Runic Wisdom

July’s Message from Kenaz

Our runic wisdom for July comes from my cat, Ivar Needletooth, and the rune Kenaz.

Kenaz is the torch.  Kenaz is a human-made fire.  It is passion, curiosity, and teaching.  It is also the light we can use to look into our darkest corners to dig out the cobwebs that are hiding there.

Ivar Needletooth, with her keen nigh eyes and her very-much-a-cat personality, was stretching in the morning sun the other day.  After her stretch, she began to move across our counter to the far corner of our window.  I watched her face.  She was intent on whatever it was she was going towards.  Once she arrived at the corner of the window, she sat up very straight, gazing at something that was invisible to me.  She began tilting her head this way and that looking for the best view.  Her paw came up slowly, then down, then up.  Head tilt, paw lift, head tilt, paw down, nose closer and closer and closer.  She was totally engaged in what I imagine must have been a tiny bug.

And I was completely engaged in watching her.

Her curiosity peaked mine.

And that’s when Kenaz sang in my ear.  This month, this July in what is the peak of summer for many of us and the peak of winter for many too, be curious.  Boredom has no place in your life.  It is unnecessary.  

Some might disagree with that.  I’ve heard people say that boredom has a purpose - that is restful perhaps.  Well, okay.  I won’t argue about that right now.

But for this month at least…. Cultivate and tend your curiosities.  Let yourself fall down rabbit holes.  Gaze at dust motes and clouds and the mold growing on the bread in your refrigerator.  If a little spark of curiosity turns into something bigger, a torch perhaps, help it blaze.  

See what happens when you engage your curiosity.  You may discover a new passion.