Understanding Megin (with Tarot Spread)

Megin is a fundamental aspect of the Old Norse worldview, representing a vital force or essence that permeates all things. According to Arith Häger, megin is a word that describes the essence of the culture of our Norse ancestors. I highly recommend that you watch his excellent video lecture on this topic. Our ancestors viewed megin as a powerful, magical energy that exists within humans, gods, spirits, and natural phenomena. It is similar to the concept of chi, which we will explore later by comparing and contrasting the two. The reason for this comparison is simply to bring the concept of megin into sharper focus since most people are familiar with chi.

Jump to the Megin Cultivation Tarot Spread

Understanding Megin

Megin, also spelt mægen, denotes power, might, and strength. It is not merely physical strength, but a spiritual essence that empowers every living creature. This concept is similar to the idea of magic in that it’s a force residing in everything and can be channelled for various purposes.

The gods possess ásmegin, or divine force, a particularly potent form of megin. This highlights the interconnectedness of all things in Norse spirituality, as megin flows through and connects all aspects of existence and through all the nine worlds.

Key Differences and Relationships between Megin and Ásmegin

1. Potency: Ásmegin is more powerful than the megin possessed by humans or other beings. It represents the heightened spiritual essence of divine entities.
2. Manifestation in Thor: Thor, one of the most powerful Norse gods, exemplifies the relationship between megin and ásmegin:
   • Thor possesses ásmegin as a god
   • His belt, Megingjörð (meaning power belt), enhances his already formidable strength
   • When Thor wears Megingjörð, it increases or doubles his divine strength ásmegin
3. Interaction: By using an artefact imbued with megin, Thor can amplify his innate ásmegin.

In essence, ásmegin can be understood as a concentrated, divine form of the more universal megin. Both concepts play crucial roles in Norse mythology, explaining the source of power for gods, humans, and other beings in the cosmos.

Megin and the Soul Complex

Megin is not explicitly one of the traditional parts of the Norse soul but it is deeply intertwined with the soul complex. The Norse view of the self was complex and multifaceted, comprising various semi-autonomous parts. One can see megin as a force that interacts with and empowers these different soul aspects.

For example, the hamr (shape/form/appearance) and hugr (thought/mind) could potentially be strengthened or influenced by one’s megin. A person with strong megin/mægen might have a more powerful hugr, enabling them to affect others through thought alone.

Increasing Megin and Improving Destiny

Our ancestors believed that megin could be increased through various means, thereby improving one’s destiny. Here are some ways to enhance megin:

1. Exchange of Gifts: Offering gifts to the gods and spirits. This creates a cycle of exchange, where the gods return blessings in the form of megin. In the Elder Futhark, this exchange is signified by the Gebo rune.
2. Community Rituals: Many Norse pagan celebrations were communal acts, designed to gift the divine and spirits with a great quantity of megin.
3. Harmony with Surroundings: Harmony with one’s environment and maintaining good relationships with local spiritual entities could increase megin.
4. Ancestral Inheritance: Megin is possible to pass on to one’s descendants.
5. Personal Actions: A person can augment megin through their actions and deeds.

By increasing their Megin, individuals were believed to gain success, good fortune, and renown. This enhanced spiritual essence would empower them to live more fully, create, produce, and overcome challenges.

Increasing Chi

1. Meditation: Various forms of meditation are used to cultivate and circulate chi within the body.
2. Qigong: A system of coordinated body posture, movement, breathing, and meditation used to cultivate and balance chi.
3. Tai Chi: A martial art that combines slow, deliberate movements with breathing and meditation to enhance chi flow.
4. Dietary Practices: Taoists believe certain foods and herbs can nourish and strengthen chi.
5. Breathing Exercises: Specific breathing techniques, such as the microcosmic orbit, are used to increase and direct chi throughout the body.
6. Internal Alchemy (Neidan): Advanced practices aimed at transforming the body’s energies to achieve spiritual immortality.

Main Differences Between Megin and Chi

1. Cultural Origin: Megin originates from Norse mythology, while Chi is a concept from Chinese philosophy and traditional medicine.
2. Scientific Recognition: Chi has been under scientific scrutiny and some researchers refer to it in terms of infrared radiation. Megin has not undergone any scientific examination.
3. Practical Applications: Chi is more extensively integrated into practical disciplines like traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts. Megin, while important in Norse spirituality, doesn’t have as many codified practical applications.
4. Conceptual Complexity: Chi is part of a more elaborate philosophical system involving concepts like yin and yang. Megin, while significant, is not part of such an extensive philosophical framework.
5. Modern Relevance: Chi remains widely recognised in modern Eastern cultures and has gained some recognition in the West. Megin, being part of an ancient Norse belief system, is less known and practised in contemporary society.

In conclusion, while Megin and Chi share the fundamental idea of a vital life force, they differ significantly in their cultural contexts, practical applications, and modern relevance.

The Cyclical Nature of Megin

The concept of megin emphasises a cyclical relationship between humans and the divine. Offerings are made to the gods, who return blessings in the form of megin. This then produces a positive flow of energy, which can be used to make new offerings, continuing the cycle.

This cycle reflects the Norse view of destiny as something that can be influenced through one’s actions and relationship with the divine, rather than a fixed, unchangeable fate.

The Megin Cultivation Tarot Spread

By exploring the nine aspects below, this Tarot spread aims to provide a comprehensive view of your megin, its current state, influences, and growth potential, aligning with the Norse understanding of this vital force.

1. Current State of Megin/Mægen

This position represents your current level of mægen. It reflects your present spiritual and energetic state.

2. Ancestral Inheritance

This card indicates the megin you’ve inherited from your ancestors and family line. It shows the strengths and potential passed down to you.

3. Personal Actions

This position reveals the actions or behaviours you’re currently engaging in that either enhance or diminish your mægen.

4. Community Influence

This card represents how your community and social connections are affecting your megin. It may indicate supportive or draining influences.

5. Divine Connection

This position shows your current relationship with the divine or spiritual forces and how it impacts your vital force.

6. Environmental Harmony

This card reflects your connection with your surroundings and local spiritual entities, indicating areas of harmony or discord.

7. Gift Exchange

This position represents the balance of giving and receiving in your life, both with people and spiritual entities.

8. Blockage

This card reveals the main obstacle or challenge currently preventing you from fully cultivating your mægen.

9. Path to Enhancement

This final position indicates the most effective way for you to increase and strengthen your mægen moving forward. (Optional: You can pull a rune here for further guidance)

Sample Reading with the Runic Tarot

1. Current State of Megin – 10 of Swords

You are currently at a low point. The 10 of Swords suggests a feeling of defeat or exhaustion, indicating severe depletion of your mægen. This may be due to recent challenges or a series of setbacks. However, remember that the 10 of Swords also signifies the end of a difficult cycle, hinting at the potential for renewal.

2. Ancestral Inheritance – 3 of Wands

The 3 of Wands in this position suggests that you’ve inherited a strong sense of vision and potential from your ancestors. Your family line has passed down a mægen of expansion, foresight, and the ability to see beyond immediate circumstances. This card indicates that you have a solid foundation for growth and achievement.

3. Personal Actions – 4 of Swords

The 4 of Swords suggests that your current actions involving rest, recuperation, and contemplation are beneficial for restoring your depleted mægen. While it might feel like inaction, this period of retreat and reflection is crucial. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best action is to pause and allow yourself to heal.

4. Community Influence – 2 of Swords

The 2 of Swords in this position indicates that your community or social connections may be causing some indecision or internal conflict. There might be competing influences or advice that are making it difficult for you to choose a clear path. This card suggests a need to find balance and make a decision about which community influences to embrace or reject.

5. Divine Connection – Page of Cups

The Page of Cups represents a nascent, intuitive connection with the divine or spiritual forces. Your relationship with the spiritual realm is in a state of curiosity and openness. This card suggests that you’re in a good position to receive spiritual messages and insights, which can greatly enhance your mægen if you remain receptive and emotionally open.

6. Environmental Harmony – Page of Wands

The Page of Wands indicates a budding enthusiasm and energy in your connection with your surroundings. There’s a sense of adventure and new beginnings in how you interact with your environment. This card suggests that you’re on the verge of discovering new ways to harmonise with the spirits of the land, which could significantly boost your mægen.

7. Gift Exchange – 10 of Pentacles

The 10 of Pentacles in this position suggests that your practice of giving and receiving is deeply rooted in tradition. Long-term stability is something you like to prioritise. You may be engaging in gift exchanges that have been passed down through generations, or you’re creating a legacy of generosity. This card indicates that your approach to gift exchange is a strong foundation for increasing your mægen.

8. Blockage – 6 of Wands

Interestingly, the 6 of Wands as a blockage suggests that pride or a focus on public recognition might be hindering your mægen cultivation. While success and acknowledgement are positive, an overemphasis on these aspects might be distracting you from the deeper, more personal work of enhancing your vital force. Be cautious of letting external validation overshadow your internal growth.

9. Path to Enhancement – Knight of Wands

The combination of the Knight of Wands and the Inguz rune suggests a dynamic and transformative path to enhancing your mægen.

The Knight of Wands brings an energy of passionate action, adventure, and courage. This card encourages you to approach your spiritual journey with enthusiasm and boldness. It’s about taking decisive steps and being willing to explore new territories in your quest for personal growth.

Inguz, also known as Ingwaz, adds a layer of depth to this interpretation. As a rune of potential, fertility, and new beginnings, Inguz suggests that your path to enhancing mægen involves nurturing the seeds of spiritual growth within you. Inguz symbolises a period when everything is coming together, and your efforts are being recognised by the universe.

Together, these symbols indicate that your path to enhancing mægen involves:

1. Active Gestation: While the Knight of Wands calls for action, Inguz reminds you that growth often happens beneath the surface. Your path involves actively nurturing your spiritual potential, much like tending to a seed that’s about to sprout.
2. Cyclical Renewal: Embrace the cyclical nature of growth. The Knight’s forward momentum combined with Inguz’s association with new beginnings suggests that enhancing your mægen will involve cycles of action and reflection.
3. Harmonious Action: The Knight’s boldness should be tempered with Inguz’s energy of harmony and peace. Your actions should aim to create balance and unity, both within yourself and with your environment.
4. Transformative Energy: Both symbols represent transformation. Your path involves channelling your passionate energy (Knight of Wands) into transformative practices that allow your inner potential (Inguz) to manifest.
5. Fertility of Ideas: Be open to new ideas and inspirations. The combination suggests that your path to enhancing mægen will involve creative thinking and the courage to implement new concepts in your spiritual practice.

In essence, this combination advises you to take bold, inspired action towards your spiritual growth, while remaining mindful of the subtle, internal processes of transformation. Your path to enhancing Megin involves a dynamic balance of external action and internal nurturing, always with an eye towards new beginnings and the realisation of your innate potential.

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