Ansuz                                                      “Breath” / “Messenger”

                                                                                    Element: Air                                    Herb: Fly agaric

                                                                                    Astrological: Venus                      Tree:
Ash

                                                                                    Color: Dark Blue                            Crystal: Emerald

Ansuz - “Anne – suhz”

Literally: “Breath”

Key Concepts: order, transmission
of intelligence, communication, reason, inspiration, language, breath, sound,
origins of language, the Voice of the Universe, spellsong, casting, chanting,
ancestors, passing of the breath along the ancestral line, speech, poetry,
discussion of runes

Psi: mental stability, communion,
inspiration, listening

Energy: sovereign ancestral god, animating spirit,
breath, communication, exploration, order, answers

Governs:
          -All powers of naming and conceptualization
          -Convincing and magnetic speech and writing, and the power of suggestion and
hypnosis
          -Acquisition of creative wisdom, inspiration, ecstasy and divine communication
          -Reason, analysis and good advice
          -Connecting and networking
          -Listening to oneself and one’s own particular inner-voice

Element: Air’s direction is
to the west; strong with speed and communication magic

Astrological: Venus is associated
with Libra (Sep.23-Oct.22) and Taurus (Apr.20-May.20)

Herb: Fly agaric is known
for the traditional muggle fantasy of fairies living under these red with white
spots mushrooms. This plant has hallucinogenic effects, which help stimulate
the mind for divination practices. Consult with your local medic witch or
wizard before using, the effects from this fungus can lead to intense visions
and even death if taken in large doses.

Tree: One of the three
Celtic druid sacred trees, the Ash is referred to as “the backbone of the
universe”. Often used as wand materials, spells that come forth from this wood
are best at mental focusing, magical strengthening and healing magic. Ash trees
provide wisdom, higher perspective, inspiration, and are the guardians of
children.

Crystal: Emeralds revitalize
the body, provide inspiration, enhance memory, encourage patience, provide
mutual understanding between living beings, and provide a sense of domestic
bliss and harmony.

       The root energy of this rune triggers
inspiration and ecstatic mental states. The ability of our minds to work with is
inherent in the energies of Ansuz. Ansuz is the “rune of ancestral sovereign
power of the mind consciousness, inspiration, enthusiasm and the power of the
use of symbols for transformation of consciousness.” The spirit takes up its
residence in the human body when the babe breathes its first breath. It leaves
the body with the last breath. Breath is the actual point of osmosis between
the physical world of the human being, and the transpersonal energy that
animates the universe. Emphasis on the breath is seen in meditation practices
in all traditions. Inspiration means to breathe in the exalting or quickening
influence of cosmic awareness. The breath is also connected to ancestry, as
even the word spirit comes from the same root as breath. Ansuz governs our
mental capacities to name all things. Whereas Thurisaz deals with
chaotic forces, Ansuz is a rune of ordering.