In Defense of Nauthiz/Nyd
One thing to understand about the Runes when using them for divination (meaning, contact with the divine, tapping into those other realms) is the importance of developing a relationship with them. Each of them contain meaning, and a lot of the times that can be seen in their very forms. Their straightforwardness on that account is a gift. In seeing their forms, we do have to remember the time factor; what applied then might not now. Some tools have been lost to general knowledge, if not completely lost. In losing these bits of reference, we lose some meanings, or meanings change over time and have been imposed by this or that scholar.
A wonderful person recently told me of their experience with a rune master who had records of runes we have not seen going back for who knows how long. The meanings had been lost through lack of exposure or use. The runemaster assigned their students to study these runes as figures themselves, and to try to reconnect them to meaning. I think this is a valuable approach to the runes we do know as well.
This brings us to Nauthiz/Nyd. It seems this one is often viewed through the same lense of fear that the Tower card in tarot is. A Doom Rune. Why is this? The figure itself is a needfire stick - an implement with which Scouts and many campers are still familiar. It is a stick with a string wound around it - the string is moved to spin the stick to make friction to make fire. It's a tool. A means.
I recently got the wonderful Green Glyphs Rune Set, which I will review when I have had a chance to work with it, but which, visually, I love overall. I got it because what I could see in the previews looked to be a good, simple, elegant set of illustrations that could help people who are nervous about getting a rune reading more comfortable. Many people are used to tarot, which is pictures. The artist here kept things clean, bringing out the meanings in quickly-seen ways which largely open the way to interpretation according to their layouts, situation, etc. I will definitely be using them.
Ah, but Nauthiz/Nyd... The illustration, fine as it is, rankles. The figure as supplicant, waiting for gold from on high.
I object, as you have probably guessed. In my opinion and way of reading, Nauthiz is a tool. When it comes up, I see it as an indication of several possible things; Tools not being used to solve the situation, tools that are had, the need and ability to learn how to fix the situation at hand. Especially when it comes up in tandem with Kenaz or any of the fire/light-related runes, it indicates the need to spark that fire/light, and the work it's going to take to get that fire going.
There are situations we encounter that are really out of our control. Many many books and therapists will say that, in these situations, it is our task to find our way to survive through them, rather than solving them.
In those times, we need to look at what we can do, what tools we have and how best to apply them. Whether that be to watch ridiculous videos to keep sane until the situation blows over, or unleash our best magic to ward and protect ourselves and others, hire a lawyer, get out in the streets with signs and intentions, hide someone in our attic, or...?
Everything is a tool if we know how to use it.
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