The Twentieth Rune

The marriage of heaven and earth
is found in this being,
this man

Names - MANNAZ - human, mankind, MANNA - man, human, MANN - man, human, MADHR - a human being

Pronunciations - "man az" "man na" "man" "ma thr"

Phonetic Value - "M"

Symbolism - The Human Being

Keywords - Mankind


Mannaz represents interdependence and support, as well as duty and responsiblity. No individual is independent of others, each is part of a larger pattern. For this reason, Mannaz is symbolized as the intersecting point of human contact. If viewed properly, this rune can be seen as a handshake

The similarity to Dagaz should be noted, here, the cyclical pattern is "smaller" to reflect the microcosm of mortality as compared to the larger cycles of the cosmos.

It is also important to note the representation of Gyfu to be found in the center of Mannaz, just as the exchange between people is the central foundation of all human society and interaction.

Phonetically, the common connection between all the derivations of "Mannaz" and "man" are still fairly clear, despite the changes brought about in the evolution of human language.

The Old English Rune Poem says"Mann is in his mirth dear to his kinsman; although each shall depart from the other". It is a rune of the human existence, of which life and death are both a part. It is the rune of mortality which is the human condition.

Mannaz can represent either an individual (man or woman) or a group. This rune can also be a representation of the inner qualities that reinforce and reflect one's connections to other people, or the social order and expectations that reinforce the fabric of human society.

These connections are often expressed through a common "social order" and therefore Mannaz is a reference to the importance of upholding the expectations of that social order.

As a representation of the human condition, this rune speaks with a more specific purpose than the other runes. While other runes in the futhark carry meanings of both elemental and situational or circumstantial influence, this rune is always a specific reference to a human or to humanity.

Magically it invokes bonding with the community. It is a rune of social order and can invoke cooperation, assistance and an attitude or expression of teamwork, but again, specifically among humans (unlike Ehwaz which speaks to teamwork or partnerships in general and with nature, or machines, as well as humans).

In divination it may refer to yourself, a specific person, or group of people rather than situations or circumstances and can represent any of the following forces, again, as reflected in yourself, specific individuals, or groups.

MANNAZ UPRIGHT: Humanity, the Self, your attitude toward others and their attitudes towards you, friends and enemies, social order, mortality, help from others in your community.

MANNAZ MERKSTAVE: Isolation, rejection, inhumanity, breakdown in social order, self-delusion, cunning, slyness, manipulation, craftiness, calculation, expect no help now.


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