The Rune Series: GEBO (Gift)
The Runes of this series belong to the Elder Futhark, one of the oldest alphabets in recorded history. Each Rune has endless interpretations and deep meanings; while their origin and/or intent is lost to history, most interpretations come from the ‘Rune Poems’, possibly written around the 8th century. This series will explore the Runes through a personal journey and interpretation of them, alongside knowledge collected from written works, such as ‘The Book of Runes’ (R.Blum, 1982), and the intricately crafted website ‘Runesecrets.com’ by Tyrael, to whom I give thanks. Another useful source is ‘RuneLore’ (Edred Thorsson, 1988).
Greetings Dear Reader,
Welcome back to the Rune Series where we explore the ancient Runes through a psychological, practical, spiritual and philosophical lens.
You can check out the rest of this series below:
I hope this journey is treating you well. After we began the second half of the first Runic Row with RAIDHO, delved into the darkness with the help of KAUNAN, we discover that the journey has not been pointless: a gift has emerged.
The X Rune
‘A man should be loyal through life to friends, and return gift for gift. Laugh when they laugh, but with lies repay a false foe who lies.’
(The Havamal, Codex Regius, 13th Century)
GEBO, also known as GYFU, is the Rune of exchange, of trade, generosity and giving; of marriage and sex. In some way it is also the Rune of sacrifice, despite its more positive connotations. Let’s remember that one always sacrifices something to obtain something else, even if it may just be time.
Rune Series 7/24
First Row (Aett): Gebo/Gibu/Gyfu
Meaning: ‘Gift’
Associated English letter: G
According to some sources, it may also be the Rune associated with Christmas where X is an abbreviation for ‘Christ’ (Xmas - X-Mass? Exchange-Mass?) and it fits with the idea of trading gifts. It’s no secret that our current version of Christmas is an old odd mix of Christian and Pagan customs; however this reference is a little muddy at best and I won’t focus on it.
Mathematics of the Unknown
I wanted to point the Reader to a fascinating concept, and one that you wouldn’t necessarily tie with Norse mythology. In mathematical equations the letter ‘X’ is commonly used to represent the unknown value that must be discovered for the equation to find resolution.
While I’m not a mathematician and my own mind finds it easier to discuss abstractions rather than logic, I do have great respect for the language of mathematics which, it is said, is found (or projected?) in the universe itself. This cosmic significance may be tied to the forces of order represented by the Gods, as we have discussed already when exploring THURISAZ.
Relationships
I find that we have allowed a great distance — a digital chasm — to form between us all within our modern, messy world.
The aspect that I’d like to focus on for our current conversation is the mutual interweaving of lives, patterns, thoughts and emotions. The interlocking of hearts into the great web of life. While Gebo isn’t the only Rune that points to these invisible connections between us humans, it does represent the first time that it appears in the Runic cycle.
Consider the importance of friendship and how any relation is tied to some form of trade. While in business you trade resources such as money, in personal relationships you also trade resources, like time, attention and energy. Given the primordial necessity we have for relationships and ties to others as we are social creatures and literally perish outside the group/tribe, it’s important to remember this fundamental aspect of life.
“Everything about us — our brains, our minds and bodies — is geared towards collaboration in social systems. This is our most powerful survival strategy, the key to our success as a species, and it is precisely this that breaks down in most forms of mental suffering.” (Bessel Van Der Kolk, The Body keeps the Score, 2014)
I find that we have allowed a great distance - a digital chasm - to form between us all within our modern, messy world. Studies and statistics about how we’re all more lonely than ever before are all too common. Our current way of life is unnatural and painful; we have been divided and conquered by the same technology that was supposed to make our lives easier. We have transformed our instincts into apps.
Do you see it, dear Reader? Do you feel it?
Sacrifice to the Gods
Pagan Gods often require sacrifice. Well, I suppose that monotheistic ones do too, if we make an effort to remember some of the stories involving fruits and lambs. Anyway, for the purpose of this conversation, let’s examine what a ‘sacrifice to the Gods’ actually means.
You may not realise it but you always give something in sacrifice. Our modern mind has some trouble using the same vocabulary as I am here, but essentially we still do pray to various gods. Some notable examples of powerful and prevalent modern gods are: money, pleasure, greed, time, achievement/success, knowledge and pain. I find this final one to be as prevalent as it is invisible.
Why are these gods? Because they are abstract concepts; they are ideas that have substituted elemental forces of nature in the weight and space that they occupy inside our minds. Because every day we get up in the morning and go pray in front of our digital, colourful and bright altars; we ask for money, we ask for pleasure, for meaning, knowledge and survival. In exchange, we sacrifice time, focus and (too often) health.
How to use GEBO
Do not underestimate the importance of human connection to the healthy functioning of your psyche. I cannot stress just how important this piece of knowledge feels in our current days, especially now that robots are becoming more prevalent than ever. Indeed, as I read articles online I begin to doubt whether or not they were written by human hand and have often felt an even greater sense of alienation in recent months. This is why I want to make sure that you, dear Reader, understand and know that these words come directly from me to you.
Separation brings stagnation. Stagnation brings death.
Friendship, trust, connection, touch, intimacy, sex — these are the things that robots cannot give us and never will. These are the gods that are often ignored. Yes, they also require your sacrifice of time and attention and may also demand courage, choice and action.
Remember what matters.
Blessings,
