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In the years I have been studying runes (elder futhark) I have come across a variety of historic and scientific theories for the origins of this communication / mystic language. So far archeological remains have suggested runic communication to have originated from an Etruscan alphabet which in turn allowed the runes to migrate along the then existing trade route. However, so far niether history or science has been able to pin point a single true origin for the runic system, especially when one considers how often pre-runic or quasi-runic symbols and pictographs from the late Bronze age continue to lead archeologists along the path of "What if..." One thing most people do agree on is that while runes can and do act as a kind of alphebet and communication device, they are also well accepted as a oracle. Symbol rather then pictoral interpetation (eg. tarot), something which I have come to understand over the years has a way of triggering an inner dialogue with the subconscious.... a kind of meditative state used by seers and shamans to navigate what can be an utterly unfathomable landscape of our minds, spirits and what lies beyond our bubble of reality. I have come to suspect that the elder futhark as given to us through what is known as Odins Ordeal (upon the World Tree) is a visual interpetation of a nuerological map to the human pysche. The crux of my theory lies with the interesting phenomemon called Phosphenes. Neurophysiologists have discovered geometrical shapes, images and symbols inside the brain's visual cortex and neural system, these are called phosphenes and they reside in everyone, while some can simply close their eyes and see them, or experience them through migraines (those that experience the aura effect have the lowest threshold for phosphenes) and others can access them through an altered state of consciousness, such as that reached through trance or meditation. Legend has it that Odin received these prophetic symbols (runes...phosphenes?) through his self-inflicted ordeal, perhaps a representation of what is necessary to release them in their fullest potential. Consider that the kind of insight or enlightenment that comes from such an ordeal/truama or training can link the two sides of the brain (analytical and intuitive) and in doing so, create a resonance. This resonance may be a rare and powerful experience that could have provided a interpetation of what these phosphenes meant ... possibly bridging the gap between consciousness and biology, allowing the runes to be manifested in full potential. Consider that if phosphenes are bursts of neurological information that only biology can normally interpet, then perhaps the legend of Odin (and subsequently the runes) has given us a way of consciously realizing that mankind has always had the capacity to reach beyond the 'norm' and travel the plains of our inner cosmos... that which lies in the circuitry of every human being. Granted this is a pet theory I have been working around for the past year or so, and despite digging for more information, it is not proved nor disproved. That being the case, I would love to discuss it further with anyone interested. A few related or interesting links: |
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| | From:  imbas1 | Sent: 2/18/2004 2:36 PM |
DUDETTE....Just fire up a Greatful Dead lp and ..... um sorry, flashbacks..... Ok, this is interesting. First I've heard of it actually. Being gemini, I must at least offer alternative possibilities eh? Not to discount your theories or research but to broaden the field perhaps. Several actually come to mind. We've been around a long long time, and so has the ability to see these symbols. It could be a thing where patterns evolved over century's that indicated general meanings, whether it be illness or perhaps natural forces that influence the body in ways that are too minor to be picked up through the gross applcation of our senses, yet are picked up by the notice of these shapes under the influence of ummm, mind expanding agents? Anyway, over time, certainly the interpretation of these signs would fall to the shamans, priest, or whoever filled that role. To further their interpretation, some element of personal study would evolve within those ranks leading to the ability to interpret the "language". From looking at the shapes, it is clearly evident, that at a minimum, these are the basic shapes that are pleasing to humans. These are the shapes that have influenced our art as far back as we know. So, there has to be a reason for that at some level. Since we all carry the genetic codes leading all the way back to the beginning, there could definitely be a physiological explanation. These shapes may be important in the evolution of the organism from single cell to now. They may be genetic memories. We've long since forgotten what they mean, in the same way that we now just jump in a car and drive with no though to the problems that existed in the development of the car way back in Henry Ford's workshop. Except in that example, it was only 100 yrs or so ago, and humans have been around for millions. On a related topic.... we went to Boston's Museum Of Fine Arts, over the weekend and there is a huge four sided column of rock from Ur, which is covered from top to bottom and all sides with writing yet to be deciphered. I'm sure that there are other examples all over the world. Perhaps more work in this rune field will help decipher some of these languages! |
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One of the things I found fascinating about psychology class was the section on nuerology (a very long introduction and its relation to psychology) our text said that each firing nuero held a staggering amount of information, direction or other stimuli. It made me wonder just what info our minds have that we can not access in regards to our spirituality. We have no idea as of yet how to translate the bio-info into a conscious thought when we are talking about reinterpeting our genetic & spiritual coding. We have learned how to look from the outside, in.... but have yet to utilize the language of our brains (on the deepest level) and work from the inside, out. However, I have long suspected that the symbols that humanity has always recognized and given importance to across cultures are aspects of this language of the mind (I'm not refering to such communications/laguages as audio or written) that goes deep into ancestral memory.... and just maybe its this genetic coding seen through such symbols that will eventually allow us to unlock more then just our inner selves. |
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