Friday, December 9, 2016

Ingwaz – Sitting with your shadows

Wildwood Tarot Five of Stones Inguz
Today’s Rune is Inguz or Ingwaz, named after the god Ing who is both a fertility god as well as a heroic god who traveled to the underworld. It is a rune of gestation and internal growth. This reminds me of the seed which has to wait in the darkness of the earth until it comes to life and is able to move towards the light. This process of sprouting takes time and requires al lot of strength and patience. 
I pulled a card to elaborate on this rune from the Wildwood tarot and I got the Five of Stones. 
This is  the card of hardship and the struggle to survive the challenges of life. I think this child is part of our inner hero. The one who keeps the fire of our heart burning even in times of stress and spiritual  starvation. She is not afraid to spend time in the dark cave; to sit with whatever asks for not only her attention but more so for her acceptance. This is an act which calls for great courage and resilience, because all too often with the first stirrings of our shadow we immediately tend to freeze and deny  it.

I suppose we each have our own dark cave. Mine is scary and cold but I did have found some treasures there and I am sure there are many more to be found. It is not easy to go there willingly but if we do “practice” this journey we will be more prepared when  life challenges you and we find ourselves sitting there unwillingly.

10 comments:

  1. This makes me think of the Winter Solstice coming up. It can seem so dark for so long that we think dawn will never come. Yet it eventually does! :)

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    1. I love this time of year, even the darkness both outside as inside. But eventually I will start longing for Spring :)

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  2. Raises hand. Stifle and deny. That is me! :) Love how you present your runes and cards.

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  3. Your young adding her light to your situation is like our inner child. We both are getting a prompt today from our inner child.

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    1. She is often forgotten but always excited when we invite her to play!

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  4. Looks like we're in similar caves:)

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  5. It's very on point on what's been going on for today for me. I did some doodling and noticed I doodled this particular rune and then saw your post. :) It's been quite a Gemini Full Moon, with a lot of shadow work, transformation of the Shadow. The rune really opened a hope window into my cave. Thank you again Ellen :)

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    1. You're so very welcome Anniina! It seems a lot of us are spending time in our cave these days. The darkness of this season promotes turning inwards and reflection. I am glad my post has illuminated your cave for a bit!
      Hugs ☺💞

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