Magic sticks and talking stones
Published: Wed, 12/07/16
I am currently reading a very interesting book by Perry Marshall. Title is Evolution 2.0 and the overall subject is evolution and genetic code, I will probably say more about it when I have read to the end. The first couple of chapters are about code and what it is. Marshall defines a code as rules that make communication possible. To communicate you need:
A code for which rules are agreed.
An encoder who knows the rules of encoding.
Something to encode on which can transmit the coded message through time and space.
A decoder who also knows the rules who can read and understand the message.
In a sense codes define us as human. Animals can communicate with sounds and gestures, even by smells and marks. But, as far as we know, animals use instinctive means of communication and cannot devise a new code.
Within human society there are those who understand a certain code, and those who do not. This creates a kind of magic which only a few with special knowledge can write and read. The rest are excluded or dependent upon the ‘magicians’ to do the encoding and decoding. Coding is a vast subject. Computer programming, security encryption for finance, morse code for radio communication and military radio security. Only a select few will know how to encode, transmit and decode messages using these various mediums.
This isn’t new, stanza 144 in the Havamal begins. ‘Do you know how to cut? Do you know how to read?’ Referring to runes stanza 144 is asking if you understand the code of runes and how to use them? Runes cut on a stick mean that that stick can be taken many miles and a message is carried so long as one knows how to cut and one to read, the person who delivers the stick need know neither, however the knowledge of runes has imbued the stick with the power of communication. A rock carved with runes maintains a memory over generations, even to the present day in Sweden. The runes imbue that particular rock with the power of memory for as long as the ability to read runes is not lost. The runes become carriers of thought and memory like Odin’s Ravens, Hugin and Munin.
Course this Saturday in Crewkerne in Somerset which will explore what the runes can teach us and what we can learn from working with them. As soon as you book on the course I will send you the first module of the material which goes with the course. The first module covers what the runes are and a table of meanings and associations. Since this is the first time I have run this course I have dropped the cost to £25, you will be a bit of a guinea pig if you come but please don’t let that put you off.
Details at http://www.iceandfire.org.uk/foundation.html
regards
Graham
PS I have some nice pictures of rune stones taken during our trip to Sweden last year http://www.iceandfire.org/sweden15.html