Runes and Grief 13: Ingwaz

It is already night 13 of this project, and to start the second half we have Ingwaz. Seed. Potential power.

Ingwaz's form is traditionally seen as either the castrated male, or the seed. According to Gundarsson, either figure is fine as "the feminine receives the life-force of the masculine principle through both blood and seed, then holds it through gestation and brings it forth into being."

Often at the beginning of our grief, whatever its source, we are taking it in, without being able to really process it. After we have sat with it for a while (gestation time can vary wildly), we might have the urge to create something with the grief or around the grief. Those of us who write might want to put something down on paper. Painters might paint, sculptors sculpt, dancers choreograph. A lot of potent art has come from grief.

No one, though, should press themselves to create the next Gurnica or Mozart's Requiem. When you are inspired by grief, it is not about perfection, it's about getting the feelings out.

Sometimes, it can take a while before re-engaging with the world in ways that you had done before. You might not feel ready to go to gatherings. You might feel hesitant to visit the grave of a loved one, or to go through their things if that is your duty. I know I could not listen to my father's recordings for more than a year after he died.

The gestation aspect of Ingwaz is important to keep in mind.

When you are ready is the right time to take up your pen/paintbrush/chisel/etc.

When you are ready is the right time to go to social gatherings.

When you are ready is the right time to visit the cemetery. When you are ready is the right time to sing along.