Let’s learn the Elder Futhark runes with a bit of help from the Tarot!
Ansuz is the fourth letter in the Elder Futhark rune alphabet. Etymologically, Ansuz (aka os or áss) is associated with the words mouth and gods (aesir) – In particular with the All-Father, Odin.
When Ansuz shows up in a reading, we are given a nudge to pay attention to verbal and written messages. To watch and listen. We are also urged to connect with our inner wisdom and the words of power that arise from within our own psyche. We are asked to become aware of the power our words (including our self-talk) have to either harm or heal.
Speech is what gives us the power to tear down as well as to create. We must choose them wisely. There are many reminders of this wisdom in both ancient pagan literature and monotheistic religion. One verse from the Bible that ties in with this wisdom is:
What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them. (Matthew 15:11)
As for the power of creation that comes with the power of the word, we don’t have to look further than John 1:1:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John is obviously speaking of Jesus but something similar might have been said about Odin by those who worshipped the Aesir back in the day. We do well to not entertain too literal an interpretation in either instance because this is merely man’s attempt to put words on things that lie as far beyond the grasp of the human intellect as do the stars from Earth.
You can read about the Ansuz rune, its reversed meaning and correspondences more in-depth HERE.
The Anglo-Saxon rune poem for Ansuz
The mouth is the source of all language,
a pillar of wisdom and a comfort to wise men,
a blessing and a joy to every earl.
The Tarot spread below was created to help you find your own words of power.
Ansuz Words of Power Rune Tarot Spread
1. What do I need to know about my self-talk?
2. What divine wisdom is trying to emerge? (Read with card 1 to see if there is harmony between your self-talk and your deeper inner wisdom)
3. Where do I need to be a better listener?
4. Words of power
5. Words of power (For positions 4 & 5 brainstorm 1-3 words based on the card images and create prayers/affirmations to empower yourself based on those words)
I would love to see what cards you get for the Ansuz Words of Power Tarot spread so please feel free to share in the comments below.