Raidho                                                  “journey” / “travel”

                                                                          Element: Air                                   Herb: Mugwort

                                                                          Astrological: Sagittarius             Tree: Oak

                                                                          Color: Bright Red                           Crystal:
Chrysophase  

Raidho – “Ride-ho”

Literally: “Ride” or “Wagon”

Key Concepts: the journey of Life,
stories, heroism, means of transportation, right action, movement, motion,
taking charge, being in control, initiative, adventure, decision-making,
direction, counsel, the right path, the inner compass, leadership, kingship,
nobility held by merit, moral responsibility, integrity, respect for the rights
of others, innate knowledge of right and wrong, celestial procession, rituals

Psi: the story ‘form’ in the psyche,
freedom from imprisonment, self-mastery

Energy: cosmic cyclical law, rhythm,
presence (active)

Governs:
          -Living in the present
          -Access to “inner advice” and our inner compass, following the heart
          -Blending with personal and world rhythms, consciousness of right and natural
processes
          -Mastery of circumstance and control of situations, taking the lead
          -Protection while traveling
          -Decision-making followed by immediate action

Element: Air; quick traveling

Astrological: Sagittarius is in
the sky from November 22^nd till December 21^st

Herb: Although mugwort is
a member of the daisy family, it has similar properties to fly agaric; when
smoked it induces lucid dreaming, altered states of consciousness, prophetic dreams
and simulates divination magic. Used in tea, it helps relieve fatigue and clear
the mind; sage is an acceptable substitute. When used in a tincture or smoke,
mugwort can be used to clean divination tools.

Tree: Rooted in the Latin
language, Oak’s name literally means “door”; it is believed that Oak trees are
entryways into greater wisdom and gateways to the otherworld. Druids considered
this tree to be sacred and the tree with the most nobility, this was due to its
size, longevity, and nutritious acorns. Additionally, Oak trees stand for
wisdom, masculinity, creativity of the mind, prosperity and are the symbol for
the midsummer season. Wands made of oak are particularly strong when casting
spells for protection, strength, success, and stability.

Crystal: Chrysophase acts as
a clarifier of the mind. It steers us towards insight, acceptance, forgiveness,
and renewal. This stone also has the ability to make the unconscious, conscious
again; also it can cure restlessness.

       Raidho is the rune of ordered movement
of energies in time and space as it pertains to human awareness. It is the rune
of leading by example and of actions that speak louder than words. Though Ansuz
may tell the stories, Raidho lives the stories. It represents our deepest
personal life journey and the ultimate failures of language to communicate our
experience to others. Use Raidho to recognize the direction in which your daily
life pulls you, for there is a compass within you that can be tapped into using
the energy of this rune. Following your interests and your love, your greatest
wishes and dreams, is the best way to read the Raidho compass of the inner
world.

       To
enter the present is to journey away from unnecessary fears and past
experiences that act as too much baggage to travel effectively with. Whether
physical travel, inner travel or travel ‘through time’, Raidho is an energy
that is always active within our lives. Because of its capacity to bring focus
and awareness to the present, Raidho will expose hidden dangers along the path,
so that no strange place or new circumstance can sneak up on us during our
travels. Raidho teaches of the correct balance between respecting our own
rights, and the rights of others. It is linked to kingship, leadership and
nobility, which are not acquired by virtue of birth but earned or held by
merit.