you and prepare for the new cycle ahead. As we are approaching autumn, the season itself echoes this theme of transformation, with nature shedding its leaves and preparing for the quiet rebirth of winter. Just as the earth cycles through periods of growth and rest, Hagalaz reminds us that we, too, must embrace the ebb and flow of life’s changes.
The Rune’s advice for the week.
In the face of such upheaval, it’s crucial to stay adaptable. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the unexpected by reinforcing your personal foundations. This could mean creating a backup plan, strengthening your relationships, or simply cultivating a mindset that embraces change rather than resists it. Recognize the opportunities hidden within the chaos and use this time to innovate, whether in your personal life or your professional endeavors. Remember, Hagalaz clears the way for new growth—embrace the change as a chance to rebuild better.
💎 Crystal of the Week: Labradorite
Why I Selected This Stone: With the transformative energy of Hagalaz guiding us this week, Labradorite is the perfect companion. Known as the stone of magic and transformation, Labradorite helps us navigate through change, providing protection and grounding during times of upheaval. It also enhances intuition, making it easier to recognize hidden opportunities within challenges. This stone always reminds me of the beauty of the Northern Lights, which are starting to make an appearance here in the North.
Properties: Labradorite is known for its ability to deflect unwanted energies and provide a barrier to negative influences. It strengthens faith in oneself and trust in the universe, making it an excellent stone for those facing unexpected changes. Additionally, it enhances psychic abilities and helps to reveal the truth behind illusions.
Incorporation: Carry Labradorite with you throughout the week to shield yourself from negative energies and to remain adaptable amidst change. You can also meditate with it to deepen your intuition and gain insight into the transformations you’re undergoing. Placing it under your pillow can also enhance dreams and aid in dream recall, helping you to process subconscious fears and anxieties.
🕯️ Spell: Cord-Cutting Ritual
Why I Selected This Spell: Given the Waning moon's focus on letting go and the transformative energy of Hagalaz, this is an ideal time for a cord-cutting ritual. This spell will help you release any lingering attachments, be they emotional, mental, or energetic, that no longer serve your highest good.
Everyone does this differently, but here is one take that I do because I find it fairly quick and easy.
Materials:
A piece of black or white cord/string
A candle (black for banishing or white for purity)
A small dish of salt
A fireproof bowl or dish
Instructions:
Preparation: Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Light the candle and place it in front of you, with the salt nearby.
Focus: Take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Visualize the person, situation, or energy you wish to release. Imagine a cord connecting you to this entity.
Binding the Cord: Take the cord and tie a knot in the middle, representing the connection. As you tie it, speak aloud or think about what this knot represents in your life.
Cutting the Cord: When you’re ready, take the cord and carefully cut it in half. As you do, say, “I release you from my life. Our connection is severed, and I am free.” Feel the energy releasing as you cut the cord.
Final Release: Sprinkle a bit of salt on the cut ends of the cord to purify the severed ties. Then, safely burn the cord in the fireproof dish, letting the smoke carry away any residual energy.
Closing: Once the cord is fully burned, take a moment to breathe deeply. Feel the newfound space in your energy field. Extinguish the candle, giving thanks for its guidance and protection.
✨ Witchy Tips & Tricks
This week’s witchy tip and trick is created for you to enhance your daily magical practices and stay grounded.
Tip: Salt Protection with Norse Runes
Advice: For quick protection, draw the rune Algiz (ᛉ) in salt near your front door or windows. This simple act invokes the protective energies of Algiz, creating a barrier against negativity. It's an easy way to infuse your home with Norse magic and keep unwanted energies at bay.
Norse Wisdom:
In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is the great World Tree that connects all of existence—its roots and branches extend into nine different realms, including Asgard, the home of the gods, and Midgard, the world of humans. Yggdrasil is not just a tree but a cosmic axis, a living entity that holds the universe together. The health of Yggdrasil was believed to be vital for the balance of the cosmos, and any damage to it was seen as a bad omen, signaling upheaval or change—a concept not too far removed from the disruptive energy of the Hagalaz rune.
As we close out this newsletter, I wish you a wonderful week! I would love to hear about how the energy of this week played out for you. Please come back to share your experiences in the comments.