Inguz, or Ingwaz as it is also known, is named after the divine hero Ing. Ing is often thought to be an earlier form of the better known god Freyr. It symbolises gestation and is a container of energy in potential. Through associations with the goddess Nerthus and the Green Man Inguz has become strongly associated with sacrifice. The Ing rune can be seen as both the devoured seed and the sacred seed through which life is reborn.
Where Mannaz speaks of human ancestry, Inguz reminds us of our divine heritage. It holds within it the mysteries of initiation and death through which we connect with our ancestors (Othala) and find enlightenment (Dagaz). Where Mannaz is the rune of heroes recognised by society, Ing is the rune of the quiet hero who ventures forth into the night unnoticed and unsung to meet his/ her destiny.
You will find the mysteries of Ing within a single seed of corn, in the setting sun and in the miracle of conception. As a container it can be used very effectively in magical workings to hold energy ready for release. A lovely way to work with Ing is to charge a single seed with an intention (see below) and then plant it – as the seed grows your magical intention grows with it.
In my rune programmes we used the runic hand mudras developed last century to support energy and magical work. The Ing rune is very simple to work with as you simply form a diamond shape between your two hands. You can use the shape to bless food – assisting with mindfulness and gratitude practices. It can also be used this way to charge objects with magical power for release at a later point. As with any magical working the key is to draw on the energy of the rune to charge your spell – in the case of Ing this would be from the earth and landscape around you.
Seeds charged with the power of Inguz can also be used to make sacrifice to the great goddess.
Literal meaning: The divine hero Ing
Deepening your connection with Inguz
- Make sure the room in which you are working will be free from disturbance. Do a simple warding if you want to.
- Have a look at the basic correspondences for Inguz. Make a note of any that stand out for you.
- Make sure you know the shape of Inguz; if you have a rune set select the Inguz rune and hold it for a short while.
- Listen to the recording.
- If you feel a bit light headed or not fully back from your journey, have something to eat.
Articles about Inguz
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